The Stand-Up Theologian

James Cary
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CHRISTIANITY

James Cary, BBC comedy writer, author and touring stand-up theologian is on a never-ending quest to understand comedy, the Bible, culture and the church. 

  1. 6D AGO

    The End of the Upside Down and Schrödinger’s Eucatastrophe w/ Caleb Woodbridge

    Two culture vultures pick over the plentiful remains of Stranger Things. I talked to Caleb Woodbridge who is an imaginative disciple, freelance writer and editor,  fan of sf/fantasy, children's & YA literature, Doctor Who, Tolkien & C S Lewis. He writes and podcasts at Bigger Inside. We talk about Stranger Things but also JK Rowling; CS Lewis; Narnia; Harry Potter; Hunger Games, Video Games, Massive Effect, Baldur’s Gate – and why James doesn’t play video games and has a rant about American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Also we mention Indiana Jones, Stephen King, the cost of victory. And what on earth is Schroedinger’s Eucatastrophe? We also mention Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch; Paul Cornell Hidden London; Lockwood and Co; The Pendragon Protocol Philip Purser-Hallard Caleb’s Article about Tim Challies: https://www.equip.org/articles/choose-your-own-enchantment-freedom-and-conscience-in-what-we-watch/ Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    48 min

  2. JAN 12

    How should we educate our kids? The debate that drives many to madness!

    Last year, I wrote an article about home education for Gareth Crispin, editor of Premier NexGen: https://www.premiernexgen.com/education/why-home-education-is-the-best-option-for-christian-families/20440.article And we talked about it! Oh yes. We talked about it. And here's Dumbing us Down by John Taylor Gatto Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    49 min

  3. JAN 5

    How I Avoided Making Decisions For 25 Years and What Happens Next

    In this New Year’s Day solo walk-and-talk, I reflect on what happens when long-running momentum finally runs out. Turning 50, finishing six years on the Archbishop's Council, and watching the comedy industry shift have forced me to face an uncomfortable question: have I been relying on professional habits while avoiding fully intentional choices? Prompted by Steven Pressfield’s Turning Pro, I think aloud about career, responsibility, making work that is actually “on,” faith, family, and what it might mean to “turn pro” again in 2026—this time with clarity, purpose and slightly more money. Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    47 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Read any good books lately? What I read in 2025 w/ Barry Cooper

    It's just like old times! Cary and Cooper are reunited for this review of the year in books. We revisit Against the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth, and James explains why there are a number of books he has some serious problems with (I'm looking at you, George RR Martin). Barry's read some Thomas Hardy. Seriously. Very seriously. And Cary does not care for The Way We Live Now by Trollope. You can listen to an extended version of this episode by becoming a Loyal Lollard - a paid subscriber to The Wycliffe Papers. Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    51 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    What is That Hideous Strength REALLY about? w/ Dr Michael Ward

    What a treat! James gets to geek about CS Lewis, That Hideous Strength and The Abolition of Man - with the world's leading expert on all things Inkling, Dr Michael Ward! Why should we NEVER call his science fiction books 'The Space Trilogy'? And is The Magician's Nephew actually going to be good? Enjoy! Planet Narnia After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man by Dr Michael Ward Life on the Silent Planet: Essays on Christian Living from C.S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy - featuring an essay by Dr Michael Ward Further reading by Ward in First Things on Matrimony The God Particle Streaming MP4 The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto (Catholic Ideas for a Secular World) Peter Zeihan on demographics. Norm MacDonald on Germany going to war with The World. Clip from The Princess Bride by William Goldman Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    48 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Is there book in you?

    Is there a book in you? Have you checked? Do you need to be talked into it? Or out of it? And who cares? You care! But will anyone else? Matt Bird helps people write their story. So this is a conversation about the pain, euphoria, self-delusion, vanity and the therapeutic nature of writing a book. Find out more about Matt Bird and PublishU HERE. Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    48 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    When should I start feeling Christmassy?

    What is Christmas? When does it start? And how long does it last? What is advent? So many questions! James Cary has a few answers in this solo episode with a bonus bit of The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer at the end. Get hold of Word Made Flesh Sitcom Geeks Ep208 What’s so special about the Christmas Special? Popcorn parenting Christmas Movies episode Christmas Carol read by Hugh Grant. And here’s that unicorn: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O84543/tapestry-unknown/ Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    40 min

  8. 11/23/2025

    Has the BBC lost its mojo?

    There was a time when the BBC completely ruled the airwaves, both TV and Radio. What happened? Where did it go? Especially the comedy. And where did the BBC come from? In this episode, James talks to comedian, writer, author and presenter of the British Broadcasting Century podcast, Paul Kerensa.   Get in touch via text and tell me what you like about the show Want to talk about the podcast and engage with other listeners? Come on over to the Facebook Group. Find out about my touring show, God the Bible and Everything (in 60 minutes) and get in touch via my website. If you’re serious about the Bible and church history and like jokes, I’d recommend subscribing to The Wycliffe Papers. It's free. But you can also support the podcast by coming a Paid Subscriber to the Wycliffe Papers, making you a Loyal Lollard. Could you consider that? Or email me in gmail now you can see how to spell Wycliffe...

    48 min
See All (21)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

James Cary, BBC comedy writer, author and touring stand-up theologian is on a never-ending quest to understand comedy, the Bible, culture and the church. 

Information

  • Creator
    James Cary
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Zadok Media Ltd
  • Show Website
    The Stand-Up Theologian

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