Changed My Mind with Luke T. Harrington

IMPORTANT: This is the final episode of Changed My Mind. Thanks for going on this journey with me! To keep up with my future pursuits, please sign up for my Substack newsletter at https://luketharrington.substack.com .I talk to pastor and writer J. R. Forasteros about how he came to regard the vaunted Oxford comma with a bit more skepticism. ALSO: Why I'm ending the show, what's next for me, and where you can find me in the future.

IMPORANT: CMM is coming to a close at the end of June. To keep up with me, please go sign up for my Substack newsletter at https://luketharrington.substack.com .Thanks!On this episode, I talk to Leah Libresco Sargeant, author of Arriving at Amen, about how she found her way into the Catholic Church. Also discussed: the shortcomings of the New Atheism; the scientific limits revealed by COVID-19; virtue ethics FTW.

I talk to my sister Tamar, who was once diagnosed with tokophobia (fear of pregnancy and childbirth), but recently gave birth to her first child. Also: self-hypnosis, feminism, my FDR impression. Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com

I talk to hip hop artist Sho Baraka on how his sympathies shifted from the revolutionary Du Bois to the more conservative Washington. Also discussed: Ralph Ellison. Lecrae. Should we defund the police? Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Subscribe to my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Visit Sho at https://www.barakaology.com

I talk to Catholic rapper Mandala about why he changed his mind about the iconic DC Comics villain. Also discussed: Is "Catholic rap" even a thing? Why are Midwestern rappers so into evil clowns? Did the Joker nudge me into the "dirtbag left"? Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Sign up for my substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Check out Mandala at https://mandalaraps.com

I talk to Chris White, director of 'Electric Jesus,' about how writing, shooting, and editing the film completely changed his perspective on the characters, the story, and his past. Also discussed: Judd "John Bender" Nelson's obsession with the Old Testament; my brother's struggles to put on plays at a Christian college; why has the political left turned into a bunch of "church ladies"? Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Support us at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com More info on 'Electric Jesus': https://electricjesusfilm.com

I talk to Liam Murray about how he landed at a pro-life conviction—despite walking away from his Catholic upbringing. Also discussed: Daylight Saving Time; the death of Google Reader; why are there Catholics in Scotland? Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Support us at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Follow Liam on Twitter at https://twitter.com/liammurray

I talk to media and new humanities professor Dominic Pettman on how he came to question the idea that humans are at the center of history. Also discussed: What even *is* technology? Are humans just the “sex organs of machines”? And what is Dominic's middle name? Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Visit Dominic at https://dominicpettman.com

I talk to academic, podcaster, and internet meme Asher Gelzer-Govatos about how he learned to appreciate the films of Wes Anderson. Also discussed: Runza sandwiches, Muriel Spark, Danny DeVito's Matilda. UPDATE: Yes, I'm aware that I mistakenly refer to The French Dispatch as “Licorice Pizza” throughout the podcast. In my defense, “Licorice Pizza” *really* sounds like a Wes Anderson movie. Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Visit Asher at http://www.ashergelzergovatos.com

I talk to philosopher Justin E. H. Smith (author of 'Irrationality') about why, in his view, people know everything a priori, and therefore never change their minds. It's a wild ride. Also discussed: Bigfoot, Pascal's Wager, and what even *is* “rationality” anyway? Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Subscribe to my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Visit Justin at https://www.jehsmith.com

I talk to writer Robert Skvarla about how he's learned to use "the language of conspiracy" to interpret and explain political phenomena. Also discussed: The Koch Brothers. The Satanic Panic. Are "identity politics" just a tool of the Right? Robert Skvarla's Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertSkvarla Read both my books for free by signing up for my Substack: https://luketharrington.substack.com Support Changed My Mind at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com

I talk to Ben Hansen, host of several Discovery Channel documentaries, about how his thinking has changed on the paranormal. Also discussed: Scooby-Doo!, the limits of belief, bulletproof backpacks. Become a supporter at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Ben's official website: https://benhansen.com More info on Shocks Docs: https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/new-on-travel-channel/aliens-make-contact-in-the-hudson-valley-and-they-may-not-come-i

I talk to Clint Carroll, host of ‘Whatcha Gonna Do? The Hulk Hogan Movie Podcast,' about how he hated the Rolling Stones' album ‘Exile on Main St.'…until it got stuck in his car's CD player and he was forced to listen to it over and over. Also discussed: our respective attempts at stand-up comedy; that time I pretended to understand ‘There Will Be Blood'; is America due for a pro wrestling revival? Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Listen to ‘Whatcha Gonna Do?': https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatcha-gonna-do-the-hulk-hogan-movie-podcast/id1118828232

I talk to media and new humanities professor Dominic Pettman on how he came to question the idea that humans are at the center of history. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters. Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Visit Dominic at https://dominicpettman.com

I talk to William Giraldi, author of Hold the Dark, about how he found his way out of the Catholic Church…and then back into it, at least on an aesthetic level. Also: bodybuilding; Michael Jordan; is Christianity the only rebellion left? Support the show on Patreon at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Visit William Giraldi at http://www.wgiraldi.com

I talk to Walter Benn Michaels, author of ‘The Trouble with Diversity,‘ about how he became disillusioned, first with diversity, and then with capitalism. Also discussed: Willa Cather, F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'White Fragility.' Support Changed My Mind at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Check out my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com

I talk to philosopher Justin E. H. Smith (author of 'Irrationality') about why, in his view, people know everything a priori, and therefore never change their minds. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters. Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Visit Justin at https://www.jehsmith.com

I talk to high school teacher Nathan Ogan about why he changed his mind about the Electoral College. Also discussed: teaching Spanish class; why I should get to live in Hawaii; the objectively best way to shoot a free throw. Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind Email me at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Support FairVote at https://www.fairvote.org

I talk to Tasha Robinson, film and TV editor for Polygon, about how she learned to love horror movies. Also discussed: What are the rules of four square? Do good-faith interactions ever really happen? And why do the best writers always ascend to editor heaven? This episode was previously only available to Patreon supporters, but we're making it available to free listeners, because we love you guys. Happy Halloween! 

Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind 

Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com

 Visit Tasha's Twitter at https://twitter.com/TashaRobinson

I talk to Cynthia Pelayo, Bram Stoker Award–nominated author of Children of Chicago and Into the Forest and All the Way Through, about why she thinks ghosts probably aren't real. Also discussed: prayer; voodoo priests; that time she got “canceled.”
 Support the show here: https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
 Email me at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
 Visit Cynthia: http://www.cinapelayo.com

I talk to Ben Hansen, host of several Discovery Channel documentaries, about how his thinking has changed on the paranormal. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters. Become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind Ben's official website: https://benhansen.com More info on Shocks Docs: https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/new-on-travel-channel/aliens-make-contact-in-the-hudson-valley-and-they-may-not-come-i

I talk to John Langan, author of The Fisherman and co-founder of the Shirley Jackson Award, about how he lost his Catholic faith. Also discussed: boarding schools, literary horror, and my inability to push “record.” Support Changed My Mind at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Visit John here: https://johnpaullangan.wordpress.com

I talk to film critic Sarah Welch-Larson about how she ended up living in the Midwest, despite thinking she never would. Also discussed: Nic Cage, Yasujiro Ozu, and LIGHTING TRAIN TRACKS ON FIRE. Become a supporter of Changed My Mind by visiting https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind or email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com.

I talk to film journalist Tasha Robinson about how she came around to love horror cinema. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters.

I talk to Leigh Stein, founder of BinderCon and author of Self-Care and What to Miss When, about how she stopped thinking about feminism “as a religion.” Also discussed: Billy Collins, The Decameron, Network.

I finish out season two with a special episode: My producer Blake comes on to interview me about what I’ve learned so far. Also discussed: my career (?) as a novelist; John Crist, Alec Baldwin.

I ask Lovecraft Country author Matt Ruff how he fell away from the Lutheran faith he was raised with. Also discussed: Should white people write black stories? Why are all “true” tales of the paranormal the same? And is morality just a type of language?

I talk to Ryssa Marshall about how the death of her dad and brother catalyzed her loss of faith. Also discussed: hippie stuff; the Scream franchise; my award-winning acting debut.

I talk to geologist Rachel Greve about how becoming convinced of evolution taught her it was okay to change her mind. Also discussed: poop on porches; the terrible characters I cut from my novel; the Scopes Monkey Trial.

I talk to activist Maghie Miller-Jenkins about why, despite thinking she would never get married, has now been married twice. Also: What’s natural and what’s artificial? Is the human mind just matter? Is marriage just a contract?

I talk to Patrick W. Randolph about how he learned “God told me to marry you” is not a good argument for why you should be dating a girl. Also discussed: Is the friend zone real? What’s the name of my old blog? Who looks good in tank tops?

I talk to writer and academic Hunter Baker about why the Capitol riot made him change his mind about supporting Donald Trump. Also discussed: C.S. Lewis, Aldous Huxley, John F. Kennedy.

I talk to hip hop artist Yons about how he lost his faith. Also: the doctrine of hell, the hip hop industry, Super Mario Bros. 35.

I talk to graphic novelist Joshua Kemble about why he abandoned Christianity…and why he came back to it. Also discussed: Back to the Future, Limp Bizkit, Celeste.

I talk to the Keytar Catholic, Fr. Stephen Vrazel, about why he finally gave in on the debate about how many spaces go after a period. Also discussed: Ben Folds, videogames, Aristotle.

I talk to attorney Jasper Abbott about how his wife's chronic illness made him rethink his libertarianism and advocate for single-payer healthcare. Also discussed: Martin Luther; Ayn Rand; Pete Buttigieg.

I talk to Richard Clark on why he’s gone all-streaming for his games. Also discussed: Andrew Lloyd Webber; Calvinism; why Gamergate will never go away.

I talk to Dr. Christian Tiews about how he came to believe in demons—and how he became an exorcist. Also discussed: Halloween in Germany; Lutheranism in Africa; Julian Jaynes.

I talk to Doug Lattery about why he no longer believes in ghosts and miracles. Also discussed: Pokémon, firefighters’ calendars, Jack Chick.

I talk to Laci Cornelison on how she came to believe white privilege is real. Also discussed: nursing homes, farming, William Tecumseh Sherman.

I talk to Marjorie Hall about how she decided leashes for toddlers are probably okay. Also discussed: dogs, spiders, playing with knives.

I talk to podcaster Ben Rowe about how he decided universal basic income was a good idea. Also discussed: What’s the best horror movie of all time? Is there a plague safe zone in Canada? And why does every teenage boy like Ayn Rand?

A free chapter from my upcoming book, ‘Murder-Bears, Moonshine, and Mayhem: Strange Stories from the Bible to Leave You Amused, Bemused, and (Hopefully) Informed.’

I talk to April-Lyn Caouette about how she found her way from Catholicism to agnosticism to paganism to vague spirituality to Protestantism. Also discussed: YA fiction, the Ayn Rand Society, April-Lyn’s definitely real boyfriend who lives in Canada.

I talk to Justin Camp about why he quit a high-powered career in venture capital to found Gather Ministries with his wife. Also discussed: Is the ability to write actually a curse? Are teenage boys actually sociopaths? Why capitalism?

I talk to Jason Kettinger about his conversion from Catholicism to Presbyterianism. Also discussed: Julia Child, Roach Motels, Bigfoot, UFOs.

I talk to Adina Holmes and Anna Davey about how they became close friends, despite disagreeing about nearly everything. Also: poutine, Canadian Flanders, and my thoughts on BLM and general political unrest.

I talk to James Blake Ewing about how ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’ changed his understanding of morality. Also discussed: Tim Schafer; Lord of the Rings; Western vs. Japanese RPGs.

I talk to novelist K.B. Hoyle about how a close friend’s death made her realize she couldn’t be a Republican anymore. Also discussed: Why is the South so patriotic for the country they lost to in the Civil War? Is Fox News brainwashing? And is K.B. secretly living in a God’s Not Dead movie?

I talk to British expatriate Ian Barrs on why he’s come around to the “American” view of gun rights. Also discussed: the deceptiveness of “common sense”; Eddie Murphy; why hunter stereotypes are complete opposites on the two sides of the pond.

I talk to Cheryl Siedband about why she ditched Jesus to worship the Goddess. Also discussed: face masks; head shaving; Don Bluth.