Progressive Southern Theologians podcast

In today's episode the guys welcome back friend of the pod, the Rev. Dr. Joe Scrivner, Dean of Chapel at Stillman College. In the first segment, the guys have a conversation about race while talking about the movie Judas and the Black Messiah and the book The Sum of Us by author Heather McGhee. In the second segment the guys discuss the relationship between Christianity and Culture through the lens of the Niebuhr brothers and the departure of Beth Moore from the Southern Baptist Conference. They also explore the possibility that the United States is attaching religious devotion to political philosophy even as the influence of the Church is declining. These are great conversations to listen in on. Of course we will bless some hearts and must a little from the front porch. Check it out!

In today's show, the guys welcome the Rev. Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith, UMC pastor, academic, and expert in all things having to do with the rural South. In the first segment, Marc, Jamie, and Jonathan talk about the ecclesial politics around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Dr. Seuss, and Morgan Wallen. The segment ends with our take on "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me--Southern Edition in which the guys discuss the propriety of squirrel in Brunswick Stew, the best recipe for souse meat, and the greatness of Ric Flair. In the second segment, attention turns to the lack of rural access to quality healthcare and the success of the recently completed pilot program in Stockton, CA in which 175 families were given $500-a-month, no strings attached in hopes that this would allow the families to experience better (and fuller) employment, reduced familial anxiety, and a greater sense of wholeness. In between segments, Jamies offers up the quickest blessing of hearts in the history of the show and of course there will be some musings from the front porch. Having tried to get Jonathan on the show two previous times only to have technical difficulties during the interview, this third take is a great success (and conversation.)

In today's episode, the guys welcome their good friend from their days at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Constructive Theologian and Assistant Professor at the Claremont School of Theology at Willamette University, Yuki Schwartz, onto the show to talk about her work around both in the academy and in the church. Schwartz talks about the role of social justice in the work of theological reflection and how best to meet folks where they are so that religious studies don't remain in the Ivory Tower but, instead, take the lived experience of people seriously. In the second segment, Schwartz explains her area of research on the theological value of shame and the role that shame has come to play in our body politic. The three then talk about the power of shame to keep marginalized communities knowing their place in the hierarchy of the nation. As an example they talk about the actions of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in her efforts to shame members of the transgender community into fitting into her narrowly defined gender categories. Of course hearts will be blessed in the middle of the show and a full-on geek conversation breaks out as the three discuss WandaVision, the Marvel Comics Universe, and the Star Wars canon while on the front porch musing. We hope that you will enjoy this week's offering.

Friends, in today's show, Marc and Jamie return from a brief hiatus to talk about the unfolding humanitarian disaster happening in the state of Texas. They also discuss the philosophical foundations in Republicanism that have been challenged in the last week by the privatization of the power grid in the Lone Star State. The first segment draws to a close with a spotlight on the good work being done by former Rep. Beto O'Rourke and current Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the people of Texas. In the second segment the guys look at the world after a second Trump impeachment trial. They lift up those Republicans who crossed over to vote with the Democrats for conviction and what will happen to those Representatives who voted for impeachment, as well. Of course, the guys will bless some hearts, muse from the front porch a bit about their shared love of Kanye West, and you know they aren't going to take a pass on Ole Lyin' Ted Cruz. This is a jam-packed episode!

In today's show, the guys talk about the inauguration that was, the coming out party for Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga's stunning performance, and Garth Brooks showing up for a black-tie event wearing bluejeans. Oh, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in, too. In the second segment Marc and Jamie talk about the fall of QAnon, the anger of the proud boys, and the blissful calm of Jen Psaki's presence in the White House Press Briefing Room. Of course the guys offer up some well deserved blessings for a couple of hearts and then in a first for the show, a shared Front Porch Musing about the life and legacy of Hank Aaron. It's a rare show with no guest but a lot to talk about. Check it out!

In today's episode, the guys start season two of the pod by welcoming dear friend Dr. Eric Weed onto the show to talk about the attempted coup in our nation's capital. With Dr. Weed's help, Marc and Jamie explore the racial, religious, and cultural underpinnings of Trumpism and the riot in the Capitol Building. They also discuss the future of politics in the country, the significance of the elections of Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff to the US Senate from the great state of Georgia, and if there is a bigger tool in all of professional politics than Alabama's Rep. Mo Brooks. Of course all three bless some hearts and muse a little from the front porch. Check out this supersized episode if you are trying to make sense of the last week in the United States.

On the last show of the year the guys talk about the highlights and lowlights of what most agree was a terrible, terrible year. They discuss the shifting political winds, the ascension of women in the halls of power, and those who have passed on in 2020. Jamie talks about the odiousness that is Tucker Carlson and Marc talks about a truly gross tradition from Wisconsin. The second segment find the boys taking about their favorite holiday traditions from their childhood, Marc's love of burnt mac and cheese and Jamie's love of raw mayonnaise. Of course they finish the show with some front porch musings and hopes for the new year. This is a great way to say, "goodbye," to 2020 and get ready for 2021.

In today's episode the guys welcome artist, activist, and all around excellent human being, Leigh Anne Chambliss Armstrong onto the show. In the first segment the Marc, Jamie, and Leigh Anne talk about her music, spirituality, and anti-racism work in Auburn, AL. Leigh Ann also performs one of the song-a-day songs that she has written in the midst of the pandemic. In the second segment Leigh Ann hangs around and all three discuss Kelly Loeffler, Raphael Warnock and what happens when the prophet runs for public office. Jamie also offers Attorney General Bill Barr a number of websites where he might find a new job after saying that there was no widespread fraud in the election. Of course the guys will bless some hearts and muse a little bit from the front porch.

In today's episode, Marc and Jamie talk about the ridiculous lengths to which the Trump campaign (and a great many elected officials) is going to avoid calling Joe Biden the President-elect. They discuss the hand recount in Georgia and the refusal of some in Michigan to certify the vote totals from a state the Biden won by 155,000 votes. In the second segment the guys look at a post-Trump era for both Trump himself, his family, and the GOP, in general. They finish up the segment by speaking a bit about what Joe Biden can hope to accomplish in his first term. Of course the guys bless some hearts, including a return receiver of blessing, and muse a little bit from the front porch. Check it out!

In today's show Marc and Jamie talk about the results of the recent US Presidential Elections. In the first segment they discuss the greatness of Stacey Abrams and he cadre of GOTV superstars in Georgia and Jamie complains mightily about the candidacy of Cal Cunningham for the US Senate from North Carolina. In the second segment they talk about the ascension of Kamala Harris and what that means for American women and girls to have someone that looks like them sitting in the Vice President's office. In between segments the guys bless the hearts of Paula White, Kenneth Copeland, and any number of Trumpy televangelists who are in desperate need of Divine light following November 3rd. Of course the show winds down with some Front Porch Musings and Marc's love of The Queen's Gambit.

In this week's jam-packed episode, the guys first welcome their doctoral advisor, mentor, and friend, the President of Chicago Theological Seminary, the Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, to talk about the impending election and what happens next in the eventuality of one candidate or another winning the Presidency. In the second segment, the guys make some predictions for Tuesday's election and talk a little bit about the efforts to suppress the vote in swing-states. Of course in between the two segments the guys will bless some hearts (and Jamie will continue his ongoing battle against Jerry Falwell, Jr). The show will close out with Marc and Jamie doing some Front Porch Musing about the work of Heather Cox Richardson and the music of Mason Jennings. Go vote!

In today's episode, the guys welcome to the show President of Progressive Christianity and the co-founder of The Christian Left, the Rev. Mark Sandlin. In the first segment, they talk about the recent final and second debate, the role of race in the election, and the blight on the United States that is the 545 children separated from their parents by our government and their inability to now reconcile families. In the second segment, the guys talk to Mark about the role of liberal Christianity in this years presidential and senatorial campaigns. They conclude the segment with some early predictions on the battleground states. Of course they will bless some hearts and offer some Front Porch Musings (while Jamie speaks of his love for the noble Oreo). This episode was a lot of fun to record. We hope that you will enjoy it, too!

In today's show, the guys try and sort out the Trump-COVID story and look especially at his claim that getting the novel coronavirus was "gift from God." In the second segment, they break down the Vice Presidential Debate and have an extended conversation about a fly. Jamie will take time out of his busy day to bless the heart of Eric Trump while Marc talks about his love of the show "Ratched" and his disdain of Tom Brady. This is a really fun episode.

It today's show, in the first segment, the guys look at the continued fallout from the decision by the Grand Jury and Attorney General of Kentucky not to press any charges relating to the killing of Breonna Taylor. They look especially at the ongoing protests happening in Louisville and what this means for the future of race relations in the city. They also talk a bit about the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to fill the seat of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In the second segment, Marc and Jamie put on their wader boots and try to slog through the mess that was the first presidential debate last Tuesday as well as talk about the future of Democracy in the United States. Of course, in between segments the guys will bless the hearts of two folks while Jamie offers something good that came out of the debate. The show concludes, as always with Front Porch Musings. This is jam-packed episode!

In today's show, the guys talk about the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and explore the cultural phenomenon of her alter-ego, the Notorious RBG. They finish off the first segment by looking at the potential shifts that would come with the confirmation of a 6th conservative Justice. In the second segment they look at the efforts of the Senate to nominate and confirm her replacement before November 3rd. They also discuss the voter turnout issue that continuously plagues the Democratic Party as we near Election Day. As always the guys will bless some hearts and finish off the show with Front Porch Musings.

In today's show, Marc and Jamie talk about the revelations made by the Woodward Tapes and what, if any, impact they might have on the race for President. In the second segment, they welcome back friend of the pod, Dr. Christine Blackburn, Deputy Director of the Pandemic & Biosecurity Policy Program at Texas A&M, to talk about the last few months of the national response to COVID-19. In the third segment, the guys talk about the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, NY and an incident involving the Rochester Police Department and a church. Finally, as with every week, the guys end the show with their Front Porch Musings as Jamie celebrates the final release of Curtis Flowers and Marc Memorializes Diana Rigg, also known as Lady Olenna Tyrell from Game of Thrones, who passed away last week at the age of 82. You don't want to miss this jam-packed show!

Ending their summer hiatus, the guys talk about another shooting of an African American man by the police and the collective responses of the nation. They also talk about Kyle Rittenhouse and the difference in the reaction by the police between people who look like Rittenhouse and those who look like Jacob Blake, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. Marc and Jamie also discuss the dueling conventions of the past few weeks and the use of religious imagery and language by each major political party. All this and Jamie's call for the nation to unite around declaring Jerry Falwell, Jr. to be the biggest schmuck in the country. It will be cathartic for everyone.

In today's show, Marc and Jamie talk about the Mississippi Flag being taken down in favor of a to be determined design without the Confederate Battle flag and the speed at which racial hierarchies are being challenged throughout the country. In the second segment, the guys talk about the use of the term "White Power" by septuagenarians in golf carts and the Veepstakes. The show concludes, as always, with Front Porch Musings in which Jamie declares his love for Sacha Baron Cohen. You don't want to miss this!

In today's show, the guys discuss the recent comments made by Evangelical pastor Louie Giglio in which he referred to the "blessing of slavery" and changing the term "White Privelege" to "White Blessing." Marc also takes the good Presbyterian, Jamie, into the strange and confusing world of American Evangelical Christianity. In the second segment, the guys talk about the recent decision by the Trump Campaign to have a rally the day after Juneteenth in a city that was the site of one of the worst episodes of racial violence in the history of the country. As always, the show wraps up with "Front Porch Musings."

In today's show, the guys welcome back to the show, friend of PST, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Scrivner, Dean of Chapel and Professor of New Testament at Stillman College and Pastor at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, AL to talk about the killing of George Floyd, the response by the President and other leaders, and the protests that have broken out across the globe. The show concludes, as always, with our Front Porch Musings as the guys talk about what has brought them joy this week.

In today's show, Marc and Jamie get together to discuss the recent decision by Donald Trump to declare houses of worship to be essential--just like liquor stores and gas stations--as well as the latest foot-in-mouth moment from presumptive Democratic nominee for President, former VP Joe Biden. The guys also take up the breaking news of the killing of George Floyd. The show concludes, as always, with the Front Porch musings.

In today's episode, Marc and Jamie welcome special guest, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Scrivner, pastor of Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church and Dean of Chapel at Stillman College, both in Tuscaloosa, AL. The three of them discuss the details of the Ahmaud Arbery killing in Georgia as well as the loss of Truth as an operative category in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They conclude, as always, with Front Porch Musings.

In today's episode, Marc and Jamie talk about the protests in front of the Michigan Statehouse complete with AR-15s! The first segment ends with another new song from friend of the pod, Leigh Anne Chambliss Armstrong. In the second segment, they talk about the challenges that are facing HBCUs and other small liberal arts colleges who are potentially facing a semester with no students on campus. They conclude the show with Jamie's love of the show Deadwood and Marc's enjoyment of the Podcast, In the Dark. Come give us a listen!

In this episode, Marc and Jamie discuss the phenomenon of televangelists going to great lengths to explain why the nation has been plagued by the novel coronavirus and what they are doing to stop it. They also examine the recent protests that have arisen around the country demanding (mostly Democratic) governors lift the various stay-at-home orders and allow them to once again get haircuts. In the second segment, we explore the economic conditions around the states through the lens of the Small Business loans program and wonder aloud whether The Cheesecake Factory and Shake Shack are considered "small businesses." And we will conclude, as we always do, with our Front Porch musings.

In today's episode, Marc and Jamie reflect on the experience of Holy Week in the midst of a global pandemic as well the racial disparities when it comes to medical outcomes for those suffering from COVID-19. In the third segment, Marc interviews the Rev. Allyn Maxfield-Steele, the co-director of the Highlander Center in New Market, TN about the progressive work that the Center has undertaken throughout its illustrious history. We finish the show off with musings about the writings of Rutger Bregman and the immeasurable value of sourdough bread starter. We also have another new song by artist, Leigh Ann Chambliss Armstrong. This is another packed show!

In today's supersizes episode, Marc and Jamie discuss the reluctance of many southern governors to give stay-at-home orders to their states. They also explore the effects of COVID-19 on the economy of those who live on the edge. Marc interviews the Rev. Jess Cook, the Program & Communications Manager for More Light Presbyterians about their Lenten devotional “Ashes to Rainbows.” We finish the show with a reflection on the music of Joe Diffie and John Prine and the awesomeness that is Dolly Parton. The outro for the show comes from the music of Leigh Ann Chambliss Armstrong.

In this episode, Marc and Jamie discuss the two trillion dollar stimulus package passed by Congress, the aspirations of Donald Trump to open the country up by Easter, the trade-off of life for stable economy offered up my Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and pastors who continue to have church gatherings ignoring warnings from both political leaders and public health experts (and common sense.)

In this episode, Marc and Jamie discuss the end of Bernie and the ascension of Biden, the digital divide being exposed by the closing of schools, and we interview Dr. Christine Blackburn on the nation's response to COVID-19.

In this episode podcast hosts Marc Boswell and Jamie McLeod discuss in the first segment the rise of COVID-19 throughout the nation. They pay special attention to the impact felt in the rural south. The second segment will look at the shape of the Democratic Primary following the conclusion of several contests in Idaho, Missouri, Michigan, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Washington. The third segment will look at the state of the #metoo movement after the sentencing of disgraced Hollywood mogul, Harvey Weinstein. The show will conclude with Marc and Jamie offering something that is giving each one of them joy for the week.