Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Esau McCaulley Podcast

Democrats scored major victories in the midterm elections, but will a shift in political power change how Christians engage with politics? Esau, Mike, and Tish Harrison Warren discuss what the results mean for the church and why Christians must be willing to challenge the politicians they agree with, not just the ones they oppose. They explore the dangers of political loyalty, the limits of partisan victories, and what it means to maintain a faithful Christian witness regardless of who holds power. Then, why are more churches trading megachurch aesthetics for stained glass, traditional architecture, and ancient worship practices? Is this a genuine rediscovery of beauty or just another evangelical trend? Plus, Tish has some exciting news about her future with Holy Post Media!

0:00 - Theme Song

0:24 - The New Holy Post Team Member!

3:00 - The Blue Wave

13:20 - Voting and Compromise

24:55 - "Sam's Club Mega Church"

31:42 - Pragmatism in Big Churches

42:42 - Liturgy is Trendy

50:06 - End Credit

Tish Harrison Warren on the Blue Wave:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/4e4789bb-f63c-4eb0-ab2b-ddc544146bb2

Christianity Today on "Sam's Club Megachurches": https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/10/churchy-church-architecture/

Former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz is back in the spotlight with a new book about surviving infidelity, but should some sins permanently disqualify a pastor from ministry? Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss the difference between forgiveness and restoration, the dangers of celebrity pastors, and the Christian publishing industry's role in rehabilitating fallen leaders. Then, President Trump has developed a strange new obsession with people's backsides, and a Republican candidate in Ohio has released a political ad that takes dirty campaigning to a whole new level. What happens when Christians become so committed to political victories that they abandon their moral convictions? And is there any bottom left for American politics to hit?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:35 - Carl Lentz and Abuse of Power

7:20 - Monetizing Infidelity?

35:36 - Sponsor - World Relief - World Relief's newest guide, Beyond the Ballot, was designed to equip you with relevant facts, tools and resources to engage immigration and displacement issues with understanding, compassion and courage: https://worldrelief.org/holypost

36:53 - Vivek Ramaswamy Ad Controversy

49:25 - End Credits

Articles Covered:

Carl Lentz:

https://www.wsj.com/style/hillsong-carl-laura-lentz-book-22fa7c1d

Trump's Inappropriate Comments:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/25/trump-nicki-minaj-mike-rogers-michigan-rally

Article on Vivek Ramaswamy's Ad:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/24/us/politics/vivek-ramaswamy-ad-ohio-amy-acton.html

Power can be dangerous, especially when the people who have it don't realize just how much they wield. Sharon Miller joins Esau and Mike to discuss Kelly Clarkson's bizarre feud with a Brooklyn toy store and what it reveals about the blind spots of powerful people. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is pouring millions into the midterm elections, raising troubling questions about the influence of wealth, racism, and the issues Christians are willing to overlook for political victories. And as protests turn violent in France, are older generations protecting their own interests at the expense of the young? Plus, should Christians be worried about people turning to AI for spiritual advice, and what can a grieving mathematician teach us about the meaning of life?

0:00 - Theme Song

3:13 - Kelly and the Toy Bird

9:06 - Oblivious Powerful People

26:30 - Sponsor: The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

27:48 - France's Student Riots

38:41 - A.I. and Preaching

49:31 - End Credits

AI Mathematician on The Meaning of Life:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfGenpmOjDQ

The Economist on AI and Religion:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/slFPKBdE8-Y

How can Christians have difficult conversations about faith without turning every disagreement into an argument? Christian hip-hop artist and apologist Emmanuel "Da Truth" Lambert joins Esau to discuss his new book, Forgive Me If I Was Rude, and why defending Christianity requires more than having the right answers. They explore the difference between winning arguments and reaching people, the importance of understanding someone's doubts and experiences, and why the gospel is bigger than many Christians realize. Plus, how should Christians respond to criticism of the church, and why do so many of us abandon kindness when we get on social media?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:56 - Forgive Me if I was Rude

6:02 - Deconstruction

16:52 - Responding to Those Questioning Christianity

23:34 - Sponsor - Church at the Crossroads - Esau shares about Church at the Crossroads, a conference hosted by Palestinian Christians in Atlanta, November 5–7. The gathering offers an opportunity to meet and learn from Palestinian pastors and Christian leaders, join in worship, and enjoy Palestinian food and cultural experiences, with time for conversation and fellowship. Use code ESAU for 20% off. Register at www.churchatthecrossroads.com/atlanta

24:47 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

25:47 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

27:06 - Respond to the Culture

43:50 - Convergence of All Time

58:48 - End Credits

Forgive Me If I Was Rude: The Art of Having Complicated Faith-Based Conversations by Emmanuel Lambert: https://amzn.to/4ztEI1L

A sexual assault case at Cornell has sparked intense debate about consent, trauma, and how we talk about victims before all the facts are known. Esau is joined by Mika Edmondson to discuss what Christian sexual ethics should say about power, exploitation, and the dignity of the body. Then, they look at new research suggesting Black Christians in multi-ethnic churches may become less civically engaged, and ask what churches lose when pastors are too afraid to address racial injustice. Plus, are kids actually getting dumber? The guys talk declining test scores, shrinking attention spans, and what happens when education becomes only a means to the next achievement.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:12 - Cornell 7 and God's Heart for Victims

11:55 - Church Should Be a Place of Healing

19:46 - Sponsor - Church at the Crossroads - Esau shares about Church at the Crossroads, a conference hosted by Palestinian Christians in Atlanta, November 5–7. The gathering offers an opportunity to meet and learn from Palestinian pastors and Christian leaders, join in worship, and enjoy Palestinian food and cultural experiences, with time for conversation and fellowship. Use code ESAU for 20% off. Register at www.churchatthecrossroads.com/atlanta

21:00 - Sponsor - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

22:18 - Myth of the Non-Political Church

30:11 - Pastoring a Multi-Racial Church

39:50 - Are Teenagers Getting Dumber?

53:45 - End Credits

The Power of Unearned Suffering by Mika Edmondson:

https://amzn.to/3Wd9qOh

Student Test scores going down:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/us/us-reading-test-scores-pisa.html

Tim Tebow is facing criticism after an investigation raised questions about a Christian financial conference where he regularly spoke and encouraged attendees to sign up for classes. Esau, Mike, and guest Justin Giboney discuss how much responsibility Christian leaders have to vet the organizations they lend their name and credibility to, and when influence starts to look like endorsement. Then, they turn to grind culture and the popular idea that success simply comes down to wanting it badly enough. Does hard work really separate the people who make it from the people who don't, or are opportunity, timing, talent, and providence part of the story too? Plus, the guys discuss how quickly the internet can turn a brief viral moment into a sweeping judgment about someone's entire life.   

0:00 - Theme Song

0:17 - Mike's Man Cold

1:38 - Tim Tebow Trouble

12:22 - Kirk Franklin and GloRilla

19:42 - Sponsor  - Church at the Crossroads - Esau shares about Church at the Crossroads, a conference hosted by Palestinian Christians in Atlanta, November 5–7. The gathering offers an opportunity to meet and learn from Palestinian pastors and Christian leaders, join in worship, and enjoy Palestinian food and cultural experiences, with time for conversation and fellowship. Use code ESAU for 20% off. Register at  www.churchatthecrossroads.com/atlanta

20:54 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

22:14 - Meeting People Where They Are?

26:11 - Druski and Grind Culture

44:24 - End Credits

Inside Tim Tebow's Favorite Wealth Seminar: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/09/life-surge-the-gospel-of-high-yields-inside-tim-tebows-favorite-wealth-seminar/

Kirk Franklin and GloRilla:

 https://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/kirk-franklin-glorilla-collaboration-sparks-debate-over-her-explicit-music.html

Nacho Mom:

https://people.com/mom-of-the-year-carries-baby-food-at-mlb-game-defends-husband-after-viral-backlash-12143084

Meryl Streep is the new voice of Aslan, and Christians have plenty of opinions about it. Esau, Malcolm, and Producer Mike talk about the outrage over Greta Gerwig's Narnia casting choice and what it reveals about the things Christians choose to treat as sacred. They also discuss Nicole Hannah-Jones's reflections on sending her daughter to public school and the difficult question of whether our children should have to bear the cost of our convictions. Plus, Esau breaks down Pete Hegseth's use of Isaiah 6 on his "Send Me" military tour and why turning a prophetic calling into a recruiting message badly distorts the text.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:32 - Malcolm Foley

5:34 - Pete Hegseth and Isaiah 6

17:44 - Sending Kids to Private or Public School?

31:23 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

32:15 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

33:27 - Sponsor - The Center for Christianity and Public Life - Come to Washington, D.C. on October 5-7 to join the Good of the Public Summit. Go to https://www.ccpubliclife.org and use code BETTERSTORY for 20% off at registration

35:00 - Parental Failure

37:34 - Meryl Streep as Aslan

51:23 - End Credits

Pete Hegseth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0VynQFRJRs

Can I Kick My Dog out of Bed?

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/well/get-pet-out-of-bed.html

Greta Gerwig's Narnia Casting Choice:

https://deadline.com/2026/09/greta-gerwig-chose-meryl-streep-voice-aslan-narnia-1237107096/

Public Schools

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/magazine/ny-public-schools-black-students-segregation.html

A Texas political candidate sees a crowd of brown students celebrating and assumes they must be foreigners. Esau, Mike, and Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez unpack what that reaction reveals about race, belonging, and the fear of a changing America. They also talk about the growing power of AI, the tech world's obsession with overcoming human limits, and why some limitations may actually be good for us. Plus, Pricelis shares about her new book, False Peace, and why churches can confuse unity with sameness, asking people to assimilate instead of making room for genuine difference.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:20 - Esau in Español?

1:43 - Boosie's Presidential Pardon Attempt

6:20 - Community Work

19:35 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

20:52 - Sponsor - With God Daily - Get the daily devotional for people who hate daily devotionals in your inbox every day by signing up at: https://holypost.com/plus

22:05 - A.I. and False Promises

33:24 - False Peace by Assimilation

49:08 - End Credits

False Peace: How to Reject the Lie of Sameness, Embrace Difference, and Embody True Unity (How Christians Can Go Beyond Surface-Level Agreement to Build Communities of Authentic Unity) by Priceless Perreaux-Dominguez: https://amzn.to/4yCKduC

Articles Covered:

Boosie Lawsuit:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/18/us/boosie-badazz-pardon-lawsuit.html

New York Times on AI Tech Apocalypse:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/12/opinion/ai-tech-apocalypse-silicon-valley.html

Esau joins Justin Giboney and Christopher Butler of the Church Politics Podcast for a special crossover conversation about Black liberation theology, James Cone, and the relationship between justice and the gospel. Together, they explore what Cone got right about the church's failures on race and oppression, where liberation theology can become too narrow, and why Christians need a gospel that transforms both people and society. They also discuss the resurrection, the authority of Scripture, the danger of reducing Christianity to a political program, and what faithful public witness should actually look like.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:10 - Chance the Rapper on Liberation Theology

5:21 - James Cone's Books

20:56 - The Errors of Liberation Theology

39:52 - Trusting God, Not People

57:22 - End Credits

Youth sports are supposed to be good for kids, but what happens when giving your child every opportunity starts costing your family more than money? Esau, Malcolm Foley, and producer Mike talk about the booming youth sports industry, the pressure to keep up, and how parents can tell the difference between investing in their kids and trying to maximize them. Then they turn to the new TV show, Lanterns and its surprisingly thoughtful exploration of race, fear, parenting, and the pressure placed on Black children to be exceptional. And finally, they ask why Donald Trump has to make even superheroes about himself.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:21 - Youth Sports

11:28 - What's Worth Youth Sports?

16:57- Fear and the Black Experience

24:13 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

25:24 - Sponsor - Curiously, Kaitlyn - Ever had a question about God, the Bible, or Theology that you're embarrassed to ask? Chances are, a kid has already asked Kaitlyn that question! Check out Curiously, Kaitlyn: https://pod.link/1739169925

26:36 - Parenthood and Black Fear

36:42 - Trump's Green Lantern Post

48:53 - End Credits

Articles Covered:

https://www.denverpost.com/2026/08/23/pay-to-play-youth-sports/

What happens when trust begins to break down between people and the institutions meant to serve them? Esau, Mike, and Sharon Miller talk about vaccine skepticism, bad experiences with the healthcare system, and why Christians should care more about truth than winning an argument. They also discuss the rise of AI-assisted cheating and why forming people of integrity may matter more than creating better rules. Plus, how much privacy should we be willing to sacrifice for safety as surveillance technology becomes increasingly common?

0:00 - The Height of Deception

1:20 - Theme Song

1:40 - Daejon Love and Being Duped

9:41 - Vaccines and the Medical System's Failings

25:33 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106

26:44 - Sponsor - Renovare Book Club - Spiritual formation through books! What else could you ask for? Learn more at https://renovare.org/bookclub

27:54 - Sponsor - Holy Post Plus - Want full episodes of the SkyePod? Wanna get schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess? What about a daily devotional for people who hate daily devotionals? Sign up for Holy Post Plus: https://substack.com/@holypostmedia

31:45 - Academic Cheating on the Rise

42:35 - Flock Cameras

53:53 - End Credit

Articles Mentioned:

Vaccines Custody Battle Article:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/09/07/the-maha-custody-battle

Students Cheating with AI:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/opinion/students-cheating-ai.html

Flock Cameras:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/podcasts/the-daily/flock-cameras-surveillance-america.html

For the 100th episode of The Esau McCaulley Podcast, Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike look at why America seems incapable of making meaningful progress on gun violence, even after school shootings. They discuss new research showing how pro-gun political spending surges after deadly shootings, what that reveals about money and power in American politics, and how our culture of violence shapes everyday life. Then, they turn to Gary, Indiana, to examine how decades of disinvestment and systemic racism still leave some communities more vulnerable than others. Finally, they ask whether avoiding conflict actually creates peace, and why healthy friendships, churches, and communities sometimes require us to say the hard thing.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:58 - Peacocks

8:44 - Pro-Gun Pac Increases After School Shootings

22:13 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

23:13 - Gary, Indiana

38:33 - Conflict is Good for Relationships?

49:32 - End Credits

Resources:

Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game by Esau McCaulley: https://amzn.to/46lZ8gD

How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley:

https://amzn.to/4ca7Kug

Charlie Dates grew up in a Black church tradition where justice and righteousness were never competing ideas. Esau sits down with the Chicago pastor and author to talk about what gets lost when churches emphasize biblical faithfulness without public justice, or justice without biblical righteousness. Dates explains why he believes evangelicalism has become more American than Christian, how the Black church has historically joined preaching with community action, and why pastors have a responsibility to prepare their congregations before the next cultural crisis hits. They also look back at the very different responses of Martin Luther King Jr. and Billy Graham to the civil rights movement, and what their choices reveal about Christian witness.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:06 - Advice for Pastors

8:31 - Evangelicalism is too American

18:15 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at: https://sites.tyndale.com/lasb/

19:14 - Legacy of Chicago

28:30 - How Black Churches Equip Students

47:00 - End Credits

Why is Spider-Man: Brand New Day resonating so deeply right now? Esau, Malcolm, and Sho Baraka unpack the loneliness at the heart of the film, why even superheroes struggle with isolation, and how the church can respond to our growing need for belonging. Then the conversation turns to America's story. They discuss whether they identify as "patriotic," how to hold the nation's ideals alongside its painful history of injustice, and what Paul can teach Christians about faithfully challenging the empire. Also, is Malcolm's superhero Mount Rushmore really the worst of all time?

00:00 - Introduction & Warm-Up

01:31 - Theme Song

01:44 - Superhero Mount Rushmore & Favorite Pop Culture Icons

05:17 - Spider-Man, Thunderbolts, and the Epidemic of Loneliness

12:49 - Overcoming Isolation & Building Real Community

19:25 - Sponsor - Tyndale - To celebrate the NLT's 30th anniversary, Use code ESAU30 to receive 30% off any NLT Bible! https://tyndale.com

20:38 - America's Story: History, Patriotism, and Identity

26:13 - Faith, Culture, and Higher Allegiances

41:55 - Finding Meaning, Belonging, and Hope Today

44:57 - End Credits

Churches in America are becoming more racially diverse, but many pastors are talking less about racial reconciliation. Esau, Mike, and guest Ike Miller explore why getting different people into the same room is not the same as creating a community where everyone truly belongs. Then, Ike shares the central idea behind his new book, Theology That Heals: salvation is not merely a transaction that forgives our guilt, but a lifelong process of restoring us to God, to one another, and to ourselves. Also, can Ike survive Esau's version of the newlywed game?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:43 - How Well Does Ike Know His Wife?

6:33 - Are Megachurches More Diverse?

13:45 - Preaching That Ignores Racial Divide

24:45 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

25:48 - Aware of Your Identity

35:20 - Jesus the Healer

49:33 - End Credits

Check out more from Ike Miller at: https://ikemiller.com/

Nearly half of Gen Z says Christian support for Donald Trump has made them less likely to attend church. Esau, Mike, and Sharon Hodde Miller discuss what the finding reveals about the church's political witness, while also asking whether some young adults have become unwilling to worship beside anyone who votes differently. Then, they examine the latest viral social media trend and why so many people think their lives should be a documentary. Also, why are mega churches growing, but small churches are struggling, and Esau found another new favorite team.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:53 - Are Curses Real?

8:56 - Is Trump Keeping Gen Z Out of Church?

16:54 - The Church's Witness

32:05 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!

33:05 - Sponsor - Tyndale - To celebrate the NLT's 30th anniversary, listeners of this podcast can use the code ESAU30 to receive 30% off any NLT Bible at this link: https://hubs.la/Q04n6dQn0

34:13 - Pastoring Among People

38:46 - Megachurches Keep Growing

55:44 - Esau Explains it All

58:38 - End Credits

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey asks what happens when you win the war but destroy the world you hoped to return to. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss the cost of victory, the erosion of shared norms, and whether a country can ever truly go back to what it was before. They also turn to America's war with Iran and why leaders so rarely admit when they are wrong. Then, a bizarre effort to preserve a dying parent through an AI "death bot" raises deeper questions about grief, resurrection, and what makes a human being real. Plus, Esau (once again) has a new favorite soccer team.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:10 - Esau's Spain Jersey

3:00 - The Odyssey

11:24 - Erosion of Decency

24:22 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!

25:30 - War in Iran

38:51 - A.I. and Deathbots

52:25 - End Credits

How should Christians respond when a complicated or controversial person dies? Esau, Sho Baraka, and Mike reflect on Lindsey Graham's political legacy and the challenge of telling the truth without becoming cruel. Then, they turn to the death of Nolan Wells, the questions surrounding the case, and the pressure to draw conclusions before all the facts are known. They discuss how race shapes our suspicions, why wisdom sometimes means waiting, and how to pursue justice without turning every tragedy into a political scorecard. Finally, they consider the role Black barbershops can play in mental health, community, and creating spaces where men can speak honestly.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:58 - World Cup Predictions

7:52 - Responding to Lindsay Graham's Death

21:37 - Nolan Wells' Tragedy

26:06 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!

27:14 - Double Consciousness

35:57 - Black Barber Shops and Mental Health

52:40 - End Credits

America turned 250, but the celebration felt less like a shared national moment and more like another exhausting chapter in the Trump era. Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike discuss how Trump's involvement in a controversial World Cup decision managed to drain the joy out of U.S. soccer, and why so many Americans seem too tired to even argue about the country anymore. Then they turn to a disturbing Patriot Front march in Washington, D.C., and what it reveals about America's refusal to reckon honestly with racism. They also discuss the controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and why both parties keep confusing charisma with character. Finally, the crew debates whether colleges were wrong to abandon standardized tests and what parents, churches, and schools can do to help kids flourish.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:06 - Show Starts

1:27 - Trump Interfering with FIFA

11:02 - Exhausted by America

14:33 - A Bus with White Supremacists

27:02 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!

28:10 - Graham Platner

40:50 - SAT and ACT Testing

56:45 - End Credits

Texas is adding Bible passages to its public school reading standards, continuing the endless debate over the Bible in schools. Esau, Kaitlyn, and Mike discuss why Bible literacy matters for understanding American history and why teaching the Bible while downplaying race creates a distorted picture of the country. Then, they turn to the rise of one-child families and what may be lost when fewer children grow up with siblings. Plus, why do female-led superhero movies keep struggling, and what does Supergirl reveal about how we talk about women, heroes, and doing good?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:22 - Cohost of the Cookout

15:00 - Increase in Single Children

24:02 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use Code "ESAU" on checkout to get 30% sitewide for the July 4th sale—limited time offer, not available anywhere else! Go to https://brooklynbedding.com

24:55 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Get Into The Word with Truth's Table - A new video Bible study series from InterVarsity Press, featuring biblical teaching from respected Black scholars and pastors including Dr. Esau McCaulley. Go to ivpress.com/studytheword and use the code ESAU30 at checkout for a 30% special discount.

26:00 - The Sacrifice of Having Kids

40:01 - Supergirl—do people want female superheroes?

49:37 - End Credits

World Cup visitors are discovering America, and somehow ranch dressing, air conditioning, Walmart have become ambassadors for the nation. Esau, Mike, and Nancy French ask why outsiders may be seeing America more clearly than Americans do, and whether our perception of the country is being warped by news, social media, and political caricatures. Then they consider a new study linking return-to-office mandates with narcissistic leaders. Does liking to work in the office automatically make you an egomaniac? Finally, they wrestle with the ethics of genetic testing for newborns, asking how much truth parents should want to know and whether some knowledge is too heavy to carry. 

0:00 - Theme Song

3:11 - Tourists Discover America

7:05 - Americans Pessimistic About America

17:36 - Repenting of Nut-Picking

21:05 - Remote Work Unpopular with Narcissists

31:35 - Genetic Testing on Babies

45:11 - End Credits

The President hosted a UFC fight on the White House lawn. Was it a celebration of American pride, or Trump's ego?  Esau and Mike discuss President Trump's fight-night spectacle, and why it's another example of Trump demanding more, and offering even less in return. Then they turn to Britain's proposed social media ban for children under 16 and ask what government, parents, and Christian communities owe kids growing up online. Plus, new research on "hasslers" raises a familiar question: when are difficult people a gift, and when do they become harmful? Also, has Esau become a Youtube troll?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:23 - Mike's Disrespect Addressed

3:45 - UFC Fight at the White House

16:48 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Download a free 30-day devotional about Christ as our sustaining fire at http://www.worldchallenge.org/esau

18:00 - UK Bans Social Media for Teens

31:51 - "Hasslers" and Mental Health

43:56 - End Credit

With Esau out of town, we're sharing a special bonus episode featuring a few Holy Post Plus exclusives. First, Esau answers the question, "What should Christians say to the grieving?" in an episode of Advice-ish, our weekly HP+ advice-column-style show about the ordinary problems people face. Then, you'll hear two episodes from 66 Verses to Explain the Bible, where Esau uses a single verse or short passage to explore the larger theme and message of a biblical book. This week, he takes on Esther and Job.

Want to learn more about Holy Post Plus? Check it out at holypost.com/plus

0:00 - Theme Song

2:14 - Advice-ish on Grief

9:17 - 66 Verses - Job

16:07 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

17:36 -  66 Verses - Esther

24:29 - End Credits

Pope Leo has issued a major warning about artificial intelligence, arguing that the danger is not merely that machines will become more human, but that humans will become more machine-like. Producer Mike takes over while Esau is away, joined by Malcolm Foley and Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss what AI reveals about our broken ideas of work, dignity, limitation. Then they turn to America's happiness crisis, from toxic positivity and the myth of a frictionless life to why boredom, grief, and inconvenience may be essential to becoming fully human. Plus, what the decline of the white picket fence says about safety, boundaries, and our growing fear of neighbors. Also this week, Tottenham narrowly avoids humiliation, Mike had an intimate moment with Stephen Colbert, and everyone definitely proves they are loyal listeners of this podcast.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:33 - Malcolm and Sharon

2:23 - Most Mundane Accomplishments

7:20 - Pope Leo's A.I. Encyclical

24:00 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

25:12 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Download a free 30-day devotional about Christ as our sustaining fire at http://www.worldchallenge.org/esau

26:19 - Unhappy America

31:04 - America and Momento Mori

41:55 - Boredom and the Meaning of Life

54:22 - End Credits

Faith can feel easy at the beginning, but what happens when you're stuck in the long middle? Tired, cynical, and wondering why God feels far away? Esau is joined by Tish Harrison Warren to talk about her new book, What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience, and why perseverance is more than just spiritual grit. They discuss burnout, doubt, the exhaustion of public faith, the temptation to start over, and why staying put might be one of the most countercultural Christian practices left.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:02 - What Grows in Weary Lands

5:22 - Leaving the New York Times

24:47 - "Middle Stories"

49:12 - End Credits

What Grows in Wear Lands: On Christian Resilience by Tish Harrison Warren: https://amzn.to/4o0FwqE

People are searching for rituals, but often in places the church has abandoned. Esau, Mike, and Rochelle Scheuermann  talk about whether friendship can survive political disagreement, why people are inventing new rituals for belonging and meaning, and what churches lose when they trade formation for efficiency. Then, Rochelle discusses her new book, Disability and Evangelism, and why disability is not a problem for churches to solve but a gift the body of Christ needs to receive. She shares how her son with Down syndrome changed her understanding of discipleship, evangelism, and the kingdom of God.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:42 - Drake's Triple Album Drop

2:24 - Friendship Across Political Divide

10:08 - Rituals

19:33 - Disability and Evangelism

22:17 - Disability Theology

34:33 - Signs a Church is Accommodating

40:02 - End Credits

Disability and Evangelism: The Good News of the Fullness of God's Kingdom (Center For Disability and Ministry Books) by Rochelle Scheuermann: https://a.co/d/0d4aOT2t

A group of pastors prayed over a golden statue of President Trump, but they insist it was not a "golden calf" situation. Esau, Malcolm and Mike discuss what the Trump statue reveals about power, idolatry, and the church's temptation to bless empire. Then, they discuss the recent release of government files on UFOs and question of whether the discovery of aliens would change Christian theology, while a discussion about conspiracy theories somehow leads to spies, mayors, and the CIA. Also this week: anti-DEI politics and sewage infrastructure in rural Alabama, companies cutting paid family leave, and is Mike becoming internationally famous?

0:00 - Theme Song

2:12 - Graduation Advice

11:01 - Trump's Golden Statue

22:33 - Sponsor - OneAccord - Get 3 Hours of free, live translation for your church by visiting: https://www.oneaccord.ai/ESAU

24:58 - Aliens!

37:40 - DEI Cuts Causing Plumbing Problems

50:20 - End Credits

Preorder Esau's New Children's Book:

https://esaumccaulley.com/books/isaiah-johnson-and-the-big-game/

The Supreme Court's latest Voting Rights Act decision has reignited an old debate: does discrimination only matter when racist intent can be proven, or do the results matter too? Esau McCaulley, Skye Jethani and Producer Mike break down the history behind the Voting Rights Act, why this Louisiana redistricting case matters, and what it could mean for Black political representation across the South. They also wrestle with whether America's institutions are actually progressing on race or simply finding new ways to protect power.

Then, Sharon Hodde Miller joins the show to unpack the Newsboys lawsuit and the uncomfortable questions it raises about Christian music, nonprofit partnerships, and money in evangelical culture.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:33 - Esau's New Book!

2:00 - Voting Rights Act Supreme Court Decision

8:47 - Moral Progress and Original Sin

23:09 - Newsboys Suing Charities

40:38 - Downsizing Friendships?

53:42 - End Credits

After another assassination attempt on President Trump, Esau McCaulley, Malcolm Foley and Mike Stralow wrestle with what it means that political violence is starting to feel normal, and why Christians must reject any attempt to justify it in Jesus' name. They unpack the so-called "Christian" logic behind the attacker's manifesto, and explain why the story of Jesus fundamentally undermines violence as a tool for change. Then the conversation turns to the backlash around DEI, where real concerns, bad ideas, and political overreactions have all been thrown into one messy debate. Also this week: why people quietly leave churches, and Producer Mike might need a new nickname.

0:00 - Theme Song

3:02 - Assassination Attempt

6:11 - Christian Non-Violence

9:05 - Identifying with the State

17:35 - Conspiracy Theories

20:53 - Where DEI Backfires

29:48 - The "DEI Bundle"

34:52 - Critiquing DEI Without Being MAGA

39:00 - Pastors and Congregation Numbers

55:24 - End Credits

We used to all watch the same thing, but now our entertainment options to our church options are more dived and fragmented than ever. Justin Giboney joins Esau McCaulley and Mike Stralow to discuss the collapse of monoculture.

Then, Dave Chappelle recently took criticism for performing at a comedy festival in Saudi Arabia, but he made the claim that there is no such thing as clean money anymore. The crew discusses if that's true and how should Christians think about spending, giving, and participating in a system that's already broken. Also, is it fair to tax the rich and does it actually improve society if we do?

P Lewis Art Collection:

https://www.instagram.com/plewiscollection/

0:00 - Theme Song

1:45 - The Love of Missing Out, LOMO

7:45 - Is Monoculture Dead?

12:28 - Ideology and Entertainment

22:45 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com

23:56 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

24:46 - Dave Chappell and Clear Money

37:10 - Mamdani and Housing Taxes in New York City

49:50 - End Credits

It was the AI image heard around the world. Esau and Mike are joined by Christine Jeske to talk about Trump's infamous AI image depicting him as a Christ figure, and whether it signals a real shift in his evangelical support or just a passing blip. They also dig into Justin Bieber's Coachella performance, asking whether it tapped into something deeper about longing, vulnerability, and public faith. Then the conversation turns to Anthropic's gathering of Christian leaders to explore whether AI could ever be considered a child of God. Finally, Christine shares about her new book, Racial Justice for the Long Haul, and what gives her hope in the midst of so much turmoil right now.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:00 - Justin Bieber's Coachella Laptop Performance

12:13 - The Pope Vs. the President

25:38 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com

26:56 - Can AI Have a Soul?

31:18 - AI and Human Value

55:33 - End Credits

A government official claims God teleported him to a Waffle House, and somehow that is not the strangest part of this conversation. Esau is joined by producer Mike and Stephen Harris to discuss Holy Week at the White House, where the language of resurrection, sacrifice, and salvation was tangled up with politics, power, and some very questionable comparisons. They also wrestle with how Christians can believe in the miraculous without losing their grip on wisdom, and why performative faith keeps missing the point of the gospel. Finally, Esau and Stephen disagree about the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape in the new Harry Potter series, raising questions about storytelling, representation, and when creative changes actually make a story worse.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:55 - Teleporting to Waffle House!

11:38 - Comparing Trump to Christ

15:23 - Trump's Easter Tweet

20:21 - God and the State

28:42 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com

30:05 - Saul and Performative Christianity

38:42 - HBO Cast a Black Actor as Snape?

55:55 - End Credits

A sci-fi blockbuster about the end of the world is somehow the most hopeful movie in years. What does Project Hail Mary's success say about a culture drowning in cynicism? Esau McCaulley, Malcolm Foley, and Mike Stralow dig into why audiences are craving optimism again and whether the church (and Holy Post Media) has something to learn from it. Then the conversation turns to all the recent talk about "revival." Is something actually happening, or are we just reading the signs we want to see? They unpack why Christians are so fixated on growth, what we might be measuring wrong, and whether real renewal looks less like hype and more like repentance. Plus, Holy Week reflections, what's bringing them joy right now, and a pair of red Air Force Ones.

0:00 - Theme

0:21 - Holy Week with Esau

12:22 - Revival or Not?

17:56 - Curiosity Around Religion

26:10 - Endurance and the Black Church

30:05 - Slavery is a Crime Against Humanity

46:55 - End Credits

War used to be something a nation mourned. Now it's about banger memes. Esau is joined by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson and Producer Mike to talk about why the Trump Administration seems to prioritize its social media strategy over its war strategy. They also talk about Trump's response to Robert Mueller's death and reflect on new allegations about Cesar Chavez and what they reveal about leadership, abuse, and the danger of protecting movements over people. Also this week, Esau forgets a very important day. 

Learn more about Natasha here - www.natashasrobinson.com

0:00 - Theme Song

4:47 - Trump's Glad Mueller's Dead

11:06 - Trump's Lasting Impact

19:31 - Pastors and Politics

24:07 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

26:35 - White House War Memes

31:12 - Targeting Immature Young Men

42:03 - Caesar Chavez Scandal

53:26 - End Credits

A new study suggests Americans distrust each other more than almost any other nation, and Esau, Malcolm and Mike wrestle with whether we've crossed a line we can't come back from. They dig into the deeper spiritual roots of our outrage, asking what it actually means to love your enemies in an age of constant political combat. Then the conversation turns to Hollywood's obsession with youth and what our fear of aging reveals about us. They also take on the controversy over an unqualified Surgeon General nominee and what it says about leadership, loyalty, and truth. Also this week: Mike shoots his shot, Malcolm runs late, and somehow height insecurity becomes a real topic.

0:00 - Malcolm's Too Famous

1:37 - Theme Song

4:17 - Oscars and Plastic Surgery

8:54 - Mike's Too Tall

12:17 - End Stage Polarization

24:46 - Ideological Purity

32:40 - Unqualified Surgeon General

49:24 - End Credits

Are the latest headlines about Iran a sign that the end times are near? Esau, producer Mike, and pastor Sharon Miller examine why Christians often interpret global conflict through the lens of biblical prophecy and why the book of Revelation may challenge that instinct. Then, the group talks about a viral cultural moment involving a McDonald's CEO whose awkward burger bite sparked debate about authenticity and leadership in the influencer age. What does it say about our culture when even CEOs are expected to perform relatability online? Sharon also introduces the "relationship gap," a trend suggesting dating apps may actually reduce the differences between people who end up together. Plus, defending movie trailers and more Disney debates.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:38 - Chalamet Angers Ballet Fans

8:36 - Is the Iran War God-Appointed?

16:24 - Memeification of War

27:03 - CEO Eats Hamburger Weirdly

40:04 - Dating Gaps Getting Weird?

52:33 - End Credits

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran and the world is trying to figure out what happens next. Justin Giboney joins the show to help unpack the politics, the constitutional questions, and the potential fallout both overseas and at home. Also, Esau looks at how America's relationship with Israel shaped the conflict and why some Christians see events like this through the lens of biblical prophecy. Plus: we give marriage advice to Tom Holland and Zendaya.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:02 - Does Justin Know Zendaya?

6:40 - At War with Iran

11:47 - Are We Liberating Iran?

18:12 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

19:21 - Sponsor - Public Good Generation - In high school and looking to lead in faith? Check out this Summer Civics Program in Washington DC: https://ccpubliclife.org/holypost

21:03 - Israel's Influence on Trump

26:19 - Prophecy ad Abraham's Sin

31:20 - Trump's Broken Promises

42:42 - End Credits

The U.S. hockey team wins gold, but the celebration sparked bigger questions. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss if America become the bully to the rest of the world? Also, Ben Sasse's public reflections on his terminal cancer diagnosis bring a different kind of clarity about faith, family, and what actually matters when time runs short. Then, with the passing of Jesse Jackson, we consider how to remember leaders who shaped history by honoring real progress without pretending perfection.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:10 - Parking Spot

5:36 - Canada Vs US Hockey

9:07 - Did David Become Goliath?

17:21 - Ben Sass and Facing Mortality

21:10 - Sponsor - Nazarene Theological Seminary - Looking for a program grounded in black theology? Check out the Doctor of Ministry in Black Leadership and Ministry at https://nts.edu/podcast

22:24 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

25:44 - What's Worth Our Time?

35:42 - Jesse Jackson

50:34 - End Credits

Ash Wednesday forces us to acknowledge that some day we will die. For some, that truth is abstract. For others, it is painfully personal. Esau and Mike are joined by Hannah Miller King, author of Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness, to talk about what happens to faith when prayers for healing go unanswered. After losing her father to cancer as a teenager, Hannah began wrestling with a question many believers quietly carry: What does hope look like when God doesn't do what you asked? They explore the difference between a "transaction of goods" gospel and the communion of persons, the role of the Lord's Supper in shaping Christian imagination, and how Lent invites us to hold suffering and resurrection together. Also, can Hannah and Esau convince Mike to become anglican?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:19 - Making Mike Anglican

7:21 - King's New Book on Ash Wednesday

14:40 - The Book's Thesis

18:10 - Grief

26:07 - Community and Grief

39:22 - End Credits

Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness by Hannah Miller King: https://amzn.to/4aHAvgh

A video shared by Donald Trump depicting Barack and Michelle Obama with a racist trope sparked outrage, swift defenses, and eventually, quiet deletion. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike explore the long history of dehumanizing imagery, the theological weight of the image of God, and why the refusal to repent may matter more than the original post. Then the conversation turns to rhetoric at the National Prayer Breakfast and the danger of blending national power with the language of the gospel. What does it mean to follow a crucified king in an age that prizes dominance?

0:00 - Theme Song

2:00 - Can You Beat Middle Schoolers at Basketball?

6:56 - Trump's Racist Obama Video

24:23 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

25:26 - The Military and Religion

35:27 - What's Part of the Gospel?

46:00 - End Credits

Students aren't just using AI to finish assignments. They're using it to manage social interactions, from emails to professors to conversations on dating apps. Esau, Justin, and Mike explore how that might spare a little awkwardness, but also skips the stage of failure where real growth usually happens. Then, are small liberal arts colleges actually better at forming students, and are universities still teaching people how to think rather than what to think? Also, sports gambling continues to cause problems and why Y2K culture, including the return of CDs, is making a surprising comeback.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:18 - Black History Month Present

2:23 - CDs Are Coming Back?

9:23 - Physical Media in a Digital World

13:29 - A.I. Keeps Us from Failing

22:12 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/esau

23:33 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

24:50 - Avoiding A.I. Entirely?

34:09 - Liberal Art's Inefficiency is Its Strength

40:54 - Sports Betting's Return

51:50 - End Credits

Resources:

God's Colorful Easter: The Good News Is for Everyone by Esau McCaulley:

https://www.tyndale.com/p/gods-colorful-easter/9798400501029?srsltid=AfmBOopFr6DDhzFFW4jVivkDhEgT3FNiuzM1cc8xmhgBCDtMuXLNVBSZ

The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis has become another moment where violence, misinformation, and political certainty collide. As video evidence contradicts official narratives, Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike wrestle with what this death reveals about power, propaganda, and the erosion of public trust. Then the three discuss Esau's recent article for the New York Times to ask a harder question: how do Christians name injustice without being consumed by rage? What does faithful witness look like when anger feels justified but spiritually dangerous?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:10 - American Girl Doll Nostalgia

9:36 - Dark New Normal

14:45 - Justifying Violence with "Woke" Accusations

23:52 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

25:02 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

25:53 - Why Do We Believe Things?

33:25 - Not Living with Rage

47:40 - End Credits

Greenland is suddenly back on the menu of American foreign policy, raising real questions about conquest, NATO, and whether Christians can ever justify taking land that isn't theirs. Then, J. Cole's fear of "the fall off" becomes a window into ambition, calling, and the strange psychology of decline. And when Druski lampoons megachurch culture, it forces an uncomfortable look at why the church keeps becoming an easy punchline, and how Christians should respond when they are the butt of the joke. Plus, will Instagram be the thing that finally tears apart Esau and Mike?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:50 - Hills to Die On

7:03 - Why Are We Against Invading Greenland?

16:05 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/esau

18:50 - J Cole's Retiring

27:55 - Pastors Falling Off

33:53 - Satirizing Megachurches

48:50 - End Credits

New footage and reporting about the Minneapolis ICE shooting of Renée Good have complicated the story. Esau, Mike and Taelor Gray revisit the incident one week later and ask how political power shapes the narratives we're given, and what it means for Christians to tell the truth when the truth is inconvenient. Then, they turn to the surprising posthumous "ordination" of DMX and consider what it reveals about the nature of pastoral ministry, proximity, and presence in an age obsessed with platforms.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:25 - Wall Street Journal Complains About Sushi for Kids

8:15 - Renee Good and the ICE Stop

21:00 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/Esau

22:19 - DMX Ordained After His Death?

43:44 - End Credits

66 Verse to Explain the Bible - Ezra:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/148221073/

Wall Street Journal Article on ICE and shootings:

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/videos-show-how-ice-vehicle-stops-can-escalate-to-shootings-caf17601?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqcM4suCejir2XhY_aFDJ2--sqzFMzLxUYZ4SWneBn28PnkIFR-SG7O92GaLvw%3D%3D&gaa_ts=6967c046&gaa_sig=POa3tPcvJz_pC4-M5-e4uWuWjboR_sO0jyfq1BCM0XWAAXYxeb8OSWlKQ2SbkOYLAfCMr-_WetVC1fqY1L8b3g%3D%3D

A woman is dead in Minneapolis after an encounter with ICE.  Esau McCaulley, Justin Giboney, Malcolm Foley, and producer Mike sort through what we know so far, what the law actually says about deadly force and compliance, and how Christians should think about state power and the value of a human life. The conversation wrestles with fear, responsibility, split second decisions, and the narratives forming around the shooting long before the facts are settled.

The fall of a dictator feels like good news, but what if the motive matters as much as the outcome? Esau, Mike, and Sho Baraka dig into the Venezuela raid through the lens of just war theory, Trump's own comments, and the broader unseriousness of the administration. Then Sho reflects on his recent writing about AI and efficiency, asking where the line is between using new technology wisely and setting boundaries for the sake of rest, imagination, and what it means to be human.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:35 - Hard Classes That Mattered

8:03 - Venezuela

22:30 - The Donroe Doctrine

30:10 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

31:08 - AI and Utilitarianism

50:39 - End Credits

Sho Baraka's Music: https://www.shobaraka.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amishobaraka/

Medically assisted suicide is on the rise in Canada, and it's no longer limited to those who are terminally ill. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike examine what this shift reveals about modern assumptions around autonomy, dignity, and choice, and how Christian convictions about suffering and care for the vulnerable complicate the logic behind assisted dying policies. Also, after Travis Kelce recently claimed that he and Taylor Swift have never fought, the team asks whether conflict-free marriage is actually a sign of health. They explore why disagreement can be formative rather than destructive, and why couples should be cautious about overusing therapy language—like "gaslighting" or "narcissism"—without fully understanding what those terms mean.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:40 - Scheduling Wedding for Money?

7:00 - Do Couples Need to Fight? 1

7:26 - Therapy Talk

22:34 - Medical Assistance in Dying 

30:52 - Dying with Dignity

38:28 - What to Leave Behind in 2026?

45:00 - End Credits

#HolyPostMedia #hpm

No new episode this week, but here are three more episodes of the HP+ exclusive series, 66 Verse to Explain the Bible. We'll be back next week with Malcolm Foley for a brand new episode. Merry Christmas!

0:00 - Producer Mike's Discount Code Challenge

2:40 - Theme Song

2:45 - Numbers

7:05 - Deuteronomy

14:30 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!

15:25 - Joshua

22:42 - End Credits

In the wake of the tragic murder of Rob and Michele Reiner, Trump's response on Truth Social reveals a striking lack of empathy. Esau, Mike, and Justin Giboney reflect on how his reaction once again exposes a failure of compassion at the highest level of leadership.

Then the conversation turns to Wake Up Dead Man, the latest film in the Knives Out franchise, which unexpectedly offers a sharp and thoughtful portrayal of Christianity in America. What does the movie get right about sin, confession, and grace, and could it be one of the most theologically insightful secular films in years?

0:00 - Theme Song

3:33 - Christmas Movie Character Equivalents

10:05 - Wake Up Dead Man

22:48 - Sponsor - Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://www.AuraFrames.com. Use code ESAU at checkout to save!

23:50 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at:

https://www.tyndale.com/sites/lasb/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20Life%20Applicati[…]ource=Holy%20Post%20Podcast&utm_medium=Microsite%20Nov%202025

24:48 - Trump on the Reiner Murder

34:30 - Australia and Gun Laws

Esau Article on School Shootings:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/opinion/how-can-we-be-a-country-that-does-this-to-our-children.html

Esau is live in Boston with producer Mike and Dr. Amy Peeler for a conversation on whether today's chaos means we're living in the end times. Amy and Esau talk about how Christians should think about apocalyptic anxiety, why every generation believes it's the generation, and what Scripture actually gives us—hope, perseverance, and a call to faithfulness. Then, Amy and Esau talk about how they manage being a scholar and a pastor, past regrets they have, and Amy's former life as a tv commercial star.

Q&A Bonus Segment on Holy Post Plus:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/145553700/

0:00 - Theme Song

7:30 - Are We in the End Times?

15:00 - America and Eschatology

20:00 - Sponsor - Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://www.AuraFrames.com. Use code ESAU at checkout to save!

21:03 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at:

https://www.tyndale.com/sites/lasb/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20Life%20Applicati[…]ource=Holy%20Post%20Podcast&utm_medium=Microsite%20Nov%202025

22:10 - Scholars and Pastors

30:35 - How Learning Adds Depth to Faith

39:30 - Being a Pastor in Scotland

42:47 - What We Learn from Hebrews

51:37 - End Credits

Amy (Beverage) Peeler's Commercial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dXsbEtUq9E