The Brothers Zahl

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Christianity
**The Brothers Zahl**

Welcome to The Brothers Zahl podcast, a collaboration between John, David and Simeon Zahl, three siblings engaged in “the God business”–one as a writer, one as a professor, one as a priest. Each episode is devoted to a single topic of spiritual or religious interest in the hopes of sketching an overarching picture of grace and everyday life. The music is pretty good, too. Brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 23: Culture Jul 27, 2026

In the finale of season four, the brothers talk about that "complex whole" known as culture--high, low and in between.

You can respond to the opening appeal by clicking here.

Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: A Mess of Help by David Zahl, The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman, The Dyer's Hand by WH Auden, Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton, Feel Free _by Zadie Smith, _The Pale King by David Foster Wallace, Mockingbird at the Movies, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh, The Gospel According to Peanuts by Robert Short, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism by TS Eliot
Essays: "E Unibus Pluram" by David Foster Wallace
Movies: Anything directed by Michael Mann (starting with Heat, Manhunter, and Thief, including DVD commentaries
Talks: Exploring the Oddball World of Christian Disco by John Zahl
Music: JAZ's Choice Italo Essentials, JAZ's Greatest Hits
Songs: "Adventure" by Marzio Dance, "A Summer Night" by Liza Mancini, "We've Been Had" by The Walkmen, "Hustlin' Time" by American Steel, "Nowhere Is My Home" by The Replacements, "Destination: Anywhere" by The Marvelettes, "The Nightingale" by Julee Cruise, "On The Mountain" by Jonathan David, "You Must Engage" by The Keene Brothers, "Preach the Gospel" by DJ JAZ, "Expert In a Dying Field" by The Beths, "One Wish" by Phil Lynott, "Airport of Love" by Love International, "Add Some Music To Your Day" by The Beach Boys

Click here to listen to a playlist of all the songs featured in season 4 (that are available on Spotify).

Episode 22: The Bible Jul 20, 2026

John, David, and Simeon take a wide-ranging and highly entertaining tour of the Good Book. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Albums: Jesus by Jon Guerra, Pslams by Sandra McCracken

Books: The Book of Homilies by Thomas Cranmer, Confessions by Augustine, Kingdom Grace and Judgment _by Robert Farrar Capon, _The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones, The Manga Bible, The Mockingbird Devotional Vols 1 & 2, The Almost Daily Devotional by Paul Walker, An Easy Stroll Through a Short Gospel: Meditations on Mark by Larry Parsley, The Living Color of Luke's Gospel by Larry Parsley, Eden and Afterward by William McDavid, Genesis by Marilynne Robinson, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling, Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Movies:_ Alien, The Book of Eli, Alien: Resurrection_, The Gospel According to St. Matthew

Podcasts: Same Old Song

Poetry: "The Holy Scriptures" by George Herbert

Songs: "I Read the Bible" by Jimmy Mamou, "Good Book" by The 8th Day, "Psalm 40:2" by The Mountain Goats, "These Are the Words" by Pastor TL Barrett, "Bible Break" by Stephen Wiley, "Rivers of Babylon" by Boney M, "It Is Written" by Barry Ryan, "Act of the Apostle" by Belle and Sebastian, "My Favourite Book" by Stars, "Morning Prayer" by Venus, "Who Is Greatest?" by Jon Guerra, "We Will Feast in the House of Zion" by Sandra McCracken, "Songs of Praise" by Roy Wood, "Have Mercy" by Mighty Diamonds

Episode 21: The Theology of the Cross Jul 13, 2026

The brothers deliver their most counterintuitive episode yet with a conversation about divine foolishness and the crucified God. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: On Being a Theologian of the Cross by Gerhard Forde, Kingdom Grace and Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon, The Crucified God by Juergen Moltmann, Leonard Cohen: The Man Who Saw the Angels Fall by Christophe Lebold, The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Movies: Green Light, The Darjeeling Limited, Red Beard, Rome Open City, The Battle of Algiers, Flight
Paintings: The Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthais Gruenewald
Plays: The Family Reunion by TS Eliot
Poetry: "The Four Quartets" (especially East Coker) and "Journey of the Magi" by TS Eliot
Songs: "Flyin Like an Eagle"by Tony Loeffler, "Waterloo" by ABBA, "War on War" by Wilco, "Over at the Frankenstein Place" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, "Bring It On" by Nick Cave, "Can't Be Serious" by Ginny, "Mission Impossible" by Freestyle, "Bob Lind (The Only Way Is Down" by Pulp, "Wall of Death" by REM, "Empty Me Out" by Liz Vice, "Cruel To Be Kind" by Nick Lowe, "Tough" by Martin Vogel, "Doctor Wu" by Steely Dan, "Mountain of Transfiguration" by Andy Squyres, "Anthem" by Sandra McCracken

Episode 20: The Law Jul 06, 2026

The wait is over! After a two year layoff, John, David, and Simeon open season four with a jumbo-sized episode on The Law. Thou shalt listen (or else). Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: Law & Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints) 10th Anniversary Edition by William McDavid, Ethan Richardson and David Zahl; Les Miserables by Victor Hugo; Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan; Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Augustine's "On the Spirit and the Letter"; The Antinomian Disputation by Martin Luther, Lectures on Galatians by Martin Luther, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl (Chapter 4)
Movies: Dead Poets Society, Chocolat
Documentaries: Buck, The Last Dance, Free Solo, The Turnaround, King of Kong, Listers
Television: Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Jim Gaffigan Show ("The Trial" and "He Said She Said" in particular)
Songs: "Thou Shalt Not Steal" by Glenda Collins, "Numbers" by Weezer, "I Ain't Into That" by The Rappin Rev, "I Fought the Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four, "Condemnation" by Depeche Mode, "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror" by Elvis Costello, "Pick Me Tonight" by Tina Turner, "Love Is the Law" by The Seahorses, "What You Won't Do" by Bobby Caldwell, "Feel the Pressure" by The Charlatans, "You Could Be More As You Are" by Saada Bonaire, "Perfection as a Hipster" by God Help the Girl, "You Should Never" by My Bloody Valentine, "The Straight and Narrow" by Spiritualized, "Innocent Til Proven Guilty" by Honey Cone, "Stars" from Les Miserables, "Surface Pressure" from Encanto

Episode 19: Parenting Jul 29, 2024

For the bonus-length finale of season three, the brothers delve into the monumental topic of parenting, exploring how they were raised as well as how they're trying to raise their own kids. Thankfully, a very special guest is on hand to help them.

To respond to the opening appeal and support the work of Mockingbird, please click here.

Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Listening by Anne Long, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist, Augustine's Confessions
Articles: "Me, My Father, and Russell Wilson" by Mina Kimes
Television: Bluey, Parenthood (2010-2015), Love on the Spectrum, Lonesome Dove
Movies: Parenthood (1989), The Ice Storm (1997), Forrest Gump (1994), Friendly Persuasion (1956)
Talks: Grace in Family Relationships by Mary Zahl
Songs: "Mr. T's Commandment" by Mr T, "Mama Say" by Kwame, "Son of Your Father" by Elton John, "Problem Child" by The Beach Boys, "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" by The Breeders, "Rebel Without a Clue" by Bonnie Tyler, "Shine Jesus Shine" by Graham Kendrick, "Rubberneckin" by Elvis Presley, "Listen to the Band" by The Monkees, "Phone Home" by Johnny Chingas, "God's Children" by The Kinks, "Save Me" by Nanette Workman, "Suedehead" by Morrissey, "Come Back Home" by Tom Hooker, "No Matter What" by Badfinger, "Love Will Never Die" by Paul Lowe featuring Peace Train

Episode 18: Easter Jul 08, 2024

Time to talk about the biggest day in the Christian year! Resurrection is the theme of this episode--physical, spiritual, metaphorical, ecclesial, musical, you name it. Note: this one was recorded live, so the sound is a little less sharp.

Recommended and referenced resources include:

Poetry: "Seven Stanzas at Easter" by John Updike, "Descending Theology: The Resurrection" by Mary Karr, "Easter" by George Herbert
Art: "Resurrection" by Piero della Francesca (1463), "The Resurrection" by Otto Dix (1949), "Easter Morning" by Caspar David Friedrich (1835), "The Resurrection, Cookham" by Stanley Spencer (1924-7), "Travoys Arriving with Wounded at a Dressing-Station at Smol, Macedonia, September, 1916" by Stanley Spencer (1919), "Risen Christ and Soldiers" by Germain Pilon (1572), "Isenheim Altarpiece" by Matthias Gruenewald (1516)
Television and Movies: Rev Season 3 Episodes 5&6, The Passion of the Christ
Articles: "Finitude and Death" by Katherine Sonderegger in The T&T Clark Companion to the Doctrine of Sin
Songs: "Love Is Stronger Than Death" by The The, "Sunrise" by Pulp, "How a Resurrection Really Feels" by The Hold Steady, "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton, "Resurrection Shuffle" by Tom Jones, "Photograph" by Ringo Starr, "Candy" by 1910 Fruitgum Company, "Don't Worry About Death" by Melon, "Back to Heaven" by Number One Ensemble, "I Don't Wanna Be a Solider Mama" by John Lennon, "I Am the Resurrection" by The Stone Roses, "Dance or Die" by Kool Rock Steady, "Get Up and Boogie" by Silver Convention, "Revenge" by The Eurythmics, "Death Is Not the End" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, "Sing Hallelujah" by Bob & Karin

Episode 17: The Holy Spirit Jul 01, 2024

John, David, and (mainly) Simeon do their best to bring the third person of the Trinity into view. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Movies: Red Beard, Rising Son, Rize, 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That, Pride and Prejudice
Books: The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl, The Holy Ghost: A Spirited Comic by John Hendrix, Make Way for the Spirit by Christoph Blumhardt, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Poetry: "Whitsunday" by George Herbert
Paintings: "The Pentecost" by El Greco, "Pentecost" by Jean Restout, Duccio's Maesta
Music: A Love Supreme by John Coltrane, "Let the Wind Blow" by The Beach Boys, "Wind Chimes" by The Beach Boys, "Cool, Cool Water" by The Beach Boys, "Feel Flows" by The Beach Boys, "Tears in the Morning" by The Beach Boys, "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, "Handle with Care" by The Traveling Wilburys, "Holy Ghost" by The Bar-Kays, "Faith and Fire" by Vivian Reed, "Strange Changes" by Lyndsey Paul, "Revival Day" by Savage Rose, "Yahweh" by U2, "Somebody Tell Me Where's the Beef?" by Britten, "Unchained" by Van Halen, "Touched by the Hand of God" by New Order, "Full of Fire" by Al Green, "Holy Spirit" by Limousine

Episode 16: Imputation Jun 24, 2024

The brothers talk about "the how of love," also known as imputation. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Movies: Toy Story, Hoosiers, The Best Years of Our Lives, Lilo and Stitch
Books: The Cross and Christian Confidence by Joanna McGrath & Alister McGrath, Coach by Michael Lewis, The Freedom of a Christian by Martin Luther, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl, Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Justitia Dei by Alister McGrath, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Articles 4 and 21 of The Augsburg Confession, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder
TV: Season 2 finale of Stranger Things
Podcasts: "Don't be Good -- Be Great" episode of Against the Rules
Songs: "No Matter" by Lowell, "Crazy the Lord" by Nick the Record, "Gettin' Back on the Good Side of Love" by Don Black and the Breakaways, "Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders, "Strange Currencies" by REM, "Why Do I Keep Counting?" by The Killers, "Transformer Man" by Neil Young, "Superbowl Shuffle" by the 1985 Chicago Bears, "I Just Started" by Jackie Moore, "Automatic Amore" by Patrizia Pellegrino, "Love Is a Natural Magical Thing" by Laurie Miller, "The Old Account" by Johnny Cash, "I've Been Surprised" by Josh White

Episode 15: Free Will? Jun 17, 2024

In their most controversial episode to date, the brothers explore the nature of willpower, choice, and control--and how those factors shape our relationships above and below. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: The Captivation of the Will by Gerhard Forde, The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther, The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney, Low Anthropology by David Zahl, On the Spirit and the Letter by Augustine, On Nature and Grace by Augustine, Confessions by Augustine, City of God _(Books 11-14) by Augustine, _The Emperor’s New Clothes (“The Brahmin in the Bahamas”) by William Kilpatrick, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Grace in Addiction by John Z
Movies: Walk the Line, Unguarded (30 for 30), and Dave Chappelle on The Secret
Songs: “Can’t Let Go” by Bryan Ferry, “Do It All Over Again” by Spiritualized, “Free Will” by Rush, “I Can’t Let Maggie Go” by Honeybus, “Wise Up” by Aimee Mann, “Last Train to London” by ELO, “Left to My Own Devices” by The Pet Shop Boys, “I Can’t Stop” by The Honeycombs, “Set Me Free” by Karen Silver, “Right Where You Left Me” by Taylor Swift, “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables, “None of Us Are Free” by Solomon Burke, “Set Me Free” by Kinks, “Truth Will Come Out” by Honey Cone, “Cry Freedom” by Romie Singh, “Play in the Sunshine” by Prince, “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Ella Fitzgerald, “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan, “Mercy” by Ohio Express, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by UB40

Episode 14: Faith Jun 10, 2024

The long-awaited third season kicks off with an episode about Faith. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Quotations: Philip Melanchton, Capon, and Cave
Books: Faith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Sean O'Hagan, Lancelot by Walker Percy, The Family Reunion by T.S. Eliot, The book of Genesis
Movies: Leon Morin, Priest (1961), Prometheus (2012), The Rescue (2021), Field of Dreams (1989), The Book of Eli (2010), Wings of Desire (1987), Friendly Persuasion (1956), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Songs: "Believe" by DMAs, "Do You Believe" by Poolside, "Faith" by The 8th Day, "I Trust" by The Byrds, "Someday" by Glass Tiger, "Faith in Something Bigger" by The Who, "It's Unbelievable (How You Control My Soul)" by Jeanne & The Darlings, "Lay All Your Love on Me" by ABBA, "Letting Go" by Wings, "No Doubt About It" by Hot Chocolate, "Happy Birthday" By Stevie Wonder, "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" by ABBA, "I Went to Sleep" by The Beach Boys, "Do You Believe?" by Swamp Dogg, "I've Got Confidence" by Elvis Presley, "I Came to Believe" by Johnny Cash, "I Believe In You" by Bob Dylan

Episode 13: Christmas Dec 19, 2023

The brothers reconvene for a special one-off on the merriest day of them all. Look for Season 3 in the new year. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Poetry: "The First Coming" by Madeleine L'Engle, "Journey of the Magi" by T.S. Eliot, "For the Time Being" by W.H. Auden, "Descending Theology: The Nativity" by Mary Karr
Movies: The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Holly and the Ivy, Children of Men, 8-Bit Christmas, The Holdovers, Midnight Clear (but also Joyeux Noel, some details of which John mixes into his description)
Television: Call the Midwife Christmas Special, "How We Used Christmas Lights to Fight a War" TED Talk by Jose Miguel Sokoloff, "Christmas Story" The Andy Griffith Show (S1:E11)
Artwork: "Winter Landscape" by Caspar David Friedrich
Books: The Haunted Man by Charles Dickens, Martin Luther's Christmas Book
Music: The Animals Christmas by Jimmy Webb
Songs: “Jesus Christ” by Big Star, “Christmas Was Better in the 80s” by The Futureheads, “Sock it to Me Santa” by Bob Seger & the Heard, “Christmastime Is Here Again” by The Flirtations, “Let’s Get It Together this Christmas” by the Harvey Averne Band, “Always in a Manger” by Paul Westerberg, “O Holy Night” by Duvall, “Silent Night” by Richard Hawley, “Thankful Heart” from A Muppet Christmas Carol, “Santa Claus Is Coming” by The Harmony Grits, “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Annie Lennox, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “Once in Royal David City Bells” by Sufjan Stevens, “What Child Is This?” by Carrie Underwood, “The Decree” by Art Garfunkel, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Bob Dylan

Episode 7: Jesus Jul 08, 2022

The second season kicks off with an extended episode about the Good Shepherd himself, Jesus of Nazareth. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Quotations: from Charles Dickens' The Life of Our Lord, JD Salinger's Franny and Zooey, an interview with Zadie Smith, and WH Auden in The Chimera
Books and Literature: The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary by David F. Ford, “The Gardener” by Rudyard Kipling, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge, Dominion by Tom Holland, Kingdom Grace Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon, Unapologetic by Francis Spufford, “The Dog in the Red Bandana” by Ray Bradbury, and “Inscription Under a Roadside Crucifix” by Victor Hugo
Movies: The Gospel According to St Matthew (1964), Pier Pasolini dir.
Artwork: Duccio's Maesta
Songs: “I Love You (Bollydub)” by Razor n Tape, “Gospel Rappin” by New Testament Youth Group, “Jesus is Waiting” by Al Green, “Look at What the Light Did Now” by Flo Morrissey and Matthew E White, "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars, “Simon Peter” by Sphinx, “Wonderful Savior” by Mavis Staples, “O Sacred Head Sore Wounded", “They Hung Him on the Cross”, “Crazy Boy Master” by JAZ & Bertie, “Resurrection Shuffle” by Tom Jones, “Jesus Is Here Today” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “Jesus” by The Velvet Underground, “Way Out Jesus” by Sammy Johns, “When He Was No One” by Swamp Dogg, “I Knew Jesus (Before He Was a Star)” by Glen Campbell, “He’s Alive” by Dolly Parton

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 8: Prayer Jul 08, 2022

What are we doing when we pray? In the second episode of the second season, John, David, and Simeon venture a few theories (and a bunch of stories). Referenced and recommended resources include:

Quotations: Frank Lake's Clinical Theology, The Long Text of Julian of Norwich (Chapter 43), "Eleven Addresses to the Lord" by John Berryman
Books and Literature: Help Thanks Wow by Anne Lamott, The Lord's Prayer by Wesley Hill, Lit by Mary Karr, Augustine's Confessions, Showings by Julian of Norwich, The Collects of Thomas Cranmer by Paul Zahl and Frederick Barbee, "Collect for the Fourth Sunday After Easter", "For the Time Being" by WH Auden
Movies: The Apostle _(1997), _Little Boy (2015)
Artwork: Das Vaterunser by Max Pechstein
Songs: “10 9 8 7” by Armand Duchies, “Dervish Chant” by African Head Charge, “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths, “Come Talk to Me” by Peter Gabriel, “Make The Woman Love Me” by Dion, “Cleopatra” (JAZ edit 2), "Acid Rain" by Galaxy II Orchestra, “Talk to the Lord” by Natalie Bergman, “Let Us Pray” by Elvis Presley, “You Are My Dream” by Kamagni, “Lords Prayer” by Marvin Gaye, “Our Prayer” by The Beach Boys, “I Pray” by Blossom Child

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 9: Creativity Jul 08, 2022

This one could also be called Freedom. Or possibly Fruit. Maybe even Living. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Quotations: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Calvin and Hobbes, "Ode to Failure" by Allen Ginsberg
Books and Literature: Young Eliot by Robert Crawford, Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, The Space Trilogy by CS Lewis
Movies and Podcasts: Get Back (2021) dir. Peter Jackson, The Well of Sound
Songs: “Problem Child” by The Beach Boys, “Walking on Thin Ice” by Yoko Ono, “Underwater” by Harry Thuman, “I’m so Afraid” by Fleetwood Mac, “Tri-Tra-Trallula” by Joachim Will, “A Ist Wieder Da” by Robert Gorl, “Learn How to Fail” by The Replacements, “The Fear in My Heart” by Luc Van Acker, “Can You Picture That?” By Electric Mayhem, “Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John, “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, “Jazzburger” by Loukas Thanos, “Reader Meet Author” by Morrissey, “Deadlines and Commitments” by The Killers, “Manhattan Jungle” by Per Tjernberg, “Perfumed Garden” by Rah Band

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 10: Depression Jul 08, 2022

Depression isn't the only form of mental illness touched upon in this episode, which doubles as a rumination on agency and affliction more generally. Fortunately, it's lot more fun than it sounds! Referenced and recommended resources include:

Quotations: "The Planet Trillaphon As It Stands In Relation to the Bad Thing" by David Foster Wallace, Frank Lake's Clinical Theology
Books and Literature: The Poems of William Cowper, "The Depressed Person" by David Foster Wallace
Movies and Television: You're the Worst (2014-2019), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Pollyanna (2003), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Songs: “Christmastime Is Here Again” by Vince Guaraldi, “What Is Sadness” by Device, “Fear of Ghosts” by The Cure, “Give Mi Wings” by Rod Stewart, “Stop in the Name of Love” by The Supremes, “I Don’t Want to be a Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself)” By Dynasty, “Waking the Witch” – Kate Bush, “Doctor Doctor” by Thompson Twins, “Going Round in Circles” by The Keeper, “The Sun Always Shines on TV” by A-Ha, “Where There is Faith There Is Hope” by Chairman of the Board, “Please Read the Letter” by Robert Plant and Allison Kraus, “Pressure Time” by Vendetta Palace, “Baahubali” by Khoya Hain, “Dancing with the Aliens” by Fab, “Jesu Lover of My Soul”, “I Don't Want to Get Over You” by The Magnetic Fields, “Switching Off” – Elbow, “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2

Episode 11: Salvation Jul 08, 2022

"Jesus saves" reads the bumper sticker. But what does it mean? This one is about soteriology, past, present, and future. Referenced and recommended resources include:

Quotations: Who Will Deliver Us by Paul Zahl
Books and Literature: The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl, “On the Incarnation of the Word” by Athanasius, Augustine’s Confessions (first 9 books), Dangerous Journey by Oliver Hunkin
Movies and Television: Magnolia (1999), The Lives of Others (2006), Amazing Grace (2018), Battlestar Galactica "Exodus Pt 2"
Songs: "Amazing Grace" by John Newton, “Save Me Jesus” by Bobby Charles, “Where Will I Be?” by Emmylou Harris, “Tickle Robot”, “Hvorfor Ikke Mig” by Elmer, “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit, "You Changed My Life" by Bob Dylan, “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry, “Mockingbird [remix]” by Derek Webb, “Save Me” by Nanette Workman, “Save Me” by Aimee Mann, “Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox, “Coreur Bingo” by Silvana, “最悪の日々 Pt.1”, “Jesus Dropped the Charges” by The O’Neal Twins

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 12: Aging Jul 08, 2022

For the final episode of the second season, the brothers enlist a special guest to help them make sense of getting older. Referenced and recommended resources include:

Books and Literature: Peace in the Last Third of Life by Paul Zahl, The Happiness Curve by Jonathan Rauch, “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Churchy by Sarah Condon, Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, The Genius and the Goddess by Aldous Huxley, Quatermass by Nigel Neale, "East Coker" by TS Eliot, Ecclesiastes
Movies and Television: The Twilight Zone (“Spur of the Moment” and “The Trade-Ins”), Letters to Father Jacob (2009), Friday Night Lights (2006-2011), Journey to Italy (1954), The Adam Project (2022)
Artwork: "The Voyage of Life" by Thomas Cole (1839-40)
Songs: “Seventeen” by Sharon Van Etten, “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel, “When I Grow Up to Be a Man” by The Beach Boys, “Ashes to Ashes” by David Bowie, “Tired of Waiting” by The Kinks, “When I Was a Boy” by The Who, “Regret” by New Order, “Old" by Staryflyer 59, "Everybody Wants to Be a DJ", “Sixteen Tons” by Bob Cobra, “As Far as I Can Remember” by Pasteur Lappe, “Just Ain’t Easy” by The Allman Brothers, “Highlands” by Bob Dylan

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 6: Grace Feb 25, 2021

In the final episode of the first season, the brothers talk about their all-time favorite word, what John calls "a pool that's shallow enough that babies can wade into it and deep enough that elephants can swim." Recommended and Referenced Resources include:

Quotations: Mockingbird glossary entry for Grace, Dorothy Martyn on Beyond Deserving
Articles: "My Priceless, Worthless Baseball Cards" by Ryan Hockensmith
Books: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (musical too); The Brothers Karamazov (first 80 pages) by Fyodor Dostoyevksky; The Horse and his Boy by CS Lewis; Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Capon; Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle, Seculosity by David Zahl
Movies: Soul, Little Miss Sunshine, About a Boy, The Best Years of Our Lives
Songs: "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" by The Pet Shop Boys, "You Know I Couldn't Last" by Morrissey, "Grace Under Pressure" by Elbow, “Our Park by Night” by Craft Spells, "Super Freak" by Rick James, "You Still Believe in Me" by The Beach Boys, "Endless Race" by Wally Badarou, "Living Without Your Love" by The Imperials, "Airport of Love" by Love International

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 5: Abreaction Feb 25, 2021

The most esoteric sounding subject in the first season may also be the most gut-level. In this episode the brothers discuss the role of art, story, and humor as it relates to ministry and healing. Recommended and Referenced Resources include:

Quotations: Mbird glossary definition of Abreaction, Frank Lake's definition, Josh Retterer's definition, Adam Phillips on Self-Cures and Frozen Seas, W.H. Auden on the Ulterior Purpose of Poetry
Books: A Mess of Help by David Zahl, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder, The Cocktail Party by TS Eliot
Paintings: Winter Landscape by Caspar David Friedrich
Movies: Miami Vice, The Last Days of Disco, Red Beard, Apocalypto, Hacksaw Ridge, The Darjeeling Limited, Miracle, This Is 40, Terms of Endearment, Pride and Prejudice [BBC]
Drama: The Angel That Troubled the Waters by Thornton Wilder
TV: Friday Night Lights
Songs: "Walls" by Tom Petty, "Should I Laugh or Cry" by ABBA, "Walls Come Tumbling Down" by The Style Council, "Come As You Are" and "Sliver" by Nirvana, "Please Forgive My Heart" by Bobby Womack, "This Is Me Trying" by Taylor Swift, "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell, "Crockett's Theme" by Jan Hammer, "Lamuka" by Zazou, Biyake & CY1, "More More More" by Andrea True Connection

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 4: Church Feb 25, 2021

In their fourth episode, the brothers try to make sense of that oh-so-loaded institution and experience called "Church." Recommended and Referenced Resources include:

Books: Why Would Anyone Go to Church? by Kevin Makins, Grace in Addiction: What Everyone Can Learn from Alcoholics Anonymous by John Z, Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Janet's Repentance by George Eliot
Quotations: Marilynne Robinson on Christmas and Easter
Paintings: Lift Up Thine Eyes by Norman Rockwell
Songs: "God Knows" by Donna Eyes, "Shelter from the Storm" by Bob Dylan, "Take Me to Church" by Sinead O'Connor, "Metropolis" by The Church, "Hospital for Sinners" by The Wallflowers, "You Are With Me" by Sandra McCracken, "Like a Ship Without a Sail" by Pastor T.L. Barrett, "Heavy Church" by Three Dog Night, "Church St Soul Revival" by Tommy James,
Podcasts: Mockingcast Interview with Atlanta Falcons chaplain Jason Webster
Movies: The Book of Eli, Rome Open City, Letters to Father Jacob, The Bishop's Wife, The Holly and the Ivy, The Apostle, Calvary

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 3: Evil Feb 25, 2021

Could also be titled "Evil, Sin, and Suffering", in this episode the brothers delve into the various shades of darkness we experience in the world--and in ourselves. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Podcasts: The Well of Sound on Marvin Gaye
Movies: The Devil Rides Out, The Shining, The Exorcist, The Addiction
Books: Dignity by Chris Arnade, The Haunting of Toby Jugg _by Dennis Wheatley, _The Stand by Stephen King, the ghost stories MR James, Astro City: Confession by Kurt Busiek
Articles: "Hiding in Plain Sight: The Lost Doctine of Sin" by Simeon Zahl
Quotations: Bad Spirits in Hunts Point, Flannery O'Connor on the Action of Grace, Gerhard Forde on the danger of Rolling Suffering into Evil, Richard Hooker on Crystal Tears (below), Frank Limehouse on the Devil (below)
Songs: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell, "Lord You Bless Me" by The Elliotts, "Make Me Prada" by Asa Moto, "Millennium" by Dewolfe, "Devil Inside" by INXS

Please note: the story of Martin Luther burying the child, while derived from his writings (and depicted to great effect in the movie Luther), is apocryphal. .

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Richard Hooker: "My eager protestations, made in the glory of my ghostly strength, I am ashamed of; but those crystal tears, wherewith my sin and weakness was bewailed, have procured my endless joy; my strength hath been my ruin, and my fall my stay."

Frank Limehouse (March 7, 2010): "I can't tell you what the Devil looks like. In my own mind he wears red tights, has horns and a tail and carries a pitchfork. Other than in the Garden of Eden, in which he is described as crafty and subtle; and Ezekiel, who tells us he was perfect in beauty, I cannot talk so much about what the devil looks like. But we can talk about how the devil operates. St. Peter said, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Interestingly, the devil doesn't come at you only where you're weak. He's very interested in your gifts and strengths. This is where we are most vulnerable. The woman with a charming smile is tempted to “get away with murder.” The salesman with the gift of persuasion, is often tempted to “take ‘em for what they're worth.” God, on the other hand, is most interested in what? Your weaknesses. The Lord said to Paul ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'…"

Episode 2: Holiness Feb 25, 2021

The second episode, in which the brothers discuss that slippery yet inspiring topic known as holiness (and its opposite). Recommended and referenced resources include:

Quotations: Jean-Luc Marion on Holiness, Gerhard Forde on Senility, Mark Seifrid on Christian growth, Nimi Wariboko on Play
Movies: My Idiot Brother
Articles: "Heaven Is a 12 Step Meeting" by Connor Gwin
Books: Listening by Anne Long, The Happiness Curve by Jonathan Rauch, The Ambiguity of Play by Brian Sutton-Smith, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder, The Reconstruction of Morality by Karl Holl, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl
TV: Ted Lasso
Music: Life Is People by Bill Fay
Songs: "Say Goodbye" by Hiroshi Sato, "Everyone" by Air Project, "Perdido en el Universo" by Falcons, "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley, "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell, "I Can't Get There From Here" by R.E.M., "These Things Take Time" by The Smiths, "Running Toward a Place" by The Killers

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Episode 1: God Feb 25, 2021

The first ever episode, in which the brothers introduce themselves and then jump into the sprawling subject at the center of their lives: capital-G God. Recommended and Referenced Resources include:

Lectures: "On Not Being C.S. Lewis" by Francis Spufford
Books: The Harrowing of Hell by Evan Daum, Dangerous Journey by John Bunyan, PZ's Panopticon by Paul Zahl
Songs: "God Knows" by Donna Eyes, "Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks, "Shot Down in Denver" by Chalice, "When You Wish Upon a Star" by Gene Simmons, "Son of the Father" by Elton John, "More Than Molecules" by Fox, "Funky Funky Beat" by Jean-Michelle Navarre

Click here to listen to a playlist of the available tracks on Spotify.

Season 1 Trailer Feb 09, 2021

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