The Esau McCaulley Podcast
The Esau McCaulley Podcast unpacks the cultural stories that shape our lives. Pop culture always reveals something about what it means to be human: both our glory and our brokenness. Rather than retreating from the culture, Esau and his friends dive in head-on, bringing theological depth, humor, and a perspective you won't find anywhere else. From movies and music to news and politics, we find what is true, good, and beautiful about the complex world we live in.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: Comforting the Grieving and Explaining Esther and Job
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 shor
Pope Leo's AI Warning & America's Happiness Crisis
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
How to Stay Christian When Everything Seems Awful
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
Why the Church Needs Rituals Again
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
Trump's golden statue and Alien Invasions
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, whi
Gutting the Voting Rights Act and Why Results Matter as Much as Intent
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 Louisian
Another Assassination Attempt & What We're Missing About DEI
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
The Death of Monoculture and What Comes After
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. T
Trump as the Good Physician and Bieber's Coachella Performance
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
Trump's Crazy Holy Week
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
Project Hail Mary and the Return of Optimism
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 ab
When Even War and Death Become Content
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, a
Unqualified MAGA and the Politics of Hate
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
Iran, End Times, and the McDonald's Bite Seen Around the World
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 aut
Making Sense of the Iran War
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 l
US Hockey, Ben Sasse, and Jesse Jackson: How We Celebrate, Die, and Remember
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 rem
Lent After Loss: What Christian Hope Really Looks Like
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 wrestlin
Trump's Racist Video and the Refusal to Apologize
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 Pray
Outsourcing Our Social Lives to AI
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
Alex Pretti's Killing and Not Letting Rage Win
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 as
Greenland, Druski, and Why the Church Keeps Getting Roasted
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 kee
ICE, the Fed, and How Power Bends the Truth
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 re
The ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
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 f
Oil, Power, and Tyrants: The Real Motive Behind the Venezuela Raid
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 set
The Problems with Medically Assisted Suicide
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
66 Verses To Explain the Bible: Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua
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.brooklyn
Trump's Failure of Empathy & What Knives Out Gets Right About Christianity
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
Are We in the End Times? Live From Boston!
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 mana
Trump Attacks Immigrants (again), Myths About Black Violence, and the Purpose of Marriage
Trump's latest comments on immigration turn a single tragic incident into a sweeping indictment of entire communities. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike examine why some crimes are framed as isolated events while others are weaponized to justify exclusion. They then dig into new research on crime shows that consistently misrepresent Black communities as dangerous, exploring how entertainment shapes public f
BONUS: 66 Verses to Explain the Bible - Genesis-Leviticus
Esau and Mike are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, but we still have a special treat for you all. Enjoy four episodes of Esau's HP+ series, 66 Verses to Explain the Bible. If you want to hear the all the episodes in the series, sign up for Holy Post Plus today! New and returning subscribers can get 50% off their subscription! Deal ends December 2nd
The Epstein Files: When Power Protects Predators
Newly released Epstein files raise fresh questions about the moral compromises of the powerful and the willingness of Christians to look away when politics makes clarity inconvenient. Esau, Malcolm, and Producer Mike examine what the emails do and don't reveal and how the church's credibility erodes when it excuses the inexcusable. Plus, a viral SNL sketch about AI-animated photos and the reveal o
You Can't Rage-Tweet for a Decade: Faithfulness in a Fatigued World
On a recent press tour, Jennifer Lawrence recently said she's done with political outrage. Esau, Sharon Hodde Miller, and producer Mike talk about what happens when the adrenaline of activism runs out and the fatigue sets in. What does faithfulness look like after the hashtags stop trending? Then, we all know the dangers of the purity culture craze, but have overcorrected in trying not to repeat o
SNAP Cuts and God's Concern for the Poor
A political fight over food assistance has sparked new debate about who deserves help in America. Esau, Justin Giboney, and Mike take a look at the SNAP situation and why Scripture consistently places God on the side of the poor and challenges us to do the same. Plus, Trump is posting about defending persecuted Christians in Nigeria, but is there more he should be doing to help? Then, Tucker Carls
Anglican Abuse Allegations, NBA Gambling Scandal, & the Admiral Who Resigned over Trump's Military Strikes
Esau, Skye, and Mike explore what happens when vows stop meaning anything. They discuss the Anglican Church's latest abuse allegations, the NBA's betting scandal, and the U.S. admiral who resigned rather than follow Trump's unlawful orders. What does integrity look like in an age when everyone's breaking their promises? When should one try to reform from within, and when is it time to leave? Also,
Young Republicans' Racist Chat, No Kings, & How AI Deforms Us
Last week, OpenAI announced it will remove moral limits from ChatGPT and "let adults be adults," opening the door for adult content on the platform. Esau and Mike are joined by Malcolm Foley to talk about how AI is reshaping our view of relationships and making it easier to chase selfish desires resulting in destructive consequences. Then, they turn to the leaked racist group chat among young Repu
Is the Black Church the Problem?
Critics have recently accused the Black Church of promoting "ethnic idolatry," but is that fair, or even historically accurate? Esau McCaulley is joined by Kaitlyn Schiess and producer Mike to unpack where the Black Church came from, why it exists, and what these critiques reveal about American Christianity. Then, is it ok to have joy in the midst of so much suffering and why did we talk about the
ICE in Chicago: Tear Gas, Helicopters, and the Cost of Dehumanization
Federal immigration raids have swept through Chicago under "Operation Midway Blitz," leaving neighborhoods filled with fear, tear gas, and helicopters overhead. Esau McCaulley, producer Mike, and pastor Pricelis Perreaux-Domínguez ask how Christians should respond when law enforcement tactics strip away human dignity, what it means to defend the image of God in our neighbors, and how the cruelty o
The Emergency Taylor Swift Pod: Review and Why Christians Should Care
Taylor Swift just dropped her 12th studio album, and everyone's talking about it—including us. Esau, producer Mike, and our resident Swift correspondent Lindsey Goetz break down their first impressions, favorite tracks, and the themes that make the album worth more than just pop-culture buzz. What does it mean to stay tender in a world that hardens us? How do we rebuild trust after disappointment?
Finding Your Purpose Outside of Your Career
Matt Forte is remembered as one of the Chicago Bears' all-time greats, but now he's tackling something different: helping people find purpose that lasts beyond their career. Esau McCaulley and producer Mike sit down with Forte to talk about his new book Staying in the Game: Making the Most of Every Season. Forte opens up about walking away from the NFL, redefining success, and why our identity can
Vaccines, Parental Rights, and the Public Good
A foul ball at a Phillies game turns into a viral outrage story. Esau, Malcolm Foley, and producer Mike unpack why the internet can't tell the difference between minor annoyances and real injustice. Then, Florida decided to end the vaccine requirements for kids. What's really at stake in the parental rights debate? Also, the crew looks at how Disney has gone from a family vacation destination to n
Charlie Kirk and America's Cross-Cultural Divide
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Americans are left reeling. The violence is shocking and upsetting, but it also reveals the depth of our country's divides. Esau is joined by Christina Edmondson of Truth's Table to reflect on what this moment means for the church and the wider culture. They consider the tension between honoring Kirk's dignity and confronting his harmful rhetoric, why B
Charlie Kirk & Political Violence with Sharon McMahon and Justin Giboney
Conservative Political Activist and CEO of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated yesterday while speaking on a college campus in Utah. Esau is joined by Sharon McMahon and Justin Giboney to talk about this horrific and tragic story. They explore the history of political violence in the country, and discuss why this moment feels different and uniquely troubling. They also discuss what
Jesus, Paul, and the Law: Friends or Foes?
Esau is joined by New Testament scholar Paul Sloan to talk about his new book Jesus and the Law of Moses. They dig into big questions: Did Jesus and Paul disagree about the law? Did Jesus expect his Jewish followers to keep Torah? What about Gentiles? And what if our picture of the Pharisees as strict legalists is all wrong? Plus, they dive into the debate on whether we're expected to follow the c
Make America Forgetful Again?
Recently, Donald Trump criticized the Smithsonian for focusing too much on slavery, insisting that America's history should be more "positive" and less "woke." But can we really tell the story of America without telling the story of human bondage? Esau and Justin Giboney dig into the politics of memory, the temptation to idolize America, and why Christians in particular must insist on telling the
The Hidden Cost of Sending Soldiers to D.C.
When the military becomes a political pawn? As Esau and Producer Mike break down Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to D.C., Esau reflects on his family's experience in the military and the heavy cost of deployments for morale, families, and democracy itself. Then, adult summer camps are on the rise. Are they the answer to America's loneliness epidemic, or is there an easier and less ex
Sydney Sweeney's Jeans: Outrage or Overreaction?
Sydney Sweeney's "Great Jeans" ad sparked a culture war. Was it clever marketing, coded eugenics, or just outrage for clicks? Esau, Malcolm, and Mike break down who really wins when we fight over denim. Also, Taylor Swift has a new album, a Hollywood actor claims to have been blacklisted for his christian principles, and why old school gospel music should still be relevant today. 0:00 - Theme So
Black and Evangelical?
What does it mean to be Black and evangelical in a moment when both words carry so much baggage? Esau is joined by theologian and longtime Wheaton professor Dr. Vince Bacote, whose new documentary Black + Evangelical traces the overlooked history of African Americans in evangelical institutions. They talk about what it means to carry a Black church heritage into white evangelical spaces, why so ma
Is Gen Z in Revival or Retreat?
On a recent Holy Post episode, Ryan Burge claimed the data shows that Gen Z is not experiencing a revival, but Carey Nieuwhof says otherwise. Esau and Sharon Hodde Miller compare the competing narratives and reflects on what true revival looks like and why we care so much whether a revival is happening. Then, a recent New York Times piece questions the so-called "boy crisis," Are boys really falli
Coldplay Kiss Cam: Comedy or Tragedy?
A Coldplay concert kiss cam became the most viral moment of the week. Esau, and bestselling author Nancy French unpack the now-infamous clip of an affair caught on camera. Was it hilarious or heartbreaking, and what does it say about our appetite for public shame? They also debate whether a World War II hero should also be remembered as a TikTok star, whether celebrity-branded Crumbl cookies are h
When Grace and Drugs Share the Same Album
A controversial new IRS regulation just opened the door for churches to endorse political candidates from the pulpit. Esau McCaulley and Justin Giboney weigh in on if this a win for religious freedom, a threat to the church's public witness, or just business as usual? Then they unpack the unexpected reunion of hip-hop duo The Clipse. One brother found faith. The other kept rapping about dealing dr
Trump's Big Problematic Bill
What do Black churches, Catholics, and evangelicals all agree on? That Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is a big, problematic mess. Esau is joined by Malcolm Foley to unpack the sweeping legislation that slashes aid to the poor while delivering massive tax cuts to the wealthy. What does this reveal about our national values and how should the church respond to a policy so openly shaped by greed? Plus,
The Billionaire Who Thinks We Care Too Much About People
As the Fourth of July approaches, Esau and Tish Harrison Warren reflect on what patriotism means today, especially for Christians who feel caught between critique and love of country. Then, Tish introduces the idea of "big church privilege," and explores what's gained and lost in the shift from large, well-resourced congregations to smaller, more intimate communities. Finally, they break down Pete
A Marine Biologist Talks Science, Faith, and the Deep Sea
Marine biologist and author Rachel Jordan joins Esau McCaulley in studio to talk about her new book If the Ocean Has a Soul. They dive into the deep waters of science and theology, discussing coral reefs, climate change, and why the ocean might be one of the most overlooked witnesses to God's glory. Rachel shares how a tenth-grade biology class changed her life, how she navigates faith in scientif
What Lilo & Stitch Teaches about Healthcare, Family & Social Safety Nets
Pastor and author Sharon Hodde Miller joins Esau McCaulley for a surprising conversation about the live-action Lilo & Stitch and how a children's film quietly captures the realities of single motherhood, economic pressure, and communal grace. Then, Esau and Sharon talk about the challenges of pastoring in a polarizing time and how their online persona compares to their pastoral persona. Also, we h
Summer Protests, Playlists, and Kirk Franklin
It's officially summer, and things are heating up. Esau is joined by Justin Giboney and producer Mike to swap summer playlists, celebrate Kirk Franklin's unexpected honor at the BET Awards, talk about what kids should do during the summer, and unpack the recent protests in Los Angeles following aggressive ICE raids. What does faithful protest look like? How do Christians respond when political the
The NBA Finals, Trump's Sledgehammer, and Are We Misreading the Bible on Sex?
NBA Finals. Trump's sledgehammer policies. A Bible debate over sex. Esau, Justin Giboney, and Producer Mike truly tackle it all this week. First, why do small markets (and small churches) keep getting overlooked? Then, what's really driving the fight over international students on U.S. campuses? Also, a popular pastor claims the Bible does not say sex before marriage is wrong, but we aren't convin
The Right's DEI, the Internet's Pope, and a Plantation in Flames
Elite universities are trying something new, or maybe not so new. To attract more conservative faculty, they're adopting diversity strategies once used to support marginalized communities. So now that DEI is working for the right, is it still "woke"? Plus, fake Pope quotes are everywhere. Why is everyone trying to make the new Pope say what they want to hear? And in other news: a plantation burns
Single Parenting, Disability, and the Church's Blind Spot
Author and mother of six, Katie Blackburn joins Esau for a conversation around single parenting, disability, and faith. Katie shares her experience raising a son with severe autism, the grief and grace that come with it, and how the church has responded, sometimes with welcome, other times with unintentional exclusion. Together, they explore why single parents and families affected by disability o
Is Pop Culture Out of Ideas?
Why does everything feel like a reboot? In this episode, Esau is joined by producer Mike and historian Malcolm Foley for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of American pop culture. From promising films like Sinners and Thunderbolts to the creative fatigue behind endless reboots and auto-tuned algorithms, they explore whether we're stuck in a cycle of stagnation and cynicism, and why
Help Me Help You: Esau Becomes the Internet's Life Coach
Everyone needs a life coach sometimes and Esau is here to play the role. In today's episode, he answers the internet's questions about friendship, marriage, calling, AI, church, and, yes, the ethics of eating your kid's leftovers. Joined by Producer Mike and Holy Post Community Coordinator Emerson, the trio tackles everything from existential crises to the proper number of slices you're allowed t
Love in a Time of Outrage: Recovering the Center of Paul's Theology
When most people think of the Apostle Paul, they picture a guy who cares more about doctrine and judgment than love. But what if I told you that the guy who wrote the most famous chapter on love in the Bible actually built his whole theology around it? Esau McCaulley talks with New Testament scholar Nijay Gupta about his new book The Affections of Christ and why Paul might be the Bible'
Our Love-Hate Relationship with Wealth
Why do some successful people inspire us while others ignite our outrage? Esau is joined by John Onwuchekwa to unpack our complicated relationship with wealth, celebrity, and privilege. From Katy Perry and her trip to space, to Deon Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders' jersey retirement controversy, we explore what our inconsistent reactions reveal about ourselves and what we prioritize. Also, we introd
Is There Proof Jesus Was Crucified and Resurrected?
What if the resurrection isn't just a matter of faith—but of history? In this special Holy Week episode, Esau McCaulley sits down with New Testament scholar Craig Keener to explore the historical evidence for Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, Rome's brutal use of the cross, and why the earliest witnesses to the empty tomb were women. They also reflect on the personal and political meaning of th
A Different Kind of DEI
DEI is all over the news right now. The Right hates it and the Left idolizes it, but what if there was a different way to approach the controversial topic? Esau McCaulley is joined by writer and cultural commentator Marie Beecham for a candid conversation about what happens when DEI and antiracism efforts go off the rails—and what it looks like to chart a better path forward. They talk about Marie
The Target Boycott and How the Church Should Think About Money
Esau, Justin Giboney, and Tish Harrison Warren explore the recent Target boycott led by Black church leaders during Lent and what it reveals about how Christians think (or don't think) about money. They unpack the role of ethical spending, the challenges of discipleship in a convenience-driven culture, and whether the Church should be speaking more directly about where and how we spend. Along the
Becoming a Church Girl with Sarita Lyons
Sarita Lyons is here to tell us about her book, Church Girl. She and Esau talk about her journey, from how she was pulled from her faith to what brought her back. She explains why she wrote a book specifically about being a Black Christian woman and why that specificity matters. And, this week in Holy Sports, should there be spaces where you can't discuss race and politics? 0:00 - Sponsor - Fabric
What LeBron James Teaches Us About Parenthood and Empathy
LeBron James made headlines for confronting ESPN's Stephen A. Smith after criticism of his son, Bronny. Esau and Malcolm Foley unpack the moment and ask: What's a parent's role in their child's success, and when does helping become too much? They also explore the growing backlash against empathy and wrestle with how we should use power and privilege for the good of others. Plus, in our new "Freezi
Why is the Internet so Angry?
The internet has become an angry place, but how did it get here and is there any fixing it? Esau is joined by Hannah Anderson and Hannah King to unpack why everyone on the timeline seems ready to fight, how rage has become its own online currency, and whether we're all just really, really lonely. Also, Esau may or may not have tried a social media experiment that has now turned into an ethical cri
Who's the New Public Face of Christianity?
Goodbye Billy Graham and Tim Keller. Hello...um...well, we're not sure. Esau McCaulley is joined by Justin Giboney and Tish Harrison Warren to discuss whether Christianity still has a public face, or if the era of unifying spiritual leaders is over. They explore the rise of social media influencers in faith spaces, why young people may be returning to church, and whether the church is fairly repre
Reclaiming the Black Church's Story
For too long, the history of Black Christianity in America has been told in incomplete or misleading ways. Esau sits down with theologian and author Walter Strickland to discuss his new book, Swing Low: A History of Black Christianity in the United States. They explore the theological foundations of the Black church, the overlooked figures who shaped its legacy, and why its story is about more tha
Did the Early Church Believe Jesus Was God?
What really happened at the Council of Nicaea? Did Constantine force Christians to declare Jesus as God? Was the Bible invented there? And why does the Nicene Creed still matter today? Esau McCaulley sits down with Dr. George Kalantzis, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to clear up the biggest misconceptions about Nicaea, the divinity of Christ, and the role of the early church in shaping
Love, Fame, and Internet Trolls
What's it like being married to someone the internet loves to hate? Esau McCaulley sits down with Nancy French (wife of David French) and Jonathan Warren (husband of Tish Harrison Warren) to talk about love, marriage, and surviving the chaos of public life. From meeting their spouses in unexpected ways to navigating online backlash, they share candid stories, hilarious moments, and hard-won wisdom
The Anti-Greed Gospel: Money, Racism, and the Church
For years, we've been told that racism is about hate. But what if it's actually about money? Like… a lot of money? Esau McCaulley sits down with Dr. Malcolm Foley—historian, author, and expert on racial violence—to break down how greed, not just racism, has been running the show all along. From lynchings as economic control to modern capitalism's obsession with exploitation, we follow the money an
Why Jackie Hill Perry Walked Away from Music—And Why She Came Back
Jackie Hill Perry pulled off the rare creative hat trick—poet, rapper, Bible teacher—and then walked away from music at her peak. Why? And why is she back now? We get into it: the tension between influence and integrity, why theology and justice aren't enemies, and how hip-hop can be a tool for discipleship. Plus, a game of "Bar Exam" where Jackie tries (and sometimes fails) to remember
LA Fires, Climate Change, and Christian Responsibility
When disaster strikes, what should Christians do? Esau sits down with Jamie Aten, a disaster relief expert, and the Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. They talk about the devastating wildfires in California, how climate change and policy decisions are making disasters worse, and why churches play a crucial role in relief efforts. List of Ways to Contrib
What Squid Game Says About Us (And Capitalism)
What happens when a Korean drama holds up a mirror to the world? Esau sits down with Cultural Critic, Rebecca Sun to talk about Squid Game—the Netflix phenomenon that just released its second season. Esau and Rebecca break down how the show's brutal, beautifully shot narrative forces us to wrestle with big questions: What is the show actually saying about capitalism? What happens when art critique
Denzel's Ministry and What We Want From Celebrity Christians
Denzel Washington was recently baptized and now believes he's been called to ministry. How does he compare to other celebrity Christians and do we expect too much, or not enough from the most famous believers? Also, Esau talks about a recent CT article on family estrangement drawing from his own personal experience. How do we follow the commandment to honor our mother and father when we are cut of
The Biggest Stories of 2024
Esau is joined by Justin Giboney and Tish Harrison Warren to look back at the major religious, cultural, and political stories of 2024. From the impact of the election and the rise of AI in churches to surprising shifts in church demographics and the ongoing challenges of political polarization, the conversation dives deep into what shaped the church this year.
Why We Celebrate: The History and Meaning of Christmas Traditions
Esau is joined by fellow Wheaton professors, Emily McGowin and Timothy Larson to talk about the origins of some of our favorite Christmas traditions and why Christians should fully embrace celebrating all 12 days of Christmas.
What is Bible Reading For?
Why do we read the Bible? What are the best practices to interpret it? And how does the way we approach scripture shape who we become? Kevin Vanhoozer joins Esau to try to answer these questions as they discuss his most recent book, Mere Christian Hermeneutics. They discuss CS Lewis' influence on the book and why there is a difference between reading the Bible literally and literalistically Mere
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