The Cozy Robot Show (Formerly Ask Science Mike‪)‬ Mike McHargue

Thanks for all the fish

I have listened to Mike for years starting from when he hosted The Liturgists. I always connected with him most compared to others. Perhaps because we are both 9s on the enneagram? Regardless, I love this space Mike has created where someone like me, in a faith-transition, is able to ask questions and exist as myself without fear.

To anyone who reads this, I welcome you to join us on the Cozy Robots Discord! We play games, have a book club, and talk about anything and everything. You don’t have to be religious or exvangelical at all, people from all walks of life I hope feel safe in this community. It’s nice to have this when we’ve not been able to have physical community, and especially as I’ve been navigating finding a new church (or not).

Thanks Mike for all you do. I’ve learned so much from you, this podcast, and this community.

I loved Ask Science Mike. It was a podcast I could get behind fully. Mike took the time and effort into answering sometimes the toughest questions thrown at him, even though (and he repeatedly stated this) he is not a scientist.

I discovered him through the Liturgists Podcast. His banter and friendship with Michael Gungor was beautiful.

Then something happened. Science Mike left the Liturgists abruptly, which involved a non-disclosure agreement. He dropped the moniker of Science Mike and was simply Mike McHargue. The Liturgists imploded as well, with the other two guests leaving abruptly and issuing joint statements.

The friendship between Mike McHargue and Michael Gungor was over. This was demonstrated through a very public Twitter confrontation between the two.

It was like watching two parents go through a divorce. These two men who were the best of friends parted ways that was publicly not amicable. I was left wondering where this left me as a man of faith. These two men were so instrumental in my deconstruction and reconstruction of my faith. Now they had mutually blocked each other.

I was left wondering what happened. Trying to ask these questions is like trying to pick sides. I don’t want to do that. I just want them to reconcile.

So this has tainted my view on the Cozy Robot Show. It was still a good show. The episode on Codependency left me crying because I identified so much with it. Unfortunately the very public interactions Mike has had with his former friend, Michael Gungor, has reduced my rating.

However, it seems now all pointless. Mike McHargue will not be a part of the podcast any longer because of health issues. I wish him well. I wish him peace. I just also wish it didn’t end like this.