PODCAST · society
Readings from the Cheap Seats
by Frank Hartle
“Reading from the Cheap Seats” is a weekly look at the Sunday readings from the pews—where most of us actually live. Episodes drop on Fridays, so you can sit with the Scriptures before you ever walk into church. I’m a former police officer and federal agent, now a college professor. I started out writing simple weekly study guides for my men’s Bible studies and realized they might help more people, so I turned them into this podcast. I’m Catholic, but you don’t have to be to listen. If you care about what God might be saying through His Word, you’re welcome here. I’m not a theologian, not a Scripture scholar, and definitely not a perfect Christian. I’m just trying to follow God in the middle of real life, and failing in fresh ways every day. This podcast is about exactly that: hearing the readings, being honest about where we fall short, and discovering how God keeps working with ordinary, broken people. From the cheap seats, the view may not be fancy, but the grace is s
Episodes
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Meet me in Samaria
In a world filled with chaos, doubt, and separation, the promise that Jesus will never leave us or abandon us is more vital, and more radical, than ever. When life’s burdens feel overwhelming and faith feels fragile, this episode reminds us how the Holy Spirit transforms those moments of…
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Rough Edges
In this episode of Readings from the Cheap Seats, we reflect on the 5th Sunday of Easter and what happens when God builds His Church with people who still have a few rough edges. The early Church is growing, but not without tension: widows are being overlooked, complaints are rising, and the...
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Sheepish at Best
In this episode, we explore the profound imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the importance of listening for His voice amidst countless distractions. We examine how trusting in Christ's voice leads to true life, especially in times of hardship, and discuss practical ways to stay close to…
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Not All Who Wander Walk Alone
This episode is a wake-up call for anyone tired, grieving, or distracted. It reminds us that Jesus is closer than we think, walking alongside us in the ordinary, speaking peace into our chaos, and reigniting hope when everything feels lost. Whether you’re seeking reassurance, renewal, or a fresh...
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Grave Matters
Easter is not just a happy ending. It is the day everything changed. In this episode of Readings from the Cheap Seats, we walk through the Easter readings and reflect on the empty tomb, the patience of Christ with doubting hearts, and the hope that comes from the Resurrection. For anyone carrying...
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One Crowd, Two Cries
Most of us prefer Jesus on the mountaintop, inspiring, healing, triumphant. But Palm Sunday confronts us with the truth: the King enters Jerusalem in humility and suffers alongside us. In this powerful Holy Week episode, discover how Jesus' humble procession and brutal passion reveal a radically...
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Grief, Grace, and Glory
In this episode, you’ll discover how God specializes in resurrecting what feels utterly undone, whether it's a broken relationship, a dream lost to grief, or a soul dulled by sin. As shadows lengthen and Lent deepens, learn why the story of Lazarus offers more than comfort, it’s a blueprint for...
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Holy Mud
This week we talk about blindness, belief, stubborn pride, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the people who think they see the clearest are the most lost. From David being overlooked in the field, to Psalm 23, to Jesus healing the man born blind, these readings invite us to step out of...
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Don’t Lick the Rocks
This week, we reflect on the thirst that runs through the Sunday readings, from Israel in the desert, to Paul’s reminder that God’s love has been poured into our hearts, to Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. This episode is about trust, grace, and the danger of testing God when He is...
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Called Out of Comfort
This week’s readings may hit a nerve. God calls people who aren’t looking for a big life disruption. Abram gets told to pack up and leave what’s familiar. Paul, writing from prison, reminds us that our calling isn’t something we earn, it’s God’s gift, and that following Jesus can include real...
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The Hunger Games: Lent Edition
This week on Readings from the Cheap Seats, we step into the two places temptation loves most: the Garden and the desert. Genesis shows how sin starts, rarely with a punch in the face, usually with a question that twists God’s goodness. Then Jesus, the New Adam, shuts down Satan’s playbook with...
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What is God's Freedom?
This week’s readings sit at the crossroads of life: God gives us freedom, God gives us His law, and Jesus shows us what freedom is for. The thread running through everything is simple but not easy: the Lord isn’t trying to restrict us, He’s trying to rescue us, especially from the stuff that…
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Stay Salty
The conversation explores the theme of Christians living in the image of Christ and bringing light to the world. It delves into the call to true worship, the significance of living as salt and light, the power of God's message, being salt and light in the world, and reflecting God's light into…
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Foolish, Weak, and Chosen
In this Sunday’s readings, I was struck by how differently God “builds a team” than we do. Zephaniah speaks of a “people humble and lowly” who take refuge in the name of the Lord. God preserves a faithful remnant not because they’re impressive, but because they’re honest, dependent, and willing…
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Are You Following Christ or Christians?
🌟 Are you following Christ or just the crowd? In our latest episode of "Readings from the Cheap Seats," we explore the profound difference between aligning with Christian factions and truly following Christ. Dive into the teachings of Isaiah, Psalms, Corinthians, and Matthew as we discuss light…
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Is Your Faith a Surrender or a Show?
In today's world, faith can often feel like a performance rather than a genuine surrender. 🌟 In our latest discussion, we explore the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth, not just as a historical figure, but as the Servant, the Lamb, and the Son of God. How does this understanding transform our...
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Why Would Jesus Need Baptism?
In our latest episode of "Readings from the Cheap Seats," we explore the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll discover: The significance of Jesus' baptism and its impact on identity and mission. Insights from Isaiah, Psalms, and Acts on servitude and justice. How...
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Gold, Frankincense, and the Scandal of Grace
This episode delves into the themes of Epiphany, highlighting the universal kingship of Jesus and the significance of the Magi's visit. It explores readings from Isaiah, the Psalms, Ephesians, and Matthew emphasizing the universality of God's grace and the challenge of radical mercy. Keywords...
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Home: The First Mission Field
Finding Holiness in Family Life: Lessons from the Holy Family In this Christmas episode, we explore the Feast of the Holy Family and how God's plan often unfolds within ordinary, imperfect family life. Through reflections on Scripture, we discuss honoring imperfect parents, caring for the…
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“Do Not Be Afraid” Said Every Angel Ever
This episode explores the Advent theme of 'God-with-us' through the readings of Isaiah 7:10–14, Psalm 24:1–7, Romans 1:1–7, and Matthew 1:18–24. The host underscores how God fulfills His promises in unexpected ways through the obedience of Mary and Joseph. It delves into the importance of viewing...
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Rejoice… Even Here
Keywords: Gaudete Sunday, joyful hope, spiritual deserts, patience, faith, John the Baptist, joy, Advent, God, church Summary In this episode, we explore the themes of Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing the importance of joy in the midst of life's challenges. He discusses the readings from Isaiah, Psalm...
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Stumps, Shoots, and Second Chances
Stumps, Shoots, and Second Chances This week's episode of 'Readings from the Cheap Seats' I delve into the texts for the Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72, Romans 15:4-9, and Matthew 3:1-12. Discover the essence of Advent’s 'double vision'—both future-facing and reflecting on...
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Stay Awake!
This episode walks through the readings for the First Sunday of Advent (Isaiah 2:1–5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11–14, Matthew 24:37–44). Instead of treating Advent as just a countdown to Christmas, we talk about it as a season of holy wakefulness: a time to trade swords for plowshares, anxiety for...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
“Reading from the Cheap Seats” is a weekly look at the Sunday readings from the pews—where most of us actually live. Episodes drop on Fridays, so you can sit with the Scriptures before you ever walk into church.
I’m a former police officer and federal agent, now a college professor. I started out writing simple weekly study guides for my men’s Bible studies and realized they might help more people, so I turned them into this podcast. I’m Catholic, but you don’t have to be to listen. If you care about what God might be saying through His Word, you’re welcome here.
I’m not a theologian, not a Scripture scholar, and definitely not a perfect Christian. I’m just trying to follow God in the middle of real life, and failing in fresh ways every day. This podcast is about exactly that: hearing the readings, being honest about where we fall short, and discovering how God keeps working with ordinary, broken people. From the cheap seats, the view may not be fancy, but the grace is s
HOSTED BY
Frank Hartle
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Readings from the Cheap Seats have?
Readings from the Cheap Seats currently has 23 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Readings from the Cheap Seats about?
“Reading from the Cheap Seats” is a weekly look at the Sunday readings from the pews—where most of us actually live. Episodes drop on Fridays, so you can sit with the Scriptures before you ever walk into church. I’m a former police officer and federal agent, now a college professor. I started out...
How often does Readings from the Cheap Seats release new episodes?
Readings from the Cheap Seats has 23 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Readings from the Cheap Seats?
You can listen to Readings from the Cheap Seats on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Readings from the Cheap Seats?
Readings from the Cheap Seats is created and hosted by Frank Hartle.
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