The Fascinating Podcast

Follow The Fascinating Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

The StoryMen discuss history, theology and pop culture. Nothing is off limits, so weigh in on the discussion!

A Norville Rogers Podcast


    • Sep 9, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 58m AVG DURATION
    • 401 EPISODES

    4.9 from 54 ratings Listeners of The Fascinating Podcast that love the show mention: theology, pop culture, geek, matt, books, christian, movies, faith, history, provoking, tv, intelligent, smart, cool, deep, wish, god, guys, laugh, topics.


    Ivy Insights

    The Fascinating Podcast is an absolute gem that I stumbled upon after reading Matt's Sunlit Lands books and his Narnia reread articles on tor.com. This podcast offers unique perspectives on the deconstruction and reconstruction of faith, and I have learned so much from listening to their conversations. Not only do they delve into complex topics of faith and culture, but they also navigate these discussions with a refreshing approach and dialogue that the world truly needs right now. It encourages me to think critically about important matters and challenges me to expand my worldview.

    One of the best aspects of The Fascinating Podcast is their ability to engage both the mind and the heart when discussing challenging subjects. They tackle tough issues head-on without resorting to faux juxtapositions or demonization of secular ideas. Instead, they recognize all good as being from God, creating an atmosphere that promotes thoughtful and kind conversations. Furthermore, the hosts' wit and humor make each episode enjoyable, often making me laugh out loud. The podcast strikes a perfect balance between depth and entertainment value.

    My only complaint about The Fascinating Podcast is that it has yet to make me laugh until I cry. While it has made me laugh countless times and even shed a few tears, I long for that elusive moment where laughter brings tears streaming down my face. However, this minor complaint merely demonstrates how much I enjoy their humor.

    In conclusion, The Fascinating Podcast is an absolute gift that explores deep topics while cracking jokes and sharing stories in a way that makes you feel like you're sitting in the room with them. It offers thought-provoking conversations on theology, pop culture, history, and so much more. The hosts are intelligent, genuine, well-read individuals who draw surprising connections between seemingly opposing notions. Even if you don't consider yourself a geek or have extensive knowledge in certain areas of pop culture, this podcast still provides immense value. Overall, The Fascinating Podcast is pop culture done cool and is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of theology and popular media.



    Search for episodes from The Fascinating Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Fascinating Podcast

    Season 13 Premier

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 55:07


    We're back! Season 13 is the march to episode 400! We get back together to review what we missed this summer - especially all that political turmoil. Then we review a surprising summer movie box office and give you a preview of what's coming up this season. All this and more on the season premier!

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 67:24


    The Planet of the Apes franchise has a strange staying power. With the release of the latest (ninth!) film, we review the long, odd history of the franchise - including its mixed success with social commentary. Then we dive into the new film, which embodies the best and worst tendencies of its predecessors. PLUS: a Planet of the... Kyles?

    Improvising Church - Faith After Church Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 54:45


    What would happen if we reimagined church from the ground up? Jazz musician and pastor Mark Glanville joins us for our second installment of Faith After Church. How has jazz helped Mark totally rethink what Church can look like? We should mention  that Mark brought his piano...

    Free Palestine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 77:51


    How should we respond to the genocide in Gaza? We explore the complexities of US foreign policy, the origins of Evangelical Zionism and its anti-Semitic nature. What responsibility do we have? What can we do? 

    Solo Planet: How the Church is Failing by Failing Single People

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 66:30


    Is there a church anywhere in the world where single Christians are flourishing? Why are churches so indifferent - or outright hostile - to the unique struggles and strengths of single Christians? Anna Broadway joins us to share her round-the-globe tour of Christian singledom. PLUS: you won't believe how Anna met Kathy. And there's a certain book award we have to talk about!

    CIVIL WAR

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 72:50


    Talking heads all over the country are warning we're headed for a second civil war. So is a movie called CIVIL WAR about exactly that a good idea? Kathy and JR. consider how that may be the wrong question as we explore Alex Garland's latest film from A24. What does it have to say about journalism? About politics? About being American?JR.'s article on 'Civil War' for Sojourners

    Faith After Church Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 60:16


    What does faith look like when the church fails us? We reflect on our faith journeys - how we've all moved out of the institutional church in different ways. We explore what that has looked like, consider the state of our faith now and imagine what comes next. Join us for part one of a two-part discussion!

    Retelling a Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 66:44


    Some say we're living in the age of remakes, reboots and legacequels, but the truth is that we've been retelling stories since that first "Once Upon a Time..." In honor of the release of James, the new retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, we explore why we enjoy retelling stories, what separates the good retellings from the soulless remakes and even... what happens when the Bible reinterprets itself!

    Rethinking the Police

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 55:59


    Why isn't police reform happening? Despite massive waves of sustained protest around the country, policing seems to be stuck. Dr. Daniel Reinhardt, an officer for 20 years, insists the problem is the internal culture of policing. How can we change that? Daniel joins us to explore what ordinary citizens can do to make real, systemic change. 

    The 2024 Fascinating Pop Culture Madness Tournament

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 71:16


    It's the annual Fascinating Pop Culture Madness tournament. From Prince Harry to the boat-killing Orcas to the best T-Swift Team up, our patented, professionally calibrated bracket leaves nothing to chance. Listen up and get ready to cast your vote in the final game. Who will reign supreme this year? It's up to you!The 2024 Fascinating Pop Culture Madness Bracket

    The Masters of the Universe are Miserable ft. Naomi Kanakia

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 68:15


    Why are the people with the most power so often the most miserable? Author Naomi Kanakia joins us to reflect on the way oppression hurts everyone - even those who oppress. We also explore the possible limits of found family and what's so great about the so-called Great Books.Naomi's newsletter, Woman of LettersThe 2024 Fascinating Pop Culture Madness Bracket

    Ben Winters Goes Big Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 51:26


    Ben Winters returns to the show! He's the creator and executive producer of the hit new CBS show Tracker. He's got oodles of Audible original short novels! And his latest novel, Big Time just dropped! Will Ben reveal the secrets of his prolific career? Is it possible he is releasing something else this year? Just how long ago was the 90s, exactly? All this and more in his triumphant return!

    Praying with St. Patrick

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 45:48


    This weekend is St. Patrick's Day - but beyond the green and the clovers, what is Patrick all about? Host Matt Mikalatos takes us into his new book, Praying with St. Patrick, to discover what wisdom Patrick has to offer for us today!

    Killers of the Flower Moon ft. Dr. Randy Woodley

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 83:19


    Killers of the Flower Moon is getting a lot of attention in awards season - and a lot of praise for its depiction of Native Americans. But Dr. Randy Woodley, Indigenous screenwriter and activist, cautious us against rushing to heap praise upon Martin Scorsese's latest. We welcome Randy to share his experience in the film industry and how he has navigated the conversations around this film.  Connect with Dr. Randy Woodly:Eloheh.org randywoodley.com Sho-kee.com

    Season 12 Premier

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 60:45


    The gang is back! In a season premier tradition, we catch up on what we missed on break. Then Matt challenges JR. and Kathy with some slang new and old. And of course, a feral hog update. 

    Best of 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2023 70:15


    It's the last episode of the season - and the year! On our season finale, we count down our favorite books, movies and more. Plus, we share some of YOUR picks!

    A Christian Defense of Surrogacy with Dr. Grace Kao

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 71:52


    Surrogacy is an act of service for another, one that involves a whole body, and two families. What are the ethics of surrogacy? And why don't our laws reflect the modern science of surrogacy? How can surrogacy be unjust? Dr. Grace Kao joins us to explore the complexity of this act. PLUS: some of our least favorite Christmas traditions!Connect with Dr. Grace KaoWebsite | Instagram

    A Very Godzilla Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 54:35


    The surprise hit of December is GODZILLA MINUS ONE, the latest Japanese Godzilla movie. Since we all saw it, we do a spoiler-free reflection on why it's so great - and why you should try to see it if you can! Plus, since Christmas is approaching, we explore some of our Christmas favorites. 

    Jesus, Artemis and the Ephesians with Dr. Sandra Glahn

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 55:06


    The author of 1 Timothy says he doesn't permits a woman to teach or have authority. He also says women are saved through childbirth. So does that mean women can't preach? Does it mean women can only be saved by having babies? Um... probably not. Dr. Sandra Glahn returns to the show to take us to the ancient city of Ephesus. What do we need to know about Artemis of the Ephesians to make sense out of these otherwise bizarre, contradictory instructions.

    The Marvels Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 57:55


    The Marvels is the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it's been a box office flop. So why do our three co-hosts like it so much? We review the film, including what worked for us and what didn't so much. 

    The Future of Religion with M V Melcer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 52:57


    For decades, science fiction writers imagined a future where religion had gone extinct. But in M. V. Melcer's new sci-fi thriller REFRACTIONS, religion is alive and... if not exactly well, then thriving. She joins us to explore why religion isn't going anywhere - even as technology continues to advance. PLUS: time-travelling telescopes and more!M. V. Melcer's Website

    The FBI, Christianity Today and White Christian Nationalism with Dr. Lerone A. Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 43:09


    The F.B.I. played a key role in the development of White Christian Nationalism. Sound like a tinfoil hat conspiracy theory? Dr. Lerone A. Martin joins us to share the receipts. His new book THE GOSPEL OF J. EDGAR HOOVER shows how F.B.I. Director Hoover worked with evangelical leaders like Billy Graham a generation before the Moral Majority and the rise of the Religious Right. Hoover wrote essays for Christianity Today that Evangelical pastors and Sunday school teachers used for sermons and lessons across the country - and that's just the beginning. Listen in; you won't believe how wild this interview is!

    Fear Not! with Josh Larsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 52:38


    Should Christians watch horror movies? What about movies about demonic possession? Film critic Josh Larsen returns to the show to take us into his new book FEAR NOT. We explore the role horror can play in creating spiritual conversations and even in spiritual formation!Episode Links:Larsen on Film (website)Josh on LetterboxThink Christian (website)Filmspotting (podcast)

    PRESS YOUR LUCK with JR. Forasteros

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 59:44


    Our own JR. is a contestant on Season 5 of Press Your Luck! He takes us behind the scenes from how he got on the show to the extensive casting process to the filming - and yeah, getting to meet the host, Elizabeth Banks. 

    Loving Disagreement

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 54:57


    It's time for another Fascinating-on-Fascinating interview! With the launch of their new book, Kathy and Matt share the hot seat to dish on what it looks like to disagree well. How did their book on civility turn into a meditation on the fruit of the Spirit? Why is civility too low a bar? Plus: a deep dive into kindness, because nice isn't a fruit of the Spirit!

    Kakistocracy ft. Alex Shvartsman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 53:10


    Alex Shvartsman returns to the podcast! The new book in the Conradverse features Conrad Brent, the magic Batman, facing off against his most challenging adversary yet: bureaucratic incompetence! We take the opportunity to reflect on why leadership so often fails to govern well, including a look at the historic removal of Kevin McCarthy as the Speaker of the House. PLUS: Which horror movie monster does your Ennagram number suggest you are?

    Facing America's Original Sins with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 64:29


    Why hasn't America ever faced its original sins of chattel slavery or genocide against Native Americans? What's at stake if we were to face those sins? What might confession look like? What about repenting or repair? On the season premier of the Fascinating Podcast, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins us to frame this conversation for us. How does she find hope in the face of our national reluctance? PLUS: an historic moment in the Fascinating Universe happened this summer, and we've got the full story!

    The Gifted Clans Trilogy with Graci Kim

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 66:12


    What happens when you tell a story that turns out to be an echo of some ancient wisdom? Graci Kim returns to the show for a special deep dive into the conclusion to her Korean-mythology-inspired fantasy trilogy. We explore how Korean mythology evolved, how she chose which versions of the various myths to recontextualize and how she discovered her legacy as a storyteller. Plus, we meditate on what it means to be Korean diaspora and how we reconnect with the loving mystery at the heart of the universe.

    Ecosystems of Jubilee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 56:06


    What would happen if churches dedicated ourselves to healing our communities? Jose Humphreys returns to the podcast to take us through his new co-authored book ECOSYSTEMS OF JUBILEE. We explore how Sabbath is good news for everyone - and why it means so much more than just going to church on Sundays. 

    Tasha Jun on Ethnicity and Belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 52:32


    What does it mean to belong? As a woman of two worlds, Tasha Jun was never quite sure where she fit. But again and again, she returned to the dream her mother had - Tasha as a fierce tiger. Tasha's book is an exploration of identity, ethnicity and belonging. She takes us into the ideas she explores and what it looks like to make a home between two worlds.

    American Born Chinese ft. Wendy Wang and Gene Luen Yang

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 54:17


    What does it take to fit into US culture? Gene Luen Yang first asked that question in 2006 with his groundbreaking graphic novel AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. Now it has become a show on Disney+. We welcome Gene back to the show, and he brings the show's composer Wendy Wang. We explore how their faith shapes their art, and the surprising ways it shows up in the show. It's a season finale you won't want to miss!

    Who Gets to Tell a Story?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 56:44


    Who gets to tell a story? Can a white person write black or Asian characters? Can a person of color play a traditionally white role? We dive into this perennial conversation. We're informed by R. F. Kuang's new bestseller YELLOWFACE, Halle Bailey's Little Mermaid and Miles Morales as Spider-man. PLUS: our non-spoiler thoughts on ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE!

    What Does it Mean to Say the Bible is Inspired?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 59:52


    What do we mean when we say the Bible is "inspired"? Zack Hunt, author of GODBREATHED, joins us to explore why we're so hung up on inspiration. We dive into issues like who wrote the books of the Bible, how much it matters, and who decided what made it in, or not. Oh and also Dan Brown because why not?

    How Do We Fix Christian Missions?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 58:01


    Christian mission work has a long, dark history of colonialism and decimation of indigenous cultures. Despite some reforms, the problems haven't disappeared. Author and activist Mekdes Haddis joins us to offer a vision of a Just Mission. She shares how growing up in Ethiopia shaped her experience of mission, and some of her vision for how we can fulfill Jesus' great commission without sacrificing justice and holiness. 

    Rethinking Immigration with Karen Gonzalez

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 65:53


    The debate about immigration feels like it's at an impasse. What does it mean for our perspective to be just? Karen Gonzales challenges us to change the conversation by centering the very people who are already in the middle: immigrants. How does the our perspective on this issue change when we listen to the people we usually just talk about?

    Andrea Stewart's Bone Shard War

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 47:40


    Andrea Stewart returns to the show to celebrate the epic conclusion of The Drowned Empire trilogy and her newly-minted status as Best-selling author. We do a spoiler-free exploration of Andrea's writing process and what it takes to deliver on the big questions her series asks. PLUS: Matt gives us some details on the latest Writer's Strike.

    God's Gender Reveal Party

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 65:06


    With Kathy in Paris and the internet abuzz with talk about God's gender, Matt and JR. welcome Rev. Tara Thomas Smith as a guest co-host. Tara takes us deep into what's at stake in this conversation, and we explore how best to refer to God in terms of gender. Trust us, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

    I'd Really Prefer Not to Be Here With You

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 59:25


    Best-selling author Julianna Baggott returns to the show as we explore her trippy new short story collection, I'D REALLY PREFER NOT TO BE HERE WITH YOU. Why did she return to short fiction? What has she learned from screenwriting about how ideas are forged into stories? Plus, a tour of some of our favorite stories from the collection!

    Table Top Role Playing with Dr. Emily Friedman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 71:18


    Dr. Emily Friedman returns to the show. Last time (which was admittedly way too many years ago), she was an expert on the way history smells. Now she's become the premier public scholar on the burgeoning world of table top role playing games. What are her favorite hidden gems - simple enough even kids can play?  And what's going on with D&D these days? Speaking of D&D, Kathy and JR. do a quick review of the new film. 

    Shazam: Fury of the Gods ft. Henry Gayden

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 50:39


    Screenwriter Henry Gayden returns to the podcast to discuss his new film, SHAZAM!: Fury of the Gods. He takes us into the process of writing a superhero movie in a shared universe. How did that skittles gag happen? What about THAT cameo? And how does he balance humor, action and so much heart?

    Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time Trilogy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 48:12


    This installment of the Fascinating Book Club welcomes science-fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky to discuss his new classic space opera series CHILDREN OF TIME. Adrian talks about his writing process, where the ideas for these creatures come from and what real empathy looks like in a world where we're not actually all the same.

    Bracketology 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 97:40


    It's March Madness and that means it's time for our super-sized Bracketology episode! What will win in this year's annual bracket? And, for that matter, who even are the contenders?! Listen up and brace yourself for surprise match-ups and even a surprise guest! PLUS: Don't forget that YOU get to vote on the final winner!

    MERU: S. B. Divya's Out of This World Adventure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 48:14


    Author S. B. Divya returns to the show to unveil her latest novel MERU. While most of her work has been near-future, MERU is a far-futuristic space opera with giant humanoid mermaid space-fairies. How does she go about crafting the far future? How does she imagine the ways humanity might evolve (or evolve ourselves)? And what does this sort of science fiction tell us about how to navigate our world today?

    The Oscars 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 97:10


    It's time for the Oscars! What 2022 films deserve the big award? Join us as we explore all ten of the Best Picture nominees and make our predictions. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

    The Oscars 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 64:11


    Your hosts review the Best Picture Nominees for the 2023 Oscars, then make predictions. Hey... you already know who won, so it's pure schadenfreude for you!

    Cocaine Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 60:34


    The new film COCAINE BEAR plays fast and loose with historical events for the sake of entertainment. In honor of the film, we turn to the Bible - what stories from scripture would make good (and loose) adaptations? Then, we explore how a playful attitude toward Scripture can be fruitful. So what stories did we miss?

    Qatching Up in the Quantum Realm

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 61:08


    A freak scheduling conflict has thrust our cohosts into the Quantum Realm. You know what that means - a Feral Hog update! Well... not JUST a hog update. Since time moves differently in the Quantum Realm, we spend some extra time on what's been fascinating us lately and then we end up exploring Marvel's latest film, Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania!

    Decolonizing White Jesus with Tamice Spencer-Helms

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 49:42


    What's the difference between deconstruction and decolonization? Author and activist Tamice Spencer-Helms joins us to share insights from her new book FAITH UNLEAVENED. How did Tamice meet White Jesus? Why was he so detrimental to her faith? And how has she learned to walk away from him and back to the brown Palestinian liberator? 

    Cheers to... The Bachelor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 70:15


    The Bachelor turns 21 this year, so we take a deep dive into the world of reality dating. Our guide is reality TV show expert Nguhi Ross, who leads us through the highs and lows of Bachelor Nation. Why does this franchise have such staying power? What is the best reality dating show to follow in its wake? And what has this done to our culture as a whole?

    What's the Deal with Butts?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 51:20


    Heather Radke joins us to talk about, well, butts. What is a butt, exactly? Why don't we have a proper term for it? And how did she come to write a whole book about them? We do a deep dive into the Booty revolution of the 90s, including that ultimate booty song, Baby Got Back. Don't worry... this is a very serious conversation (with surprisingly few puns!).

    Jason Pargin Pulls Back the Curtain

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 72:30


    Social Media platforms aren't agnostic; they have a particular purpose - one that's often invisible to casual users. Author Jason Pargin joins us to explore the implications of this reality. How do we trace what social media wants from us? How can we tell if we should use carefully or abandon it all together? Oh yeah, and what about Jason's latest book?

    Claim The Fascinating Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel