PODCAST · religion
Syncopator Familias
by Greg Richter (host); Laura J. Axelrod (co-host)
Parables from everyday life. A sometimes snarky, but always serious look at the religious landscape.
Episodes
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Too Early for Christmas Decorations?
Hosts Greg Richter and Laura J. Axelrod ask: When is too early to decorate for Christmas, and have Halloween decorations gotten to gory? Warning: They get sidetracked on the displaying of fashion magazine covers in supermarkets and the premise of the 1970s TV show "Eight Is Enough." Share your...
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A Pastor, Two Wives, and a Lot of Red Flags
In this episode, hosts Greg Richter and Laura J. Axelrod dive into the Missouri pastor who claims he’s cracked the code on biblical marriage—declaring that Scripture doesn’t prohibit multiple wives and proudly “marrying” a second one who’s now carrying his eighth child. Laura takes a decidedly…
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Bob Dylan's Christian Trilogy (Part 2)
Greg Richter finishes up his "listening party" with the last two albums of Bob Dylan's Christian trilogy, Saved (1980) and Shot of Love (1981). He ponders the critics' question, Is Dylan still a follower of Jesus? Are these songs still worth listening to? Stock up for gift-giving, and for…
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Bob Dylan's Christian Trilogy (Part 1)
In my latest podcast episode, I’m trying something different. This is the first of a two-part discussion on Bob Dylan’s Christian trilogy. Recorded during a drive along I-20 through Georgia, I talk about the songs, Dylan’s conversion, and how his faith journey connects to my own “coming-to-Jesus”...
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E27: Faith When You’re Tired: Finding Rest and Renewal in a Weary World
Podcast Title: Faith When You’re Tired: Finding Rest and Renewal in a Weary World Hosts: Greg Richter and Laura J. Axelrod Opening Brief welcome and introduction of topic: “We’re talking today about what to do when you feel just plain tired — not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally...
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E26: Rappin' 'Bout the Rapture
Hosts Greg Richter and Laura J. Axelrod discuss the recent mis-prediction of the Second Coming of Jesus and how it fits into past predictions and American society. They also talk about how they viewed the end of the world when they were growing up -- he in the U.S. South as an evangelical, she as…
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E25: Pray for Your Enemies -- Yes, Really!
It's not an easy assignment in today's hardened online discourse, but really, it never has been easy. But Jesus tells his followers it's what they need to do. This episode looks into why this is and at practical steps we can take to make life easier for others -- and ourselves. Read the columns...
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E24: The Phillies Home-run Ball Incident and Turning the Other Cheek
Hosts Greg Richter and Laura J. Axelrod dive deep into a compelling discussion on grace, conflict, and the biblical perspective surrounding the recent Phillies home-run ball controversy. At a Phillies vs. Marlins game on September 5, 2025, Harrison Bader blasted a home-run into the stands at...
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E23: Faith, Insight & Creative Storytelling
In this episode, Greg Richter and Laura J. Axelrod sit down to share exciting updates on Greg’s new Patreon project. From thought-provoking columns and the launch of the C. Husal Utes video series to an upcoming book project, we talk about what’s in the works, why we’re creating it, and how you…
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E22: A little peace and understanding
I'm trying to add more positivity to social media with a daily reciting of the Lord's Prayer. Here's why.
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E21: Faith at Work -- Journalism and Writing for God
A few minutes I shared at my church as part of a series of members who talk about how their faith impacts their work.
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E20: Interview with Author Tisha Nickson
Author Tisha Nickson talks about her book "Victim to Victory: My Journey from Sex Slavery to Freedom in Christ." Her mother sold her to a drug dealer at age 16, and she forgave her as she cared for her ailing mother years later. Co-hosted by Laura J. Axelrod.
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E19: Meet the Press. A politician who WON'T take you for a ride; Pickin' on Chickfila; The other CBD
Why a Mississippi gubernatorial candidate is right to keep his vow to his wife, but wrong to treat a female reporter differently than men. USA Today on Chick fil a's "losses." Why Christian Book Distributors had to change its name.
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E18: Building an Argument Against God Ex Nihilo
Why science can't prove or disprove God. This podcast is adapted from an essay that appeared on "The Clyde Fitch Report: The Crossroads of Arts and Politics" https://www.clydefitchreport.com/2014/08/patricia-churchland-atheist-greta-christina/
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E17: The Jester, The Theologian and The King
How Larry Norman, Karl Barth and David, Son of Jesse Were Imperfect Men After God’s Own Heart. "I tend take the plank out of my own eye only to use it to build a pedestal for notable Christians who I think should be above reproach. Once I find out about their serious flaws, I want to refashion…
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E16: Judging Ourselves, Loving the Rest
Paul told the Corinthians to judge fellow Christians -- not those outside the church. It's our job to love them into the kingdom, and let God perfect them once they're in. (Also, you've always heard there are no stupid questions? Well, that's not quite true. Stick around till the end of the…
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E15: Giving Up On Giving Up on God
This year for Lent I'm trying -- emphasis on trying -- to give up not trusting God.
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E14: Podcast of Podcasts
Greg's recommendations of the best Bible-related podcasts you should be listening to in 2019. They are The Daily Audio Bible, The Bible Project, Exploring My Strange Bible and the Naked Bible Podcast. "Every episode of every podcast is gold -- not a dud among them," he says. Hear to the episode…
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E13: Ain't Lyin' About Santa
Is it OK to tell kids there's a Santa? Will it mess up their belief in God? Listen in as my wife, Laura J. Axelrod, joins the podcast to discuss this with me, and to give me grief over how I would have thrown her to the lions if we'd had kids of our own.
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E12: Check Out My New Book
My latest book, "Be Attitutes: And Other Spiritual Lessons From Everyday Life" will be released for FREE download on Tuesday. Hear all about it, and about those who helped make it great!
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E 11: God Is Kind: Go and Do Likewise
We talk about how God is love and how he is merciful. One day this week he showed me his kindness amid fear and heartbreak.
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E 10: Two Poems of Redemption and New Life
"Two swords" (A poem of redemption) and "Cell" (A poem of new life) are read and discussed. Read the originals here: https://bit.ly/2O0pF9s and here: https://bit.ly/2wYhWl0 and comment on Twitter to @owentew
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E9: What My Pets Taught Me About God's Sense of Fairness
Sometimes All It Takes is Cats and Dogs - Not Catechisms and Dogma
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E8: I’m Not a Good Person — and Neither Are You
Take It From Joni Mitchell and King Solomon: With Age Come Some Sad Realizations. Read the original at https://medium.com/@OwenTew/im-not-a-good-person-and-neither-are-you-dec6e52df035
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E7: Why the Eye Can’t Tell the Hand: ‘Sorry, Buddy — I Don’t Need Ya!’
I’ve never had a favorite Scripture verse. I always figured they were all equally important . But there is one passage that sums up all that bugs me about divisions in the church: 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, where the Apostle Paul compares the Church — the Body of Christ — to a human body in which...
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E6: It's Good If You Like It
My early brush with death set me on a course toward knowing God that continues to this day. And he has used several sages throughout the years to pass his wisdom along.
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E5 Free Will and Grace
A look at how counterfactual conditionals might just solve the old debate between predestination and free will. Then again, the debate will probably rage on.
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E4: What if self-aware machines aren’t devils, but gods?
HAL 9000, Skynet and the Matrix were enemies of humanity. But in the real world, AI might just "love" us to death.
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E3: How I Gave Up Anger for Lent &Took Up Praying for My Enemies
I like getting angry and holding grudges way more than I like candy or television, so clearly that would be a much bigger sacrifice. (Image public domain, “The Chicago amateur base ball annual and inter-city base ball association year book” 1904)
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Episode 2: Parable of the Malfunctioning Air Conditioner
Something's in the air (conditioning) -- and it's the key to living by faith.
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Episode 1: The Bee Attitudes: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
How my animosity toward badly behaving bees taught me I was being unforgiving to people who’ve wronged me
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Parables from everyday life. A sometimes snarky, but always serious look at the religious landscape.
HOSTED BY
Greg Richter (host); Laura J. Axelrod (co-host)
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Syncopator Familias have?
Syncopator Familias currently has 31 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Syncopator Familias about?
Parables from everyday life. A sometimes snarky, but always serious look at the religious landscape.
How often does Syncopator Familias release new episodes?
Syncopator Familias has 31 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Syncopator Familias?
You can listen to Syncopator Familias 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 Syncopator Familias?
Syncopator Familias is created and hosted by Greg Richter (host); Laura J. Axelrod (co-host).
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