Hey, Neighbor!  There are babies due to be born in our family over the next few weeks, so we're talking about the birth process!  What do "real" contractions feel like? How can we distinguish between "early" labor and "active" labor? 

Maybe you weren't expecting this conversation, Neighbor, but it sure beats talking about disc golf!   Riiiiiiiight?

Next:  Communication with medical professionals can be challenging... (Here's an example.) 

Then: Communication as a pastor/speaker can ALSO be callenging--especially if you're trying too hard to be profound or memorable.  (Here's an example.) (Also, here's our favorite riddle ever invented by a 3-year-old.) 

Somewhere in the midst of all these topics, we have an excellent book idea for the Podcast Ninja!

Don't forget to laugh, Carl. 

Email the Comedian's Family at [email protected].  If nobody is in labor, we'll do our best to respond!

It's the season for MOLE HUNTING.  If you don't remember The Podcast Ninja's technique, he shares all the gory details again in this episode. 

Next, John talks about his big plans to avoid yard work...   (Psssst, he's going to be sorely disappointed, Neighbor!) 

Then, Luke tells us the thing that John shared at Church today that felt noteworthy and then he forgot and then remembered again.   People's actions will tell you what they really think.  It's easy to say, "I am a Christian who believes the Gospel."  But, the choices made in daily life will reveal much!

Finally,  both "Christians" and "Atheists" in America are struggling with an Authority Problem.  We'll unpack that the best we can--but if you know, you know!

Email the Comedian's Family at [email protected] . 

First, let's talk about making cake for no reason... And,we need a short word-study, because the word "bi-weekly" has too many definitions.

Next:  John has been watching lots of videos of sermons from Charismatic preachers.  This false doctrine happens to be the very first theological question that Luke and the Peaches tackled before they got married!

Later:  A friend of John's almost made him choke on his chicken caesar salad.  What sort of "authority" are Christians "supposed" to have when it comes to raising the dead?

Finally: Luke wants to know, "Is believing a false Gospel the same as not being a Christian at all?"  How much truth about Jesus do you need in order to be saved?

Email the Comedian's family at [email protected]

Well, Neighbor, it has been TOO LONG since we talked about disc golf!  Go get yourself some discs, so you don't have to be left out of the recurring conversation. 

Next:  We're going to answer all your questions about how to schedule your time...  No, wait, we're going to tell you whether or not to quit your job.   No, actually we're going to talk about productivity. 

Luke feels guilty because he doesn't think he's bringing enough focus to his day job.  How should bosses and employees measure "productivity?"  (And what kind of "productivity" really brings the most value to the people you love?)

There are so many different directions we could take this conversation! But, of course, it always comes back to home-education and family life.  

Contact the Comedian's family by emailing [email protected] .

Hey, Neighbor! 

Papa John's is selling a pizza featuring crispy "cuppy-roni."  This is worth mentioning at LEAST a few times this episode...

Next: there has been a little bit on controversy in the Fight Laugh Feast network. (But, really, what else is new?) Sometimes listeners feel like their favorite hosts aren't practicing what they preach... 

The Peaches thinks this speaks to the natural limitations of the podcast platform. It's impossible to get a complete picture of a person's beliefs, even if you consume several hours worth of their content every week! (There's sooooooo much that is still happening behind the scenes.)  It's possible to hear a message about "Rowdy Christians" multiple times and STILL not understand how to apply it, until you've spent more in-person time with the messenger.

Later:   Some concepts and analogies we share on the podcast are not going to translate if listeners are not part of a real-life community.   Podcasts have their place! Sermons are valuable! But there is no substitute for committed, imtimate relationships, where true disciples are made. 

Contact the Comedian's family by emailing [email protected]

Hey, neighbor!

The Peaches and The Ninja have been together longer than they were "single."  They've gone by many names over the years...   But why does Uncle David call John "Scooter?" (Settle in, while Scooter unloads his coffee-related trauma.) 

Then: HAPPY TRANS VISIBILITY DAY!  We actually know people--in real life--who have swallowed that Kool-Aid. 

AND:  Our Comedy Clique has been talking about Foot-Washing Ceremonies.  Some good questions have been raised in the last few days!  What message is the Pope sending when he washes the feet of 12 female prisoners?  Is there a better way to demonstrate "servanthood' to a modern culture?

Finally:  Jesus taught that being a servant makes you the GREATER in the Kingdom of Heaven. Many Christians are uncomfortable with the way they are elevated to places of Authority, while they keep trying to be perpetual doormats. How do we deal with the reality that our acts of service give us more responsibility and "power?"

Contact the Comedian's family, [email protected]

It's basketball season, Neighbor, and our NCAA bracket is looking sad!  But legend has it, the Branyan kids once predicted all four of the Final Four teams and won enough money for John to retire for about two hours. 

Also, there is DRAMA among the McKinney/West/Farkas cousins.  (No, nothing scandalous.) A group of actors, aged 13 and under, are producing their own musical theater show. It's the most adorable thing we've seen in a while.

Next: If a person can't explain WHY the believe something, do they really even believe it?

Use your words, Pkarlgh!   Pictures aren't really worth 1000 words, and you CAN'T preach the Gospel silently...

Contact the Comedian's family by emailing [email protected] 

If you're tuning in for this episode, you will be among the first to sample The Podcast Ninja's new Outgoing Personality! (Tell us if you think he's not being "serious" enough.)

We tackle other questions like: should men wear a suit and tie to church?  And should adults watch cartoons?...

Later: If you want to add rocks to your health and wellness journey, we have a great opportunity for you!  (It's basically witchcraft--but it's all the rage.)

Email the Comedian's family: [email protected]  Tell us what kind of "crystal" John should take to the Quack Doctor's virtual event.

Welcome to the table, Pkarlgh.  Our family participated in a huge fundraiser for our local Christian school--and we were very encouraged! Many hands make for light work... It's great to be part of a functioning community!

Then:  If you're hearing us talk about this well-oiled machine and wishing your community was as Perfect as ours, let us remind you that we are very critical of parachurch organizations!  We really need to make some clarifications about WHY we focus on the Bad Stuff in the culture...  (Someone wrote to us and said, "I'm struggling to find a church that I can trust. I don't understand the different denominations, but I know you guys disagree with most of them...") 

Keep this in mind at all times: God will not hold you accountable for things you DON'T understand; he holds you accountable for obeying what you DO understand.

Later: Let's talk about the problem with popular Christian worship leaders. (But don't let fear of heretical music keep you from going to church!) 

Email the Comedian's family at [email protected]. (But don't ask us questions that should be directed at your elders.  :) )

Hi, Neighbor!  John and Luke called an "audible" at church last week and switched up the communion prep system.  Who's going to be mad about that?  (Well, some people might.) 

If you start taking responsibility and making decisions then you will deal with some pushback. But, overall, you will be a HUGE ASSET to a healthy church (or soccer program).  Leaders take initiative!

Later:  Luke shares his fail-proof system for aspiring conversationalists. If you're wondering, "How does Luke always have something interesting to say???" be prepared to take notes!

Email the Comedian's family at [email protected] 

Hey, Neighbor!

We thought we uploaded this episode ON TIME, but technical difficulties occurred...

Better late than never!