The World Needs A Little Talk
Join nerd Austin Schwartz and Professor of Theology Matthew Umbarger on a search for wisdom as they discuss religious allegory, cinematic revelations, and other elements they love from prominent stories within pop culture. Books, movies, TV, music, and more; point us toward an interesting story and they'll talk about it.
Episodes
S1 E51 - The Dead Sea Scrolls
Matthew gets Austin to read the Community Rule from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Bear with him; he nerds out a bit. Austin discovers that the Dead Sea Scrolls don't contain revelations from the Andromedan Messiah that the Vatican desperately wants to remain hidden from you. They're actually ... kinda boring. (Whatever, Austin).Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred
S1 E50 - "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die!"
Austin and Matthew flip the script, with Matthew adoring the super-cynical "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," and Austin detesting it. Find out why!Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse H
S1 E49 - "Dunkirk"
You might think that Austin will always find something to critique in just about any movie he discusses with Matthew. "Dunkirk" proves the exception to this rule, and this little talk gushes over it.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and
S1 EP 48 - "The Night Flier"
Austin attempts to get Matthew hooked on Stephen King with another great story, "The Night Flier." This story has it all, tabloid sensationalism, an arrogant protagonist, and a vampire. Will Matthew like it? Listen to find out!Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd
S1 E47 - "The Jaunt" by Stephen King
Austin and Matthew take a "Jaunt" with Stephen King. This is Matthew's first exposure to King, and it gives him a lot of food for thought. The story provokes a conversation about time, eternity, corporeality and hell.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcas
S1 E46 - "The Sheep Detectives"
Austin and Matthew share joy and tears over one of the most beautifully surprising films to come out in a long while, "The Sheep Detectives."Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"E
S1 E45 - "Bugonia"
Austin and Matthew take on a strange film, "Bugonia." Does it have a cynical and caustic view of humanity? Maybe, but it sure is interesting. Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"
S1 E44 - "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
Austin and Matthew love the new Spiderman movie. Really! They truly love the film. But spend their time plucking the legs off of the spider. As well, Matthew finds the MCU's New York to be inconsistent between the drab streets of Punisher to the colorful skylines of Spiderman. Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "T
S1 E43 - Spiderman: Kraven's Last Hunt
Austin and Matthew pick apart an exquisitely dark Spider-Man story, "Kraven's Last Hunt." Find out why we love Peter Parker, and why we agree that he's kind of a jerk?Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original
S1 E42 - The Punisher (TV Series)
Austin and Matthew go old-school Netflix MCU, revisiting Jon Bernthal's two season "Punisher" series. They find a lot to love and and a little "not so much."Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show
S1 E 41 - "Wonder Man"
Austin and Matthew love "Wonderman"! Find out why this is peak MCU. Also, "have a peach ring and you'll understand everything."Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Episode Description by Matthew UmbargerEditing by Austin Sc
S1 E40 - "Sinners"
Austin and Matthew cannot see eye to eye when it comes to "Sinners." Austin makes the case for it being an exquisite work of art. Matthew can't see past its morally murky worldview. Who's right? is "Sinners" celebrating sin or warning of its consequences?Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "
S1 E39 - "The Library of Babel"
Austin and Matthew get lost in "The Library of Babel" by Jorge Luis Borges; literally! Things get trippy in this infinite library where paradoxes hurt their minds.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "
S1 E38 - "The Last Church"
Austin and Brenden introduce Matthew to the world of Warhammer, and Matthew is blown away by the quality of literature that has developed around it. They discuss a short story, "The Last Church," and the surprising amount of depth and beauty that this piece of licensed "fan-fiction" has to offer.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms,"
S1 E37 - "Mandalorian and Grogu"
Austin and Matthew celebrate the father-son duo of Din Djarin and Grogu in "The Mandalorian and Grogu." Find out why they think it deserves more respect from the critics. "This is the way."Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and
S1 E36 - "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
Austin and Matthew go on a quest for the Holy Grail with Monty Python. They do so without beating a single cat. Austin gets frazzled over the ending lacking a ending, while Matthew believes an endless end is one of its own.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check
S1 E35 - "Masters of the Universe"
Austin and Matthew agree: "Masters of the Universe" has the power of nostalgic fun. Listen to them share their personal histories of He-Man and claim their favorite version of Skeletor during the psychological torture of Adam.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd p
S1 E34 - "House" Ep. 1 & 2
Austin convinces Matthew to begin watching "House" with Hugh Laurie. There is a lot of wisdom buried in this hospital drama.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Episode Descriptio
S1 E33 - "Nope"
Austin and Matthew discuss "Nope," a Jordan Peele film. As a fan of the horror genre, it is one of Matthew's favorite horror movies. Austin can't get past the inconsistencies within the production. Does Matthew care? Nope.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play D
S1 E33 - "Daredevil" Season 3
Recently, Austin and Matthew read Frank Miller's "Daredevil: Born Again" comics together. Now they pick apart the third season of Netflix's Daredevil television series, which is heavily influenced by this run in the comic book. Find out why "Daredevil" is Matthew's favorite TV show!Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms,"
S1 E32 - "Frankenstein" (2025)
Masterpiece or monstrosity? Austin and Matthew pick apart Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein for better and for worse.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Episode Description by Matthew
S1 E31 - "Humani Generis"
Matthew introduces Austin to his first papal encyclical, Humani Generis, opening up to a discussion about the ways faith and reason inform one another.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"E
S1 E30 - "Ruins"
Have you ever dined on something that is pretty much universally loathed by anyone who has ever tasted it? That's sort of what Austin and Matthew discover when they read "Ruins," the follow up to "Marvels." Come, share their misery. Have a bite of this. You'll hate it.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwart
S1 E29 - "Marvels"
Austin and Matthew discuss human adaptability and the search for identity through the lense of "Marvels." A four issue limited series that follows the birth of the heroic age from a reporters perspective. Matthew also uncovers Austin's comic filled childhood which contrasts his own comic light upbringing.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms,&q
S1 E28 - "The Door in the Wall"
Austin introduces Matthew to H. G. Wells's haunting short story, "The Door in the Wall," and it sparks a conversation about dreams and nostalgia.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How
S1 E27 - "The Assyrians: Empire of Iron"
Matthew tests Austin's historical mettle with an epic, amateur, three hour documentary on Assyria...Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Episode Description by Matthew UmbargerEditing b
S1 E26 - Dax: Top Songs
Austin and Matthew enjoy some hip-hop from former Newman University student Dax. Austin gets a little too theraputic with Matthew. And Matthew helps Austin catch up on his slang. Do YOU know what "burger music" is? Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Sc
S1 E25 - "17776"
For their landmark 25th episode, Austin and Matthew invite their very first guest, Deqlan Mitchell. Deqlan introduces them to one of the most bizarre pieces of science fiction they have ever encountered, "17776" by Jon Bois.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and
S1 E24 - "Sweet Bird of Youth"
Austin and Matthew go a bit dark with a discussion of Tennessee Williams's "Sweet Bird of Youth." (Tennessee Williams should NOT be confused with Tennessee Ernie Ford). Matthew also snatches an opportunity to talk about Israel.Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play
S1 E23 - "Bullet Train"
Matthew (aka Honeycrisp) finally gets around to watching "Bullet Train," and explains how his wife connects it to Catholicism; meanwhile, Austin (aka Lime) gets emotional about the bond of brotherhood.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on &
S1 E22 - "The Latin Life of Adam and Eve"
An ancient piece of biblical fan-fiction gives Austin and Matthew plenty to discuss. They discuss the importance of classic fairy tales and the significance of Adam and Eve's roles.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern,&
S1 E21 - "Daredevil: Born Again"
What makes a great character? Why should hero's be flawed? Is it okay for comics to be dark and scary? Austin and Matthew enjoy a discussion over a true work of art, "Daredevil: Born Again" by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms,&q
S1 E20 - "KPop Demon Hunters"
Austin and Matthew think KPop Demon Hunters is "Golden." Find out why they strongly recommend this Netflix phenomenon.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd podcast.Episode Description by Matthew UmbargerEditing by Austin SchwartzMus
S1 E19 - The Hatman
Austin introduces Matthew to the Hatman conspiracy. He may never take Benadryl ever again... This episode also features personal accounts of paranormal adventures from Matthew and Austin.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern
S1 E18 - "Lovecraft Country"
Austin and Matthew discuss the creatively brilliant yet morally murky HBO series, "Lovecraft Country." They wrestle with their love of the fantastic cinematic piece, as the their are few low plot beats and questionable threads in the writing.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz
S1 E17 - "The Monkey's Paw"
Austin and Matthew get creeped out by a classic, "The Monkey's Paw." Be careful what you wish for! (Better yet, let's just not make a wish).Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," an actual play Dnd po
S1 E16 - "Morbius"
Austin and Brenden! That's right, Austin's twin brother will be filling in this week to talk about Morbius and the film franchise that could have been a very cool Sonyverse. Too bad it wasn't...Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin and Brenden Schwartz
S1 E15 - "Star Wars: The Holiday Special"'s
Matthew attempts to introduce Austin to television of the seventies and eighties. Maybe starting with the "Star Wars Holiday Special" was a bad idea. Austin in turn introduced Matthew to the world of Lego in cinema and the guys see how the "Lego Star Wars Holiday Special" carries on a tradition. The forty minute children's show winds up giving them quite a bit to chew on in
S1 E14 - "The Lottery"
Austin and Matthew read another Shirley Jackson classic, "The Lottery," per the request of their fan, and it opens up a wide ranging conversation about fertility rituals, scapegoating and human depravity. Enjoy!Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwar
S1 E13 - "Company"
Austin and Matthew, but shorter and less hairy, sit down to discuss Sondheim's "Company." A musical they both watched recently performed by Wichita State University. They dive into the different perceptions of depression and what the value or lack of having people in your life can look like.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts o
S1 E12 - "All is Calm"
Matthew came to see Austin perform in "All is Calm," produced by the Wichita Grand Opera. They reflect on the beautiful piece and express the importance of how a historical story can still carry powerful relevance today.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Aust
S1 E11 - A Christmas Special
Matthew introduces Austin to two sentimental Christmas classics, "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry and Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales." They discuss nostalgia and 'Christmases long ago,' and honestly get in their feels as a couple of tears are shed.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on othe
S1 E10 - "The Chronicles of Narnia" Books 4-7
Austin and Matthew journey back into the wardrobe to revisit Lewis' Narnia. Austin is enamored by "The Last Battle" while Matthew wishes they talked more about "Prince Caspian." But, they both admire the "Silver Chair."Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred
S1 E9 - "Ampersand" by Bastille
Austin introduces Matthew to some of what the young 'uns listen to these days, Bastille! Now Matthew is hip with the kids, who are trying to learn. Dan Smith's "Ampersand" album was a passion project that tells the stories of historic figures with Bastille's artistic flare.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on
S1 E8 - "The Chronicles of Narnia" Books 1-3
Austin finally got around to reading CS Lewis's Narnia series. Matthew feels like they at last have got something he is passionate about to discuss.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on "Sacred Realms," and Austin Schwartz is on "The Floating Tavern," and actual play Dnd p
S1 E7 - "Carousel"
Austin and Matthew discuss a delightful musical with a bland interpretation of a Christian theology based afterlife, Carousel. Newman University just performed this phenomenal production by Rodgers and Hammerstein on the first weekend of November. Feel free to listen in even if you missed the show.Check out Austin and Matthew's original show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other other podcast
S1 E6 - "Watchmen" (2019)
Austin and Matthew revisit Alan Moore's "Watchmen" via its HBO sequel. The comic left Matthew cold, but the TV series goes Catholic for him... hard. Austin tries desperately not to spoil the final episode for Matthew, and nearly succeeds.Austin and Matthew talk about the original graphic novel on their old show, "Apocalypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on, “Sacred Re
S1 E5 - "The Witch"
Austin and Matthew explore interpretations of an expertly written short story, “The Witch,” by Shirley Jackson. They are still wrestling the question, who is the witch?Episode description by Matthew UmbargerEditing by Austin SchwartzMusic theme by Madi LaughlinCheck out our original show, “Apocolypse How?”Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is on, “Sacred Realms” and Austin Schwart
S1 E4 - "Agatha All Along"
Austin and Matthew get creeped out by the overly realistic witchcraft in the MCU's "Agatha All Along," while delving into the deeper concerns of how shows and their protagonist impact the viewers who idolize them.Episode Description by Matthew UmbargerEditing by Austin SchwartzMusic by Madi LaughlinLook at our previous show, "Apocolypse How?"Find your hosts on other podcasts! Matthew Umbarger is o
S1 E3 - "Tom, Dick, and Harry"
Matthew and Austin discuss Austin's professional directorial debut, "Tom, Dick, and Harry." Austin give directorial insight and shares how an invading bat stole the show on opening night. Matthew implores listeners to support live theatre in their local area.Weren't able to see the show? You can still join the discussion by watching Newman University's recording of the show: https://youtu.be/Akber
S1 E2 - "Harry Potter" Books 1 & 2
Matthew heard about this "new" book all the kids have read... He has finally gotten around to reading the first two books of the series and he's got some controversial opinions. Austin defends "Harry Potter" as it was a central point of his childhood, but concedes to some valid observations.Episode Description by Matthew UmbargerEditing by Austin SchwartzMusic theme by Madi LaughlinLook at our pre
S1 E1 - "Superman" and "Fantastic Four"
We're ba-ack. It's been a long while, but the world hasn't ended just quite yet, so we have time for a few more little talks. In this episode, Austin explains why Superman makes him cry and the Fantastic Four does not. Matthew celebrates the fact that Hollywood has rediscovered the centrality of the family for the meaningful narratives. And both of them cringe over supposedly Kansan accents in the
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