The Mockingcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 149: Called Out! Feb 08, 2019

Show notes

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk punk-rock piety, fake meat, and hungry children. Also, in Texas queso counts as a protein. Articles discussed include:

"The Moral Indecency of the Away Message" by David Brooks via the New York Times
"Objects of Despair: Fake Meat" by Meghan O’Gieblyn via The Paris Review
"I’m a Little Too Fat, a Little Too Giving. I Think I Know Why." by Kristine Levine via Medium

Episode 148: Hanging With Mr Cooper Jan 25, 2019

Show notes

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave try to make sense of familial estrangement, millennial burnout, and recovering musicians. Also, Sarah gets real at the bus stop. Articles discussed include:

"I Cut Off All Contact With My Mother. It Made My Life Much Better." by Harriet Brown via The Washington Post
"How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation" by Anne Helen Petersen via Buzzfeed
"Are You Burned Out?" by David Zahl via Mbird.com
"Pastor, Why Are You Hiding?" by Chuck DeGroat via Christianity Today

Episode 147: Sick Day Christianity Jan 12, 2019

Show notes

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave kick off the new year by throwing out their boundaries and sitting at the feet of an incarcerated preacher. Also, RJ almost gets a hug. Articles discussed include:

"Prison Was My First Pulpit" by Morgan Lee via Christianity Today

Special Episode: Top Theology Books of 2018 Jan 09, 2019

Show notes

On this special one-off, Dave speaks with Dr. Todd Brewer about his picks for the top (academic) theology books of the year. You can read the whole list here.

Episode 145: Gum, Gatorade, and Grace Dec 14, 2018

Show notes

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave explore why we all take the same travel photos, how marriages become unstuck, and what the outrageous generosity of Christmas looks like. Also, Neil gets a MorfBoard. Articles discussed include:

"Why We All Take the Same Travel Photos" by Laura Mallonee via Wired
"Love is Not a Permanent State of Enthusiasm: An Interview With Esther Perel" by Alexandra Schwartz via The New Yorker
"Gatorade and Gum and the Grace of Christmas" by Carrie Willard via Mbird.com

To support Mockingbird (and The Mockingcast), go here.

Episode 144: Teenage Recession Dec 01, 2018

Show notes

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave get to the bottom of "the sex recession," weigh the challenges of self-promotion, and explore what happens after you accidentally kill someone. Also, RJ tries to affirm himself, with mixed results. Articles discussed include:

"Why Are Young People Having So Little Sex?" by Kate Julian via The Atlantic
"Everything Is For Sale Now. Even Us." by Ruth Whippman via The New York Times
"What Happens to Your Life When You Accidentally Kill Someone?" by David Peters via The Guardian

Episode 143: A More Brunch-Like Experience Nov 17, 2018

Show notes

In which Dave, Sarah, and RJ figure out how to cry in their offices and optimize their Sunday mornings. Plus, the gospel according to Stan Lee. 'Nuff said. Articles discussed include:

"Where to Cry in an Open Office" by JiJi Lee via The New York Times
"Trading Brunch for the Eucharist" by Sarah Dahl via Comment
"Stan Lee, Generational Alienation, and Spider-man: An Aspiring Novelist Becomes a Comics Legend" by Wenatchee the Hatchete via Mbird.com

Episode 142: The Untrustworthy List Nov 04, 2018

Show notes

In which Sarah, Dave and RJ talk about disgraced Chinese coal workers, dodgy motivational techniques, and moral futility. Also, Marshall crosses the parking lot on his own. Articles discussed include:

"What It's Like To Be On The Blacklist In China's New Social Credit System" by Stacey Vanek Smith and Cardiff Garcia via NPR
"Science Confirms It: People Are Not Pets" by Alfie Kohn via The New York Times
"Existential Despair and Moral Futility" by Stephen Freeman via Ancient Faith Ministries

Episode 141: Electrocuting Barbie Dolls Oct 20, 2018

Show notes

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave try to make sense of corporate surveillance, opioid obituaries, and merciful mothers. Also, several solid Salmon stories. Articles discussed include:

"The Employer-Surveillance State" by Ellen Ruppel Shell via The Atlantic
"Obituary: Madelyn Linsenmeir, 1988-2018" via Seven Days
"A New Recipe: Grace in Family Life" by Dorothy Martyn via Mbird.com

Episode 140: Hobbies, Pets, and Judges Oct 05, 2018

Show notes

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave discuss their hobbies (and lack thereof), the recent supreme court hearings, and the not-so-secret life of pets. Also, the Condons rent the wrong movie. Articles discussed include: