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