The Two-World Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with American painter Lauren Tilden, a gifted portraitist who left New Jersey behind for the hills of rural West Virginia. We talk about art, faith, farm life, and what it means to capture a person's soul on canvas. Lauren shares how three families uprooted their lives and landed on a West Virginia property where horses had literally been living in the farmhouse, and how that unlikely adventure has shaped everything since. She talks about regenerative farming, homeschooling, the surprisingly vibrant arts scene in Appalachia, and how the intensely green West Virginia landscape has already begun to change her palette.

In this episode, Ken, Jacob, and Barney come together to share personal stories about one of life's most universal experiences, saying goodbye to those we love. Barney offers a rare and moving look into Japanese funeral traditions, walking us through the ceremonies and symbolism that guide a family through loss. Ken shares a touching account of a "green burial" at the Wilderness Center near Wilmot, Ohio, while Jacob reflects on his experiences as a pastor walking alongside grieving families and the value of keeping memories alive across generations. Together, they explore the common threads that connect cultures across the world, the flowers, the silence, the rituals, and the love that remind us that honoring a life well lived is one of the most deeply human things we do.

On this Good Friday, Barney, Ken, and Jacob gather to walk through John 19, the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, reflecting on what the story means, what it costs, and what it promises. Featuring photos from Jacob's time studying in Jerusalem, this conversation weaves together scripture, history, and personal faith into a Holy Week reflection.

In this episode, Ken and Barney take a warm trip down memory lane, sharing stories of creek discoveries, backyard baseball, wandering neighborhoods, and the kind of unstructured play that somehow sticks with you for a lifetime. Jacob even drops in for a surprise cameo!

In this "March Madness edition" of the TwoWorld podcast, Jacob, Ken, and Barney revisit the basketball bracket traditions of Wooster Mennonite Church. What began in 2013 as a small competition with a steakhouse dinner for the winner has grown into a family-wide event with global participants joining via Zoom. The hosts share memorable highlights like the award ceremonies, slam dunk contest, and March Madness rap featuring Jacob beatboxing and Ken on vocals. Whether you're a bracket expert or new to the madness, this episode is a celebration of community, humor, and tradition.

In this episode, hosts Jacob and Barney explore the evolution and artistic significance of video game music. They contrast the linear nature of film scores with the dynamic freedom of interactive soundtracks, examining how modern games use orchestral compositions and atmospheric sound design to immerse players. The discussion traces the medium's history from the chip tune melodies of early arcade titles to the iconic 8-bit and 16-bit themes of masters like Koji Kondo and celebrates how a series like The Legend of Zelda can foster deep emotional connections and lasting nostalgia. They also touch on the music's cultural reach, from classical renditions to jazz covers and dedicated streaming apps. Ultimately, Jacob and Barney make the case for video game soundtracks as a legitimate and powerful art form that enhances storytelling and resonates across generations.

Join hosts Ken and Jacob for a conversation with Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer about her latest novel, Taming Lady Temperance, and her writing journey. From daydreaming student to acclaimed novelist, Witemeyer reveals how her psychology background shapes her complexcharacters. Discover the sparks that fly in 1890s Albany, Texas, when a fiery temperance advocate clashes with a peace-seeking lawman in a powerful story of grace and forgiveness. Karen opens up about the deeply personal tribute to her late mother-in-law at the opening of the novel, and introduces her exciting new series, The Secret Society of Spinsters.

Join Barney, Ken, and Jacob as they discuss Northern Exposure Season 3, Episode 6 "The Body in Question," which follows three interweaving storylines about identity and belief, exploring the tension between skepticism and faith.

What do "skibidi," "snackable," and "mouse jiggler" have in common? They're all official entries in the 2025 Cambridge Dictionary. Barney, Ken, and Jacob explore new words added last year, from playful internet slang to serious cultural commentary.

In this episode, Ken and Barney talk with author Heather Kauffman about her fictional novel, On Living Stone, the third book in the Women of the Way series. Heather shares her journey of bringing first-century Galilee to life through the eyes of Salome, mother of James and John.

In this special Christmas episode, Barney and Ken explore how to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas when the holiday season is "all around us" but often stripped of its deeper significance. Barney shares his unique experience celebrating Christmas in Japan, where it's more of a date night than a religious holiday, while Ken reflects on his American traditions and family memories. Together, they discuss Advent practices, meaningful Christmas artifacts, nativity scenes, and the challenge of passing faith traditions to the next generation. The episode concludes with Ken reading a moving story from Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" about an angel's search for what best represents the spirit of Christmas.

As a new year approaches, many people consider reading through the entire Bible in 365 days. In this episode, Barney and Jacob explore various approaches to this challenge, sharing their own successes and struggles. They discuss chronological reading plans, liturgical approaches tied to the church calendar, the value of community support, and helpful resources like podcasts and apps. Whether you're a first-timer or trying again after previous attempts, this conversation offers practical insights on finding a rhythm that works for you, and reminds us that reading scripture is about both information and transformation.

What do flying tomatoes, prison beans, and a Day of the Dead parade have to do with Thanksgiving? Everything, in Northern Exposure's characteristically quirky holiday season 4, episode 8. Barney, Ken, and Jacob explore how Joel, Chris, and Mike each struggle to find gratitude and how the people around them help guide them to the feast.

In this special reflection episode, Barney, Jacob, and Ken look back on four years of podcasting together from that initial email in June 2021 to over 130 episodes. They share favorite moments, discuss what they've learned about collaboration, and celebrate the unexpected ways this podcast has deepened their friendship and become a meaningful part of their lives.

Barney, Ken, and Jacob revisit Northern Exposure's sixth season episode "The Letter," where Maggie confronts her 15-year-old self and discovers how much she's changed. The conversation explores fate versus free will, the challenge of remembering our past with grace, and what it means to grow without losing ourselves along the way.

Bestselling novelist Patricia Johns joins Ken and Barney again to discuss her latest release, Still Waters. In this conversation, she shares how faith, family heritage, and honest storytelling shape her writing and the lives of her characters.

Join Barney, Ken, and Jacob as they swap stories and memories of fall through many stages of life, from Halloween excitement, playing in leaves, and Thanksgiving to the foods that mark the season. Along the way, they reflect on the beauty of autumn, its traditions, and how their appreciation has deepened over time.

Join Ken, Barney, and Jacob as they discuss “Three Doctors” from Season 5, Episode 1 of Northern Exposure, exploring themes of healing and recovery through Ed’s unexpected calling, Shelly’s singing struggles, and Joel’s battle with glacier dropsy.

Barney, Jacob, and Ken share their experiences with worship music, exploring how it has enriched their faith, deepened their sense of community, and sustained them through life's challenges. This conversation celebrates different musical traditions from monastic chant and traditional hymnals to contemporary songs and global styles that connect us across cultures, denominations, and generations.

In this episode, Ken, Barney, and Jacob sit down with Steve Kalmeyer, a passionate volunteer in prison ministry whose journey of faith, empathy, and personal transformation leads him into Oklahoma's correctional centers. Steve shares how COVID sparked his call to serve, how authentic presence breaks down barriers, and why donuts, eye contact, and showing up truly matter. His stories, ranging from Thanksgiving invitations to movie nights and heartfelt conversations, highlight the humanity of those behind bars and the hope of restoration. Whether you’re curious about prison ministry or looking for inspiration to follow a quiet call in your own life, this episode offers a compelling and grace-filled glimpse into a world where lives are being changed from the inside out.

In this episode, Ken, Barney, and Jacob dive into themes of longing, meaning, and spiritual mystery through the lens of an unforgettable fish story from Northern Exposure Season 5, Episode 18.

Join Ken, Barney and Jacob as they share personal memories and highlights from their visits to Portland, Oregon, exploring iconic spots like the Japanese Gardens, Powell's Bookstore, alongside unique local events.

It’s that time of year—school’s out! In this episode, we chat about what the end of the school year means for students, teachers, and parents. We share stories from both sides of the classroom, dive into cultural differences between Japan and the US, and talk about why a good summer break matters for everyone. Come join us for reflections, laughs, and a little nostalgia about those last-day-of-school vibes.

Romance author Liz Johnson joins Ken and Barney to talk about her writing journey and the inspiration behind her Red Door Inn series. They explore her shift from romantic suspense to modern romance, the influence of real-life experiences on her characters, and how setting her stories in Prince Edward Island shapes everything.

Ken, Barney, and Jacob sit down with bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher to explore the story behind her new book, "Capture the Moment" and her deep love for storytelling, nature, and national parks. Suzanne shares insight into her character development process, the unique challenge of writing novellas, and how curiosity and reader engagement shape her stories.

In this Easter Sunday episode, Barney and Jacob explore Luke 24:1-12 and the breathtaking moment when the followers of Jesus arrive at the empty tomb. What does it mean to live in light of this moment and how might resurrection shape our priorities, expectations, and hope?

Barney and Jacob speak with author and photographer Meshali Mitchell about her journey of restoration and how she sees God at work in the world. From rebuilding her historic farmhouse to capturing beauty through her lens, Meshali reflects on how broken places can become sacred spaces. Her upcoming book, Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming Our Broken Places (Revell; April 15, 2025; $34.99; Cloth; ISBN 9780800746209; Ebook ISBN 9781493448579), invites readers into a deeper exploration of healing, beauty, and God's presence in every part of the process.

Barney and Jacob share their favorite moments from the Nintendo Museum in Japan, including rare consoles, interactive exhibits, and tips for anyone hoping to visit this one-of-a-kind destination.

In this episode, Barney and Ken talk with authors Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron about their journey as mentor and friend in the writing world. Lauraine reflects on her early publishing experiences, the role of editors, and the historical research behind her novels, while Kiersti shares how teaching internationally and living near the Navajo reservation shaped her storytelling. Together, they discuss their collaboration, the themes of Land of Dreams, and the challenges of crafting complex characters. Throughout, they explore how faith influences their writing and the power of stories to connect past and present.

What draws us to love stories? What makes them resonate so deeply? In this episode, we talk with Patricia Johns, a gifted author whose novels explore the beauty, struggles, and redemptive power of love. We discuss her passion for writing, the inspiration behind her stories, and how faith shapes her portrayal of relationships.

Barney and Jacob sit with Psalm 119, reflecting on its beauty, depth, and what inspires them most about this powerful passage of Scripture.

In this episode, Barney and guest host Jason chat with author Jill Eileen Smith about bringing biblical figures to life through storytelling, balancing historical accuracy with imagination, and how faith and perseverance shape the writing journey. Don't miss her latest release, Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story!

Join us for a conversation with historical romance author Laura Frantz as we explore the art of bringing history to life, the research that fuels her storytelling, and the personal connections that shape her work. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her books, you won’t want to miss this discussion.

Barney and Jacob discuss smarter ways for saving and spending, budgeting for new tech, and managing impulse buying.

Join Barney, Jacob, and special guest Jennifer Deibel, author of A Dance in Donegal and The Lady of Galway Manor, for a fascinating discussion on the themes, inspirations, and cultural connections in her Irish-inspired novels. Jennifer shares how she weaves faith, family, and the idea of "home" into her stories while highlighting the beauty and complexities of Irish culture. Plus, hear an exclusive preview of her upcoming novel, Heart of the Glen, releasing January 21, 2025.

Barney and Jacob reflect on foundations of the Anabaptist Community and its continued relevance.

Ken, Barney, and Jacob display their favorite ties and shares meaningful stories associated with them.

Gather 'round the fireplace as we dive into the magic of holiday films! In this episode, we discuss Christmas movies that hold a special place in our hearts and celebrate the season with a dose of festive fun!

In this special episode, we sit down with bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher to discuss the creative journey behind her fiction and the role of faith, family, and curiosity in her storytelling. Suzanne shares the inspirations drawn from her grandfather's heritage, her reflections on balancing writing with raising four kids, and the heart behind her beloved characters. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and join us for an insightful conversation that explores themes of forgiveness, simplicity, beauty, and the way we perceive others!

Barney and Jacob explore influential passages from the Bible that have impacted their lives.

Barney and Jacob take themselves on a walk alongside pets old and new.

Ken, Barney, and Jacob uncover the importance of community as it relates to Jewish practices of mourning, family feuds, and a yearly dance competition. 

Barney and Jacob delve into random icebreaker questions to learn unexpected things about each other.

Barney and Jacob share pictures and stories about their summer vacations and highlight some fun activities and memorable meals.

Barney and Jacob look back at their podcasting journey and share hopes for the future beyond their 100th episode.

Barney and Jacob explore the deeper meaning of biblical words for "living rightly" and how they relate to modern life.

Barney and Jacob share about their experiences at the local county fair.

Barney and Jacob talk about the city of Narita and the mutual sense of gratitude in helping others.

Ken, Barney, and Jacob uncover how the impending birth of a child connects members of the community in Cicely, Alaska.

Barney and Jacob discuss the advantages of learning Hebrew and Greek at any level.