Shows
Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityThanksgiving: The Most American Holiday?Send us a textIt's a special Thanksgiving crossover episode of American Angst and Church Potluck! Dr. Michael Bailey and Dale McConkey start off-topic with a quick overview of 10 dizzying days in American politics. From there, they pivot to something far older, quieter, and deeper: Thanksgiving! Michael makes a bold claim—that Thanksgiving is the most American of all holidays—and builds his case like a true political theorist, tracing four different “foundings” of America (Puritan, Revolutionary, Civil War, and New Deal) and showing how Thanksgi...
2025-11-241h 04
American AngstThanksgiving: The Most American Holiday?It's a special Thanksgiving crossover episode of American Angst and Church Potluck! Dr. Michael Bailey and Dale McConkey start off-topic with a quick overview of 10 dizzying days in American politics. From there, they pivot to something far older, quieter, and deeper: Thanksgiving! Michael makes a bold claim—that Thanksgiving is the most American of all holidays—and builds his case like a true political theorist, tracing four different “foundings” of America (Puritan, Revolutionary, Civil War, and New Deal) and showing how Thanksgiving brushes up against each one. Along th...
2025-11-241h 04Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityCelebration Episode! Three Years, 10,000 Downloads, and a Plate of GratitudeSend us a textThree candles, 10,000 downloads, and a table full of friends! This milestone episode of Church Potluck celebrates three years of “a smorgasbord of Christian curiosity.” Host Dale McConkey gathers the Core Four—Christy Snider, Michael Bailey, and Michael Papazian—for cupcakes, playful celebratory jingles, and a listener-powered reflection on what makes the show tick: variety, convivial conversation, thoughtful faith, and a game show that won’t quit. We swap favorite themes (sports & faith, science & wonder, good death, ancient history), share a few nerdy stats (70+ episodes...
2025-11-171h 02American AngstElection Results and Shutdown Breakthrough: Who Won the Week?In this episode of American Angst, Michael Bailey briefly updates us on the apparent breakthrough in the government shutdown. The deal reopens the government and restores furlough pay, but Bailey emphasizes that the underlying fight—especially over Affordable Care Act subsidies—remains unresolved. In his view, the shutdown ended without Democrats gaining meaningful policy concessions, making this more of a pause than a resolution.The primary focus of the episode, however, is the recent off-year elections. Bailey notes that Democrats performed well in seve...
2025-11-1158 minAmerican AngstAmerican Dream on Hold: The Rising Barriers to Homeownership for Young AdultsHomeownership used to be the on-ramp to the middle-class American Dream. For many young adults, that on-ramp now feels barricaded—by high prices, high mortgage rates, high rents, and student debt. In this episode, Michael Bailey and Dale McConkey trace how the starter-home drought ripples outward, negatively affecting:Wealth-building: Years of renting replace decades of equity, widening generational gaps.Life milestones: Delayed ownership nudges later marriages, fewer or later kids, and less geographic mobility.Community & civic life: Fewer roots can mean lower local engagement and turnout, thinner neighborhood ties, and more loneliness....
2025-11-1053 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityChristianity and College: A Conversation with President Sandeep MazumderSend us a textCan Christian faith and scholarly inquiry coexist—and even thrive—together? In this week’s Church Potluck, we have the honor to sit down with Berry College President Sandeep Mazumder. Dr. Mazumder (Economics) shares his faith journey from a Hindu upbringing in London to embracing Christian faith in graduate school, and reflects on how that experience shapes his vision for Berry College and academia more broadly.Dr. Kathryn Heidelberger (Religion and Philosophy) explores how wrestling with other religious traditions can strengthen, rather than weaken, our fa...
2025-11-041h 07American AngstThe Government Shutdown: Why Our System Fails on PurposeBoo! In this Halloween edition of American Angst, political philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey leads a brisk, illuminating tour of the current government shutdown and what it reveals about our constitutional machinery. Michael lays out why both parties share blame in different ways, but, more importantly, why the structure itself incentivizes brinkmanship over basic governance. He explains how the Senate filibuster concentrates leverage, why “who’s actually in charge?” is maddeningly opaque to voters, and how that erodes democratic accountability.Moving beyond the headlines, Michael compares the U.S. system to parliamentary models that either compel compromise or trigge...
2025-11-011h 11Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityHorror, Halloween, and Holiness: Are Faith and Horror Compatible?Send us a textPremiere horror and Halloween enthusiast (and fashion icon) Clint Peters joins the podcast to discuss how horror taps our primal selves. We dig into how films like The Babadook, Jaws, Nosferatu, and even Midnight Mass reveal what we value, how fear works, and why the genre often takes the supernatural—and the Church—more seriously than most “serious” films.Perennial guest and bud Michael Bailey argues Christianity is inherently spooky, pushes back on the “horror desensitizes us” worry, and compares horror’s moral mirror to the real cultural rot: v...
2025-10-301h 06American AngstDemocratic Backsliding: How Democracies Erode (with Dr. Sam Call)We may begin talking about sweater weather and niceties about upstate New York, but we quickly let the angst flow deep and wide. Join us as Sam Call (comparative politics) joins Michael Bailey (political science and philosophy) and host Dale McConkey (sociology) for a fascinating exploration of how democracies erode, or "backslide." Dr. Call explains why today’s threats rarely look like coups; instead, elected leaders chip away at checks and balances, politicize the bureaucracy, blur truth, and normalize “us vs. them.” We contrast the U.S. with Hungary and Turkey, talk courts that a...
2025-10-271h 06Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityMysteries of the Cosmos: Existence, Life, and ConsciousnessSend us a textThis episode features Dr. Todd Timberlake—our resident astrophysicist—at the center of the table. Todd walks us through three awe-inducing questions:Why is there something rather than nothing? What physics can say up to the Big Bang—and why “before” may be the wrong word. Fine-tuning, multiverse ideas, and what science can (and can’t) answer.How did life arise? From Miller–Urey to amino acids, to the leap toward self-replicating molecules, and the odds of life elsewhere. Todd explains why discovering life beyond Earth would reshape...
2025-10-231h 15Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityFaith & the Founders, Part 2: The Godless Constitution ThesisSend us a textWe’re back with another crossover of Church Potluck and American Angst—and it’s the middle slice of a three-part series. In Part 1, we explored evidence for a religious impulse at the founding of the United States. Today, we flip the coin and examine the “godless constitution” thesis: why the U.S. Constitution reads secular by design, how the framers imagined church–state separation, and what that meant in practice—from oath vs. affirmation options and chaplains, to presidential proclamations and the Treaty of Tripoli’s blunt line that America is “not in any sense found...
2025-10-201h 08American AngstFaith & the Founders, Part 2: The Godless Constitution ThesisWe’re back with another crossover of American Angst and Church Potluck—and it’s the middle slice of a three-part series. In Part 1, we explored evidence for a religious impulse at the founding of the United States. Today, we flip the coin and examine the “godless constitution” thesis: why the U.S. Constitution reads secular by design, how the framers imagined church–state separation, and what that meant in practice—from oath vs. affirmation options and chaplains, to presidential proclamations and the Treaty of Tripoli’s blunt line that America is “not in any sense founded on the Christian religion...
2025-10-201h 08American AngstFaith & the Founders, Part 1: The Christian Commonwealth ThesisIt’s a crossover feast: American Angst meets Church Potluck for a lively, thoughtful dive into religion, politics, and the Founders—setting the table for an upcoming conversation on Christian nationalism. This one leans a bit more American Angst in tone, with Michael Bailey taking the lead while Dale McConkey jumps in with sociological insight and good-humored pushback. In this episode, the focus is squarely on the Christian Commonwealth perspective—the idea that America’s roots lie in Puritan covenant theology, religiously infused language in the Declaration, and early public p...
2025-10-101h 04Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityFaith & the Founders, Part 1: The Christian Commonwealth ThesisSend us a textIt’s a crossover feast: American Angst meets Church Potluck for a lively, thoughtful dive into religion, politics, and the Founders—setting the table for an upcoming conversation on Christian nationalism. This one leans a bit more American Angst in tone, with Michael Bailey taking the lead while Dale McConkey jumps in with sociological insight and good-humored pushback. In this episode, the focus is squarely on the Christian Commonwealth perspective—the idea that America’s roots lie in Puritan covenant theology, religiously infused language...
2025-10-101h 04American AngstSan Francisco De-Angstified: A Father-Daughter ConversationSan Francisco is often painted as a city in crisis by conservative politicians and pundits, but does that picture hold up when you actually live there? In this special episode, political scientist Michael Bailey sits down with his daughter, Lydia Bailey, for a wide-ranging father–daughter dialogue about her life in the city. Host Dale McConkey is along for the ride, chiming in from the back seat.Through their conversation, Lydia helps us see whether the lived reality of San Francisco matches the “angsty” narrative we so often hear. Michael frames the issue with a...
2025-10-061h 01American AngstClimate Change and Glimmers of Hope: A Conversation with Courtney CooperEnvironmental policy professor Dr. Courtney Cooper joins American Angst to untangle climate science, local vs. federal solutions, and why adaptation and mitigation aren’t either/or options. With Dr. Michael Bailey (our resident “Avatar of Angst”) pressing on partisanship, expertise, and the politics of denial, and host Dr. Dale McConkey steering the conversation, we move from Andean glaciers and wildfire smoke to bike lanes, data centers, and why “co-benefits” (healthier cities, better transit) might be the bridge past stalemate. Expect insights on models and evidence, frank talk about costs and tradeoffs, and a grounded h...
2025-09-291h 13Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityAwe and Wonder: Where Science and Faith ConvergeSend us a textWhat happens when an astronomer, a political philosopher, and a retired pastor sit down at the potluck table? In this episode, Dr. Todd Timberlake, Reid Professor of Physics & Astronomy, joins host Dale McConkey and regular guest Dr. Michael Bailey for a lively conversation about awe and wonder.Is science a cold explanation that drains the magic from the world—or can it actually deepen our sense of mystery? From the vastness of galaxies to the beauty of a sunrise, from Whitman’s skepticism to Kepler’s fait...
2025-09-251h 31American AngstTrump Loyalty Shakedown: Free Speech’s New Fault LineIs America’s free-speech problem moving from online pile-ons to state-pressured loyalty tests? Political scientist and philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey makes the case that we’re drifting into a new, internet-era McCarthyism—a “Trump Loyalty Shakedown”—while host Dale McConkey presses on what truly protects expression: not just the First Amendment, but civic norms that resist conformity. We warm up with rectangles on the U.S. map and West Coast daydreams, then trace three classic threats to speech (government coercion, social self-censorship, and the gray zone where politics chills private actors). Along the way: Madison, Lincoln, WWI...
2025-09-2551 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityLove Your Enemies, Protect Your Neighbors: The Ethics of AcrimonySend us a textWhat happens when Christians disagree so deeply that dialogue itself feels dangerous? Can churches balance the call to love enemies with the responsibility to protect neighbors? And how do we speak the truth in love without sliding into silence—or into shouting?In this episode, newbie Dr. Kathryn Heidelberger (comparative Christian–Islamic ethics) and relative newbie Dr. David Barr (Christian ethics) join oldie Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey for a searching conversation about the ethics of Christian disagreement. The conversation reckons with real...
2025-09-221h 16American AngstWhy Don't We Trust the Experts? Science and the Crisis of AuthorityPhysicist and astronomer Dr. Todd Timberlake joins the conversation to explore the modern crisis of expertise. What does it mean to trust science when experts sometimes get things wrong? How do peer review, replication, and the broader scientific community create self-correcting systems that still move knowledge forward, even through mistakes? And why has public trust in institutions—including science and medicine—eroded so dramatically in recent years?Together with our angsty leader, Michael Bailey, Todd unpacks why skepticism toward expertise has shifted from a fringe view to a mainstream force shaping policy and publ...
2025-09-2249 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityPotluck Potpourri! Charlie Kirk polarization, Millennial Sainthood, Digital Chaplains, and Faith by StateSend us a textThe Core Four are back! Host Dale McConkey is joined by Christy Snider, Michael Papazian, and Michael Bailey for a wide-ranging conversation on faith and culture.We start with reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination, unpacking how instantly polarizing it was, how social media amplified extreme voices, and how it revealed the deep fusion of religion and politics in American life. The group compares this moment with other flashpoints—from 9/11 to George Floyd—asking why some events unite while others divide.Christy then introduces us to
2025-09-191h 09American AngstCharlie Kirk's Tragic Death and the Temptation of Collective BlamePolitical philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey reflect on the public murder of Charlie Kirk and a week already heavy with 9/11 remembrances. With humility about their limits and the fluid facts, they focus not on speculation but on what our reactions to this tragedy reveal about us as a people. Michael outlines three tensions—legal individual responsibility, our deep cultural formation, and our tendency toward selective outrage—urging listeners to reject collective guilt while owning the culture our words help create. The episode models nuance over performative anger, invites local, relationship-level work across differences, and shares classroom prac...
2025-09-1251 minAmerican AngstTrump Derangement Syndrome: Sincerity, Bulls**t, and the Death of DialoguePolitical philosopher Michael Bailey joins host Dale McConkey to unpack “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a window into America’s fractured political discourse. They begin with how shifting cultural guardrails have normalized dismissive rhetoric and redefined what counts as acceptable in public conversation, creating an environment where team loyalty often matters more than truth. From there, they explore why labels like TDS, “deep state,” “woke,” or “snowflake” shut down dialogue, trace their roots in a long tradition of demagoguery warned about by Aristotle, Cicero, and Hamilton, and turn to philosopher Harry Frankfurt’s book “On Bullshit” to show why sincerity ha...
2025-09-0945 minAmerican AngstAmerican Inequality: From Gilded Age Tycoons to Tech Oligarchs In this episode of American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey hands the reins to Michael Bailey, political philosopher at Berry College, for a thoughtful deep dive into the growing problem of inequality in America. With historian Christy Snider joining the conversation, the trio explores the widening gap between rich and poor, comparing today’s digital tycoons with the industrial giants of the Gilded Age. Bailey unpacks the numbers behind income and wealth disparities, examines why Americans often overlook inequality, and raises concerns about its effects on democracy. Snider adds historical perspective, from Carnegie’s “Gospel...
2025-09-0356 minAmerican AngstCampaigns, Congress, and Cattle: A Conversation with Candidate Shawn HarrisIn this special episode of American Angst, political scientist Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey welcome retired Brigadier General Shawn Harris, a Democratic candidate for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. The conversation ranges across key issues including veterans’ care, agriculture, healthcare, border security, and foreign policy, as Harris reflects on his 40 years of military service and his current life as a cattle farmer. He shares lessons from his 2024 campaign, explains why pragmatic, results-driven leadership matters more than partisan labels, and emphasizes long-term thinking, common-sense solutions, and a hopeful vision for Northwest Georgia. The views expressed on American Angst...
2025-08-291h 06American AngstEnd of an Era? Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 4In our fourth and final installment of our "Democrats in the Hot Seat" series, political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey shifts the focus squarely onto the Democratic Party—its historic dominance since the New Deal, the vision it set forth, and the serious challenges it faces today. Bailey examines how Democrats built an era defined by international cooperation, inclusion, regulation, and a social safety net, but questions whether those pillars can endure in the age of globalization, inequality, debt, and climate change. Along the way, he unpacks whether Hillary Clinton’s “smugness” was tied to gender, explores why Democrat...
2025-08-201h 02Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityPatriarchy in the Pulpit and the Pentagon: Pete Hegseth and Doug WilsonSend us a textCROSSOVER EPISODE! In this first-ever crossover episode between Church Potluck and American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey, political scientist Michael Bailey, and historian Christy Snider dive into a hot-button political and theological controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent social media post endorsing ideas from pastor Doug Wilson, a leader in the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches. The trio unpack the historical and ideological roots of Wilson’s views on Christian nationalism, household voting, and the role of women in leadership and public life—views that include the repeal of the 19th Amendm...
2025-08-1456 minAmerican AngstPatriarchy in the Pulpit and the Pentagon: Pete Hegseth and Doug WilsonCROSSOVER EPISODE! In this first-ever crossover episode between Church Potluck and American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey, political scientist Michael Bailey, and historian Christy Snider dive into a hot-button political and theological controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent social media post endorsing ideas from pastor Doug Wilson, a leader in the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches. The trio unpack the historical and ideological roots of Wilson’s views on Christian nationalism, household voting, and the role of women in leadership and public life—views that include the repeal of the 19th Amendment and opposition to same-sex marriage. Along t...
2025-08-1456 minAmerican AngstLimits to Pluralism? Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 3Political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey leads this episode of American Angst 101 with a sweeping exploration of how the United States’ founding-era vision of a liberal federal government—meaning one grounded in Enlightenment ideas of individual rights, consent of the governed, and limited purposes for government—continues to shape modern politics. Bailey explains that, unlike the states of the era, which often enforced religious and moral norms, the federal Constitution was deliberately secular, avoiding endorsement of a religion or aristocracy and focusing on protecting rights and promoting shared interests. He traces the nation’s evolution from this mixed system toward a more p...
2025-08-1149 minAmerican AngstElitism, Crime, and Borders: Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 2In this follow-up to the previous conversation on MAGA critiques of the Democratic Party, Political Scientist Michael Bailey dives into the final three charges: (1) being elitist cultural snobs, (2) soft on crime, and (3) favoring open borders. Bailey examines how charges of cultural condescension, fueled by moments like Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” comment, have long hampered Democrats’ ability to connect with rural, working-class, and religious Americans. He warns that dismissive rhetoric erodes trust in expertise and institutions, feeding anti-establishment populism. On crime, Bailey notes that U.S. incarceration rates remain among the world’s highest, crime has generally declined since the...
2025-08-0858 minAmerican AngstWokeness, Patriotism, and Religion: Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 1In this episode of American Angst, political philosopher Michael Bailey analyzes the first three of six major criticisms often leveled against the Democratic Party by conservatives and MAGA supporters: that Democrats are (1) “woke” and obsessed with identity politics; (2) unpatriotic and ashamed of America; and (3) hostile toward religion. With insight and nuance, Bailey explores where these charges come from, why they resonate with many Americans, and how Democrats might better respond. Host Dale McConkey keeps the conversation moving with humor and curiosity, setting up what promises to be a multi-episode deep dive into the challenges facing the Democratic Party. The...
2025-08-0550 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityPets in Heaven, Methodists on Trial, and Feds Sharing Faith: A True Church PotluckSend us a textIn this delightfully sprawling new episode of Church Potluck, the "Core Four" reunite for a free-flowing conversation filled with laughter, deep reflection, and summer updates. Host Dale McConkey kicks things off by officially announcing his retirement as a United Methodist pastor, sharing heartwarming stories from his farewell sermon and his new children's book, The Little Church That Could. Joined by Michael Bailey, Christy Snider, and Michael Papazian, the group celebrates each other's summer adventures and votes on “Who Won the Summer” in classic potluck style.True to its name, Church Potluck then...
2025-08-011h 09American AngstThe Phrase That Won’t Die: “We’re a Republic, Not a Democracy"In this thought-provoking episode of American Angst 101, Michael Bailey and his longtime friend and fellow political scientist Dr. Steven Taylor join forces to examine the phrase “We’re a republic, not a democracy”—a line increasingly echoed in American political rhetoric. What do people mean when they say it? Where did the phrase originate? And more crucially, what are its implications for American political identity?Steven brings historical context and global comparisons to bear, highlighting how the phrase has been used—from Madison’s Federalist Papers to the John Birch Society to present-day partisanship—as a rhetorical shield for min...
2025-07-231h 02American AngstWhy July 4th? The Truest Meaning of Independence DayIn this episode of American Angst 101, political historian and resident expert Michael Bailey takes center stage to explore a deceptively simple question: why do we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th? With Dale McConkey hosting, Bailey delivers a captivating, wide-ranging treatise that combines historical insight, political theory, and cultural reflection. Intermixed with his typical wit, he considers several alternate dates that could logically serve as America’s national holiday—from the actual vote for independence on July 2nd, to the ratification of the Constitution, to the formal end of British rule—and explains why none capture the soul of the Am...
2025-07-0453 minAmerican AngstThe Mandate Mirage: When Presidents Stretch Thin Margins into Sweeping ClaimsIn this episode of American Angst 101, political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey unpacks one of the most pervasive myths in American politics: the presidential mandate. With insight, clarity, and a touch of dry wit, Bailey walks through why claims of sweeping public endorsement—often made by presidents right after elections—are both analytically weak and politically hazardous. From Bill Clinton’s healthcare push to George W. Bush’s Social Security rhetoric to Donald Trump’s wildly exaggerated “129-year mandate,” Bailey explains why the math doesn’t hold up and how this kind of talk often leads to executive overreach and missed opportuni...
2025-06-2537 minAmerican AngstNo Kings, New Terrain? Is Today's Political Climate Unprecedented?Political scientist Michael Bailey brings his deep knowledge, sharp wit, and characteristic humility to this episode of American Angst 101, hosted by sociologist Dale McConkey. Launching from the massive “No Kings” protest—which coincided with a military parade and President Trump’s birthday—Bailey unpacks the historical, constitutional, and cultural significance of what many see as an unsettling alignment of military symbolism and political power. Through conversation both candid and insightful, he explores what makes this moment in American politics feel different: the erosion of institutional norms, the rhetoric of emergency, and the rise of executive overreach that blurs lines once held...
2025-06-1856 minAmerican AngstTruth Decay, Part 2: Democracy as Pro WrestlingIn this second episode of American Angst 101, political philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey continue their dig into the nature of political truth in the age of Trump—and what it means for democracy today. Bailey argues that Trump's rhetoric, far from being random or merely outrageous, functions more like pro wrestling: it’s not about factual truth, but about affirming identity, rallying fans, and naming enemies. From conspiracy theories to casual disinformation, the episode explores how truth is being redefined not just by Trump, but by a fragmented media landscape and deepening distrust in civic institutions. Earl...
2025-06-0646 minAmerican AngstTruth Decay: Our Inaugural AngstPolitical philosopher Michael Bailey has spent years thinking carefully about American democracy—its roots, its ideals, and its increasingly shaky relationship to truth. In American Angst 101, he sits down with his friend Dale McConkey to reflect on what’s happening in our political culture, what’s changed, and whether anything can be done about it. The podcast opens with humor (and a theme song contest), but quickly shifts into a deeper discussion about the decline of shared facts and the rise of political dishonesty—not just in general, but in specific, troubling ways.The goal here isn’t to score...
2025-05-311h 14Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityDeifying Politicians, Hearing God's Voice, and Age Gaps in Middle-East ViewsSend us a textIn this episode of Church Potluck, we dive into three thought-provoking themes with Dr. Christy Snider and Dr. Michael Bailey. First, we explore whether it is fair to say that some Republicans are deifying Trump, drawing from Thomas Edsall’s New York Times piece, "The Deification of Trump." Next, we question the trustworthiness of religious callings based on hearing God’s voice, drawing upon my own spiritual call to ministry. Finally, we examine the generational divide in understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the shifting perspectives in today's world. Tune in for a rich conv...
2024-09-1157 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityWhat We Did This SummerSend us a textIn this episode, we’re joined by Michael Papazian, Professor of Philosophy, and Michael Bailey, Associate Professor of Political Science, for a lively and personal discussion of their summer experiences and reflections.Michael Bailey opens up about the emotional depth of his daughter’s wedding, sharing moments of joy, community, and love that defined the day, from the profound presence of family and friends to spontaneous dancing to John Denver. It’s a heartfelt reflection on a significant family milestone.Michael Papazian takes us on a literary journey, reflecting on his...
2024-09-0658 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityParentless Embryos? Faith Meets BioEthicsSend us a textWeeeee'rrre Baaaack!!! After an extended hiatus, Church Potluck has returned! In this episode (recorded a few months ago), brace yourself for a journey through the ethical labyrinth of modern science with Dr. Michael Bailey and Dr. Michael Papazian as our guides, discussing Christian and philosophical perspectives on the latest biotechnological marvel: human embryos created with neither sperm nor eggs.Our conversation probes the ethical minefields of new reproductive technology and its threat to philosophical liberalism. We also address the Catholic Church's teachings on the sanctity of sexual intimacy and procreation and r...
2024-01-161h 08Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityLosing Our Religion: The Decline of Church Affiliation and the Rise of the "Nones"Send us a textIs America losing its religion? Statistics indicate yes, with a rapid decrease in church affiliation and a marked increase in people who don't identify with organized religion. This episode of Church Potluck features Curt Hersey (Communication), Michael Bailey (political science), and Michael Papazian (philosophy), who each help us explore the fall of religiosity, the rise of non-affiliation, and the evolution of religious identities.Some topics we address in this episode:What features of contemporary Christianity are turning people away from the Church?Even with this recent decline, religious faith remains...
2023-09-011h 04Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityNavigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and FaithSend us a textSeason 2 of Church Potluck has officially begun! To kick off the new season, we are exploring the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on religious faith. Join Christy Snider (history), Michael Papazian (philosophy), Michael Bailey (political science), and me (sociology) as we question the spiritual implications of AI in our lives. The title of this episode was generated by AI, and here is the unedited summary of the podcast, also generated by AI:Ever wondered about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and faith? Does the idea of machines with consciousness challenge...
2023-08-111h 14Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityMuscular Christianity: Faith, Fitness, and MasculinitySend us a textCan faith and fitness converge to create stronger Christians? Join our esteemed guests Drs. Christy Snyder, Michael Bailey, and Jon Parker as we explore the fascinating concept of "Muscular Christianity" and its impact on church and society.We'll dive into the historical context of Muscular Christianity's emergence in mid-19th century England and its eventual spread to the United States. Learn about the fears of middle-class men becoming too effeminate during the Industrial Revolution, the feminization of the church, and the implications of muscular Christianity on gender roles.Don't...
2023-06-0248 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityChurch and State, Past and PresentSend us a textThe coronation of King Charles III prompts questions about the relationship between Church and State. How did Church and State interact in medieval times? How about now in the modern era? Does Church or State benefit most from their intermingling? (Hint: It's not the Church.) Join newcomer Dr. Larry Marvin (European history) and regular guest Dr. Michael Bailey (political science) as we explore these questions.The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.
2023-05-0431 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityServing among the Poor: Tales from the Jesuit Volunteer CorpsSend us a textJesus had a special relationship with those who are poor in this world. The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) encourages young adults to follow in Jesus' footsteps by living in an impoverished region in the United States and practicing the core values of spirituality, community, simple living, and social justice. In this episode, we talk to two members of the JVC: Gabriel Barreneche (college dean, humanities, arts, and social sciences) and Vanessa Balenger (college graduate, political science and religion & philosophy). They share the transformative JVC experiences that "ruin" them for life. Michael Bailey (political...
2023-04-1944 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityEaster: How Central is the Resurrection?Send us a textChristians over the globe are preparing to celebrate their conviction that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. How essential is this Easter proclamation for Christian faith? Join Jon Huggins (chaplain), Michael Papazian (philosophy), Mike Bailey (political science), and Dale McConkey (sociology, pastor) as they deliberate the Resurrection from a variety of angles.The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.
2023-03-2949 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriositySaint Patrick: Man, Myth, Saint, HolidaySend us a textWelcome to our St. Patrick's Day episode! Dr. Michael Bailey (political science) and Rev. Dr. Dale McConkey (sociology) pepper Dr. Michael Papazian (philosophy, religion) with a myriad of questions about St. Patrick and his day. What do we know about Patrick historically? What are the myths that have developed over the years? Why and how did he become a saint? (Also, how do people become saints in general?) And what should we think about the holiday named in his honor? Join us for a fun and enlightening discussion!The views expressed...
2023-03-1544 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriositySt. Valentine's Day and Christian LoveSend us a textBONUS EPISODE! If you're looking for advice on making that special someone feel loved on Valentine's Day, go look somewhere else. But if you are looking for thoughtful conversation on Saint Valentine, the holiday that is named after him, and the nature of Christian love, then you have come to the right place. Join Michael Papazian (religion and philosophy), Tom Kennedy (religion and philosophy), Michael Bailey (political sccience), and Dale McConkey (sociology, pastor) as they wax semi-eloquently on the meaning of love. Happy Valentine's Day!The views expressed on Church Potluck...
2023-02-1138 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityIs Technology Improving Our Lives?Send us a textJoin Dr. Michael Bailey (political scientist) and host Dale McConkey (sociologist, pastor) in a one-on-one discussion that continues our exploration of technology we began in our previous episode. Are things getting better or worse with modern technology? How is it impacting our relationship with God and others? Is today's digital technology qualitatively different than previous forms?The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.
2023-01-1340 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityChristian Conviction and Technological DistractionsSend us a textChurch Potluck returns for 2023! In this episode, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins (college chaplain) cautions Christians about the distracting and disruptive features of modern technology. Dr. Huggins is joined by Matthew Lee (philosophy), Michael Bailey (political science), and host Dale McConkey (sociology). The focal point of the conversation is Chaplain Huggins' article, "Proceed with Caution: Lessons from Saint Augustine, Jonathan Edwards, and Miroslav Volf" in the newly released book Technē: Christian Visions of Technology (Gerald Hiestand and Todd A. Wilson, editors).The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely t...
2023-01-061h 01Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityCoping with Grief During the Christmas SeasonSend us a textChristmas is supposed to be a happy, joyful time full of festive celebration. So what happens when you don't feel like celebrating? Join us for an informative and heartfelt discussion about the challenges of grieving during the holidays. Why can the holidays be so difficult? What do we in the Church do well -- and not so well -- when it comes to helping others grieve? How can we who are grieving cope, and how can we help others cope?This episode's guests:Chris Barbieri, Floyd Atrium hospital chaplain and...
2022-12-1557 minChurch Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian CuriosityGod Forbid: Scandal, Corruption, and Political PowerSend us a textWelcome to our inaugural episode of Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Thought! Thanks for bearing with us as we learn the ropes of this new medium for us. Our first episode begins with a look at Hulu's new documentary, "God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty," which explores the events surrounding Jerry Fallwell, Jr., deposed president of Liberty University and son of the late renowned televangelist and conservative political operative, Jerry Falwell, Sr. Given that we recorded this episode the day after the 2022 midterm elections, we also discuss the...
2022-11-1851 min