The Mockingcast

In their first episode following the summer hiatus RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Frederick Buechner, worker productivity scores, Effective Altruism, and Afrikaner sadness. Also, Sarah's sabbatical diverts her somewhere fabulous. Recommendations: The Brothers Zahl (https://thebrotherszahl.fireside.fm/) podcast, Soultime (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soultime-christian-meditation/id1369059690), Radical Love (https://amzn.to/3cw8FcY) by Zachary Levi, Better Call Saul, and The Neal Morse Band (https://www.nealmorse.com/) Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/opinion/columnists/frederick-buechner-inner-depths.html) to read David Brooks' "The Man Who Found His Inner Depths". Click here (https://mbird.com/literature/corresponding-with-buechner/) to read Mischa Willet's "Corresponding with Buechner". Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/08/14/business/worker-productivity-tracking.html) to read about The Rise of Worker Productivity Score by Jodi Kantor and Arya Sundaramin the NY Times Magazine. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/15/the-reluctant-prophet-of-effective-altruism) to read about The Reluctant Prophet of Effective Altuisim by Gideon Lewis-Kraus Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/07/south-africa-apartheid-white-afrikaners-the-inheritors/670554/) to read Eve Fairbanks's piece taking the pulse of contemporary Afrikaners in The Atlantic.

In which RJ, Sarah and Dave talk insane crafts, normie churches, dying neuroscientists, the healing power of children's books and hope in a weary world. Click here (https://mbird.com/support/) to respond to the opening appeal and support The Mockingcast. Click here (https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/issue-20-success-failure/) to order a copy of The Success & Failure Issue of The Mockingbird Magazine. Click here (https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001Olbj1iTXQSX3q9FkHt67FFoyDMBzOmoIOjfo1gXsdt7xUH3YspjkYai-FuY3LICBrMwkIL8YJ6538KqBGpsf6LcHIScTZP8QIxM-PXMsJK0%3D) to join our digital mailing list. Click here (https://mbird.com/conferences/2022-nyc-conference-recordings/) to listen to the recordings from our recent New York Conference. Click here (https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/05/she-invented-adulting-her-life-fell-apart) to read the Vanity Fair interview with Kelly Williams Brown. Click here (https://www.bradeast.org/blog/church-for-normies) to read Brad East's post about Church for Normies. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/12/terminal-cancer-neuroscientist-prepares-death/621114/) to read David Linden's piece in The Atlantic, "A Neuroscientist Prepares for Death." Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/03/style/and-now-the-200000-face-lift.html) to read the NY Times report on the $200,000 Facelift. Click here (https://mbird.com/literature/viewing-the-world-with-the-eyes-of-an-eight-year-old/) to read Joey Goodall's article on Viewing the World With the Eyes of an 8-Year Old. Click here (https://onbeing.org/programs/kate-dicamillo-for-the-eight-year-old-in-you/) to listen to Krista Tippett's interview with Kate DiCamillo. Click here (https://www.abc.net.au/religion/david-newheiser-an-uncertain-hope-in-a-pandemic-world/13865150) to read David Newheiser's piece on An Uncertain Hope.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk library fines, viral dynamics, sad teenagers, and Easter vendettas. Also, Sarah has quite a run-in at the airport. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/nyregion/nyc-library-fines-books-returned.html) to read the report about returned library books in NYC. Click here (https://mbird.com/everyday/law/second-dates-library-fines-and-doing-good/) to read Matt Pearson's commentary on the returned library books for Mbird. Click here (https://www.wired.com/story/the-end-of-alcohol/) to read Virginia Heffernan's essay for Wired about The End of Alcohol. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/) to read Jonathan Haidt's essay on Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/04/american-teens-sadness-depression-anxiety/629524/) to read Derek Thompson's report on Sad Teenagers. Click here (https://youtu.be/08C-1PB-w3Y?t=2774) to watch/listen to RJ's Easter sermon. And here to listen (https://youtu.be/bUUSe58nOoo?t=1280) to Dave's post-Easter one. For more info about the NYC Conference, click here (https://conference.mbird.com/).

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk goblin modes, unproductive sabbaticals, shaming complexes, and historical miracles. Also, Sarah takes a tour of a church crypt, and RJ sees yellow (and a lot of movies). Click here (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/mar/14/slobbing-out-and-giving-up-why-are-so-many-people-going-goblin-mode) to read The Guardian's piece on Goblin Mode. Click here (https://mbird.com/everyday/the-gift-of-leisure-to-a-hustling-world/) to read Peter Seversen's post for Mockingbird on The Gift of Leisure in a Hustling World. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/03/28/the-shaming-industrial-complex-cathy-oneil-the-shame-machine-owen-flanagan-how-to-do-things-with-emotions) for Becca Rothfeld's rundown of The Shaming Industrial Complex. Click here (https://www.vox.com/22969804/forgiveness-gibson-logan-paul-jk-rowling) to read Aja Romano's column for Vox, Everyone Wants Forgiveness, But No One Is Being Forgiven. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/russia-ukraine-war-stopped-internet-culture-war/627122/) to read Rinee DiResta's piece for The Atlantic, "The Ukraine Briefly Put America's Culture War in Perspective." Click here (https://mbird.com/theology/gods-hand-in-human-history/) for David Clay's post on God's Hand in Human History. *For more details, or to pre-register for our upcoming conference in New York City, please click here (https://conference.mbird.com/). *

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk healthy forgetfulness, vengeful superheroes, theories of enchantment, and personalized religion. Also, Dave breaks some troubling news to a bunch of children. Click here (https://conference.mbird.com/) for more details or to pre-register for our upcoming conference in New York City (April 28-30). Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/opinion/pandemic-memory.html) to read the NY Times column on forgetting the pandemic. Click here (https://mbird.com/film/the-batman-satisfied-vengeance-and-a-symbol-of-hope/) to read Blake Nail's review of The Batman on Mbird. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/can-chloe-valdary-sell-skeptics-dei/617875/) to read The Atlantic's profile of Chloe Valdary and her Theory of Enchantment. Click here (https://richardbeck.substack.com/p/stop-sneering-and-get-to-work) to read Richard Beck's newsletter about Joel Osteen and CCM. Click here (https://mbird.com/religion/church/the-relief-of-lent/) to read Sarah's column on The Relief of Lent. Click here (https://www.welcometothetent.com/) to learn more about The Tent to which Sarah is contributing.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk cheugy parents, happy churchgoers, urgent prayers, and long defeats. Also, while Dave makes a Pink Floyd faux-pas, RJ does some stitching. Click here (https://katiecouric.com/lifestyle/katie-realizes-shes-cheugy/) to read Katie Couric's confession of cheugy-ness. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/02/21/magazine/laurie-santos-interview.html) to read the NY Times Magazine's interview with Laurie Santos. Click here (https://www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/on-nagging/) to read The School of Life's entry On Nagging. Click here (https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/02/18/liturgy-cross-petitions-241765) to read Torey Lightcap's piece on Polite vs Urgent Worship in America Magazine. Click here (https://mbird.com/religion/church/no-ones-making-a-docuseries-about-ordinary-churches/) to read Jason Micheli's post on why Nobody Is Making a Docuseries about Ordinary Churches.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk porch pirates, fading friendships, trivialized trauma, and hopeful humor. Also, God works through a robot vacuum cleaner. Click here (https://www.wired.com/story/do-good-doorbell-cams-make-good-neighbors/) to read Meghan O'Gieblyn's answer to the question "Do Good Doorbell Cams Make Good Neighbors?" in Wired Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/03/why-we-lose-friends-aging-happiness/621305/) to read Jennifer Senior's essay on "It's Your Friends Who Break Your Heart" in The Atlantic. Click here (https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22876522/trauma-covid-word-origin-mental-health) to read Lexi Pandell's column on "How 'Trauma' Became the Word of the Decade" in Vox Click here (https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2022/02/04/stephen-colbert-gives-deep-response-dua-lipa-faith-question/6666742001/) to watch Stephen Colbert's surprising response to Dua Lipa's question about humor and faith. For more information about Dave speaking at RJ's church on Feb 26&27, visit the website (https://www.holytrinitywpb.org/faithandlife) for Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach, FL.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Wordle distractions, parenting silos, mental midwinters, and undeserving fairy tales. Also, Sarah recalls the glory of heads-up seven-up. Click here (https://newsletters.theatlantic.com/galaxy-brain/61eefb8bdc551a0020852bf1/too-much-information/) to read Charlie Warzel's newsletter about Wordle backlash. Click here (https://annehelen.substack.com/p/why-no-one-can-hear-parents-screaming) to read Anne Helen Petersen's newsletter on Screaming Parents. Click here (https://www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/why-you-may-be-experiencing-a-mental-midwinter/) to read The School of Life's entry on Mental Midwinters. Click here (https://mbird.com/literature/parables-of-grace-happy-endings-for-the-undeserving/) to read Benjamin Self's piece on Fairy Tales Click here (https://mbird.com/holidays/plans-and-resolutions-divinely-interrupted/) to read Stephanie Phillips's essay on Divine Interruptions.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk habit formation, performative meetings, Latin American religion, and the benefits of falling apart in church. Also, George Costanza chimes in with some tips on working less. Click here (https://mbird.com/conferences/nine-days-until-tulsa/) for more information about our Tulsa Conference (1/21-22). Click here (https://mbird.com/same-old-song/crafting-the-gospel-focused-sermon-for-lent/) for more information about the Same Old Song "Preaching During Lent" virtual event. Click here (https://mbird.com/theologyreligion/a-light-year/) to read Sarah's post about "A Light Year." Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/01/2022-is-not-the-year-for-new-years-resolutions/621070/) to read Faith Hill's column on how "New Years' Resolutions Are Not the Vibe of 2022". Click here (https://www.economist.com/business/2022/01/08/the-rise-of-performative-work) to read the Economist piece on "The Rise of Performative Work." Click here (https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-the-catholic-church-is-losing-latin-america-11641914388) to read The Wall Street Journal's investigation into Why the Catholic Church Is Losing South America. Click here (https://sojo.net/articles/why-i-cry-church?fbclid=IwAR2Qk1ootMOjCW5yoGb532R-JnzOcOgc8gRzJsEL4UwNzyDX2mIJuySdjGA) to read Mallory McDuff's article on Why I Cry in Church.

To respond to the opening appeal and support the work of Mockingbird, please visit mbird.com/support. All gifts are tax-deductible. Our last episode of the year in which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk mallstalgia, gift aversions, parent-child privilege gaps, and gambling addictions. Click here (https://tropicsofmeta.com/2021/11/29/mallstalgia/) to read Jason Tebbe's piece on mallstalgia for Tropics of Meta. Click here (https://mbird.com/everyday/law/i-hate-presents/) to read Sarah Hinlicky Wilson's confession, "I Hate Presents." Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/opinion/poor-dad-rich-kids.html)to read Esau McCaulley's op-ed on how to raise middle-class kids if you grew up poor. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/world-our-casino/620791/) to read Stephen Marche's article about how America's Gambling Addiction is Metastasizing in The Atlantic. Click here (https://mbird.com/news/america/risky-business-a-high-stakes-gambling-addiction/)to read Sam Bush's reflection on Risky Business.

In which Dave, RJ, and Sarah talk college essays, supermodel insecurities, ferocious coziness, and because-because propositions. Also, Sarah attends a Renaissance Festival and Dave visits some European comic book stores. Click here (https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/authenticity/articles/how-to-be-yourself) to read Joseph E Davis's piece on "The Studied Art of the College Application Essay" Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/emily-ratajkowski-and-the-burden-of-being-perfect-looking) to read Carrie Battan's review of Emily Ratajkowski's book in The New Yorker Click here (https://mothersundertheinfluence.substack.com/p/is-cozy-season-a-cry-for-help) to read Kathryn Jezer-Morton's newsletter asking "Is Cozy Season a Cry for Help?" Click here (https://thecorners.substack.com/p/sin-boldly) to read Nadia Bolz-Weber's sermon "Sin Boldly" This episode is dedicated to the memory of John Owen, a member of the Condon family who died recently.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk the fastest growing sport in America, the allure of conspirituality, exvangelical hashtags, and renamed churches. Also, a pair of golden girls wipe the pickleball court with Mr. Zahl. Click here (https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/10/how-pickleball-won-over-everyone) to read Craig Coyne's piece on "How Pickleball Won Everyone Over" in Vanity Fair. Click here (https://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2021/da-corte-roof-garden-commission) to check out Alex Da Corte's sculpture on the top of the Met. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/10/fix-facebook-making-it-more-like-google/620456/) to read Ian Bogost's piece "People Aren't Meant to Talk This Much" in The Atlantic. Click here (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/17/eva-wiseman-conspirituality-the-dark-side-of-wellness-how-it-all-got-so-toxic) to read Eva Wiseman's exploration of "The Dark Side of Wellness." Click here (https://mbird.com/theologyreligion/faith-after-exvangelical-deconstruction/) to read Zack Verham's piece on "Faith After Exvangelical Deconstruction." Click here (https://unherd.com/2021/10/god-save-us-from-trendy-vicars/) to read Giles Fraser writing about Trendy Vicars (and St. Mike's).

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk travel selves, generational generalizations, optimistic pitfalls, and forgiving bad fathers. Also, Sarah spies some aliens and RJ jumps off several cliffs. Click here (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/psychology-travel-vacation-identity-transformation/2021/10/07/19e2615c-2204-11ec-8200-5e3fd4c49f5e_story.html) to read “You're a Different Person When You Travel” by Jen Rose Smith in The Washington Post. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/10/18/its-time-to-stop-talking-about-generations) Louis Menand's essay “It's Time to Stop Talking about ‘Generations'” in The New Yorker. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/09/hope-optimism-happiness/620164/)to read Arthur Brooks piece on The Difference Between Optimism and Hope. Click here (https://comment.org/death-and-forgiveness) to read Joseph Keegin's essay on Death and Forgiveness.

In which Sarah, Dave, and RJ talk self-awareness, gracious friendships, nap ministries, and the "gift" of rejection. Also, RJ explores his haze-ability while Sarah buys a bridesmaid dress. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/16/opinion/psychology-consciousness-behavior.html) to read David Brooks column on "Is Self-Awareness a Mirage?" Click here (https://time.com/6100956/anne-lamotts-advice-could-stop-you-from-drowning-in-cynicism/) to read the interview with Anne Lamott in Time. Click here (https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/) to read about the Nap Ministry. Click here (https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/) to read Dave's water polo story. (And here (https://amzn.to/39ELSXp) to order the book in question). Oh and click here (https://www.storymakersnyc.com/) to learn more about Storymakers.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk favorite comedians, status games, personal progress, deconversion narratives, and the allure of re-enchantment. Also, somehow RJ keeps winning. He's insufferable that way. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxD3pT8C9-A) to watch Norm Macdonald deliver the Moth Joke. Click here (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/29/we-all-play-the-status-game-but-who-are-the-real-winners) to read Will Storr's article on Status Games in The Guardian. Click here (https://unherd.com/2021/09/life-is-one-big-status-game/?fbclid=IwAR0CTppnvmGeHQcDyNX_1m6wc5gmNIULZkgzCsorFoptR8BZg3N__zS9ePs) to read Ed West's review of Storr's book on UnHerd. Click here (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/august-web-only/covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic-personal-progress.html) to read Hannah Anderson article in Christianity Today on how COVID Killed Our Sense of Personal Progress. Click here (https://thepointmag.com/criticism/uncertain-terms/) to read Shivani Radhakrishnan's article "Uncertain Terms" in The Point. Click here (https://amzn.to/3hHpX6l) to order Megahan O'Gieblyn's new book God Human Animal Machine.

In their first episode after the summer hiatus, Dave, RJ and Sarah talk misbehaving consumers, trapped perfectionists, and controversial forgiveness before taking a detour to a little church in Mississippi. Also, Sarah dons a babooshka while Dave drums up some tips. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/08/pandemic-american-shoppers-nightmare/619650/) to read Amanda Mull's article on how American Shoppers Are a Nightmare Click here (https://www.economist.com/1843/2021/08/10/the-perfectionism-trap) to read Josh Cohen's essay on The Perfectionism Trap Click here (https://thecorners.substack.com/p/if-you-cant-take-in-anymore-theres) to read Nadia Bolz Weber's newsletter on what to do If You Can't Take In Anymore Click here (https://www.vox.com/vox-conversations-podcast/2021/7/12/22379647/vox-conversations-elizabeth-bruenig-forgiveness-social-media) to read the Vox interview with Elizabeth Bruenig about forgiveness Finally, click here (https://mbird.com/grace-in-practice/a-vision-for-the-broken-hearted/) to read Sarah's account of what happened with the stained-glass window

In their last episode before the summer hiatus, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk brand loyalty, thought-terminating cliches, father's day championships, the religion/psychoanalysis intersection, and God's downstairs neighbor. Also, RJ changes his mind about Michael Jordan (sort of). *To support Mockingbird, please visit www.mbird.com/support. * * To read Sophie Gilbert's review of Cultish, click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/06/review-cultish-amanda-montell-language-fanaticism/619165/). * To read Hanif Abdurraqib's column "On Sneakers", click here (https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2021/06/07/on-sneakers/). * To read Kelsey Osgood's essay on "Ernest Becker and Our Fear of Death", click here (https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/culture-of-life/ernest-becker-and-our-fear-of-death). * To read Nightbirde's piece God Is On the Bathroom Floor, click here (https://www.nightbirde.co/blog/blog-post-title-three-2rjnk).

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave talk spite, ubiquitous burnout, chaplaincy booms, and our conflicted relationship with newness. Also, Dave marvels at how refreshed the cicadas are looking. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/05/why-are-we-so-spiteful/618865/) to read Charlie Tyson's review in The Atlantic on Why Are We So Spiteful? Click here (https://vimeo.com/553832309) to watch Todd Brewer's talk on Anger ("If Jesus Had a Twitter Account") from our Tyler Conference. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/05/24/burnout-modern-affliction-or-human-condition) to read Jill Lepore's essay on Burnout in The New Yorker Click here (https://www.thecut.com/2021/05/quitting-your-job-as-self-care.html) to read Katie Heaney's piece on The Clock-Out Cure in The Cut Click here (https://www.vice.com/amp/en/article/epnd8e/why-chaplains-are-in-high-demand-in-an-increasingly-secular-america) to read Vice's article on Why Chaplains Are in High Demand in an Increasingly Secular America Click here (https://mbird.com/2021/05/facing-the-strange/) to read Sam Bush's post on Facing the Strange Click here (https://mbird.com/2021/05/god-loves-a-cliche-i-hope/) to read Dave's post on Becoming a Cliché Recommendations: * Click here (https://amzn.to/3yA8Z0o) to order Spencer Reece's All the Beauty Still Left * Click here (https://open.spotify.com/album/1sp2pqP1wjFDoWhzUZikhg?si=bSLwQv1fQvSQjSq_4qU6Bw) to listen to Natalie Bergman's new album Mercy * Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/arts/music/sinead-oconnor-rememberings.html?utm_source=pocket-newtab) to read the profile of Sinead O'Connor in the NY Times

Recorded live in front of an audience at the Mockingbird Tyler festival, Sarah, RJ, and Dave talk ambivalent mothers, Nordic expectations, getting "on top of things", and elite religiosity. Also, Sarah indulges in some, er, splendid show-and-tell. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/05/make-your-mom-happier/618811/) to read How Adult Children Affect Their Mothers' Happiness Click here (https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/04/finland-happiness-lagom-hygge.html?utm_source=digg) to read about The Grim Secret of Nordic Happiness in Slate. Click here (https://www.oliverburkeman.com/so/a7Nb2UVuo?languageTag=en&cid=d91ad76d-bd35-4739-bf6e-8b03ed849a33#/main) to read Oliver Burkeman's newsletter on mastery. Click here (https://jecs.substack.com/p/another-obstacle-to-elite-religion) to read Audrey Pollnow's newsletter on elite American religion. Click here (https://mbird.com/2019/02/prisons-of-sadness-and-a-love-much-greater-than-evolution-requires/) to read Michael Gerson's sermon from The National Cathedral.

Surprise! It's a special edition episode of The Mockingcast, in which CJ Green introduces the unpredictable content of the Surprise issue (https://magazine.mbird.com/shop/issue-17-the-surprise-issue/) of The Mockingbird magazine. You'll hear an incredible personal essay read by author and professional listener, Helena Dea Bala; an interview on unexpected grief with the Rev Liz Tichenor; and a discussion about jazz and John Coltrane with musician Sam Bush. Plus some stuff about Disneyland. Lots of twists and turns, needless to say. Click here (https://magazine.mbird.com/shop/issue-17-the-surprise-issue/) to order the issue.

In which Dave, RJ and Sarah talk subtraction strategies, birth order effects, Bieber's redemption, and the spiritual dangers of courting controversy. But maybe that's just what a couple of oldest children (and one middle child) would discuss. Click here (https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/04/15/psychology-innovation-subtraction-addition/) to read The Washington Post's report on our aversion to subtraction when it comes to problem solving. Click here (https://time.com/5953372/birth-order-personality-traits/) to read Lynn Berger's article in Time on Birth Order. Click here (https://time.com/5953372/birth-order-personality-traits/) to read Zach Baron's profile in GQ on The Redemption of Justin Bieber. Click here (https://www.ligonier.org/blog/oncontroversy/) to read John Newton's letter on the dangers of courting controversy.

In which Sarah, RJ and Dave talk vaccinated no-no's, real estate obsessions, recalibrated ambitions, and Easter messages. We almost titled it House Hunters: The Mockingcast Edition. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/03/29/things-fully-vaccinated-people-are-still-not-allowed-to-do) to read The New Yorker's list of Things Fully Vaccinated People Are Still Not Allowed to Do. Click here (https://annehelen.substack.com/p/no-im-not-ready) to read Anne Helen Peterson's newsletter, "I'm Not Ready." Click here (https://thepointmag.com/criticism/house-hunters/) to read Nora Caplan-Bricker's essay "House Hunters" in The Point. Click here (https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/elle-voices/a35854177/ambition-anxiety/) to read Lotte Jeffs' piece "A Life More Ordinary" in Elle. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/03/to-get-happier-admit-when-youre-wrong/618245/) to read Arthur Brooks' article on Humility and "How to Get Better at Admitting You're Wrong" in the Atlantic Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soDQCXLa1ug) to watch RJ's Easter sermon.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk last chance basketball programs, true selves, teenage errors, and gracious dispositions. Also, Sarah gets kicked off AOL Instant Messenger. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-YCKtBb0L4) to watch the trailer for Last Chance U: Basketball. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/sherry-turkles-plugged-in-year) to read the New Yorker's profile of Sherry Turkle. Click here (https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7mwa3/why-your-true-self-is-an-illusion) to read Vice's article on "Why Your ‘True Self' Is An Illusion" by Shayla Love. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/america-has-lost-ability-forgive/618336/) to read Graeme Wood's piece "America Has Forgotten How to Forgive" in The Atlantic. Click here (https://mbird.com/2021/03/you-will-regret-reading-this-post/) to read DZ's reflection on Regret and here for his piece (https://mbird.com/2021/03/the-doctrine-of-grace-vs-the-disposition-of-grace/) on The Doctine of Grace vs The Disposition of Grace. Click here (https://www.artbible.info/art/large/495.html) to view the painting by James Tissot that RJ references, "What Our Lord Saw from The Cross".

In which Sarah, RJ and Dave talk baby busts, Instavangelists, and epiphanies of the heart. Also, RJ comes clean about his favorite Disney princess. Clue: It's not Anna or Elsa. Click here (https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-covid-19-baby-bust-is-here-11614853803) to read The Wall Street Journal's report on the intenational baby bust. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/05/opinion/influencers-glennon-doyle-instagram.html) to read Leigh Stein's piece on The Empty Religions of Instagram. Click here (https://unherd.com/2021/03/will-we-remember-our-covid-dead/) to read Giles Fraser's column on changing attitudes toward memorials. Click here (https://www.christiancentury.org/article/how-my-mind-has-changed/i-m-philosopher-we-can-t-think-our-way-out-mess) to read James K.A. Smith's essay on The Intelligence of Love. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/tim-keller-growing-my-faith-face-death/618219/) to read Tim Keller's reflection on "Growing My Faith in the Face of Death."

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Covid-Deutsch, the advice column boom, and grieving video game characters. Also, Sarah cozies up to some ghosts while dancing to DMB. Click here (https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/02/germans-words-pandemic-life.html) to read Rebecca Schumann's overview of the new German words being invented to describe pandemic life. Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-age-of-peak-advice) to read The New Yorker's profile of The Age of Peak Advice. Click here (https://mbird.com/2021/02/one-simple-rule-for-never-making-a-bad-decision/) to read Sam Bush's One Simple Rule for Never Making a Bad Decision. Click here (https://catapult.co/stories/matt-ortile-column-grief-mother-narrative-video-games) to read Matt Ortile's essay for Catapult on grief and gaming. Click here (https://www.abc.net.au/religion/samuel-wells-job-and-the-love-stronger-than-death/13169588) to read Samuel Wells' sermon on Job and the Love Stronger than Death. Click here (https://thebrotherszahl.fireside.fm/) to check out The Brothers Zahl podcast!

Highly recommended for Mockingast listeners: All six episodes of the first season of Mockingbird's brand-new podcast are available now at https://thebrotherszahl.fireside.fm/ -- or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today!

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk peripheral relationships, nervous breakdowns, and nighttime prayers. Also, after making a startling discovery in her father's desk drawer, Sarah goes shopping for yoga pants. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/03/bring-back-the-nervous-breakdown/617788/) to read Amanda Mull's piece on how The Pandemic Has Erased Entire Categories of Friendship Click here (https://www.thestar.com/life/relationships/2021/02/09/are-people-having-more-sex-during-the-pandemic.html) to read the report in the Toronto Star about decreasing sexual activity during the pandemic Click here (https://mbird.com/2021/02/the-moms-are-not-alright/) to read Jane Grizzle's post on how The Moms Are Not Alright Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/03/bring-back-the-nervous-breakdown/617788/) to read Jerry Useem's article Bring Back the Nervous Breakdown Click here (https://renovare.org/articles/how-to-pray-while-drowning-in-doubt) to read the excerpt from Tish Harrison Warren's new book, "How To Pray While Drowning in Doubt"

In which RJ and Dave hear from Sarah about her first month of grief, before talking together about family estrangement, faulty memories and the blindspots of Jefferson's Jesus. Also, Dave breaks up with a friend while Sarah goes to the zoo. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/01/why-parents-and-kids-get-estranged/617612/) to read Joshua Coleman's article in The Atlantic about Why Parents and Children Get Estranged Click here (https://www.thecut.com/2021/01/i-want-my-family-to-love-me-unconditionally.html) to read Heather Havrilesky's column addressing the "I Want My Family to Love Me Unconditionally" inquiry Click here (https://mbird.com/2021/01/confessions-of-a-former-youth-minister/) to read Dave's Confessions of a Former Youth Minister Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/01/04/what-thomas-jefferson-could-never-understand-about-jesus) to read Vinson Cunningham's rundown in The New Yorker of "What Thomas Jefferson Could Never Understand About Jesus"

In their final episode of the year, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk mer-baby mishaps, library impermanence, celebrity pastors, and their increasing distaste for Advent. To support the Mockingcast, text "MCAST" to 77948. We need your help! Click here (https://www.instagram.com/p/CIns4NIBLV0/) to read Sarah's message about the tragic news she received just after recording (that RJ mentions in the prelude). Please pray like mad for the Condon family. Click here (https://www.facebook.com/5405219/posts/10102013365940365/?d=n) to read Elizabeth Faidley's incredible write-up of the Pearl the Mermaid Baby Saga, which includes a picture of you-know-who (you've been warned). Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/magazine/public-libraries.html) to read Ben Donick's piece about Library Books. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/12/a-mockingbird-gift-guide-2020-edition/) to persue our gift guide. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/05/us/carl-lentz-hillsong-pastor.html) to read Ruth Graham's article on the Rise and Fall of Carl Lentz. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/12/thou-shalt-be-needed-but-never-needy-sad-clowns-lonely-men-and-covid-friendships/) to read DZ's post about Sad Clowns. Click here (https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/the-crisis-of-christian-celebrity) to read David French's column on The Crisis of Christian Celebrity. Click here (https://mbird.com/2012/12/another-week-ends-advent-mudballs-freaks-and-geeks-christian-pariahs-yiddish-petraeus-hitchcock-communion-and-scott-walker/) to read Walter Russell Mead's meditation on Advent.

In this special extended episode of The Mockingcast, Ethan Richardson takes us on a tour of The Sports Issue (https://magazine.mbird.com/shop/issue-16-the-sports-issue/) of The Mockingbird magazine, featuring interviews with journalist Anna Katherine Clemmons, legendary skateboarder Christian Hosoi, and former Falcons cornerback (and current chaplain) Jason Webster--beamed in, it would seem, almost straight from Friday Night Lights. The game is on! Click here (https://magazine.mbird.com/shop/issue-16-the-sports-issue/) to order the issue.

In which we celebrate the 200 episode milestone by talking soul toupees, American happiness, None elevator pitches, and the compelling perfectionism of Yeshua. Also, Dave comes to grips with his ADD, Sarah starts a new hobby, while RJ serenades them both like some kind of overgrown Dutch choirboy. Click here (https://mbird.com/2013/11/dont-look-now-but-your-soul-toupee-is-showing/) to read about Soul Toupees. Click here (https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/22/america-the-anxious/) to read Ruth Whippman's article on America the Anxious. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/opinion/sunday/americans-and-god.html) to read Eric Weiner's piece on what it's like to be a None. Click here (https://mbird.com/2013/04/the-radicaly-optimistic-pessimism-of-jesus-and-the-merciful-impasse/) to read a portion of Francis Spufford's Yeshau chapter from Unapologetic (https://amzn.to/32L1y8g). Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/12/the-real-roots-of-midlife-crisis/382235/?single_page=true) to read the article Dave mentions about mid-life crises. Click here (https://mbird.com/2014/09/over-confident-men-and-underestimating-women-some-thoughts-on-shame-and-leadership/) to read Sarah's post on Overconfident Men and Underestimating Women.

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave talk living inside the news, POW uncertainty, segmented sleep, and American paradoxes. Also, RJ peeks behind the Iron Curtain while Sarah scores some great lamps (buffalo check). Click here (https://magazine.mbird.com/) to preview and/or order the Sports Issue of our magazine. Click here (https://store.mbird.com/shop/books/daily-grace-the-mockingbird-devotional-vol-2/) to pre-order the new Mockingbird Devotional, Vol 2. Click here (https://www.oliverburkeman.com/so/c4NMEIvqK?cid=d91ad76d-bd35-4739-bf6e-8b03ed849a33#/main) to read (and subscribe to (https://www.oliverburkeman.com/?utm_campaign=4387e677-b126-46b0-8821-e0f115fde8c4&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail_lp&cid=d91ad76d-bd35-4739-bf6e-8b03ed849a33)!) Oliver Burkeman's newsletter, The Imperfectionist. Click here (https://www.thecut.com/2020/11/first-person-essay-my-therapist-was-right-about-uncertainty.html) to read Lisa Miller's column in The Cut, "My Therapist Was Right About Uncertainty." Click here (https://tedium.co/2020/10/30/segmented-sleep-history/) to read about Second Sleep on Tedium. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/10/why-life-has-gotten-more-comfortable-less-happy/616807/) to read Arthur Brooks's explanation why Americans have gotten unhappier as they've gotten more comfortable.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk private lives, political junkies, Craigslist confessionals, and the surprising hope of 2020. Also, RJ feels his (lonely) feelings while Sarah buys a birthday cake. Click here (https://mailchi.mp/3bb0c2fbceb4/the-great-rearranging) to read Mo Perry's Great Rearranging newsletter. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/20/opinion/polarization-politics-americans.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage) to read the NY Times article about "the real divide in America." Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/10/when-the-solution-is-to-listen-the-timely-reminder-of-helena-dea-balas-craigslist-confessional/) to read CJ's write-up of Helena Dea Bala's Craigslist Confessional. Click here (https://www.1517.org/articles/2020-is-a-great-year-for-the-church) to read Chad Bird's rationale for why 2020 Is A Great Year For the Church.

In which RJ, Dave, and Sarah talk gracious play, burned out children, burned out workers, burned out clergy, and the hope of unconscious bias training. Also, RJ gets down to some liturgical reggae. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/magazine/nba-bubble.html) to read Sam Anderson's article on the NBA bubble. Click here (https://mbird.com/2015/05/grace-is-play-our-magazine-interview-with-nimi-wariboko/) to read our interview with theologian Nimi Wariboko. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTg1ES13yLw) to watch the video for The Pioneers' "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah." Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/09/anne-helen-petersen-burnout-millennial-parenting/616406/) to read Anne Helen Peterson's interview about millennial parenting in The Atlantic. Click here (https://www.wired.com/story/how-work-became-an-inescapable-hellhole/) to read the excerpt of Anne Helen Peterson's Can't Even in Wired. Click here (https://annehelen.substack.com/p/the-contours-of-clergy-burnout) to read Anne Helen Peterson's newsletter about clergy burnout. Click here (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/03/unconscious-bias-training-fad-mps-pc-jesus-sin) to read Peter Ormerod's column on unconcscious bias training in The Guardian.

For too long, the podcasting industry has flooded our ears with self-indulgent commentary and lazy sermonizing. Well, the answer to your commuting conundrum is finally here! We at Mockingbird are obsessed with side-stepping the noise and bringing 200 proof grace directly to your earbuds. Simple and seasonal, yet thoughtfully sourced and designed to fit in with your busy lifestyle, brace yourself for your new favorite listening experience. There is only one Mockingcast, and this is it. In all seriousness though: To read the interview with Lana Del Rey, click here (https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/who-is-lana-del-rey-jack-antonoff-september-poetry-cover). To read the review of The Twittering Machine in Book Forum, click here (https://www.bookforum.com/print/2703/a-psychoanalytic-reading-of-social-media-and-the-death-drive-24171). To read Bloomberg's "Welcome to Your Bland New World," click here (https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-09-07/welcome-to-your-bland-new-world-of-consumer-capitalism). To read Duo Dickinson's "Love Across the Political Divide," click here (https://mbird.com/2020/09/no-sense-love-across-the-political-divide/). Oh and to read DZ's reflection on the Before films, click here (https://mbird.com/2020/09/we-are-all-sociopaths-for-love/).

A jumbo-sized episode in which Sarah, RJ and Dave talk spiritual consultants, anxious NBA stars, the charity of Frederick Douglass, and the hope of Julian of Norwich. Also, a hapless kayaker receives an ironic rescue. Click here (https://wnyt.com/albany-new-york-news/jimmy-macdonald-of-albany-was-rescued-from-lake-george-by-paulist-fathers-priests-on-a-floating-tiki-bar/5850670/) to read the full opening news report. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/business/remote-work-spiritual-consultants.html) to read Nellie Bowles's NY Times profile of spiritual consultants in the workplace. And here (https://mbird.com/2020/09/spiritual-consultants-at-the-gates-of-a-great-unraveling/) to read Dave's commentary on it. Click here (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29743235/clippers-paul-george-says-dealt-anxiety-depression-bubble) to read the ESPN story on Paul George. Click here (https://americancompass.org/the-commons/dignity-to-endure/) to read Chris Arnade's "Dignity to Endure." Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/09/hate-sinner-not-book/616066/?utm_source=ayjay&utm_medium=email) to read Alan Jacobs's article "Hate the Sin, Not the Book." Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/09/pandemics-and-the-theology-of-the-cross-julian-of-norwichs-hope/) to read Nathan White's piece on Julian of Norwich's Hope.

In which Dave, Sarah, and RJ talk college reopenings, internal deputies, racist sinners, and recovering pharisees. Also, Sarah is absolved of her lunchable guilt, and Mrs Heijmen finally becomes an adult. Click here (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/08/24/college-covid-strategies-dont-adequately-address-typical-student-behavior) to read the Inside Higher Ed piece on college reopenings. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/09/defund-your-inner-police/) to read Sarah's post on Defunding Your Inner Police. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/08/12-steps-for-the-recovering-pharisee/) to read Tim Kreider's article, "I Am a Meme Now." Click here (https://spectator.us/racism-sin-all-sinners-black-lives-matter/) to read Theo Hobson's column "Racism Is a Sin and We Are All Sinners." Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/08/12-steps-for-the-recovering-pharisee/) for 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk school reopenings, comparative suffering, digital hygiene, and the crisis of capacity. Also, RJ decides to invest in some outdated (but comfortable!) furniture. Click here (https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/your-school-districts-reopening-survey) to read Your School District's Reopening Survey on McSweeney's. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/08/love-compassion-and-the-relative-suffering-of-christ-on-the-cross-intimations-by-zadie-smith/) to read Zadie Smith's thoughts on "Suffering Like Mel Gibson"--and see the meme we mention. Click here (https://www.wired.com/story/cloud-support-why-do-i-keep-refusing-os-updates/) to read Meghan O'Gieblyn's response on Wired to the question of "Why Do I Keep Refusing to Install OS Updates?" Click here (https://unherd.com/thepost/watch-the-christian-case-against-morality/) to watch Giles Fraser's talk on "Christianity and Morality: The Story of an Uneasy Relationship." Oh and click here (https://amzn.to/30Xihot) to order the expanded paperback edition of Seculosity.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk marriage models, bored believers, fragile meritocrats, and reconciled congressmen. Also, RJ catches up on some Netflix while Sarah dabbles in prophecy. Click here (https://www.wsj.com/articles/altrias-net-revenue-falls-11595938465) to read the WSJ article on Smoking. Click here (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/july-august/coronavirus-covid-19-killing-soulmate-model-marriage-good.html) to read the article about COVID-19 Killing the Soulmate Model of Marriage. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/07/freedom-to-be-bored/) to read David Clay's Mbird piece on the Freedom to be Bored. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/18/opinion/sunday/white-fragility-meritocracy.html) to read Ross Douthat's column on The Real White Fragility. Click here (https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/social-justice-solipsism) to read Kat Rosenfield's "Master Cleanse". Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/07/forty-eight-years-after-john-lewis-was-attacked/) to read the excerpt from John Lewis's final book.

In which Dave, RJ, and Sarah talk curated authenticity, shameful beaches, and imputing baseball coaches. Also, Sarah does some Corona math while and Dave weighs the wisdom of a Shakespearean admonition. Oh don't miss the surprise at the end. Click here (https://medium.com/honestly-yours/rachel-hollis-mommy-blogger-and-relationship-coach-is-getting-a-divorce-4ae26b998ec4) to read Shannon Ashley's column on Medium "Girl, You've Been Made." Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/it-okay-go-beach/613849/) to read Zeynep Tufekci on how "Scolding Beachgoers Isn't Helping". Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/reopening-psychological-morass/613858/) to read Tess Wilkinson-Ryan's article for The Atlantic on the psychological morass of reopening. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/28/magazine/coach-fitz-s-management-theory.html) to read Michael Lewis's essay on Coach Fitzgerald's Management Theory (or here to listen (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-be-good-be-great/id1455379351?i=1000474336483) to the episode of Against the Rules about it).

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk lonely dads, radical acceptance, hashtag preaching, and anger in the Bible. Also, the Heijmens pray someone into a fender-bender while Sarah takes a break from social media. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/06/god-of-our-lonely-fathers/) to read Sam Bush's article about God of Our (Lonely) Fathers. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/06/radical-acceptance-path-change/613015/) to read Ekemini Uwan's piece about Radical Acceptance and the New Normal. Click here (https://www.1517.org/articles/hashtag-preaching-and-whack-a-mole-worship) to read Chad Bird's column on Hashtag Preaching and Whack-a-Mole Worship. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/opinion/george-floyd-psalms-bible.html) to read Esau McCaulley's article about What The Bible Has to Say About Black Anger (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/opinion/george-floyd-psalms-bible.html).

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave talk picky eaters, casual racism, George Floyd, and Brendan the Navigator. Also, Dave presses some steel while Sarah reheats some frozen garlic bread. Click here (https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/26/health/picky-eaters-wellness/index.html) to read CNN's report on picky eating. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/30/opinion/how-to-talk-to-a-racist.html)to read The NY Times piece on How to Talk to a Racist Click here (https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/george-floyd-ministry-houston-third-ward-church.html) to read CT's article on the Gospel Legacy George Floyd left in Houston Click here (https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2020/05/18/it-is-good-to-be-here/) to read Fr Stephen Freeman's "It's Good To Be Here. Click here (https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/11/20/a-tale-of-two-churches/) to read the NY Review of Books article on A Tale of Two Churches.

In which Dave, Sarah, and RJ talk Calvin and Hobbes, dirty dishes, prayer science, and oscillating faith. Also, RJ risks domestic discord to rearrange the silverware, and Confetti Egg Condon make a cameo. Click here (https://www.polygon.com/comics/2020/5/13/21254476/calvin-and-hobbes-comic-strips-books-quarantine) to read Chuck Wendig's article on "Calvin and Hobbes and Quarantine." Click here (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-dishes-will-never-be-done/2020/05/19/e558ef5a-965e-11ea-9f5e-56d8239bf9ad_story.html) to read Ellen McCarthy's article on how "The Dishes Will Never Be Done." Click here (https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-science-of-prayer-11589720400) to read about "The Science of Prayer." Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/05/good-news-that-never-goes-out-of-style/) to read Todd Brewer's "Good News That Never Goes Out of Style." To respond to the opening appeal and give to Mockingbird, please visit www.mbird.com/support.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk middle school meddling, Waffle House fisticuffs, worthless baseball cards, and weird Christians. Also, Dave gets cut from a basketball team (or two). Click here (https://www.newsweek.com/2020/05/22/bestselling-author-judith-warner-how-parents-screw-their-middle-school-kids-1501869.html) to read an excerpt of Judith Warner's new book, And Then They Stopped Talking to Me Click here (https://twitter.com/redditships/status/1260126130687881217) to read about the full Waffle House report Click here (https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29143131/150000-worthless-baseball-cards-coronavirus) to read Ryan Hockensmith's article about "My Priceless, Worthless Baseball Cards" (https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29143131/150000-worthless-baseball-cards-coronavirus) Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/opinion/sunday/weird-christians.html) to read Tara Isabella Burton's feature on Weird Christianity (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/opinion/sunday/weird-christians.html)

In which RJ, Sarah and Dave talk guilty pleasures, quarantine fatigue, 1st century exorcisms, and eccentric branches of the welfare state. Also, Dave turns to ebay while Sarah lets them eat cake. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/05/the-acquittal-of-our-guilty-pleasures/) to read Ian Olson's article on The Acquittal of Our Guilty Pleasures Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/04/groundhog-day-horror-movie-quarantine/610867/) to read Megan Garber's appraisal of Groundhog Day Click here (https://theweek.com/articles/909137/when-time-stops) to read Damon Linker's When Time Stops Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/04/exorcisms-jesus-and-modernity/) to read Todd Brewer's post on Exorcisms, Jesus and Modernity. Click here (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/03/church-leaders-should-not-talking-like-middle-managers-time/) to read Tom Holland's argument for why Church Leaders Should Not Be Talking Like Middle Managers in this Time of Crisis.

In which Sarah, RJ, and Dave talk Michael Jordan, productivity epiphanies, and Kierkegaard's glorious failures. Also, Dave goes full Regency while Sarah expounds on Russian dynasties. Click here (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/4/27/21237752/michael-jordan-the-last-dance-legacy) to read Brian Phillips' piece on Michael Jordan the Story Versus Michael Jordan the Man. Click here (https://www.wired.com/story/question-productivity-coronavirus/)to read Laurie Penny's essay on how Productivity Is Not Working. Click here (https://marginalia.lareviewofbooks.org/the-pursuit-of-kierkegaardian-virtue/) to read Thomas J. Millay's review of Sylvia Walsh's new book on Kierkegaard and Religion. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/04/the-freedom-to-do-nothing/) to read Sarah Denley Harrington's post on The Freedom to Do Nothing. Click here (https://mbird.com/2020/04/quarantine-side-effects-the-mini-existential-crises-from-staying-at-home/) to read Lydia Suitt's reflection on Quarantine Side Effects.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk corona shaming, prepared forgiveness, parental anxiety and essential churches. Also, RJ finally finds out how the cow ate the cabbage. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/opinion/coronavirus-shaming.html) to read Jennifer Weiner's piece on The Seductive Appeal of Pandemic Shaming. Click here (https://thepointmag.com/criticism/the-stutterers-song-bill-withers/) to read Emily Lordi's The Stutterer's Song: Remembering Bill Withers Click here (https://thepointmag.com/examined-life/agnes-callard-the-emotion-police/) to read Agnes Callard's article on The Emotion Police Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/05/childhood-in-an-anxious-age/609079/) to read Kate Julian's What Happened to American Childhood? Click here (https://unherd.com/2020/04/where-is-god-in-this-covid-horror/) to read Giles Fraser's post on Where Is God in this COVID Horror?