Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman & Spirituality Podcast Podcast

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 9: When Ideals Fall Short: Superman, Racism, and the Stories We TellIn this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality, we examine the tension between the ideals we claim and the ways we sometimes fail to live them out—both in the world of Superman and in our own lives. Together, we explore how the history of DC Comics reflects both harmful racial stereotypes and meaningful attempts at justice, and how those same contradictions can be found in our faith communities and personal experiences. Rather than pointing fingers, we reflect on the shared human tendency to fall short of our highest values—and the invitation to grow, to name what’s broken, and to move toward something better with humility, courage, and compassion.Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4). Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 8: From Parasocial to Personal: Mister Rogers, Superman, and The Accessorized Bible with guest David DaultHello, friends, this one is a fun episode for me because it’s a crossover between all three of my shows: Voices in My Head (through Rick Lee James Podcast), Welcome to the Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast, and Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality Podcast.If you listen to any of those, you already know my guest: David Dault. David and I have had ongoing conversations for a long time now about faith, culture, and the stories that shape us, and today we are centering that conversation around his excellent new book, The Accessorized Bible.We talk about how Scripture gets “accessorized” by our assumptions and our agendas, how interpretation has material consequences, and why reading responsibly means paying attention to the lives of the people most affected by our theology. And yes, because it’s us, we also get into Mister Rogers, Superman, and parasocial relationships.I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get into it.Get the book: https://a.co/d/012m4SffListeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4). Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 7: Who Owns Superman?In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way, we dive into the fascinating concept of "who owns Superman?" as Rick Lee James and David Dault reflect on parasocial relationships, cultural ownership, and what it means when a character transcends corporate boundaries. Along the way, they tie in reflections on faith, Mr. Rogers, and the legacy of figures like Martin Luther King Jr.—challenging us to consider how stories shape our lives. As always, we want to hear from you!Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?Check out David Dault’s Latest Book, Featured In This Episode: https://a.co/d/5W0abteListeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4). Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 6: The Weaknesses of Superman (Not Kryptonite)In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore the “weakness” of Superman, beyond Kryptonite. Starting with a moving listener story about hope found in a Superman comic, the conversation unfolds through the DC Trinity: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. It’s an examination of compassion, self-limitation, community, and what it really means to be strong.Drawing on theology, disability studies, pastoral experience, and pop culture, this episode invites listeners to rethink power, embrace difference, and discover how hope is formed—not in isolation, but together. As always, we want to hear from you!Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4). Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 5: Hope Is Not Naive: A Holiday Invitation to Superman FansIn this short Thanksgiving episode, Rick invites listeners to help shape next month’s conversation on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality. As the holidays approach—a season often filled with mixed emotions—Rick poses three reflection questions:* Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?* Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?* Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4). Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode 4: ForgivenessWelcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.In the Superman & Lois finale, Clark extends forgiveness to Lex Luthor — even beyond the grave. In this episode, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore Superman’s radical hope that enemies can become friends, and ask what it would take for us, as individuals and as a nation, to live with that same forgiving strength.Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode Three: I Never LieWelcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.This podcast explores faith and storytelling through the enduring myth of Superman.Today we’re asking a tricky question: How can Superman be called “a man who doesn’t lie” while living a life built on disguise? What do we make of Clark Kent’s double identity — and what can spirituality teach us about truth, masks, and the complexity of being human?Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode TWO: You Are Who You Choose to Be - The Iron Giant as the Greatest Superman FilmWelcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.This podcast explores faith and storytelling through the enduring myth of Superman.Today we’re talking about The Iron Giant, a 1999 animated film that might be the greatest Superman movie ever made, even though Superman himself only appears in the background—on a comic book page, and in the imaginations of a child and a robot.What makes The Iron Giant so powerful is that it isn’t just about strength or heroism; it’s about choosing to love in a world full of fear.Today, we look at what it really means to say, “I am not a gun… I am Superman.Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality, the podcast where mythology meets theology, and capes meet contemplation.In this show, we will explore what the Man of Steel can teach us about who we are, what we believe, and how we live. Through a spiritual lens, especially in the Ignatian tradition and through my own experience as a spiritual care provider in hospitals, we look at some of the deeper truths behind Superman’s story—truths about calling, identity, compassion, adoption, and even the mystery of presence.This podcast is partly about fandom, but more about formation.Today, in our very first episode, we are looking at the 2025 Superman film by James Gunn and asking what the myth of Superman can reveal to us about our own deepest longings for purpose, belonging, and transformation?”Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcastYour Hosts:David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/aboutRick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Follow today at https://supermanpodcast.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com