The Brothers Zahl

Three brothers talk about grace

About the show

Welcome to The Brothers Zahl podcast, a collaboration between John, David and Simeon Zahl, three siblings engaged in "the God business"--one as a writer, one as a professor, one as a priest. Each episode is devoted to a single topic of spiritual or religious interest in the hopes of sketching an overarching picture of grace and everyday life. The music is pretty good, too.

Brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries.

The Brothers Zahl on social media

Episodes

  • 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, Dave, 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.

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    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.

  • Episode 4: Church

    February 25th, 2021  |  Season 1  |  1 hr 19 mins

    In their fourth episode, the brothers try to make sense of that oh-so-loaded institution and experience called "Church." See show notes for references and recommendations.