The Esau McCaulley Podcast

Esau joins Justin Giboney and Christopher Butler of the Church Politics Podcast for a special crossover conversation about Black liberation theology, James Cone, and the relationship between justice and the gospel. Together, they explore what Cone got right about the church's failures on race and oppression, where liberation theology can become too narrow, and why Christians need a gospel that transforms both people and society. They also discuss the resurrection, the authority of Scripture, the danger of reducing Christianity to a political program, and what faithful public witness should actually look like.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:10 - Chance the Rapper on Liberation Theology   5:21 - James Cone's Books   20:56 - The Errors of Liberation Theology   39:52 - Trusting God, Not People   57:22 - End Credits

Youth sports are supposed to be good for kids, but what happens when giving your child every opportunity starts costing your family more than money? Esau, Malcolm Foley, and producer Mike talk about the booming youth sports industry, the pressure to keep up, and how parents can tell the difference between investing in their kids and trying to maximize them. Then they turn to the new TV show, Lanterns and its surprisingly thoughtful exploration of race, fear, parenting, and the pressure placed on Black children to be exceptional. And finally, they ask why Donald Trump has to make even superheroes about himself.   0:00 - Theme Song   0:21 - Youth Sports   11:28 - What's Worth Youth Sports?   16:57- Fear and the Black Experience   24:13 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106   25:24 - Sponsor - Curiously, Kaitlyn - Ever had a question about God, the Bible, or Theology that you're embarrassed to ask? Chances are, a kid has already asked Kaitlyn that question! Check out Curiously, Kaitlyn: https://pod.link/1739169925   26:36 - Parenthood and Black Fear   36:42 - Trump's Green Lantern Post   48:53 - End Credits   Articles Covered: https://www.denverpost.com/2026/08/23/pay-to-play-youth-sports/

What happens when trust begins to break down between people and the institutions meant to serve them? Esau, Mike, and Sharon Miller talk about vaccine skepticism, bad experiences with the healthcare system, and why Christians should care more about truth than winning an argument. They also discuss the rise of AI-assisted cheating and why forming people of integrity may matter more than creating better rules. Plus, how much privacy should we be willing to sacrifice for safety as surveillance technology becomes increasingly common?   0:00 - The Height of Deception   1:20 - Theme Song   1:40 - Daejon Love and Being Duped   9:41 - Vaccines and the Medical System's Failings   25:33 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106   26:44 - Sponsor - Renovare Book Club - Spiritual formation through books! What else could you ask for? Learn more at https://renovare.org/bookclub   27:54 - Sponsor - Holy Post Plus - Want full episodes of the SkyePod? Wanna get schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess? What about a daily devotional for people who hate daily devotionals? Sign up for Holy Post Plus: https://substack.com/@holypostmedia   31:45 - Academic Cheating on the Rise   42:35 - Flock Cameras   53:53 - End Credit   Articles Mentioned: Vaccines Custody Battle Article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/09/07/the-maha-custody-battle   Students Cheating with AI: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/opinion/students-cheating-ai.html   Flock Cameras: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/podcasts/the-daily/flock-cameras-surveillance-america.html

For the 100th episode of The Esau McCaulley Podcast, Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike look at why America seems incapable of making meaningful progress on gun violence, even after school shootings. They discuss new research showing how pro-gun political spending surges after deadly shootings, what that reveals about money and power in American politics, and how our culture of violence shapes everyday life. Then, they turn to Gary, Indiana, to examine how decades of disinvestment and systemic racism still leave some communities more vulnerable than others. Finally, they ask whether avoiding conflict actually creates peace, and why healthy friendships, churches, and communities sometimes require us to say the hard thing.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:58 - Peacocks   8:44 - Pro-Gun Pac Increases After School Shootings   22:13 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   23:13 - Gary, Indiana   38:33 - Conflict is Good for Relationships?   49:32 - End Credits   Resources: Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game by Esau McCaulley: https://amzn.to/46lZ8gD   How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley: https://amzn.to/4ca7Kug

Charlie Dates grew up in a Black church tradition where justice and righteousness were never competing ideas. Esau sits down with the Chicago pastor and author to talk about what gets lost when churches emphasize biblical faithfulness without public justice, or justice without biblical righteousness. Dates explains why he believes evangelicalism has become more American than Christian, how the Black church has historically joined preaching with community action, and why pastors have a responsibility to prepare their congregations before the next cultural crisis hits. They also look back at the very different responses of Martin Luther King Jr. and Billy Graham to the civil rights movement, and what their choices reveal about Christian witness.   0:00 - Theme Song   0:06 - Advice for Pastors   8:31 - Evangelicalism is too American   18:15 - 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: https://sites.tyndale.com/lasb/   19:14 - Legacy of Chicago   28:30 - How Black Churches Equip Students   47:00 - End Credits

Why is Spider-Man: Brand New Day resonating so deeply right now? Esau, Malcolm, and Sho Baraka unpack the loneliness at the heart of the film, why even superheroes struggle with isolation, and how the church can respond to our growing need for belonging. Then the conversation turns to America's story. They discuss whether they identify as "patriotic," how to hold the nation's ideals alongside its painful history of injustice, and what Paul can teach Christians about faithfully challenging the empire. Also, is Malcolm's superhero Mount Rushmore really the worst of all time? 00:00 - Introduction & Warm-Up 01:31 - Theme Song 01:44 - Superhero Mount Rushmore & Favorite Pop Culture Icons 05:17 - Spider-Man, Thunderbolts, and the Epidemic of Loneliness 12:49 - Overcoming Isolation & Building Real Community 19:25 - Sponsor - Tyndale - To celebrate the NLT's 30th anniversary, Use code ESAU30 to receive 30% off any NLT Bible! https://tyndale.com 20:38 - America's Story: History, Patriotism, and Identity 26:13 - Faith, Culture, and Higher Allegiances 41:55 - Finding Meaning, Belonging, and Hope Today 44:57 - End Credits

Churches in America are becoming more racially diverse, but many pastors are talking less about racial reconciliation. Esau, Mike, and guest Ike Miller explore why getting different people into the same room is not the same as creating a community where everyone truly belongs. Then, Ike shares the central idea behind his new book, Theology That Heals: salvation is not merely a transaction that forgives our guilt, but a lifelong process of restoring us to God, to one another, and to ourselves. Also, can Ike survive Esau's version of the newlywed game?   0:00 - Theme Song   0:43 - How Well Does Ike Know His Wife?   6:33 - Are Megachurches More Diverse?   13:45 - Preaching That Ignores Racial Divide   24:45 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   25:48 - Aware of Your Identity   35:20 - Jesus the Healer   49:33 - End Credits   Check out more from Ike Miller at: https://ikemiller.com/

Nearly half of Gen Z says Christian support for Donald Trump has made them less likely to attend church. Esau, Mike, and Sharon Hodde Miller discuss what the finding reveals about the church's political witness, while also asking whether some young adults have become unwilling to worship beside anyone who votes differently. Then, they examine the latest viral social media trend and why so many people think their lives should be a documentary. Also, why are mega churches growing, but small churches are struggling, and Esau found another new favorite team.   0:00 - Theme Song   1:53 - Are Curses Real?   8:56 - Is Trump Keeping Gen Z Out of Church?   16:54 - The Church's Witness   32:05 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!   33:05 - Sponsor - Tyndale - To celebrate the NLT's 30th anniversary, listeners of this podcast can use the code ESAU30 to receive 30% off any NLT Bible at this link: https://hubs.la/Q04n6dQn0   34:13 - Pastoring Among People   38:46 - Megachurches Keep Growing   55:44 - Esau Explains it All   58:38 - End Credits

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey asks what happens when you win the war but destroy the world you hoped to return to. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss the cost of victory, the erosion of shared norms, and whether a country can ever truly go back to what it was before. They also turn to America's war with Iran and why leaders so rarely admit when they are wrong. Then, a bizarre effort to preserve a dying parent through an AI "death bot" raises deeper questions about grief, resurrection, and what makes a human being real. Plus, Esau (once again) has a new favorite soccer team.   0:00 - Theme Song   0:10 - Esau's Spain Jersey   3:00 - The Odyssey   11:24 - Erosion of Decency   24:22 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!   25:30 - War in Iran   38:51 - A.I. and Deathbots   52:25 - End Credits

How should Christians respond when a complicated or controversial person dies? Esau, Sho Baraka, and Mike reflect on Lindsey Graham's political legacy and the challenge of telling the truth without becoming cruel. Then, they turn to the death of Nolan Wells, the questions surrounding the case, and the pressure to draw conclusions before all the facts are known. They discuss how race shapes our suspicions, why wisdom sometimes means waiting, and how to pursue justice without turning every tragedy into a political scorecard. Finally, they consider the role Black barbershops can play in mental health, community, and creating spaces where men can speak honestly. 0:00 - Theme Song 0:58 - World Cup Predictions 7:52 - Responding to Lindsay Graham's Death 21:37 - Nolan Wells' Tragedy 26:06 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off! 27:14 - Double Consciousness 35:57 - Black Barber Shops and Mental Health 52:40 - End Credits

America turned 250, but the celebration felt less like a shared national moment and more like another exhausting chapter in the Trump era. Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike discuss how Trump's involvement in a controversial World Cup decision managed to drain the joy out of U.S. soccer, and why so many Americans seem too tired to even argue about the country anymore. Then they turn to a disturbing Patriot Front march in Washington, D.C., and what it reveals about America's refusal to reckon honestly with racism. They also discuss the controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and why both parties keep confusing charisma with character. Finally, the crew debates whether colleges were wrong to abandon standardized tests and what parents, churches, and schools can do to help kids flourish. 0:00 - Theme Song   0:06 - Show Starts   1:27 - Trump Interfering with FIFA   11:02 - Exhausted by America   14:33 - A Bus with White Supremacists   27:02 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Truth's Table has a Bible study on the Book of John, featuring Esau McCaulley! Check it out at: https://www.ivpress.com/studytheword and use code ESAU30 to get 30% off!   28:10 - Graham Platner   40:50 - SAT and ACT Testing   56:45 - End Credits

Texas is adding Bible passages to its public school reading standards, continuing the endless debate over the Bible in schools. Esau, Kaitlyn, and Mike discuss why Bible literacy matters for understanding American history and why teaching the Bible while downplaying race creates a distorted picture of the country. Then, they turn to the rise of one-child families and what may be lost when fewer children grow up with siblings. Plus, why do female-led superhero movies keep struggling, and what does Supergirl reveal about how we talk about women, heroes, and doing good?   0:00 - Theme Song   0:22 - Cohost of the Cookout   15:00 - Increase in Single Children   24:02 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use Code "ESAU" on checkout to get 30% sitewide for the July 4th sale—limited time offer, not available anywhere else! Go to https://brooklynbedding.com   24:55 - Sponsor - InterVarsity Press - Get Into The Word with Truth's Table - A new video Bible study series from InterVarsity Press, featuring biblical teaching from respected Black scholars and pastors including Dr. Esau McCaulley. Go to ivpress.com/studytheword and use the code ESAU30 at checkout for a 30% special discount.   26:00 - The Sacrifice of Having Kids   40:01 - Supergirl—do people want female superheroes?   49:37 - End Credits

World Cup visitors are discovering America, and somehow ranch dressing, air conditioning, Walmart have become ambassadors for the nation. Esau, Mike, and Nancy French ask why outsiders may be seeing America more clearly than Americans do, and whether our perception of the country is being warped by news, social media, and political caricatures. Then they consider a new study linking return-to-office mandates with narcissistic leaders. Does liking to work in the office automatically make you an egomaniac? Finally, they wrestle with the ethics of genetic testing for newborns, asking how much truth parents should want to know and whether some knowledge is too heavy to carry.    0:00 - Theme Song   3:11 - Tourists Discover America   7:05 - Americans Pessimistic About America   17:36 - Repenting of Nut-Picking   21:05 - Remote Work Unpopular with Narcissists   31:35 - Genetic Testing on Babies   45:11 - End Credits

The President hosted a UFC fight on the White House lawn. Was it a celebration of American pride, or Trump's ego?  Esau and Mike discuss President Trump's fight-night spectacle, and why it's another example of Trump demanding more, and offering even less in return. Then they turn to Britain's proposed social media ban for children under 16 and ask what government, parents, and Christian communities owe kids growing up online. Plus, new research on "hasslers" raises a familiar question: when are difficult people a gift, and when do they become harmful? Also, has Esau become a Youtube troll? 0:00 - Theme Song 0:23 - Mike's Disrespect Addressed 3:45 - UFC Fight at the White House 16:48 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Download a free 30-day devotional about Christ as our sustaining fire at http://www.worldchallenge.org/esau 18:00 - UK Bans Social Media for Teens 31:51 - "Hasslers" and Mental Health 43:56 - End Credit

With Esau out of town, we're sharing a special bonus episode featuring a few Holy Post Plus exclusives. First, Esau answers the question, "What should Christians say to the grieving?" in an episode of Advice-ish, our weekly HP+ advice-column-style show about the ordinary problems people face. Then, you'll hear two episodes from 66 Verses to Explain the Bible, where Esau uses a single verse or short passage to explore the larger theme and message of a biblical book. This week, he takes on Esther and Job.   Want to learn more about Holy Post Plus? Check it out at holypost.com/plus   0:00 - Theme Song   2:14 - Advice-ish on Grief   9:17 - 66 Verses - Job   16:07 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program   17:36 -  66 Verses - Esther   24:29 - End Credits

Pope Leo has issued a major warning about artificial intelligence, arguing that the danger is not merely that machines will become more human, but that humans will become more machine-like. Producer Mike takes over while Esau is away, joined by Malcolm Foley and Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss what AI reveals about our broken ideas of work, dignity, limitation. Then they turn to America's happiness crisis, from toxic positivity and the myth of a frictionless life to why boredom, grief, and inconvenience may be essential to becoming fully human. Plus, what the decline of the white picket fence says about safety, boundaries, and our growing fear of neighbors. Also this week, Tottenham narrowly avoids humiliation, Mike had an intimate moment with Stephen Colbert, and everyone definitely proves they are loyal listeners of this podcast.   0:00 - Theme Song   0:33 - Malcolm and Sharon   2:23 - Most Mundane Accomplishments   7:20 - Pope Leo's A.I. Encyclical   24:00 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program   25:12 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Download a free 30-day devotional about Christ as our sustaining fire at http://www.worldchallenge.org/esau   26:19 - Unhappy America   31:04 - America and Momento Mori   41:55 - Boredom and the Meaning of Life   54:22 - End Credits

Faith can feel easy at the beginning, but what happens when you're stuck in the long middle? Tired, cynical, and wondering why God feels far away? Esau is joined by Tish Harrison Warren to talk about her new book, What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience, and why perseverance is more than just spiritual grit. They discuss burnout, doubt, the exhaustion of public faith, the temptation to start over, and why staying put might be one of the most countercultural Christian practices left.   0:00 - Theme Song   1:02 - What Grows in Weary Lands   5:22 - Leaving the New York Times   24:47 - "Middle Stories"   49:12 - End Credits   What Grows in Wear Lands: On Christian Resilience by Tish Harrison Warren: https://amzn.to/4o0FwqE

People are searching for rituals, but often in places the church has abandoned. Esau, Mike, and Rochelle Scheuermann  talk about whether friendship can survive political disagreement, why people are inventing new rituals for belonging and meaning, and what churches lose when they trade formation for efficiency. Then, Rochelle discusses her new book, Disability and Evangelism, and why disability is not a problem for churches to solve but a gift the body of Christ needs to receive. She shares how her son with Down syndrome changed her understanding of discipleship, evangelism, and the kingdom of God. 0:00 - Theme Song 0:42 - Drake's Triple Album Drop 2:24 - Friendship Across Political Divide 10:08 - Rituals 19:33 - Disability and Evangelism 22:17 - Disability Theology 34:33 - Signs a Church is Accommodating 40:02 - End Credits   Disability and Evangelism: The Good News of the Fullness of God's Kingdom (Center For Disability and Ministry Books) by Rochelle Scheuermann: https://a.co/d/0d4aOT2t

A group of pastors prayed over a golden statue of President Trump, but they insist it was not a "golden calf" situation. Esau, Malcolm and Mike discuss what the Trump statue reveals about power, idolatry, and the church's temptation to bless empire. Then, they discuss the recent release of government files on UFOs and question of whether the discovery of aliens would change Christian theology, while a discussion about conspiracy theories somehow leads to spies, mayors, and the CIA. Also this week: anti-DEI politics and sewage infrastructure in rural Alabama, companies cutting paid family leave, and is Mike becoming internationally famous?   0:00 - Theme Song   2:12 - Graduation Advice   11:01 - Trump's Golden Statue   22:33 - Sponsor - OneAccord - Get 3 Hours of free, live translation for your church by visiting: https://www.oneaccord.ai/ESAU   24:58 - Aliens!   37:40 - DEI Cuts Causing Plumbing Problems   50:20 - End Credits

Preorder Esau's New Children's Book: https://esaumccaulley.com/books/isaiah-johnson-and-the-big-game/   The Supreme Court's latest Voting Rights Act decision has reignited an old debate: does discrimination only matter when racist intent can be proven, or do the results matter too? Esau McCaulley, Skye Jethani and Producer Mike break down the history behind the Voting Rights Act, why this Louisiana redistricting case matters, and what it could mean for Black political representation across the South. They also wrestle with whether America's institutions are actually progressing on race or simply finding new ways to protect power. Then, Sharon Hodde Miller joins the show to unpack the Newsboys lawsuit and the uncomfortable questions it raises about Christian music, nonprofit partnerships, and money in evangelical culture.   0:00 - Theme Song   0:33 - Esau's New Book!   2:00 - Voting Rights Act Supreme Court Decision   8:47 - Moral Progress and Original Sin   23:09 - Newsboys Suing Charities   40:38 - Downsizing Friendships?   53:42 - End Credits  

After another assassination attempt on President Trump, Esau McCaulley, Malcolm Foley and Mike Stralow wrestle with what it means that political violence is starting to feel normal, and why Christians must reject any attempt to justify it in Jesus' name. They unpack the so-called "Christian" logic behind the attacker's manifesto, and explain why the story of Jesus fundamentally undermines violence as a tool for change. Then the conversation turns to the backlash around DEI, where real concerns, bad ideas, and political overreactions have all been thrown into one messy debate. Also this week: why people quietly leave churches, and Producer Mike might need a new nickname.   0:00 - Theme Song   3:02 - Assassination Attempt   6:11 - Christian Non-Violence   9:05 - Identifying with the State   17:35 - Conspiracy Theories   20:53 - Where DEI Backfires   29:48 - The "DEI Bundle"   34:52 - Critiquing DEI Without Being MAGA   39:00 - Pastors and Congregation Numbers   55:24 - End Credits

We used to all watch the same thing, but now our entertainment options to our church options are more dived and fragmented than ever. Justin Giboney joins Esau McCaulley and Mike Stralow to discuss the collapse of monoculture. Then, Dave Chappelle recently took criticism for performing at a comedy festival in Saudi Arabia, but he made the claim that there is no such thing as clean money anymore. The crew discusses if that's true and how should Christians think about spending, giving, and participating in a system that's already broken. Also, is it fair to tax the rich and does it actually improve society if we do?   P Lewis Art Collection: https://www.instagram.com/plewiscollection/   0:00 - Theme Song   1:45 - The Love of Missing Out, LOMO   7:45 - Is Monoculture Dead?   12:28 - Ideology and Entertainment   22:45 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com   23:56 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   24:46 - Dave Chappell and Clear Money   37:10 - Mamdani and Housing Taxes in New York City   49:50 - End Credits

It was the AI image heard around the world. Esau and Mike are joined by Christine Jeske to talk about Trump's infamous AI image depicting him as a Christ figure, and whether it signals a real shift in his evangelical support or just a passing blip. They also dig into Justin Bieber's Coachella performance, asking whether it tapped into something deeper about longing, vulnerability, and public faith. Then the conversation turns to Anthropic's gathering of Christian leaders to explore whether AI could ever be considered a child of God. Finally, Christine shares about her new book, Racial Justice for the Long Haul, and what gives her hope in the midst of so much turmoil right now.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:00 - Justin Bieber's Coachella Laptop Performance   12:13 - The Pope Vs. the President   25:38 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com   26:56 - Can AI Have a Soul?   31:18 - AI and Human Value   55:33 - End Credits

A government official claims God teleported him to a Waffle House, and somehow that is not the strangest part of this conversation. Esau is joined by producer Mike and Stephen Harris to discuss Holy Week at the White House, where the language of resurrection, sacrifice, and salvation was tangled up with politics, power, and some very questionable comparisons. They also wrestle with how Christians can believe in the miraculous without losing their grip on wisdom, and why performative faith keeps missing the point of the gospel. Finally, Esau and Stephen disagree about the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape in the new Harry Potter series, raising questions about storytelling, representation, and when creative changes actually make a story worse.   0:00 - Theme Song   1:55 - Teleporting to Waffle House!   11:38 - Comparing Trump to Christ   15:23 - Trump's Easter Tweet   20:21 - God and the State   28:42 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com   30:05 - Saul and Performative Christianity   38:42 - HBO Cast a Black Actor as Snape?   55:55 - End Credits  

A sci-fi blockbuster about the end of the world is somehow the most hopeful movie in years. What does Project Hail Mary's success say about a culture drowning in cynicism? Esau McCaulley, Malcolm Foley, and Mike Stralow dig into why audiences are craving optimism again and whether the church (and Holy Post Media) has something to learn from it. Then the conversation turns to all the recent talk about "revival." Is something actually happening, or are we just reading the signs we want to see? They unpack why Christians are so fixated on growth, what we might be measuring wrong, and whether real renewal looks less like hype and more like repentance. Plus, Holy Week reflections, what's bringing them joy right now, and a pair of red Air Force Ones.   0:00 - Theme   0:21 - Holy Week with Esau   12:22 - Revival or Not?   17:56 - Curiosity Around Religion   26:10 - Endurance and the Black Church   30:05 - Slavery is a Crime Against Humanity   46:55 - End Credits

War used to be something a nation mourned. Now it's about banger memes. Esau is joined by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson and Producer Mike to talk about why the Trump Administration seems to prioritize its social media strategy over its war strategy. They also talk about Trump's response to Robert Mueller's death and reflect on new allegations about Cesar Chavez and what they reveal about leadership, abuse, and the danger of protecting movements over people. Also this week, Esau forgets a very important day.    Learn more about Natasha here - www.natashasrobinson.com   0:00 - Theme Song   4:47 - Trump's Glad Mueller's Dead   11:06 - Trump's Lasting Impact   19:31 - Pastors and Politics   24:07 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   26:35 - White House War Memes   31:12 - Targeting Immature Young Men   42:03 - Caesar Chavez Scandal   53:26 - End Credits

A new study suggests Americans distrust each other more than almost any other nation, and Esau, Malcolm and Mike wrestle with whether we've crossed a line we can't come back from. They dig into the deeper spiritual roots of our outrage, asking what it actually means to love your enemies in an age of constant political combat. Then the conversation turns to Hollywood's obsession with youth and what our fear of aging reveals about us. They also take on the controversy over an unqualified Surgeon General nominee and what it says about leadership, loyalty, and truth. Also this week: Mike shoots his shot, Malcolm runs late, and somehow height insecurity becomes a real topic.   0:00 - Malcolm's Too Famous   1:37 - Theme Song   4:17 - Oscars and Plastic Surgery   8:54 - Mike's Too Tall   12:17 - End Stage Polarization   24:46 - Ideological Purity   32:40 - Unqualified Surgeon General   49:24 - End Credits

Are the latest headlines about Iran a sign that the end times are near? Esau, producer Mike, and pastor Sharon Miller examine why Christians often interpret global conflict through the lens of biblical prophecy and why the book of Revelation may challenge that instinct. Then, the group talks about a viral cultural moment involving a McDonald's CEO whose awkward burger bite sparked debate about authenticity and leadership in the influencer age. What does it say about our culture when even CEOs are expected to perform relatability online? Sharon also introduces the "relationship gap," a trend suggesting dating apps may actually reduce the differences between people who end up together. Plus, defending movie trailers and more Disney debates.   0:00 - Theme Song   1:38 - Chalamet Angers Ballet Fans   8:36 - Is the Iran War God-Appointed?   16:24 - Memeification of War   27:03 - CEO Eats Hamburger Weirdly   40:04 - Dating Gaps Getting Weird?   52:33 - End Credits

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran and the world is trying to figure out what happens next. Justin Giboney joins the show to help unpack the politics, the constitutional questions, and the potential fallout both overseas and at home. Also, Esau looks at how America's relationship with Israel shaped the conflict and why some Christians see events like this through the lens of biblical prophecy. Plus: we give marriage advice to Tom Holland and Zendaya.   0:00 - Theme Song   1:02 - Does Justin Know Zendaya?   6:40 - At War with Iran   11:47 - Are We Liberating Iran?   18:12 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330   19:21 - Sponsor - Public Good Generation - In high school and looking to lead in faith? Check out this Summer Civics Program in Washington DC: https://ccpubliclife.org/holypost   21:03 - Israel's Influence on Trump   26:19 - Prophecy ad Abraham's Sin   31:20 - Trump's Broken Promises   42:42 - End Credits

The U.S. hockey team wins gold, but the celebration sparked bigger questions. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss if America become the bully to the rest of the world? Also, Ben Sasse's public reflections on his terminal cancer diagnosis bring a different kind of clarity about faith, family, and what actually matters when time runs short. Then, with the passing of Jesse Jackson, we consider how to remember leaders who shaped history by honoring real progress without pretending perfection.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:10 - Parking Spot   5:36 - Canada Vs US Hockey   9:07 - Did David Become Goliath?   17:21 - Ben Sass and Facing Mortality   21:10 - Sponsor - Nazarene Theological Seminary - Looking for a program grounded in black theology? Check out the Doctor of Ministry in Black Leadership and Ministry at https://nts.edu/podcast   22:24 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330   25:44 - What's Worth Our Time?   35:42 - Jesse Jackson   50:34 - End Credits

Ash Wednesday forces us to acknowledge that some day we will die. For some, that truth is abstract. For others, it is painfully personal. Esau and Mike are joined by Hannah Miller King, author of Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness, to talk about what happens to faith when prayers for healing go unanswered. After losing her father to cancer as a teenager, Hannah began wrestling with a question many believers quietly carry: What does hope look like when God doesn't do what you asked? They explore the difference between a "transaction of goods" gospel and the communion of persons, the role of the Lord's Supper in shaping Christian imagination, and how Lent invites us to hold suffering and resurrection together. Also, can Hannah and Esau convince Mike to become anglican?   0:00 - Theme Song   1:19 - Making Mike Anglican   7:21 - King's New Book on Ash Wednesday   14:40 - The Book's Thesis   18:10 - Grief   26:07 - Community and Grief   39:22 - End Credits   Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness by Hannah Miller King: https://amzn.to/4aHAvgh

A video shared by Donald Trump depicting Barack and Michelle Obama with a racist trope sparked outrage, swift defenses, and eventually, quiet deletion. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike explore the long history of dehumanizing imagery, the theological weight of the image of God, and why the refusal to repent may matter more than the original post. Then the conversation turns to rhetoric at the National Prayer Breakfast and the danger of blending national power with the language of the gospel. What does it mean to follow a crucified king in an age that prizes dominance?   0:00 - Theme Song   2:00 - Can You Beat Middle Schoolers at Basketball?   6:56 - Trump's Racist Obama Video   24:23 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330   25:26 - The Military and Religion   35:27 - What's Part of the Gospel?   46:00 - End Credits

Students aren't just using AI to finish assignments. They're using it to manage social interactions, from emails to professors to conversations on dating apps. Esau, Justin, and Mike explore how that might spare a little awkwardness, but also skips the stage of failure where real growth usually happens. Then, are small liberal arts colleges actually better at forming students, and are universities still teaching people how to think rather than what to think? Also, sports gambling continues to cause problems and why Y2K culture, including the return of CDs, is making a surprising comeback.   0:00 - Theme Song   0:18 - Black History Month Present   2:23 - CDs Are Coming Back?   9:23 - Physical Media in a Digital World   13:29 - A.I. Keeps Us from Failing   22:12 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/esau   23:33 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330   24:50 - Avoiding A.I. Entirely?   34:09 - Liberal Art's Inefficiency is Its Strength   40:54 - Sports Betting's Return   51:50 - End Credits   Resources: God's Colorful Easter: The Good News Is for Everyone by Esau McCaulley: https://www.tyndale.com/p/gods-colorful-easter/9798400501029?srsltid=AfmBOopFr6DDhzFFW4jVivkDhEgT3FNiuzM1cc8xmhgBCDtMuXLNVBSZ

The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis has become another moment where violence, misinformation, and political certainty collide. As video evidence contradicts official narratives, Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike wrestle with what this death reveals about power, propaganda, and the erosion of public trust. Then the three discuss Esau's recent article for the New York Times to ask a harder question: how do Christians name injustice without being consumed by rage? What does faithful witness look like when anger feels justified but spiritually dangerous?   0:00 - Theme Song   1:10 - American Girl Doll Nostalgia   9:36 - Dark New Normal   14:45 - Justifying Violence with "Woke" Accusations   23:52 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330   25:02 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   25:53 - Why Do We Believe Things?   33:25 - Not Living with Rage   47:40 - End Credits

Greenland is suddenly back on the menu of American foreign policy, raising real questions about conquest, NATO, and whether Christians can ever justify taking land that isn't theirs. Then, J. Cole's fear of "the fall off" becomes a window into ambition, calling, and the strange psychology of decline. And when Druski lampoons megachurch culture, it forces an uncomfortable look at why the church keeps becoming an easy punchline, and how Christians should respond when they are the butt of the joke. Plus, will Instagram be the thing that finally tears apart Esau and Mike?   0:00 - Theme Song   0:50 - Hills to Die On   7:03 - Why Are We Against Invading Greenland?   16:05 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/esau   18:50 - J Cole's Retiring   27:55 - Pastors Falling Off   33:53 - Satirizing Megachurches   48:50 - End Credits

New footage and reporting about the Minneapolis ICE shooting of Renée Good have complicated the story. Esau, Mike and Taelor Gray revisit the incident one week later and ask how political power shapes the narratives we're given, and what it means for Christians to tell the truth when the truth is inconvenient. Then, they turn to the surprising posthumous "ordination" of DMX and consider what it reveals about the nature of pastoral ministry, proximity, and presence in an age obsessed with platforms.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:25 - Wall Street Journal Complains About Sushi for Kids   8:15 - Renee Good and the ICE Stop   21:00 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/Esau   22:19 - DMX Ordained After His Death?   43:44 - End Credits   66 Verse to Explain the Bible - Ezra: https://www.patreon.com/posts/148221073/   Wall Street Journal Article on ICE and shootings: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/videos-show-how-ice-vehicle-stops-can-escalate-to-shootings-caf17601?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqcM4suCejir2XhY_aFDJ2--sqzFMzLxUYZ4SWneBn28PnkIFR-SG7O92GaLvw%3D%3D&gaa_ts=6967c046&gaa_sig=POa3tPcvJz_pC4-M5-e4uWuWjboR_sO0jyfq1BCM0XWAAXYxeb8OSWlKQ2SbkOYLAfCMr-_WetVC1fqY1L8b3g%3D%3D

A woman is dead in Minneapolis after an encounter with ICE.  Esau McCaulley, Justin Giboney, Malcolm Foley, and producer Mike sort through what we know so far, what the law actually says about deadly force and compliance, and how Christians should think about state power and the value of a human life. The conversation wrestles with fear, responsibility, split second decisions, and the narratives forming around the shooting long before the facts are settled.

The fall of a dictator feels like good news, but what if the motive matters as much as the outcome? Esau, Mike, and Sho Baraka dig into the Venezuela raid through the lens of just war theory, Trump's own comments, and the broader unseriousness of the administration. Then Sho reflects on his recent writing about AI and efficiency, asking where the line is between using new technology wisely and setting boundaries for the sake of rest, imagination, and what it means to be human.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:35 - Hard Classes That Mattered   8:03 - Venezuela   22:30 - The Donroe Doctrine   30:10 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   31:08 - AI and Utilitarianism   50:39 - End Credits   Sho Baraka's Music: https://www.shobaraka.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amishobaraka/

Medically assisted suicide is on the rise in Canada, and it's no longer limited to those who are terminally ill. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike examine what this shift reveals about modern assumptions around autonomy, dignity, and choice, and how Christian convictions about suffering and care for the vulnerable complicate the logic behind assisted dying policies. Also, after Travis Kelce recently claimed that he and Taylor Swift have never fought, the team asks whether conflict-free marriage is actually a sign of health. They explore why disagreement can be formative rather than destructive, and why couples should be cautious about overusing therapy language—like "gaslighting" or "narcissism"—without fully understanding what those terms mean. 0:00 - Theme Song 1:40 - Scheduling Wedding for Money? 7:00 - Do Couples Need to Fight? 1 7:26 - Therapy Talk 22:34 - Medical Assistance in Dying  30:52 - Dying with Dignity 38:28 - What to Leave Behind in 2026? 45:00 - End Credits #HolyPostMedia #hpm

No new episode this week, but here are three more episodes of the HP+ exclusive series, 66 Verse to Explain the Bible. We'll be back next week with Malcolm Foley for a brand new episode. Merry Christmas!   0:00 - Producer Mike's Discount Code Challenge   2:40 - Theme Song   2:45 - Numbers   7:05 - Deuteronomy   14:30 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   15:25 - Joshua   22:42 - End Credits

In the wake of the tragic murder of Rob and Michele Reiner, Trump's response on Truth Social reveals a striking lack of empathy. Esau, Mike, and Justin Giboney reflect on how his reaction once again exposes a failure of compassion at the highest level of leadership.   Then the conversation turns to Wake Up Dead Man, the latest film in the Knives Out franchise, which unexpectedly offers a sharp and thoughtful portrayal of Christianity in America. What does the movie get right about sin, confession, and grace, and could it be one of the most theologically insightful secular films in years?   0:00 - Theme Song   3:33 - Christmas Movie Character Equivalents   10:05 - Wake Up Dead Man   22:48 - Sponsor - Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://www.AuraFrames.com. Use code ESAU at checkout to save!   23:50 - 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: https://www.tyndale.com/sites/lasb/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20Life%20Applicati[…]ource=Holy%20Post%20Podcast&utm_medium=Microsite%20Nov%202025   24:48 - Trump on the Reiner Murder   34:30 - Australia and Gun Laws   Esau Article on School Shootings: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/opinion/how-can-we-be-a-country-that-does-this-to-our-children.html

Esau is live in Boston with producer Mike and Dr. Amy Peeler for a conversation on whether today's chaos means we're living in the end times. Amy and Esau talk about how Christians should think about apocalyptic anxiety, why every generation believes it's the generation, and what Scripture actually gives us—hope, perseverance, and a call to faithfulness. Then, Amy and Esau talk about how they manage being a scholar and a pastor, past regrets they have, and Amy's former life as a tv commercial star.   Q&A Bonus Segment on Holy Post Plus: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145553700/   0:00 - Theme Song   7:30 - Are We in the End Times?   15:00 - America and Eschatology 20:00 - Sponsor - Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://www.AuraFrames.com. Use code ESAU at checkout to save!   21:03 - 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: https://www.tyndale.com/sites/lasb/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20Life%20Applicati[…]ource=Holy%20Post%20Podcast&utm_medium=Microsite%20Nov%202025   22:10 - Scholars and Pastors   30:35 - How Learning Adds Depth to Faith   39:30 - Being a Pastor in Scotland   42:47 - What We Learn from Hebrews   51:37 - End Credits   Amy (Beverage) Peeler's Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dXsbEtUq9E

Trump's latest comments on immigration turn a single tragic incident into a sweeping indictment of entire communities. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike examine why some crimes are framed as isolated events while others are weaponized to justify exclusion. They then dig into new research on crime shows that consistently misrepresent Black communities as dangerous, exploring how entertainment shapes public fear and reinforces old myths that refuse to die. Finally, a surprising essay about "good divorces" sparks a deeper conversation about the purpose of marriage, the kind of love Christian marriage is meant to form in us, and why covenant isn't built on frictionless happiness.   0:00 - Theme Song   1:45 - Ragebaiting's the Word of the Year   5:30 - National Guard Shooting and Immigration   21:38  - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   22:22 - Sponsor - Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://www.AuraFrames.com. Use code ESAU at checkout to save!   23:30 - Cursification of Politics   27:30 - Race in Crime Shows   35:00 - Marriage   48:20 - Malcolm's Marriage Advice   52:10 - End Credits

Esau and Mike are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, but we still have a special treat for you all. Enjoy four episodes of Esau's HP+ series, 66 Verses to Explain the Bible. If you want to hear the all the episodes in the series, sign up for Holy Post Plus today! New and returning subscribers can get 50% off their subscription! Deal ends December 2nd

Newly released Epstein files raise fresh questions about the moral compromises of the powerful and the willingness of Christians to look away when politics makes clarity inconvenient. Esau, Malcolm, and Producer Mike examine what the emails do and don't reveal and how the church's credibility erodes when it excuses the inexcusable. Plus, a viral SNL sketch about AI-animated photos and the reveal of the villain in Toy Story 5 leads to a broader conversation about technology, the disappearing art of boredom, and whether it's possible to reclaim silence and imagination in a distracted age. Plus, Malcolm debuts his own new segment this week. Can it compete with Mike's Corner and Miller Time?   0:00 - Theme Song   2:35 - SNL AI Skit   11:40 - Toy Story 5's About Tablets?   23:55 - The Catholic Church and Immigration   32:17 - Epstein Files   47:03 - End Credits

On a recent press tour, Jennifer Lawrence recently said she's done with political outrage. Esau, Sharon Hodde Miller, and producer Mike talk about what happens when the adrenaline of activism runs out and the fatigue sets in. What does faithfulness look like after the hashtags stop trending? Then, we all know the dangers of the purity culture craze, but have overcorrected in trying not to repeat our mistakes? What do we do when the church hands people a good gift with broken handles? Also, thanks to science we may never have to load the dishwasher or eat a bad steak again.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:25 - Robot Companion   4:47 - What Could a Robot Do for You?   7:50 - Jennifer Lawrence and Internet Activism   23:23 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!   24:12 - Miller Time   25:46 - Purity Culture Aftermath   32:30 - Christian Sexual Ethic   36:15 - Did You Eat Cloned Steak?   41:20 - The Atomic Bomb and Cloning   48:33 - End Credits

A political fight over food assistance has sparked new debate about who deserves help in America. Esau, Justin Giboney, and Mike take a look at the SNAP situation and why Scripture consistently places God on the side of the poor and challenges us to do the same. Plus, Trump is posting about defending persecuted Christians in Nigeria, but is there more he should be doing to help? Then, Tucker Carlson's recent interview with Nick Fuentes has sparked a debate on the right about what counts as fringe beliefs these days. Also, why Justin is confused about bobbing for apples and Jennifer Lawrence.   0:00 - Theme Song   5:38 - Snap Program   17:15 - Christians in Nigeria and Nicki Minaj.   21:22 - Sponsor - Hello! My Name is Emmanuel - A Heartwarming children's book about a Haitian child learning to trust God by Emmanuel Jean Russell  https://a.co/d/8fPoRCL   30:15 - Mike's Corner: Nick Fuentes on Tucker Carlson   39:40 - Who's Jennifer Lawrence?   43:00 - End Credits   Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church's Public Witness Leads Us Out of the Culture War by Justin Giboney: https://a.co/d/6dUSGTz

Esau, Skye, and Mike explore what happens when vows stop meaning anything. They discuss the Anglican Church's latest abuse allegations, the NBA's betting scandal, and the U.S. admiral who resigned rather than follow Trump's unlawful orders. What does integrity look like in an age when everyone's breaking their promises? When should one try to reform from within, and when is it time to leave? Also, Esau reveals his recurring nightmare as a kid and it involves...a pickup basketball game with the Hulk?   0:00 - Theme Song   1:30 - Skye's Scary Movies   7:05 - Anglican Church Sexual Abuse Scandal   21:08 - Sponsor - Hello! My Name is Emmanuel - A Heartwarming children's book about a Haitian child learning to trust God by Emmanuel Jean Russell  https://a.co/d/8fPoRCL   22:15 - US Attacks Boats in Caribbean Sea   34:52 - Sports Betting Scandal   50:12 - End Credits

Last week, OpenAI announced it will remove moral limits from ChatGPT and "let adults be adults," opening the door for adult content on the platform. Esau and Mike are joined by Malcolm Foley to talk about how AI is reshaping our view of relationships and making it easier to chase selfish desires resulting in destructive consequences. Then, they turn to the leaked racist group chat among young Republicans. Does it reveal anything new, or just prove that racism never disappeared—it just went underground? Finally, the "No Kings" protests drew millions last weekend, but what did they actually accomplish? Malcolm walks through Martin Luther King Jr.'s four-step process for nonviolent action and whether the No Kings protest measured up.

Critics have recently accused the Black Church of promoting "ethnic idolatry," but is that fair, or even historically accurate? Esau McCaulley is joined by Kaitlyn Schiess and producer Mike to unpack where the Black Church came from, why it exists, and what these critiques reveal about American Christianity. Then, is it ok to have joy in the midst of so much suffering and why did we talk about the Taylor Swift album when it is full of explicit material? Also, we break down the latest culture-war controversy over the Super Bowl halftime show.   0:00 - Theme Song   3:45 - Contract Demands for Holy Post   6:54 - Why is there a Black Church?   11:43 - Virality vs Conversation   16:25 - Kaitlyn Left Out of the Taylor Swift Episode?   20:30 - Is it Wrong to Be Happy?   28:16 - Talking About Secular Art   35:00 - Bad Bunny's American Half-Time   44:25 - End Credits