Episodes
-
Matthew Larsen - Ancient Mediterranean Incarceration
Episode: Early Christians were quite familiar with Rome’s well-developed prison system. In this episode, we explore the archaeology and experience of Roman prisons with Dr. Matthew Larsen, co-author of Ancient Mediterranean Incarceration. Guest: (from https://www.matthewdclarsen.com/about)…
more -
Steve Notley - Locating Bethsaida, the Last Lost City of the New Testament
Episode: In this on-location episode, Chris McKinny interviews Steven Notley about identifying and exploring the ancient city of Bethsaida/Julias. This is a crossover episode with OnScript and the new In Context university from Lipscomb University where Chris McKinny teaches. Guest: Dr. R. Steven...
-
Ilker Mimiroglu - Ancient Lystra
Episode: Excavations have begun at the New Testament site of Lystra! In this episode, Jason Borges talks with Prof. Ilker Mimiroglu, the lead Turkish archaeologist at Lystra, about the city's history and excavations. Learn more on Instagram @lystraexcavations. Guest: Prof. Ilker Mimiroglu, head…
more -
Libby Backfish and Cynthia Shafer-Elliott - Grounded Theology
Episode: In this episode, Kyle chats with Libby Backfish and Cynthia Shafer-Elliott about bringing archaeology and theology into conversation—the topic of their recent book, Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible: Exploring the Cultural Context that formed Ancient Israel. The conversation starts...
-
Paul Anderson - Archaeology, Jesus, and the Gospel of John
Episode: The Gospel of John is often ignored by those interested in archaeology and history. However, John includes more historically verified detail (both archaeologically and topographically) than the other gospels combined. Listen in as Anderson discusses why we need to pay attention to John…
more -
James Hoffmeier - Israel In and Out of Egypt
Episode: In this episode, James K. Hoffmeier discusses his new book — Israel In and Out of Egypt — an update of his previous books on the subject in light of the latest Egyptological discoveries, as well as the latest developments in Biblical scholarship in relation to the evidence for or against...
-
Jason Borges - Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City
Episode: In this episode, Chris McKinny interviews Jason Borges about his latest book — Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City — a unique guide to the foreign sites, sounds, and structures that defined the Biblical World of the emerging early Church. Guest: Dr. Jason Borges (Ph.D. Durham...
-
Best Archaeological Finds of 2025 (Part 2)
Episode: We're back with the second (of 2) episodes on the best archaeological finds of 2025. They're so significant, we're still talking about them in April 2026. In this episode, hear about Lamassu, Apkallu, and cuneiform, oh my! Legends of the Lost Ark: To learn more about Chris’ new movie and...
-
Best Archaeological Finds of 2025 (Part 1)
Episode: Back by popular demand is our Best Archaeological Finds series, and this one for 2025 (we’re well into 2026, we know, but if you listen, it'll all make sense!). Enjoy this first of our series on these 2025 finds, where we discuss some really cool discoveries! Legends of the Lost Ark: To...
-
Amy and Chris - The Great Flood Tablet (Epic of Gilgamesh)
Episode: It's go time for Amy's favorite tablet, tablet 11 of the Epic of Gilgamesh!! It's flood time, or at least, it's time to learn about the great flood, caused by Enlil. This episode will cover the events related to the great flood, as reported by Utnapishtim. Gilgamesh seeks immortality…
more -
Stephen Carlson - Mary, Joseph, and the so-called "Inn"
Episode: Jason Staples and Stephen Carlson try to ruin your Nativity! Jason discusses Stephen's essay "The Accommodations of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem: Κατάλυμα in Luke 2:7." They also discuss when and how Mary and Joseph get married, the census in Luke 2:2, and ... (wait for it) ... the…
more -
David DeSilva - Archaeology, Jesus, and Paul
Episode: In this episode, Kyle sits down for a chat with David deSilva about his two new volumes, Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul: A Visual Guide and Archaeology and the World of Jesus: A Visual Guide (Baker Academic, 2025). The two chat about the importance of material culture for...
-
Mary Buck - The Achaemenid Period
Episode: Mary Buck continues her study of the Second Temple period by focusing on the Persian Period, and especially, the Achaemenid Empire. Learn about this incredibly powerful yet lesser-known period of history, and figures like Cyrus, Darius, and others who shaped biblical history. Host: Learn...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 11)
Episode: We’re back with Tablet X of the Epic of Gilgamesh! Enjoy this next installment with Amy and Chris as Gilgamesh goes in search of Utnapishtim! Click to listen back to PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, and PART 10. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh...
-
Chris and Kyle – Biblical Archaeology Rising (Part 2)
Episode: In part II of our intro to Biblical Archaeology, Kyle and Chris explore the contributions of W. F. Albright (who knew over 20 languages) and G. E. Wright, Kathleen Kenyon and others, and the emergence of New Archaeology, regional approaches, and other new methods. They also consider...
-
Chris and Kyle - Biblical Archaeology Rising (Part 1)
Episode: In this two-part series, Kyle and Chris delve deeply into the history of "biblical" archaeology. What is this field? How did we get to where we are today? Who are some of the characters that shaped the field along the way? If you've ever pondered these (or related) questions, then this...
-
Mary Buck - The Babylonian Period
Episode: In this second of our “Second Temple Series,” Mary Buck discusses the Neo-Babylonian period. Of particular interest is the impact of the Babylonian Empire on the Kingdom of Judah. Babylonian Period. This short-lived "flash-in-the-pan" empire has an outsized impact on history. Learn how…
more -
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 10)
Episode: We're back with Tablet IX of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh must face reality. From the grief over Enkidu to a search for his (Noah-like) ancestor Utnapishtim on Mt. Mashu, Gilgamesh will learn about his mortality. Meet scorpion beings and enjoy this next installment with Amy and…
more -
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 9)
Episode: We’re back now with Tablet VIII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and our grief knows no bounds. Tune in and hear Amy and Chris discuss the depths of Gilgamesh's pain, grief, and loss. They also discuss how Gilgamesh memorializes his friend, and what might have happened in the missing part of…
more -
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 8)
Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, an emotional high point in the epic. Chris and Amy take us into the friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the aftermath of Humbaba's death, and the curse-filled waiting for Enkidu's fate to unfold. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen…
more -
Kyle Keimer - Misunderstanding Sacrifice (part 2)
Episode: Kyle Keimer joins to add insights from archaeology to an earlier OnScript episode called Misunderstanding Sacrifice (listen HERE). Dru and Matt L talk about the incomplete pictures gained from archaeology AND the Bible, and how to grapple with both. This episode is cross-listed with the...
-
Mary Buck - The Assyrian Period
Episode: In this first of our "Second Temple Series," Mary Buck takes us back well before the Second Temple Period, back to the Assyrian Period. Beware, there's a pop quiz here! Learn which Second Temple site is her favorite, and much more! Host: Mary Buck is back hosting this new series!! Image...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 7)
Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VI of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Chris and Amy take us on a deep dive into the "love" of Ishtar, Gilgamesh refusing that love as cruel and temporary, the Bull of Heaven's rage and death, and the impending fate of Enkidu. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART...
-
Best Archaeological Finds of 2024 (Part 2) – Chris and Kyle
Episode: Part 2 of our Best Archaeological Finds for 2024 (we’re not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this second of a two-part series. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor. Related…
more -
Best Archaeological Finds of 2024 (Part 1) - Chris and Kyle
Episode: Back by popular demand is our Best Archaeological Finds series, and this one for 2024 (we're not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this first of a two-part series. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by...
-
Egyptology and the Exodus Narrative - Chris and Mark (Egypt Series)
Episode: We're continuing our series on Egypt and the Bible! In this episode we're focused on the geography, archaeology, and the history of the exodus, including the route and wilderness wanderings. We discuss the sites Pi-Ramesses, Pithom, and Succoth. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Mark Janzen Give:...
-
Historical Geography - John Monson
Episode: In this episode, Kyle and Chris are joined by John Monson to discuss the history of one of their favorite subjects – the Historical Geography of the Bible. Guest: Dr. Monson was born to missionary parents in Zaire but spent most of his youth in Jerusalem, Israel, where he developed an...
-
Chris and Kyle - Archaeology: What It Is and What It Does
Episode: Episode: In this episode, Kyle and Chris talk about the fundamentals of biblical archaeology - both its underlying methodology and why they remain hopeless devotees to it. This episode includes stories from the field, the similarities and differences with Raiders of the Lost Ark, and so...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 6)
Episode: We're back, with Tablet V of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Chris and Amy take us on a deep dive into the great cedar forest at the mountains of the gods, where they will face Humbaba, guardian of the forest. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, and PART 5....
-
The Ephraimite Conquest of Bethel in Judges
Episode: Chris and Kyle continue their series on the book of Judges, looking at the Ephraimite conquest of Bethel in Judges 1:22-26. They cover problems in the archaeology of Bethel, and they discuss the identity of the "Hittites" in this same passage. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give:...
-
Sennacherib's War Camps - Chris and Kyle
Episode: In this episode, Chris and Kyle discuss a recent journal article that claims to have found new evidence of Sennacherib’s 701 BC campaign against Judah. The article makes a lot of interesting, but ultimately problematic claims about the Historical Geography of the Biblical World. (Note:...
-
Jerusalem Through the Ages - Jodi Magness
Episode: New co-host Jason Staples speaks with Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill about her new book, Jerusalem Through the Ages: From Its Beginnings to the Crusades (Oxford University Press, 2024), the spectacular synagogue mosaic her...
-
Parables of the Kingdom & More - Wave Nunnally
Episode: Recorded on a whim after a chance meeting in Jerusalem, Wave Nunnally shares his experience of recent events in Israel, the parables of the Kingdom, and his friendship with the lead guitarist for Petra. Oh yea, all in one (shortish) episode! Guest: Dr. Wave Nunnally is Professor Emeritus...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 5)
Episode: Here’s the fifth in our multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! It's a fun and fascinating tour through Tablet 4, so tune in and enjoy! Click HERE HERE HERE and HERE for parts 1, 2, 3 & 4. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh Give: Visit our...
-
Q&A with Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer
Episode: You asked (a long time ago), we answered (finally)! In this Q&A episode, we respond to listener questions about how to raise your kids to be like Chris and Kyle, prophetic practices, 1 Cor 11, chambered gates, Pharisees, forgery scandal, and much more! Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle…
more -
Ancient Marriage Contracts and the Sinai Covenant - Oliver Hersey
Episode: Matt Lynch speaks with Jerusalem University College president and Biblical World co-host Oliver Hersey. We discuss study of the world of the Bible and his thesis that the Sinai Covenant can be illuminated through knowledge of ancient marriage customs. Knowing ancient marriage customs can...
-
Biblical Hebron - Jeff Chadwick
Episode: Kyle Keimer and Chris McKinny speak with Jeff Chadwick, Jerusalem Center Professor of Archaeology and Near Eastern Studies at BYU about his excavations at biblical Hebron (Tell er-Rumeide). Youtube Link - https://youtu.be/ovhfNwdcabQ Guest: Dr. Jeffrey R. Chadwick serves at BYU as...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 4)
Episode: Here’s the fourth in our multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! It's a fun tour through Tablet 3, so tune in and enjoy! Click HERE HERE and HERE for parts 1, 2 & 3. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to...
-
Final Best Archaeological Finds of 2023 (pt 3)
Episode: In final part of our three-part series (finally!), Chris and Kyle discuss the year’s top ten archaeological discoveries and stories related to the Bible, including in this one, a weird and strange discovery. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 3)
Episode: Here’s the third in our multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! It's a fun ep, so tune in! Click HERE and HERE for parts 1 & 2. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript...
-
Amy and Chris – Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 2)
Episode: Here's the second in our multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! They finish Tablet 1 in this episode, discussing Gilgamesh's need to tame his passions, his journey into the wilds, the character Enkidu, links to early Genesis (e.g., Enkidu as...
-
Paul Evans - Sennacherib and the War of 1812
Episode: In this episode of Biblical World, Kyle interviews Paul Evans about his new book, Sennacherib and the War of 1812: Disputed Victory in the Assyrian Campaign of 701 BCE in Light of Military History (T&T Clark, 2023). They delve into military history and consider how the goals and…
more -
Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 2023 (Pt 2)
Episode: Part 2 in our 3-part series on the top ten archaeological discoveries and stories related to the Bible from 2023. Some are honorable and some ... dishonorable. We talk about the lead "tablet" from Mt. Ebal, cosmic rays, the location of Canaanite Jerusalem, and other sensational and...
-
Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 2023 (Pt 1)
Episode: In this three-part series - Chris and Kyle discuss the year’s top ten archaeological discoveries and stories related to the Bible. Part 1 discusses the most important finds related to the Bronze Age. We talk Hittites, the location and identification of Sinai, and much more! Hosts: Chris...
-
Steve Ortiz - Solomonic Gates
Episode: Kyle and Mark talk with Prof. Steve Ortiz about the Archaeology of the United Monarchy. In particular, they focus on the so-called "Solomonic" gates while also touching on the historicity of David and Solomon and issues in the use and dating of archaeological materials. Guest: Dr. Steven...
-
Kristine Garroway - Growing Up in Ancient Israel
Episode: What do we know about children in ancient Israel, about who they were, the lives they led, and the people in their lives? Kristine Garroway is at the forefront of a new interest in the lives of children, and she draws on insights from comparative Ancient Near Eastern literature,...
-
Amy and Chris - Epic of Gilgamesh (Part 1)
Episode: Welcome to the first of a multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! Why is this story so important, and what might it say about how we read the Bible? Where did it come from? What's its relationship to real places and history? What does it have…
more -
Suzanna Miller and Sebastien Doane - The Bible and Animal Studies
Episode: Suzanna Millar and Sébastien Doane introduce us to a newer field in biblical studies that focuses on animals in the Bible and ancient Near East. Millar and Doane co-chair "The Bible and Animal Studies" program unit at the Society for Biblical Literature. Guests: Dr. Suzanna Millar is the...
-
Azzan Yadin-Israel - Temptation Transformed
Episode: In this episode, Amy Balogh interviews Prof. Azzan Yadin-Israel (Rutgers University) about his recent book Temptation Transformed: The Story of How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple (Univ of Chicago Press, 2023) in which he finally solves the mystery of how the “fruit” of Genesis 2-3...
-
Erica Ferg - Geography and Religion in the Eastern Mediterranean
Episode: In this episode, Amy speaks with Prof. Erica Ferg (Regis University) about the impact of geography on the religious history of the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Baal Cycle from Ugarit and the biblical story of Elijah. Erica’s research focuses on the agricultural communities of the...
About this show
An OnScript Podcast partner, exploring the history, archaeology, geography, and cultures of the Bible.
Hosted by
Chris McKinny, Lynn Cohick, Kyle Keimer, Oliver Hersey, Mary Buck, and Mark Janzen
Categories