PODCAST · religion
The Two-World Podcast
by Jacob Dodson, Barnabas Martin, and Ken Nanes
Welcome to the Two-World Podcast where you can hear thoughts and reflections on unique intersections between faith and culture. Join us regularly for conversations about those 'aha moments' when different worlds come together and discover surprising connections in everyday life.
Episodes
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Baseball Memories from Chiba to Cleveland
In this episode of the Two World Podcast, Barney (in Japan) and Ken (in Ohio) swap stories about the game they love. Barney shares how his kids fell for the Guardians during a summer visit home, and Ken remembers the autographed picture that lifted his spirits during a childhood hospital stay....
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Forgiveness Is a Journey
Jacob, Ken, and Barney sit down to talk about forgiveness, both asking for it and offering it. They share personal stories of making amends years later, including a letter that arrived well after the moment had passed, and a gathering of pastors who sat down together after a painful split. Along...
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The Magic of Board Games
Barney, Ken, and Jacob reunite after a break to talk about their shared love of board games. They swap childhood memories and trace how games have connected them with their own kids and with older generations. Along the way they highlight Tabletop Station, a mobile game library run by Ken's...
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Patricia Johns on Concluding the Shepherd's Hill Trilogy
Bestselling Amish romance novelist Patricia Johns returns for her third appearance on the Two-World Podcast to discuss Through the Valley, the final book in her Shepherd's Hill trilogy and her recent New York Times bestseller honor. The conversation covers the challenge of writing strong, capable...
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Letters for the River: Turning 30 in Sicily
What does turning 30 actually mean? In this episode, Barney, Ken, and Jacob explore Northern Exposure's Season 4, Episode 1 "Northwest Passages" as a reference point for a wider conversation about milestones, aging, and how we mark the passage of time. Each shares where they actually were at 30,...
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Book Clubs, Reading Culture, and the Connections They Build
In this episode, Barney sits down with Ken to talk all about book clubs, what they're like, how they start, and why they matter beyond just the books themselves. Ken shares the story of his family's book club, "The Bookies," which came together in 2024 through his niece Briana. Barney offers a…
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Sounds of Spring
Barney, Ken, and Jacob share videos, recordings, and memories of spring from Ohio's red-winged blackbirds and spring peepers to Japan's swan stopovers and cherry blossom picnics. This is a conversation about slowing down, paying attention, and the people who have taught us to appreciate the…
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Painting the Soul: A Conversation with Lauren Tilden
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…
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Celebrating Life: Personal Stories of How We Say Goodbye
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…
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Walking the Via Dolorosa: A Good Friday Reflection on John 19
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…
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We Called It the Woods: Childhood, Nature, and Unstructured Play
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!
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March Madness Special
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...
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Digital Symphonies: The Evolution of Video Game Music
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...
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Taming Lady Temperance with Karen Witemeyer
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....
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Flying in the Face of Reason
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.
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From Delulu to Broligarchy: A Year in New Words
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.
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On Living Stone: A Conversation with Heather Kauffman
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.
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Christmas Is All Around Us
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...
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Reading the Bible in a Year
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…
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Tomatoes, Traditions, and Thankfulness: A Northern Exposure Thanksgiving
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...
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Celebrating the Journey: Podcasting, Friendship, and Meaningful Collaboration
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...
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Conversations Across Time: Letters, Fate, and Grace
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...
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Patricia Johns Returns to Discuss Her New Novel
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.
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The Bounty of Autumn
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...
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Different Types of Doctoring
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.
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Sacred Sounds: A Conversation on Music and Faith
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...
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Hope on the Inside: Steve Kalmeyer on Prison Ministry, Transformation, and Healing
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...
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Searching the Depths
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.
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Weird, Quirky, and Wonderful Portland, Oregon
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.
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Beginnings and Endings: Perspectives on the School Year
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...
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Author Liz Johnson’s Three H’s-Heart, Humor, Happily Ever Afters
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...
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"Capture the Moment" Through the Lens of Suzanne Woods Fisher
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…
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Reordering Life After the Tomb
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?
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A Conversation with Meshali Mitchell about Finding God in Restoration
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…
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We Went to the Nintendo Museum and All We Got Was This Awesome Episode
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.
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Lauraine Snelling & Kiersti Giron: Writing Together as Mentor and Friends
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...
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A Lover of Love: An Interview with Patricia Johns
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…
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Around the Word with Psalm 119
Barney and Jacob sit with Psalm 119, reflecting on its beauty, depth, and what inspires them most about this powerful passage of Scripture.
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A Fresh Look at People of the Bible with Jill Eileen Smith
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…
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Weaving History into Story: An Interview with Laura Frantz
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...
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Deciding on Big Purchases
Barney and Jacob discuss smarter ways for saving and spending, budgeting for new tech, and managing impulse buying.
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Exploring Ireland and Faith with Jennifer Deibel
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"...
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Anabaptism at 500
Barney and Jacob reflect on foundations of the Anabaptist Community and its continued relevance.
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Tie One On
Ken, Barney, and Jacob display their favorite ties and shares meaningful stories associated with them.
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Christmas Movies We Know and Love
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!
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Exploring Faith, Family, and Life with Suzanne Woods Fisher
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…
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Food from Scripture That Sustains Then and Now
Barney and Jacob explore influential passages from the Bible that have impacted their lives.
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Furry Members of the Family
Barney and Jacob take themselves on a walk alongside pets old and new.
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Community’s Place in Tradition in Cicely Alaska
Ken, Barney, and Jacob uncover the importance of community as it relates to Jewish practices of mourning, family feuds, and a yearly dance competition.
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Come Chat with Us
Barney and Jacob delve into random icebreaker questions to learn unexpected things about each other.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Two-World Podcast where you can hear thoughts and reflections on unique intersections between faith and culture. Join us regularly for conversations about those 'aha moments' when different worlds come together and discover surprising connections in everyday life.
HOSTED BY
Jacob Dodson, Barnabas Martin, and Ken Nanes
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Two-World Podcast have?
The Two-World Podcast currently has 151 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Two-World Podcast about?
Welcome to the Two-World Podcast where you can hear thoughts and reflections on unique intersections between faith and culture. Join us regularly for conversations about those 'aha moments' when different worlds come together and discover surprising connections in everyday life.
How often does The Two-World Podcast release new episodes?
The Two-World Podcast publishes regularly with 151 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Two-World Podcast?
You can listen to The Two-World Podcast 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 The Two-World Podcast?
The Two-World Podcast is created and hosted by Jacob Dodson, Barnabas Martin, and Ken Nanes.
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