The Holy Post

Join VeggieTales and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer and co-host Skye Jethani (author, speaker, pastor) for a fast-paced and often funny conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and the fun, fun, fun of living a thoughtful Christian life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.

  1. 20h ago

    743: Why Americans Stopped Having Friends with Rich Villodas

    Americans are spending more time alone, inviting fewer people into their homes, and struggling to build meaningful friendships. What's behind the decline of hospitality, and what can the church do about it? Live from New York City, Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn are joined by pastor Rich Villodas to discuss the loneliness epidemic, our growing preference for digital entertainment, and why real community requires more than just joining a small group. They also explore the difference between feeling fear and being controlled by it, and why following Jesus means risking vulnerability and even getting hurt. Plus, can Skye and Kaitlyn pass Phil's news quiz? Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/20ad4f8c-1863-493d-bd7c-672c35ff294b?postPreview=free&updated=2026-10-20T17%3A15%3A00.531Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true   Bonus Q&A Video: https://holypost.substack.com/p/bfa4011c-d648-48fd-bc14-68904f22d49a?postPreview=free&updated=2026-10-20T20%3A08%3A09.883Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true   0:00 - Show Starts   1:44 - Ukeleles and Airports   5:40 - Theme Song   5:20 - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!   6:19 - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   8:05 - New York, New York   11:14  - Phil's News Quiz Show   19:39 - Rich Villodas!   22:28 - Cancelled Livestreamed Execution   31:30 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you   32:34 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST   33:22 - The Death of Hosting   50:32 - Obligation and Community   1:11:17 - End Credits Articles Discussed in News Segment: Grandmother Breaks Planking Record: https://people.com/grandmother-breaks-own-record-planking-world-record-at-5-hours-12170377   AI Causes Illegal Hunt: https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/09/28/misleading-google-ai-instructions-cause-kodiak-woman-to-be-cited-for-illegal-snipe-hunt/   Traffic Blocked by Giant Object:  https://nypost.com/video/giant-inflatable-pumpkin-breaks-loose-in-north-carolina/   Finnish Chef Sets World Record: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2026/10/chef-chugs-500-ml-of-his-favourite-orange-soda-in-just-a-few-seconds-to-claim-record   Man Sets World Record for Catching Something in His Mouth: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/10/13/guinness-world-records-david-rush-paper-planes-mouth/5211791898743/   The Decline of Dinner by Derek Thompson: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/10/americans-socialization-dinner-decline-hosting/688846/   Resources: Rich Villodas on Lanterns: https://substack.com/home/post/p-218929631   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  2. Oct 14

    742: The Problem with Public Executions & Why We Fear Silence with John Mark Comer

    Following last week's episode about the death penalty and a Southern Baptist leader calling for public executions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the execution by firing squad of the man who killed 13 soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009 would be livestreamed. Skye is back with his take on what the Bible says about the death penalty, and why the brutality of public execution would make America more like ISIS than Jesus. Televangelist Jim Bakker died this week. Phil tells Bakker's messy story, how he exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit within evangelicalism, and even sings a song about Bakker's scandals. John Mark Comer is back to discuss his new book, "Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a world of noise." He explains why the modern church has abandoned the discipline of silence, and why we need it now more than ever. Also this week—kids, coloring books, and communion at Kaitlyn's wedding. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/220256160?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web   0:00 - Show Starts   5:40 - Theme Song   6:03 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!   7:44 - Livestreamed Executions   19:46 - Executions in The Past   29:13 - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!   30:13 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   32:02 - Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker   41:42 - Phil's Lost Bakker Song   47:00 - The Bakkers and Trump   53:19 - Interview   55:42 - Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise   1:04:04 - Starting Your Spiritual Formation   1:13:28 - Our Fear of Silence   1:28:58 - End Credits   1:29:30 - Sponsor - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at  https://pod.link/1583657464   Articles Discussed in News Segment: Andrew Walker on the Death Penalty: https://eppc.org/publication/what-the-modern-state-gets-wrong-about-execution/   Resources: Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise by John Mark Comer: https://amzn.to/3VOepF6   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  3. Oct 7

    741: Celebrity Pope, Christian Bloodlust & Is Israel Losing America with Todd Deatherage

    Why is Pope Leo drawing massive crowds in one of the most secular countries in Europe? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre talk about the Pope's surprising celebrity in France and whether people are becoming more open to Christianity when they see it lived with sincerity and conviction. Then, after a botched execution in Tennessee, some Christian leaders are calling for a return to public hangings and firing squads. Is the death penalty really demanded by Christian theology, or does the gospel call Christians toward a different vision of justice and mercy? Finally, Skye talks with Todd Deatherage about escalating settler violence in the West Bank, the political fallout from the Iran war, and why support for Israel is shifting across the American political spectrum. And Phil has found a Chihuahua with a very important job. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/741-celebrity-pope-christian-bloodlust?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web   Bonus Interview with Todd Deatherage: https://holypost.substack.com/p/when-theology-becomes-a-weapon-bonus?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web   0:00 - Show Starts 0:58 - Theme Song 1:20 -  Sponsor - Ridge - The Ridge 5-in-1 Power Bank, power on-the-go without compromise! Get 40% off Ridge by going to https://www.ridge.com/HOLYPOST 2:47 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month! 3:48 - The Mexican National Guard's Cutest Agent 21:30 - Christians and the Death Penalty 34:15 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 35:18 - Sponsor - Garrett Theological Seminary - Garrett has a program for you!  Apply by December 31st to receive a guaranteed scholarship covering 65–100% of tuition to begin a Master's degree for Fall 2027. Go to https://www.garrett.edu/holypost 36:30 - Eye for an Eye? 52:23 - Interview 53:53 - Update on Gaza and the West Bank 1:01:30 - Is a Two-State Solution Still Possible? 1:15:22 - Israel's Election 1:25:51 - End Credits   Articles Discussed in News Segment: Mexico's National Guard's Cutest Member: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cke878yzngd8o   The Death Penalty: https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/10/what-the-modern-state-gets-wrong-about-execution/ Resources: Telos Group: https://www.telosgroup.org/   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  4. Sep 30

    740: Is Empathy Killing the West & What Makes a Soul Secure with Alison Cook

    Is empathy becoming a liability in American Christianity? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre discuss the growing backlash against empathy and why some conservatives argue that too much compassion can lead to bad politics, bad theology, and even the decline of Western civilization. They also look at Russell Moore's warning about the "fear-driven church" and how anxiety about God, outsiders, and our own communities can shape the way Christians think and behave. Then, Kaitlyn talks with psychologist Alison Cook about attachment theory, the limits of human relationships, and why no other person can give us the security we ultimately need. Plus, what Lewis and Clark's bathroom habits can teach us about American history. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/218066312?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web   0:00 - Show Starts 1:18 - Theme Song 1:40 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you 2:36 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 4:53 - Writing in Epcot? 7:05 - News of the Hindquarters 12:45 - The Anti-Empathy Movement 20:05 - Christianity and "Western Civilization?" 37:21 - The "Fear-Driven Church" 51:13 - Interview 56:21 - Therapy Culture and the Church 1:03:44 - Security in Christ 1:24:58 - End Credits 1:25:30 - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at  https://pod.link/1583657464 Articles Discussed in News Segment: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/maga-right-christianity-empathy-toxic/688755/ Resources: The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy by Alison Cook: https://amzn.to/3VjvuXi   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  5. Sep 23

    739: Debriefing the Debate over Evangelicalism

    Podcast hosts, ASSEMBLE! Phil, Skye, Kaitlyn, and Esau come together to debrief the new books by Kristen Kobes Du Mez, Bonnie Kristian, and Charlie Dates, as well as their recent interviews on The Holy Post. They each critique or defend evangelicalism, but who's right? Is evangelicalism worth fixing? Does the current debate unknowingly center only white experiences of evangelicalism? And is evangelicalism even a thing, or just a category pollsters made up? Plus, the team wrestles with their own responsibility and calling in the Christian media marketplace.   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/817a857f-dc0d-4d90-b029-e81e8b62b28d?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-22T21%3A00%3A38.053Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true Getting Schooled - Baptism 201: https://holypost.substack.com/p/29fcb625-2936-450e-be1f-e93c8b0621e8?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-22T21%3A17%3A05.196Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true   0:00 - Show Starts   1:18 - Theme Song   1:40 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST   2:40 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   4:29 - Phil's Mysterious Illness   5:37 - The State of Evangelicalism   16:40 - What Sells   21:32 - Evangelicalism vs. the Mainline   26:04 - Would You Raise Your Child Evangelical?   30:20 - Moved by Media or Always Corrupt?   40:50 - What's the Better Question?   51:08 - What's the Takeaway?   1:05:49 - End Credits   Books Discussed in News Segment: In Defense of Evangelicalism by Bonnie Kristian: https://amzn.to/47aShaj    Live, Laugh, Love by Kristin Kobes Du Mez: https://amzn.to/4xFicC0    What Has Justice to Do with Righteousness? by Charlie Dates: https://amzn.to/46FB6NV   Resources: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  6. Sep 16

    738: Are Evangelicalism's Failures Bugs or a Feature? with Bonnie Kristian

    Following the 9/11 terrorist attack 25 years ago, Americans began using more "good versus evil" rhetoric, but have we taken it too far? Many of the tech bros developing AI were fans of sci-fi novels and movies in middle school, but completely missed the point of those stories. We may all pay the price. Bonnie Kristian, the deputy editor at Christianity Today, returns to discuss her new book "In Defense of Evangelicalism." While she agrees with many of the recent criticisms of the movement, she says the problems within evangelicalism are bugs rather than features and believes its critics have gone too far.   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/215893715?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web   The SkyePod with Chuck Todd! https://holypost.substack.com/p/politics-and-pluralism-with-chuck   0:00 - Show Starts 1:24 - Theme Song 1:47 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST  2:46 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month! 3:48 - Chuck Todd on the SkyePod 8:22 - 9/11's 25th Anniversary 27:52 -Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you 28:55 - Living in Bad Science Fiction 52:20 - Interview 1:00:38 - Reform or Destruction? 1:13:45 - The Wal-Mart of Christianity 1:34:36 - Are Critics the Bigger Problem? 1:37:51 - End Credits 1:38:29 - Sponsor - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at https://links.thepourover.org/holy-post   Links Mentioned in News Segment: Sci-fi and Tech Oligarchs: https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/08/silicon-valley-science-fiction-jill-lepore-book-review/688467/   Other Resources: In Defense of Evangelicalism: A Response to Its Cultured Despisers by Bonnie Kristian: https://amzn.to/4xkkFRX   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  7. Sep 9

    737: The Surprising Origin of Evangelical Femininity with Kristin Kobes Du Mez

    Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the best-selling "Jesus and John Wayne," is back with another look at the forces that shaped modern American evangelicalism. This time she explores the backstory of evangelical femininity in her new book, "Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made." Also this week: Phil wants to know what links three recent celebrity deaths—Dolly Parton, Gloria Steinem, and Wendell Berry. To the surprise of many, The Christian Post has published an anti-Christian nationalist article. Is it a sign that the evangelical support for MAGA is finally turning? Plus, weird science awards.    Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/d5dde089-df69-4faa-a088-c903e95ca080?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-08T21%3A39%3A36.002Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true   Check out this bonus interview with Kristin Kobes Du Mez: https://holypost.substack.com/p/9c348a0c-111e-4203-99e6-3373210c01f8?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-08T20%3A28%3A21.690Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true   0:00 - Show Starts 1:17 - Theme Song 1:39 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month! 2:42 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 3:40 - World Relief Update with Matthew Soerens: The State of the Golden Door - Help sign a letter to President Trump on behalf of refugees! https://www.worldrelief.org/goldendoor 7:26 - Quirky Science! 13:10 - Christian Post Anti-Nationalism Article? 27:39 - Dolly, Wendell, and Gloria, Oh My! 34:19 - Sponsor - Renovare Book Club - Spiritual formation through books! What else could you ask for? Learn more at https://renovare.org/bookclub 35:22 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware! 36:32 - Why Didn't Christians like Gloria Steinem? 54:44 - Interview 1:28:44 - End Credits Links Mentioned in News Segment: Weird Science! (No relation to the song or movie): https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2026-09-05/research-on-cockroach-milk-nose-blowing-wins-ig-nobel-prizes   Christian Post article on Christian Nationalism: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/christian-nationalism-already-failed-america-once.html   Hannah Anderson on Dolly and Wendell: https://hannahanderson.substack.com/p/dolly-and-wendell   Other Resources: Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made by Kristin Kobes Du Mez: https://amzn.to/4xNdx1E   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  8. Sep 2

    736: Reuniting Justice & Righteousness with Charlie Dates

    Why are the Christians who profess right doctrine about God often the most opposed to social justice in his name? That contradiction is at the heart of Charlie Dates' new book. He talks with Skye about how separating justice and righteousness is damaging both white evangelicalism and young black activists. Also this week: Reflections on the wisdom of Dolly Parton, why religious tolerance isn't enough to heal America's divisions, and the difficulty of being an introvert within evangelicalism.   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/728db798-3a84-4359-9d16-b6c8429205b1 0:00 - Show Starts 0:44 - Theme Song 1:23 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month! 2:21 - Sponsor - The Esau McCaulley Podcast - Esau has conversations that challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and give you plenty of reasons to laugh. Listen now at: https://pod.link/1770229436 3:43 - Dolly Parton's Legacy 27:07 -  Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 28:12 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at: tyndale.life/nltselect 29:30 - When do We Become the Person We Ought to Be? 43:06 - Covenantal Pluralism 52:38 - Interview 1:02:57 - White Evangelical Blindness 1:09:17 - MLK50 1:15:00 - Waning Interest in Justice 1:22:00 - Fearing God vs. People 1:28:22 - End Credits Links Mentioned in News Segment: Morality, reflection, and age: https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/when-do-we-become-the-person-we-ought   Covenantal Pluralism: The Geopolitics of Interfaith Religious Freedom by Iqbal Akhtar: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-31479-6   Other Resources: What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness?: Reclaiming the Intersection of Protest and Prayer by Charlie Dates: https://amzn.to/4zPhVym   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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About

Join VeggieTales and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer and co-host Skye Jethani (author, speaker, pastor) for a fast-paced and often funny conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and the fun, fun, fun of living a thoughtful Christian life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.

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