Hello, 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/012m4Sff

 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Theme Music featured on this podcast is “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” performed by Rick Lee James

Also a special thanks to the @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter and Instagram.

Your host is Rick Lee James.

Rick’s Twitter account is @RickLeeJames and his web site is RickLeeJames.com.

Podcasts From Rick Lee James & Voices In My Head Productions

This Podcast Is Hosted by Rick Lee JamesMister Rogers Quotes on Twitter: @MisterRogersSayRick Lee James on Twitter: @RickLeeJamesRick Lee James Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com

----more----

Voices In My Head Productions does not profit from this program. This show is completely a labor of love out of the respect that the host has for the life of Fred Rogers. We do not own images or sound clips of Fred Rogers used on this show. While this is not a legally binding Mea Culpa, we would appreciate you not suing us.

Guest: Lori G. Melton Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God

Author Lori G. Melton invites you to take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor.

So many of us want to go deeper in our faith. We long for a clearer sense of God’s calling in our lives, but knowing where to start can be more than half the battle. What if we could learn from a trusted guide who’s already walked the path? If you’re in leadership, what would you give to shadow someone like Queen Elizabeth II? Or if you’re an artist, what would you give to spend a year with Madeleine L’Engle or Michelangelo? What if you’re longing for courage and you could take notes from George Washington or Harriet Tubman? How might God shape you through the example of faithful believers and strengthen you to become who He created you to be?

Journey with a Giant introduces the transformative practice of walking with a spiritual giant. Based on the “cloud of witnesses” described in Hebrews 12 and illustrated through the author’s experience walking with Mister Fred Rogers—America’s favorite neighbor—spiritual director Lori Melton guides readers on a one-year adventure that offers a unique approach to spiritual formation.

This structured yet flexible guide includes:
• weekly reflections
• testimonials from fellow pilgrims
• monthly instructions and tasks
• prompts for recording your focus, goals, resources, and insights
• guided prayer to end each month
• reflection questions
• journaling space

Whether you choose to learn from Mister Rogers or select your own spiritual mentor, this journey will help you cultivate a closer relationship with God, uncover new insights about yourself, and take meaningful steps toward pursuing God’s unique calling for you.

Get the Book

 

About the Author

Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she’s not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her six children and three grandchildren. She and her husband live in Allegan, Michigan.

 

https://www.lorigmelton.com

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Theme Music featured on this podcast is “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” performed by Rick Lee James

Also a special thanks to the @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter and Instagram.

Your host is Rick Lee James.

Rick’s Twitter account is @RickLeeJames and his web site is RickLeeJames.com.

Podcasts From Rick Lee James & Voices In My Head Productions

This Podcast Is Hosted by Rick Lee JamesMister Rogers Quotes on Twitter: @MisterRogersSayRick Lee James on Twitter: @RickLeeJamesRick Lee James Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com

----more----

Voices In My Head Productions does not profit from this program. This show is completely a labor of love out of the respect that the host has for the life of Fred Rogers. We do not own images or sound clips of Fred Rogers used on this show. While this is not a legally binding Mea Culpa, we would appreciate you not suing us.

Bonus Episode: Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality Podcast Preview From the hosts that brought you Welcome to the Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast, we present to you a new podcast series about kindness, truth, Superman and Spirituality

 

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?”

 

Subscribe now

Share

 

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

 

 

Your Hosts: David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/ SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

Going to the Hospital Mister Rogers thoughts on going to the hospital, a book to help kids lower their anxiety about receiving medical care.  

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Theme Music featured on this podcast is "Nouvelle Noel" by Kevin MacLeod

Also a special thanks to the @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter and Instagram.

Your host is Rick Lee James.

Rick's Twitter account is @RickLeeJames and his web site is RickLeeJames.com.

Podcasts From Rick Lee James & Voices In My Head Productions

 

This Podcast Is Hosted by Rick Lee JamesMister Rogers Quotes on Twitter: @MisterRogersSayRick Lee James on Twitter: @RickLeeJamesRick Lee James Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com

 

----more----

Voices In My Head Productions does not profit from this program. This show is completely a labor of love out of the respect that the host has for the life of Fred Rogers. We do not own images or sound clips of Fred Rogers used on this show. While this is not a legally binding Mea Culpa, we would appreciate you not suing us.

The topic of this episode is FEELINGS.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

 

  

   

Email: [email protected]

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Up on the Mountain

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

 

 

 

 

----more----

 

10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp

Instructions

1. Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

1. At checkout use code: 10off

Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

 

• Official Music Video:

 

• Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

 

• PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

• SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

• Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

• Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

 

 

The topic of this episode is THOUGHTS.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

 

  

   

Email: [email protected]

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Up on the Mountain

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

 

 

 

 

----more----

 

10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp

Instructions

1. Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

1. At checkout use code: 10off

Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

 

• Official Music Video:

 

• Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

 

• PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

• SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

• Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

• Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

 

 

The topic of this episode is THOUGHTS.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

 

  

   

Email: [email protected]

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Up on the Mountain

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

 

 

 

 

----more----

 

10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp

Instructions

1. Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

1. At checkout use code: 10off

Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

 

• Official Music Video:

 

• Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

 

• PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

• SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

• Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

• Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

 

 

The topic of this episode is Sensations.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

 

  

   

Email: [email protected]

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Up on the Mountain

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

 

 

 

 

----more----

 

10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp

Instructions

1. Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

1. At checkout use code: 10off

Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

 

• Official Music Video:

 

• Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

 

• PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

• SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

• Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

• Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

 

 

Mister Rogers, Now More Than Ever with guest Dennis Scott

 

Amazon Associate Link

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, “We need Mister Rogers more than ever.” This audio collection features interviews with fans, friends, and colleagues whose lives were changed by the simple wisdom and kindness of Fred Rogers. For the first time you’ll hear both celebrities and everyday people tell their stories of how Mister Rogers affected them and, in some cases, even saved their lives.

As incredible as it may sound, Fred Rogers personally answered every letter he received. Hearing his words read aloud and the heartfelt gratitude from people who experienced his kindness firsthand make this a one-of-a-kind audio presentation. Hosted by beloved TV personality Tom Bergeron, it will touch you and help you believe, as Fred Rogers did, that all of us are special.

This spoken word collection includes special appearances by Kellie Pickler, The Cowsills, Lee Greenwood, Jim Brickman and Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. It's seventy-two minutes of fun and memories. It also includes a rare interview with David Newell, the "Speedy Delivery" Man from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Produced by our guest on this special episode, two time Grammy and Emmy winner, Dennis Scott

 

 

Young Dennis Scott at the Concord

 

Thank You Mister Rogers Web Site

https://thankyoumisterrogers.com/

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on podcast was Stay by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to my guest Dennis Scott and The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my web site is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward being with you again next time.

Until Then: You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast

Title: You Are Not a Mistake

“everyone makes mistakes once in a while.

—Fred Rogers

 

 

----more---- Host: Rick Lee James

 

 

Email: [email protected]

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

 

 

 

 

----more----

 

10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp

Instructions

1. Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

1. At checkout use code: 10off

Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

 

• Official Music Video:

 

• Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

 

• PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

• SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

• Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

• Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

 

 

Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast

This week we have a special guest, actor Lou Diamond Phillips.


Lou Diamond Phillips Bio:

Lou Diamond Phillips is a celebrated actor and director known for his versatile roles across film, television, and stage. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama "La Bamba," and has since starred in numerous iconic films such as "Courage Under Fire," "Young Guns," and "The 33." Beyond acting, Phillips has directed episodes for various television series and is also a passionate writer.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Lou is an author, having written the science-fiction novel Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira. His wife, Yvonne Boismier Phillips, is a talented artist and illustrator, contributing her beautiful illustrations to his books, including Tinderbox. The couple often collaborates on creative projects, blending Lou's storytelling with Yvonne's visual artistry.

----more---- Host: Rick Lee James

 

 

Email: [email protected]

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

 

 

 

 

----more----

 

10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp

Instructions

1. Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

1. At checkout use code: 10off

Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

 

• Official Music Video:

 

• Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

 

• PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

• SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

• Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

• Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

 

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames