John Zahl

Episode 20: The Law

July 6th, 2026  |  Season 4  |  1 hr 42 mins

The wait is over! In the jumbo-sized premiere of season four, John, David, and Simeon talk about The Law. Thou shalt listen to this episode (or else). See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 19: Parenting

July 29th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 39 mins

For the bonus-length finale of season three, the brothers delve into the monumental topic of parenting, exploring how they were raised as well as how they're trying to raise their own kids. Thankfully, a very special guest is on hand to help them. See show notes for references and recommendations. (You can respond to the opening appeal by visiting mbird.com/support).

Episode 18: Easter

July 8th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 24 mins

Time to talk about the biggest day in the Christian year! Resurrection is the theme of this episode--physical, spiritual, metaphorical, ecclesial, musical, you name it. See show notes for references and recommendations (sweet tarts sadly not included).

Episode 17: The Holy Spirit

July 1st, 2024  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 29 mins

John, David, and (mainly) Simeon do their best to bring the third person of the Trinity into view. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 16: Imputation

June 24th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 25 mins

The brothers talk about "the how of love," also known as imputation. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 15: Free Will?

June 17th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 26 mins

In their most controversial episode to date, the brothers explore the nature of willpower, choice, and control--and how those factors shape our relationships above and below. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 14: Faith

June 10th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 26 mins

The long-awaited third season kicks off with an episode about Faith. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 13: Christmas

December 19th, 2023  |  Season 3  |  1 hr 26 mins

christmas

The brothers reconvene for a special one-off on the merriest day of them all. Look for Season 3 in the new year. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 7: Jesus

July 8th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  1 hr 36 mins

The second season premieres with an extended episode about the Good Shepherd himself, Jesus of Nazareth. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 8: Prayer

July 8th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  1 hr 20 mins

What are we doing when we pray? In the second episode of the second season, John, David, and Simeon venture a few theories (and a bunch of stories). See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 9: Creativity

July 8th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  1 hr 27 mins

This one could also be called Freedom. Or possibly Fruit. Maybe even Living. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 10: Depression

July 8th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  1 hr 22 mins

Depression isn't the only form of mental illness touched upon in this episode, which doubles as a rumination on agency and affliction more generally. Fortunately, it's lot more fun than it sounds! See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 11: Salvation

July 8th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  1 hr 19 mins

"Jesus saves" reads the bumper sticker. But what does it mean? This one is about soteriology, past, present, and future. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 12: Aging

July 8th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  1 hr 28 mins

For the final episode of the second season, the brothers enlist a special guest to help them make sense of getting older. See show notes for references and recommendations.

Episode 6: Grace

February 25th, 2021  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 18 mins

In the final episode of the first season, the brothers talk about their all-time favorite word, what John calls "a pool that's shallow enough that babies can wade into it and deep enough that elephants can swim." See show note for references and recommendations.

Episode 5: Abreaction

February 25th, 2021  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 8 mins

The most esoteric sounding subject in the first season may also be the most gut-level. In this episode the brothers discuss the role of art, story, and humor as it relates to ministry and healing. See show notes for references and recommendations.