All Episodes - Absurdity with Ryan Becker
Exploring the absurd in faith, culture, and society, seeking to navigate what it means to be a Christian.
View Podcast Details40 Episodes
A177 Do Men Struggle with Emotional Intimacy?
It's no secret that men in Western culture tend to struggle with emotional intimacy. It seems almost ingrained in our culture. Ryan stumbled on a comment from a Reddit post that seemed to offer an interesting perspective on why men find being emotionally intimate so difficult and how that impacts our romantic relationships before they've even started.We are talking aboutWhy emotional intimacy struggles lead to the "nice guy" effectWhy women seem to have an easier time being emotionally intimate with men without a romantic connectionWhat...
A176 Adventist Pastor Endorsed Spousal Rape?
In November, SDA Pastor Burnett Robinson stepped down after making egregious statements from his pulpit that went viral. There was an apology issued, but a couple of months later, Robinson showed up on a live stream in Jamaica for another SDA organization and defended his behavior, claimed he never apologized, and attacked those who publicized his statements.We believe in accountability, especially to our own denomination, so we are talking all about the Robinson situation, detailing what happened, and sharing resources and what you can do to help recognize abuse in your community and what you can do about...
A175 Billie Eilish Said Porn is Bad
In late 2021, Billie Eilish spoke about her experience with exposure to pornography and how it has affected her emotional health, sexual experiences, and more. As two Christians and one pastor, we figured why not talk about this?We discuss: Billie Eilish’s actual comments and our observations What her statements potentially mean for sex workers How Christians and pastors can have better conversations around pornography, sex, lust, and romance More info: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/billie-eilish-porn-sex-worker-b1976902.html Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.orgPatreon: ht...
A174 Ethan Crumbley's Parents are WILD
The Oxford High School Shooting is a tragedy in its own category. Never before have we had such immediate insight into the behaviors of the parents in the time leading up to and after the incident occurred. Henry and Ryan discuss the importance of reporting, the atrocious behavior of Crumbley's parents, and the school's decision-making amidst the crisis. Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Support our show by becoming a...
A173 The Josh Duggar Case is Absurd UPDATE
We thought we'd do an update on the Josh Duggar case, though we didn't know the conviction would come so quickly. Josh Duggar has officially been convicted, but we believe this discussion is still highly relevant and important. We hope you do too! Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://absurdpodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm
A172 Marriage and Falling from the Sky!
Henry and Ryan jump into where they've been the last few months and share some really MAJOR updates about their lives! October and November were crazy, but that's just 2021 for you! Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://absurdpodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm
A171 Hollywood Crews are Underpaid and Overworked
With the IATSE and the AMPTP in a standoff, the IA has officially put a potential strike on the table if talks don’t go more in their favor. This isn’t like the ‘07 writer’s strike; if these crews walk out, then productions halt immediately. Let’s talk about it. More info: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/04/iatse-strike-hollywood-union-workers-approve-measure-to-call-a-strike.html Henry’s imdb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10977752/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr224 The 24th Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10452854/?ref_=nm_flmg_msc_1 Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services ...
A170 Texas Abortion Bill Made Everyone Bounty Hunters
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A169 Having Better Conversations with Seth Pierce
Good quality conversations are seemingly fewer and far between. Especially when it comes to tough or controversial topics. Seth J. Pierce, a university professor at Union College, joins Ryan to talk about his new book, Seeking an Understanding: How To Have Difficult Conversations Without Destroying Your Relationships. You can get Seth’s book here! https://amzn.to/2WAg2rP Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: ht...
A168 Antivax Frustration
We are diving headlong into the vaccine conversation, sharing our frustrations and experiences with the antivax movement, the impact that’s had on us individually, and what we believe can and should be done moving forward. Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: https://www.AbsurdNetwork.com Support our show by...
A167 The Afghanistan Withdrawal Impact
With the US withdrawal from Afghanistan taking center stage the last couple of months, we discuss the impact of the withdrawal, what it means for veterans of the war, and how Christians should respond. Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: https://www.AbsurdNetwork.com Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://absurdpodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm
A166 Scarlett Johanssen and the Hyper Sexualization of Women
Scarlett Johanssen recently spoke out about her journey playing Black Widow and other female characters in the film industry, and her goal to desexualize her characters. What can we learn from her comments and how can we be better? Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: https://www.A...
A165 Was Simone Biles Right to Withdraw from the Olympics?
Between the pressure of being the GOAT, the weight of her story, and the fear of the "twisties," was Simone Biles right to withdraw from the Olympics? What example does it set for younger athletes? Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/AbsurdNetwork Twitter: https://Twitter.com/RealRyanBecker IG: https://Instagram.com/RealRyanBecker Email: [email protected] Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: https://www.AbsurdNetwork.com Support our s...
How to Address Shame and Build Resilience with Tyler Patrick, LMFT
Struggling with shame and wondering how to deal with it? After a needed break in July, we are back with an absolute banger of an episode for you! Tyler Patrick, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, joins Henry and me to discuss the painful realities of a shame-filled life and practical ways for us to address shame, process it, and ultimately build resilience to it. You can check out Tyler's work, including the Therapy Bros. Podcast and the Rising Son Conference, here: https://lovestrong.com/ Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is a...
A164 How to Address Shame and Build Resilience with Tyler Patrick, LMFT
Struggling with shame and wondering how to deal with it? After a needed break in July, we are back with an absolute banger of an episode for you! Tyler Patrick, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, joins Henry and me to discuss the painful realities of a shame-filled life and practical ways for us to address shame, process it, and ultimately build resilience to it. You can check out Tyler's work, including the Therapy Bros. Podcast and the Rising Son Conference, here: https://lovestrong.com/ Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services \ Absurdity i...
A163 Building Wealth is Apparently Only for Some People
The opportunity to build generational wealth is massively important. Unfortunately, not everyone has always had that opportunity. We will talk generational wealth, the GI Bill, debt, and more to jump into some of the groups most impacted by the inability to both grow their wealth and pass it on to their children. Sources: https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-versus-boomers-wealth-gap-2020-10 https://www.history.com/news/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefits Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https...
A162 How Christians Can Love the LGBTQ+ Community Better
The way Christians treat the LGBTQ+ community needs some serious improvement. Regardless of beliefs, something needs to change, and in order to talk about that change, this week, we are diving into how Pride Month came to be, why it's so important, and how Christians and others can treat the LGBTQ+ community with more love and grace than we have in the past. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BEaaAD4KydY Want to take your podcast to the next level? https://PodMentoring.com/Services Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org ...
A161 Is Critical Race Theory Good or Bad? -- Absurdity E161
This week, we dive a little into the history of Critical Race Theory, seeking to understand a bit more of its origins, as well as diving into the real-world application of it today. Should we ban Critical Race Theory, or is it something that we should keep around? Also, we apologize for the late upload! 0:00 - Intro 1:53 - PodMentoring Announcement! 5:11 - Critical Race Theory Discussion Start Check out Absurdity on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sFfkcws9wQ0 Check out PodMentoring: https://PodMentoring.com Stamped from the Beginning book (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3izv5dT Absurdity is available on...
A160 We Need to Get Rid of Male Headship
Male headship, or Complementarianism, is the belief that women should submit to men in the household, not hold positions of authority or leadership, and should primarily exist under a man's authority. In this episode, we take a look at why that theology is so damaging and offer some paths forward. See on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SvdU6lZkB8 Absurdity is available on all major podcasting platforms and at https://theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Twitter: https://twitter.com/realryanbecker Email: [email protected] Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network...
A159 Texas Gun Law Update: Can We Have Better Conversations About Guns?
With Texas updating their gun laws to join 20 other states in not requiring a permit, we decided to attempt a new conversation on guns even though we both come from radically different backgrounds with guns and gun ownership. We discuss problems with the current gun control conversation and how to bridge the widening divide between gun owners and non-gun owners. Can we ever find real solutions in the gun control conversation? NOTE: This episode we recorded a day before the tragic San Jose mass shooting happened, which is why we don't mention it directly in the episode. Watch on...
A158 How Bad Theology Fuels the Israel-Palestine Conflict
We believe that bad theology, both through human understanding and biblical understanding, only makes things worse. The Israel-Palestine conflict and tension is a complex and nuanced topic, so we won't pretend to have all or even some of the answers to the decades-long struggle, but we wanted to shed light on some aspects of this that we, as Christians and ministry leaders, feel we have something meaningful to contribute toward. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PDM6W8Lfs2c Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Twitter: @realryanbecker Email: [email protected] Absurdity is a proud member of...
A157 The Josh Duggar Story is Absurd
Josh Duggar was arrested for strong charges of child pornography possession. This week, we trudge through the details to try and figure out some of the root theological causes for Josh Duggar's case as well as how the Church can and should respond to cases like this and prevent them in the future. Watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/PbsAe2dALF8 CONTENT WARNING: Episode contains discussion of sexual assault, rape, and child pornography. Twitter: @realryanbecker Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern Adventist University: https://swau.edu...
A156 Discussing the Derek Chauvin Trial and Ma'khia Bryant
Was the Derek Chauvin Trial verdict the correct one? If so, what do we do now and how. are cases like the Daniel Shaver shooting connected to this? Beyond that, in a time where things are already tense in America over the trial, we also have to navigate the Ma'khia Bryant shooting. Was that another unjustified police killing of a black person, or is it less black-and-white than other times? Only one way to figure out how to navigate all of this...let's talk about it. See this full episode on YouTube! Twitter: @realryanbecker Email: [email protected] ...
A155 Cryptocurrency, Mass Shootings, and Alternative Policing
Last week's guest had to reschedule at the last second, so we decided to improvise! That's always dangerous for a host that has some major ADHD. This week, we dive into Cryptocurrency and our thoughts on investing vs. gambling, the recent mass shooting in Indiana, and what we believe some alternative forms of policing worth investing in are. See this full episode on YouTube! Twitter: @realryanbecker Email: [email protected] FedEx Shooting: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/indianapolis-fedex-shooting-04-16-21-intl-hnk/index.html CAHOOTS: https://www.npr.org/2020/06/10/874339977/cahoots-how-social-workers-and-police-share-responsibilities-in-eugene-oregon Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out...
A154 Driving While Black with Anthony Carter
Pastor Anthony Carter joins Ryan and Henry to talk about what it's like being a Black man and a Chaplain for two police departments at the same time. He shares his experience as a father with a teenager learning to drive, shares how he first became aware of racism in police encounters, and opens up about the tension he constantly lives in as he tries to serve police, but also advocate for people of color and advocate for anti-racism. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern Adventist University: https://swau.edu/apn ...
A153 A Practical Ecumenism?
Ecumenism is demonized a lot between Christian denominations. What if, by demonizing it and each other so much, we are losing not just relevancy, but potency? What if we are giving up countless opportunities to change lives and make a real positive impact for the Gospel? And if all of that is true, what other kind of damage has the traditional attitude toward unity between denominations caused? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern Adventist University: https://swau.edu/apn, Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Absurdity is a proud member of the...
A152 Christian Nationalism Makes Us a Lil Naseous
Christian Nationalism is nothing new, but we have better language now than every before in history to talk about it and discuss its implications. Ryan and Henry dive into Christian Nationalism, explaining what it is, why it's so worrisome, and what that means for all of us. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern! https://swau.edu/apn, The Love Potluck! http://bit.ly/3buvqcF Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com For a list of gear we use and recommend...
A151 Stop AAPI Hate
Ryan and Henry talk about the horrible mass shooting that took place in Atlanta, GA, on March 16. Episode Links: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/there-were-3-800-anti-asian-racist-incidents-mostly-against-n1261257 https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/17/us/shooting-atlanta-acworth Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern! https://swau.edu/apn, The Love Potluck! http://bit.ly/3buvqcF Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com For a list of gear we use and recommend: www.theabsurdity.org/gear Twitter: @ryan180becker Email: [email protected] ...
A150 Effectively Influencing People
Ryan goes through a major paradigm shift and we talk about how everyone, everywhere has the potential to influence others. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern! https://swau.edu/apn, The Love Potluck! http://bit.ly/3buvqcF Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com For a list of gear we use and recommend: www.theabsurdity.org/gear Twitter: @ryan180becker Email: [email protected] Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://absurdpodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm
A149 Understanding Cancel Culture
This week, Henry and Ryan dive into Cancel Culture and try to find out if it's worth keeping around, or if it's something we should look to, you know, cancel. Which raises an interesting question: If you cancel Cancel Culture, does that automatically perpetuate cancel culture? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurdnetwork Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern! https://swau.edu/apn, The Love Potluck! http://bit.ly/3buvqcF Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com For a list of gear we use and recommend: www...
A148 A Beautiful...Absurdity?
WE GOT BIG CHANGES, but is that really a surprise at this point? Henry Johnson, no stranger to Absurdity, now joins Ryan as our new cohost! This week we are talking the post-pandemic church and what we believe churches and Christians should be doing now to prepare for a new normal. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://absurdpodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm
A147 Transforming Arguments into Conversations
In this episode, Ryan dives into some of what drives people to join movements with dangerous and damaging ideologies. With the right understanding of someone's core motivations, we can transform our arguments into constructive conversations that can correct misconceptions and help people see the truth. Check out our Sponsors for this episode: Southwestern! https://swau.edu/apn, The Love Potluck! http://bit.ly/3buvqcF Join our new volunteer team! https://www.theabsurdity.org/volunteer Join the Absurd Podcast Network Discord Server! https://discord.gg/sa6RrA4UWS Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Absurdity is a proud member of the...
A146 COVID Relief: Is Government Aid Okay?
With Trump having just signed the new COVID relief bill (which I didn't know yet at the time of recording this), I decided to talk about the value of accepting government aid, why it's important, and why government sometimes doesn't work for us the way it should. Kaiser Family Foundation Benefits Survey: https://www.kff.org/health-costs/report/2020-employer-health-benefits-survey/ Become an Absurdity member! https://www.theabsurdity.org/ and click "log in/sign up" Join our new volunteer team! https://www.theabsurdity.org/volunteer Join the Absurd Podcast Network Discord Server! https://discord.gg/sa6RrA4UWS Youtube: https://bit...
A145 The Jerry Falwell Jr. Scandal
Tony and I recorded this back in August, but thanks to my health, I honestly had completely forgotten I had the episode waiting to be edited. So we are getting this out to you now! While the scandal is relatively old news, the lessons to learn from it aren't. We hope you enjoy! Become an Absurdity member! https://www.theabsurdity.org/ and click "log in/sign up" Join our new volunteer team! https://www.theabsurdity.org/volunteer Join the Absurd Podcast Network Discord Server! https://discord.gg/sa6RrA4UWS Ryan's Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Check out our...
A144 WE'RE BACK!
Our apologies everyone! Because of some health issues, Ryan was forced to put a halt to all completely nonessential content creation he was involved in for the last couple months. While things aren't perfect, we believe we have figured out a way forward. This week, Ryan will be sharing more on what happened over the last two months, where things are now, and then he will tell you about the new direction the show is heading in. We think you'll like the changes that are coming! Become an Absurdity member! https://www.theabsurdity.org/ and click "log in/sign...
A143 Overdose Awareness
Both Tony and Ryan have both felt the impact of drug addiction and overdoses in their lives through friends they have lost, so one this episode, as it is International Overdose Awareness Day, join them both for a conversation that will dispel many of the myths behind addictions and show you how you can become a better support for loved ones struggling with addictions. Links: https://www.overdoseday.com/downloadable-resources/#fact (this is for helpful resources on overdose recognition https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/addiction https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts...
A142 Church Discipline
Tony and Ryan explore the entire idea of Discipline within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. What is the proper approach to discipline, has the current model been effective, and how do we make improvements if we need any? Ryan's Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Check out our Sponsors for this episode: https://swau.edu/apn Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com To support financially: www.theabsurdity.org/donate For a list of gear we use and recommend: www.theabsurdity.org/gear Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook...
A141 Navigating Accountability
With recent events in the gaming community, the Adventist community, and the entertainment industry highlighting the need for responsible accountability. Tony and Ryan give some recent examples of accountability and talk about what makes effective accountability and how we can use it in our relationships as well as in the public sphere. Ryan's Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Check out our Sponsors for this episode: https://danemarsolutions.com, https://swau.edu/apn Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com To support financially: www.theabsurdity.org/donate For a list of gear we use...
A140 Effective Tragedy Response
(NOTE: This episode was recorded prior to the incident of a retired SAU professor posting a problematic, racist, and conspiracy-driven post on his social media and Southern's response to that. The next episode will address that more directly. Tony and Ryan jump into what makes a good "statement" when organizations respond to tragedies or controversies. They dive into what should follow those statements and what real progress looks like as a result. Ryan's Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Check out our Sponsors for this episode: https://danemarsolutions.com, https://swau.edu/apn Absurdity is a proud member of the...
A139 About Ravi Zacharias...
The passing of Ravi Zacharias, a celebrated Christian apologist, speaker, and author, has raised an important question about how Christians are often willing to excuse bad behavior because of likability. Tony and Ryan Jump into this discussion head first, not wanting to disrespect Ravi unnecessarily, in order to address some very real concerns about how we treat celebrities in Christianity. Ryan's Youtube: https://bit.ly/2XQrnAq Check out our Sponsors for this episode: https://danemarsolutions.com, https://swau.edu/apn Absurdity is a proud member of the Absurd Podcast Network: www.absurdnetwork.com To support financially: www.theabsurdity.org...