Shows
Just Plain WrongThat's Very 2000 of You: Discussing Plain Truth by Jodi PicoultThis week the MennoBrarians discuss the selection chosen for us by our Discernment Committee level Patreon members: Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, published in 2000. This book has it all: a mysterious murder, a lying Amish teenager accused of the crime, a cutthroat but disillusioned big city lawyer, and a 28 year old ph.d. student studying ghosts that turns out to be the baby's father. We chat mysteries, plot twists, and what maybe didn't hold up so well 25 years after publication. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or o...
2025-08-061h 13Just Plain WrongWhat is food? A Snake Draft of Published Mennonite CookbooksThis week, the MennoBrarians draft published Mennonite cookbooks. We chat cooking blogs, favorite recipes, and much much more. Draft picks (stop reading if you don't want spoilers!): Erin - Simply in SeasonAbby - More with LessTillie - Extending the TableTillie - Mennonite Community CookbookAbby - There’s always room at the table - Kaleb WyseErin - Peppernuts Plain and FancyErin - The Daily Feast - The Graber FamilyAbby - The Lost Art of Real Cooking: Rediscovering the Pleasure of Traditional Food One Recipe at a time by Ken Albala and Rosanna Nafziger, 2010Tillie - Food that Real...
2025-07-0959 minJust Plain WrongLaundering the Laundry: A conversation with Karen Johnson-Weiner, author of the Lives of Amish WomenThis week, the MennoBrarians chat with Karen Johnson-Weiner about her book, The Lives of Amish Women. The book captures the diversity of the experiences of Amish women, with Johnson-Weiner's research relying heavily on correspondence and interviews with members of Amish communities. We chat about her research, her friendships with Amish women, why there hasn't been much research published on Amish women and much more! We really enjoyed The Lives of Amish Women and recommend you add it to your reading lists if this is a subject that interests you.Note: The audio for this episode is more "...
2025-06-2548 minJust Plain WrongAn Experience That Cannot Be Described: Discussing the Movie "Holy Matrimony"This week, the MennoBrarians chat about the movie "Holy Matrimony," a 1994 comedy movie starring Patricia Arquette and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In the movie, Patricia Arquette's character, Havanna, is unknowingly dragged into a Hutterite colony by her boyfriend Peter who she is forced to marry, and then after Peter dies in a car accident days later, she must marry Zeke, Peter's 12-year old brother per the rules of the colony. If you think that's weird, just wait til you hear us break down the rest of the plot!We do a very detailed plot recap, and chat Hutterites (who...
2025-06-111h 09Just Plain WrongSnowflake, Snowflake: A Snake Draft of Mennonite PoetsThis week, the MennoBrarians draft poets! Specifically, Mennonite poets, or poets we make the case are close enough to Mennonite to count as Mennonite poets. We chat about the history of Mennonite poetry, share the bios and snippets from our favorite poems, and chat about our own poetry phases - including Abby doing a special reading of a poem she wrote as a tween, Snowflake, Snowflake. Draft picks: 1. Patrick Friesen, "The Moon in the Streets" (Tillie)2. Kate Baer, "Life a Wife" (Abby)3. Julia Kasdorf, "The Mennonites" (Erin)4. Carrie Newcomer, "I Believe" (Erin)5. Je...
2025-05-1453 minJust Plain WrongMushy Brains: Discussing the book Reconnected by Carlos WhittakerThis week, the MennoBrarians chat about Charlos Whittaker's book Reconnected, a memoir about giving up technology and living with Amish for several weeks. We chat about the early days of cell phones, Carlos' experience with the Amish, which bits of his advice we liked, and much more. Carlos Whittaker is a christian social media influencer, speaker, author, and podcaster, who promotes ideas related to faith, politics, mental health and well being, and dialoguing with those that disagree with us. You can find him @loswhit, and his book, Reconnected, wherever you like to get your books.
2025-04-3057 minJust Plain WrongRaising Sauerkraut: Discussing Only in America with Larry the Cable GuyThis week the MennoBrarians chat about the TV show Only in America, in which host Larry the Cable Guy visits different parts of the United States to learn about different cultures. We cover episode 18 of season 1, "Larry is Amish" in which Larry visits Milwaukee, WI, Amish Country, and the Houston Art Car parade. It turns out, Larry doesn't actually visit the Amish, he visits an Old Order River Brethren that makes sauerkraut. We chat cabbage, Brethren, redneck jokes, and much much more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.co...
2025-04-1644 minJust Plain WrongDolphin Telepathy and Mennonite Goths: Snake drafting Christian media from our childhoodsThis week, the Mennobrarians are back with a snake draft! In this snake draft, we choose our favorite Christian media we watched, read, or listened to as kids. Stop reading here if you want our draft picks to be a surprise! Final draft board: Round 1 Abby - I Can Make Peace: Stories and Songs for ChildrenErin - VeggieTalesTillie - The New Picture Book of Saints by Rev. Lawrence Lovasik https://archive.org/details/picturebookofsai0000unse Round 2Tillie - Matilda Bone by Karen CushmanErin - Kids Praise 2-4 by...
2025-04-021h 10Just Plain WrongCelery Fields and Tricycles: An Interview with JB MillerThis week, the MennoBrarians chat with JB Miller about Pinecraft, growing up gay in the Conservative Mennnonite Church, orange Jello, the perfect tourist day in Sarasota, and much much more. JB is a life long Mennonite, who grew up in a variety of Conservative Mennonite denominations, and experienced life in the Pinecraft area as both a child and as an adult. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please c...
2025-03-1954 minJust Plain WrongOnly Whole Yoders: Discussing Rosanna of the AmishThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Rosanna of the Amish, a semi-biographical book in which the author Joseph W. Yoder tells the story of his mother’s life. We chat corn husking parties, Amish propaganda, and how this book compares to other early Amish fiction we've covered on the podcast. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or...
2025-03-051h 15Just Plain WrongThe Anabaptist Power Couple: Discussing The RadicalsThis week, the MennoBrarians return to discuss the 1989 movie, The Radicals. The Radicals tells the story of Michael and Margaretha Sattler, starting with their departure from the Catholic church and ending with each of them dying as martyrs for their Anabaptist beliefs. We chat about our experiences with this film growing up, characters we found interesting, and much more. You can watch The Radicals for free on a variety of platforms, including YouTube. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and...
2025-02-1948 minJust Plain WrongFailure to Pie: Discussing Christmas at the Amish BakeryThis week, the MennoBrarians are back to discuss the latest movie in the Amish Hallmark(esque) Cinematic Universe: Christmas at the Amish Bakery. You can find the movie on Prime, with a free trial of the Up, Faith and Family add-on. The movie centers on Sarah, a young Chicagoan working in cookbook publishing, who is sent home to her Amish family as her boss thinks an Amish cookbook sounds like a unique and exciting publishing opportunity. We chat family recipes, pie making, bad costuming, and much more. This episode is the first in our 2 part Christmas series, w...
2024-12-0458 minJust Plain WrongAnother Season Intro That is Really a Book Talk: Introducing Season 6!This week, two of the three MennoBrarians are back to introduce season 6! We chat recent moves and house projects, provide an overview of what we will be covering this season, and chat at length about several of our favorite recent reads. Books we discuss and recommend in this episode (in the order discussed): Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller World War Z, Max Brooks (Abby specifically recommends trying the audio book)Divine Rivals, Rebecca RossThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid Listen for the Lie, Amy TinteraI Have So...
2024-05-0143 minJust Plain WrongI am weird and so are you: Discussing the book White Mosque with author Sofia SamatarThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the book White Mosque with author Sofia Samatar. The White Mosque weaves together personal reflections on Samatar's experiences as a Mennonite, with the story of Samatar's trip to Uzbekistan to learn more about the sect of Mennonites who pilgrimaged to Ak Metchet in the 1880s. It's a fascinating read, and we recommend you all add it your reading list. We discuss this slice of Mennonite history, famous-ish Mennonites, what it's like for a speculative fiction writer to write a memoir, and much much more. You can find the White Mosque at Fa...
2024-01-2456 minJust Plain WrongFall Out Boy Rumspringa Concerts: A Discussion on the movie Sex DriveWe are re-posting this episode because we recently discovered we posted the wrong file! Apologies, and thank you to those who alerted us to the issue. We are actually a little shocked this is the first time this has happened, but we apologize for the error. This week, the MennoBrarians discuss the 2008 movie Sex Drive, which can currently be found on Netflix. Sex Drive is a coming of age comedy about three teens who take a road trip to Knoxville, TN, with a short detour through Amish country that really does include a Fall Out Boy Rumpsringa...
2024-01-1842 minJust Plain WrongFall Out Boy Rumspringa Concerts: A Discussion on the movie Sex DriveThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the 2008 movie Sex Drive, which can currently be found on Netflix. Sex Drive is a coming of age comedy about three teens who take a road trip to Knoxville, TN, with a short detour through Amish country that really does include a Fall Out Boy Rumpsringa Concert. We chat trips with friends, Amish mechanics, the dangers of driving cars through corn fields, and much more. Content note: due to the content of the movie we are discussing, be aware that our episode contains mild sexual references and innuendo. We al...
2024-01-1050 minJust Plain WrongAnother Former Boss: A Conversation with John D. Roth on his book A Mennonite College for Everyone(?): Goshen College and the Quest for Identity and inclusion, 1960-2020This week, the Mennobrarians chat with historian John D. Roth, Project Director for MennoMedia’s project “Anabaptism at 500” and former Professor of History at Goshen College, about his most recent book, A Mennonite College for Everyone(?): Goshen College and the Quest for Identity and Inclusion, 1960-2020. We chat writing history, the myth of Mennonite exceptionalism, and what we can learn from the past attempts (and often failures) to meaningful expand the definition of what it means to be a Mennonite or a Mennonite institution. We also subject John to the Amish title generator and a round of Balderdutch. Yo...
2023-12-271h 09Just Plain WrongBecause of the Familye: Discussing An Amish Thanksgiving BlessingThis week, the Mennobrarians discuss the book An Amish Thanksgiving Blessing by Naomi Troyer. This short story tells the story of two rival Amish pumpkin farmers, Naomi and Joseph, competing to take home the grand prize in the annual fall festival for the largest pumpkin. And while those pumpkins do grow large, so do their feelings for each other. We chat pumpkin recipes, fall festivals, Amish Thanksgivings, and read some passages from the text. Some of our favorite pumpkin recipes, for the next time you need to use up a 500 lb pumpkin Pumpkin whoopie piesPu...
2023-11-2947 minJust Plain WrongFelix Manz, the Hot One: A Discussion on By Water (Heroes of the Radical Reformation Book 1)This week the MennoBrarians discuss the graphic novel, By Water: The Felix Manz Story, the first in the Heroes of the Radical Reformation series. We chat martyrs, historical interpretations, message carrying sparrows, literal sausage parties, and all things Felix Manz. Content warning: while not discussed in detail, this episode does reference the violent deaths of various martyrs throughout. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider jo...
2023-11-1552 minJust Plain WrongSultry Gazes: Discussing Plus One At An Amish WeddingThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the latest movie from the "Hallmarky" Cinematic Universe, Plus One At An Amish Wedding. We chat favorite wedding moments, Amish bad girls, recycled actors, and attempt to answer the question: When is the appropriate time to tell your significant other you were raised Amish? You can find Plus One at An Amish Wedding available to stream on YouTube and Tubi. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to he...
2023-11-0154 minJust Plain WrongAn Amish Romance Trope We Support: Discussing Amish Forever HomeThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Amish Forever Home, an Amish Romance set on Prince Edward Island. We chat Anne of Green Gables, auctions, romance tropes and more. A special shoutout to our Discernment Committee level Patreon members who selected this book for us!We read and referenced this article: Understanding Amish Migrations to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba, by Gabriel Arsenault: https://plainanabaptistjournal.org/article/view/7944 This site was mentioned by Tillie as a place to explore Amish settlement populations: Young Center Amish Population Statistics : https://groups.etown.edu/ami...
2023-05-1754 minJust Plain WrongResearch Rabbit Holes: Amish Romance Self-PublishingThis week, the MennoBrarians take a deep dive into Amish Romance self-publishing. Inspired by the conversation on Amish Country Treasure in season 2, in which Tillie speculated the book was written by a bot, Erin went on a research journey to see if she could figure out if the text was written by a human or AI (findings: inconclusive). In this episode, Erin shares some of what she found during this research journey. We chat self-publishing, random research topics, and whether it actually matters if bots write the books we read. We always love hearing fr...
2023-05-1053 minJust Plain WrongGet Your Pies Right: Discussing Peter Santenello's YouTube Series on the AmishThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss YouTuber Peter Santenello's multi-part series on the Amish. We chat Pinecraft, interview techniques, and our favorite moments from the videos. We also maintain that Lemon Meringue and Key Lime pie are very different, and that Peter should work on mastering his pie identification skills. Links to videos discussed this episode: Meeting the Amish - First Impressions (Pinecraft 1)How the Amish Live in Florida (Pinecraft 2)Inside Largest Amish/Mennonite Community - First Impressions (Holmes County 1 - the one with Josh)Invited to Amish Dinner (Holmes County 2 - Abby's Favorite)Inside Most Conservative Am...
2023-05-031h 03Just Plain WrongBodies in the Crystal Cave: Discussing Nancy Drew #33, the Witch Tree SymbolThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Nancy Drew book #33: The Witch Tree Symbol. During this episode of the Nancy Drew book series, Nancy helps recover stolen furniture in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. She and her friends stay with Amish families, drive buggies, attend a quilting bee AND a barn raising, and (of course!) solve the mystery. We chat hex signs, Church Amish vs House Amish, outdated YA literature, and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Fa...
2023-04-1852 minJust Plain WrongMagical Zippers: Discussing the Netflix Movie RumspringaThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the the Netflix movie, Rumspringa, a coming of age / buddy comedy about a young Amish boy, Jacob, who travels to Germany for his Rumspringa. We chat family history trips, where to find the Original Hostetler, tree felling, Kazoos, magical zippers, and much more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod o...
2023-04-1251 minJust Plain WrongWomen Talking Part 2: A Discussion on the Movie AdaptationThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the Oscar winning movie adaptation of Women Talking (tho we did not yet know at the time we recorded that it would win!). Women Talking was written by Sarah Polley, who won an Oscar for Best Adaptation. We covered the book Women Talking by Canadian Mennonite author Miriam Toews in our last episode, season 4 episode 13. Tune in for discussions on differences between the book and the film, our favorite moments in the movie, and which we liked best. Content warning: Women Talking, while fiction, is based on true st...
2023-04-0554 minJust Plain WrongWomen Talking Part 1: A Discussion on the Book by Miriam ToewsThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Women Talking, a book by Canadian Mennonite author Miriam Toews that tells a fictional story based on true events that took place in the Old Colony Mennonite colony in Bolivia. We will cover the movie in our next episode, which will be out the first week of April. We had not yet seen the movie when we recorded this episode on the book. Tune in for discussions on Canadian authors, depictions of Mennonites, theological dilemmas, and more. Content warning: Women Talking, while fiction, is based on true stories o...
2023-03-221h 05Just Plain WrongThe Title Came First: A Conversation with Kerry Nietz, author of Amish Vampires in SpaceThis week, the MennoBrarians chat with the author of the Amish Vampires in Space, Kerry Nietz. We learn how the AVIS came to exist, what it was like to be mentioned on the Tonight Show, and get important author-info on the question of vampire souls. Thanks to Kerry for joining us!Follow Kerry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KerryNietz Find his books, including AVIS, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kerry-Nietz/author/B001K7TFGM We will be back next week with the first in a 2-part series on Women Talking!
2023-03-1528 minJust Plain WrongPost-Apocalyptic Trivia Team: Discussing When the English FallThis week, the MennoBrarians cover the book When the English Fall by David Williams - a book that guest Valerie Weaver-Zercher recommended we cover way back in season one. Tune in for a conversation about apocalypse prepping, teenage profits, realistic pacifist dilemmas and more. Content note: Descriptions of gun violence from the book are referenced in our discussion. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help...
2023-03-0855 minJust Plain WrongCemetery Fajitas: A Discussion on the movie WarlockThis week, the MennoBrarians cover the 1989 horror movie, Warlock. We chat about all kinds of things this week, including our "unexpected" horror experiences, Mennonite PA dutch hex signs, cabbage farms, implausible movie plot points and what someone from 1691 might smell like. Around the time we recorded this episode, news broke that the actor who played The Warlock, Julian Sands, went missing while mountain climbing in California. Recently, authorities announced that he is now presumed dead. Read more about Sands' life, work, and disappearance at this link. We always love hearing from l...
2023-03-0148 minJust Plain WrongJumping the Megalodon: A Conversation with Dirk Eitzen on Amish Mafia, Amish Romance, and Media DeceptionThis week, the MennoBrarians chat with Dirk Eitzen, professor of Media Studies at Franklin & Marshall College, and author of the newly released book, Fooling with The Amish: Amish Mafia, Entertaining Fakery, and the Evolution of Reality TV. We chat about Amish Mafia, media literacy, Amish romance, social gossip, and the connections between all of these. We return frequently to questions around media lies / distortions of truth, and what harm (if any) these cause to the Amish, and to the media consumers. Order the book here, from John Hopkins University PressDirk isn't on soc...
2023-02-1559 minJust Plain WrongVaguely Pacifist Heroes: Discussing the Amish episode of MacGyverThis week, the MennoBrarians cover the the "Amish Episode" of the 80s TV show, MacGyver. After accidentally careening off a cliff, MacGyver is rescued and nursed back to health by a nearby Amish family. During his stay, he helps mediate a conflict between the Amish and a construction crew, makes eyes at an Amish widow, and saves two children who have fallen into a well. We chat bad driving, costume choices, action tv shows, 80s references, and more. If you'd like to watch along, you can find MacGyver Season 4, Episode 3, The Outsiders on Paramount Plus.
2023-02-0843 minJust Plain WrongFlaming Outhouses, Vampire Love Triangles, and Climaxes: Discussing Sequels to Books Covered in Previous SeasonsThis week, the MennoBrarians chat sequels! We selected three sequels to books covered in earlier seasons of Just Plain Wrong, and share what happens next. Covered this episode: Tillie: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Crime by Tamar Myers. This is the 2nd book in the PA Dutch Mystery series. The first book was covered in Season 1, ep 17.Erin: Crimson Storm by Amy Patrick, the 2nd book in the Crimson Accord series featuring an Amish Vampire. We first met our Amish vampires in Season 2, ep 2.Abby: Clean Break by Kiera Andrews, the follow up to...
2023-02-0159 minJust Plain WrongHog Maw: Discussing Various Episodes of The OfficeThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss several episodes of the tv show, The Office, with special attention paid to the family history and backstory of Assistant to the Regional Manager, Dwight Schrute. Is his family Amish? Probably not, but it's fun to speculate! We chat beet farms, tenuous Amish connections, and our favorite Office moments. Episodes covered: Season 2, Ep 20: Drug Testing Season 3, Ep 5: InitiationSeason 4, Ep 7: Money, Part 1Season 9, Ep 9: Dwight ChristmasSeason 9, Ep 18: The Farm We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com...
2023-01-1838 minJust Plain WrongYes, Amish TikTok is a thing: A Conversation with Melanie Springer-MockThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Mennonite and Amish representations on social media, with a particular focus on Amish TikTok. With us to discuss her research and interest in Amish TikTok is Dr. Melanie Springer-Mock, Professor of English at George Fox University. We chat about personal social media habits, authenticity, connections to reality television and lots more. Follow Melanie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpringerMockPre-order her book, Finding Our Way Forward from Herald PressAnd, you can now find Just Plain Wrong on TikTok! We haven’t figured out how to use it yet...
2023-01-1147 minJust Plain WrongLonging for Interesting Plot Twists: Discussing the Hallmark Movie, Runaway RomanceThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the Hallmark movie Runaway Romance, in which the same cast from Love Finds You in Charm and Follow Your Heart reunites in an Amish community in Kentucky. We chat idyllic runaway spots, the dangers of visiting caves with strangers, terrible driving and confusing plot lines. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com...
2023-01-0438 minJust Plain WrongShiny Happy Martyrs: Discussing "Not Regina" by Christmas Carol KauffmanThe MennoBrarians couldn't find any Amish-themed Christmas movies, so we took a different angle to stay in the holiday spirit - reading the book Not Regina by Mennonite author, Christmas Carol Kauffman. We chat unlikely romances, early anabaptism, Mennonite propaganda and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic
2022-12-211h 01Just Plain WrongJust Say No to Surprise Houses: A Discussion on Killer CarolThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the book Killer Carol, by Laura Bradford, the 7th book in the "An Amish Mystery" series. We chat cozy winter memories, Amish villiany, and why you definitely shouldn't buy your partner a house without telling them first. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic ...
2022-12-1446 minJust Plain WrongDeath by Reading Lists: An Intro to Season 4 of Just Plain WrongThis week, the MennoBrarians launch season 4! In our season opener, we chat about what we did during the pause between seasons, break down the exciting things coming in season 4, and share our favorite non-Amish themed books we've read recently. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic F...
2022-12-0628 minJust Plain WrongThe MennoBrarians Go Academic: Presenting at the Mennonite/s Writing ConferenceThis year the Mennonite/s Writing Conference took place Sept 30-Oct 2, 2022 at Goshen College and Tillie Yoder and Abby Nafziger got to present as a part of a panel on Humor. Here is a recording (due a head of time to practice) of their presentation called "Humorously Wrong: A Presentation on Just Plain Wrong.We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon...
2022-11-0916 minJust Plain WrongOooh Oooh, Witchy Women: Wrapping Up Season 3This week, the MennoBrarians muse on the highs and lows of season 3 and wonder at how fast time moves. We also check up on important statistics about listener location, types of content reviewed, and tropes encountered. We also issue some corrections, clarifications, and updates (including about the "witches" in our families). We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.p...
2022-08-2444 minJust Plain WrongAll of the Above: Discussing 'Strength in the Storm'This week, the MennoBrarians discuss the Amish romance novel Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount. We give lots of quizzes, lament the underappreciation of the heroine, and applaud the book's attempt to dismantle toxic masculinity. Content note: Gun violence is referenced and discussed throughout this episode, albeit without the depth that such an issue merits. If this might be triggering for you or other listeners, we recommend stopping after minute 14. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Fac...
2022-08-1757 minJust Plain WrongManufactured Amish Drama: Discussing Breaking Amish Season OneThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Breaking Amish Season One, a reality tv show that ran for 6 seasons on TLC and can now be streamed on Discovery+. The premise of the show is five Amish and Mennonite young adults go to New York City to experience urban life and decide whether or not to return to their Amish communities. We recap the plot of season one in depth, while discussing what is actual "real" about this tv show, what is manufactured, and why people might watch it. We always love he...
2022-08-1055 minJust Plain WrongQuivering Euphemisms: Discussing the 1980s Amish Romance, With Open ArmsThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss With Open Arms, an explicit romance novel by Kathy Alerding (or sometimes Aldering) from 1986. We discuss unlikely sabbaticals, confusing flashbacks, somewhat surprise tornados, and more! Content note: As this book contained explicit sex scenes, these are referred to in a non-explicit way; some sexual euphemisms from the text are quoted. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at h...
2022-08-0349 minJust Plain WrongThe Softer Side of Murder: Discussing the Amish themed episodes of Murder She Wrote and Orange is the New BlackThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the Amish themed episodes of Murder She Wrote and Orange is the New Black. In Murder She Wrote, we follow Jessica Fletcher as she stumbles upon a body while in Amish country to buy a quilt. The Orange is the New Black episode tells the backstory of prisoner Leanne Taylor, an inmate who grew up Amish. We chat accidental detectives, implausible plot lines, bad accents, and more.We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
2022-07-2055 minJust Plain WrongHorizontal Flailing: Discussing the Mennonite episodes of LetterkennyThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Letterkenny, a TV show about a small town in Canada, and the various episodes revolving around Old Order Mennonite characters. We chat regional language quirks, Dyck jokes, Old Order Mennonites and more. For our US listeners, you can find Letterkenny on Hulu. Content note: We did mark this episode as explicit on purpose! Explicit warning is for mild sexual innuendo. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you w...
2022-07-1342 minJust Plain WrongZombies, Sharkfarmers, and Beavis & Butthead: Discussing Comics and Graphic Novels with Amish CharactersThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss a variety of comics with Amish themes. Matthew Murray of the Book Club for Masochists podcast joins us to offer expertise on comics and graphic novels. We chat illustrations, vampire-prevention with farm equipment, sexual butter churning and lots more!Follow Matthew on Twitter @MidniteLibrary, and be sure to check out Book Club for Masochists, a Reader's Advisory podcast. Comics covered this episode: Beavis & Butthead, V. 23, October 1995Amish in Space, National Lampoon, April 1974Mennonite at the 7-11, Negative Burn, 2007SharkFarmer: Attack of the Amish Vampires, Jan 2018Rumspr...
2022-07-061h 17Just Plain WrongJust Partially Wrong: Discussing Amish PeriodicalsThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss and read excerpts from a handful of Amish publications: The Budget, Die Botschaft, and Family Life. We chat scribes, weather reports and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pl...
2022-06-1529 minJust Plain WrongA Broke Girl’s Guide to Vagueville: Discussing Follow Your HeartThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Follow Your Heart, a 2020 Hallmark movie. In the movie, Katrina "Kathy" Yoder is a successful author, having published several books in her Broke Girl's Guide travel series. She and her boyfriend have just been offered a TV deal when she finds out her father has passed away and she needs to return home to the Amish community where she grew up. We chat love triangles, unlikely publishing and tv opportunities, and how ridiculous a bonnet looks with bangs. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us a...
2022-06-0846 minJust Plain WrongToo Many Widows: A Discussion on Half-Stitched Quilting ClubThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the first book in the Half-Stitched Quilting Club series by Wanda Brunstetter. We chat and rant about quilting, clubs, stereotypes and frustrating tropes.We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com...
2022-06-0154 minJust Plain WrongA Robot Named Jello: Discussing Zeke Yoder vs the SingularityThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Zeke Yoder vs. the Singularity by Stephen Beachy, a 2017 Amish cyberpunk novel. Tim Nafziger, Abby’s brother, fills in for Erin and we chat about cyberpunk, radical Anabaptism, the singularity and more. Content note: This book contained references and depictions of suicide. While we don’t discuss that theme in depth, there are references to suicide during this episode. If that theme is triggering to you, we recommend skipping over minutes 29 - 32 of this episodeLinks to things mentioned in the episode: Tim Nafziger's blog: https://young.anabaptistradicals.org/
2022-05-181h 05Just Plain WrongBecause of the Triangles: Discussing Sworn to Silence and An Amish MurderThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the mystery thriller Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo and its Lifetime movie adaptation, An Amish Murder. We chat favorite movies, bad romances, Amish alarm bells, and more. Content note: This episode contains non-descriptive discussions of murder, violence, sexual assault, and police brutality. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at...
2022-05-1153 minJust Plain WrongThis is not a Footloose Scenario: Discussing the Amish episodes of Family Guy and FuturamaThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the Amish episodes of two adult cartoon shows, Futurama (S. 6 Ep 19) and Family Guy (S.10, Ep 7). We chat favorite cartoons, roller coasters, bad puns and the prevalence of non-pacifist Amish characters in media we've covered. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at...
2022-05-0448 minJust Plain WrongInappropriate, Pungent, Congealed: Tasting Various Jello SaladsThis week, the MennoBrarians veer away from the usual and into Jello! We taste Jello in 3 rounds: Savory Horrors (Salmon Dill mouse, BBQ Jello cubes, and Orange & Carrots), Jello Shots (Conrad Grebellinis, jello style), Desserts (Graham cracker fluff, 7 layer salad, Dream salad, and Strawberry Pretzel salads. Following the tasting, we discuss the best and worst. Be sure to check out the videos of our tasting on YouTube! We will also post recipes and pics to social media. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDkeicmyZI38XqNGUa_PuQg
2022-04-2034 minJust Plain WrongAmish Magic (Braucherei): Discussing the Movie Amish Witches, the "True" Story of Holmes CountyThis week, the MennoBrarians, discuss the horror movie Amish Witches: The True Story of Holmes County, along with special guest Emily Hedrick. We chat about the Pennsylvania Dutch practice of Braucherei and its connection to Amish and Mennonite groups, as well as our thoughts on horror movies and the very confusing plot lines this movie offers. Content note: Horror movie themes and violence are discussed in a non-graphic manner. Follow our guest Emily Hedrick: Website: https://goingodless.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingodless/We always love...
2022-04-1352 minJust Plain WrongExistential Gumdrop Crisis: Discussing a variety of Amish-themed Children's booksThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss and review a pile of children's picture books about the Amish, including the Reuben series (Reuben and the Fire), Ruthie Goes to Town, and Raising Yoder's Barn. We chat our favorite books, illustrations, and the prevalence of barn raising in Amish themed kid's books.We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com...
2022-04-0640 minJust Plain WrongAll the Maiden Ladies (of Lancaster County): A Discussion with Joe Springer of the Mennonite Historical LibraryThis week, the MennoBrarians chat with Joe Springer, the curator of the Mennonite Historical Library (MHL) at Goshen College. The MHL is a comprehensive research collection with the mission to collect everything by and about Mennonites and related groups. The collection includes everything from rare works on early Anabaptism to 20 yards worth of Amish Romance books. We chat with Joe about the MHL collection, the work he does at the MHL, and test his knowledge of Amish romance publishing and Amish romance plot summaries.For more info about the Mennonite Historical Library: https://www.goshen.e...
2022-03-2346 minJust Plain WrongComb Overs and Gutter Balls: A Discussion on KingpinThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss Kingpin, a 1996 comedy movie in which an Amish man is recruited to participate in a bowling tournament. We chat about sports and Amish, personal bowling experiences, 90s movies, and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: h...
2022-03-1641 minJust Plain WrongThe Meatloaf is Spicy: A Book Discussion on An Amish Flower FarmThis week, the MennoBrarians return to Amish Romance, discussing the 2021 book by Mindy Steele, an Amish Flower Farm. We chat gardening, cozy romances, hot showers in summer time, the Mennonite and Amish valuation of hard work, how "Amish" a book needs to be to qualify as an Amish romance, and spicy meatloaf. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.pa...
2022-03-0952 minJust Plain WrongThe MennoBrarians Quiz Show and Season 3 IntroSeason 3 is here! In our first episode of the season we quiz each other on 3 topics: Mennonite current events, Mennonite & Amish children's books, and the state of Amish romance publishing in 2021. We also chat a bit about what's to come in Season 3. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic
2022-03-0222 minJust Plain WrongBishop Better: A Discussion on Amish Christmas Baby GoneIt's time to chat about the Amish romance book that helped inspire the existence of the Just Plain Wrong podcast: Amish Christmas Baby Gone by Samantha Price. Join us for conversations on our favorite holiday movies, baby kidnapping rings, bad theology, and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic F...
2021-12-1542 minJust Plain WrongThe First Christmas Episode on Three Books Named Amish Second ChristmasIt's our first of two holiday episodes! This week, we each read a different novella with the same name: "Amish Second Christmas." One was a sweet rekindling of a romance between an Amish woman and a firefights, another's plot was two young [chaste] lovers reunited after being separated by an angry father who hates Christmas, and the third was a wild tale of a long-lost family member returning after being in witness protection and developing a brain tumor. Tune in to learn how each story resolves, what the heck Second Christmas is, and all about our favorite holiday traditions.
2021-12-0857 minJust Plain WrongMennonite Miscellany 2: Listener Questions, Jokes, and Root VegetablesThis week we take a break from reviewing Amish romance novels to answer questions from listeners. Topics include Amish lawn care, Amish weddings, Mennonite jokes, our ideas for our future (and very hypothetical) Amish novel, and a lot of chat about food. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us...
2021-11-3027 minJust Plain WrongRound-Roofed Worldliness: A Discussion on Harvest of FireThis week, we once again head to the mid-1990s, this time to discuss the Hallmark Movie, Harvest of Fire. The movie, filmed in the Kalona, Iowa area, stars Patty Duke as an Amish widow, and follows the FBI investigation to find an arsonist after several Amish barns are burned. Join us for conversations on movie making, arson, barn roofs, and alternative movie endings. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the pod...
2021-11-1744 minJust Plain WrongRage Against the Amish Romance Bot Machine: A Discussion on Amish Country TreasureThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the 4-part book, Amish Country Treasure by Ruth Price. We chat newspapers, impractical relationships, and whether phrases like "picking onions" are a sign that a bot wrote a book and not a real human. Tune in to learn why this is our lowest rated book yet! We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod o...
2021-11-1050 minJust Plain WrongA Non-Euphemistic Barn Raising: A Discussion on Forbidden RumspringaThis week the MennoBriarians discuss Forbidden Rumspringa, our first ever explicit Amish romance novel, and our first romance featuring a gay couple. Join us as we discuss the past and present attitudes toward queer members in Mennonite churches, and also the first gay Amish romance ever written, the likelihood of a gay Amish love story, erotic trains and zippers, and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please co...
2021-11-0354 minJust Plain WrongFinally, an Amish Author: A Book Discussion of Banished, by Linda BylerThis week, we discuss Banished, by Linda Byler, the first Amish fiction author we've read that is an actual member of an Old Order Amish community. The book begins in the early 1910s, and following the lives of Oba and May after their parents pass away and they are adopted by relatives in an Amish community in Arkansas. We discuss how this book handles dark themes like abuse and racism, and the differences we see in this book by Byler versus non-Amish authors. Content warning: This episode includes conversations about race and racism, as well as child ab...
2021-10-2052 minJust Plain WrongMules, Parsons, and Hell, Ja Ja! A Discussion on the Electric AmishThis week, the MennoBrarians return again to the mid-90s, this time to discuss the songs of the parody rock band, the Electric Amish. We chat about lyrics, Amish parsons, and the many jokes about Mennonites burning in hell. While we've included a few clips in the episode, you can find much of the Electric Amish catalog on YouTube. Let us know your thoughts! We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the po...
2021-10-1334 minJust Plain WrongYour Pig has a Problem: A Book Discussion on Lethal LicoriceThis week the Mennobrarians return to the world of cozy Amish mysteries with a discussion on Lethal Licorice by Amanda Flowers. We chat candy making, armchair detectives, implausible buggy accidents, and whether or not Jethro the pig would eat humans (he would). We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow u...
2021-10-0647 minJust Plain WrongNot at all Tipsy: An Interview with The Drunken Mennonite (aka S. L. Klassen)This week, we share drinks and conversation with S. L. Klassen, known online by her handle, the Drunken Mennonite. Tune in for chats about the history of Mennonites and alcohol, our favorite drink-inspired puns, and to learn what "faspa" is. You can preorder Sherri's book Menno-Nightcaps: Cocktails Inspired by that Ethno-Religious Group You Keep Mistaking for the Amish, Quakers, and Mormons from your preferred book seller now! We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to he...
2021-09-2242 minJust Plain WrongDysentery of the Heart: A Discussion on The ShunningThis week, the MennoBrarians welcome guest host Joanne Gallardo to chat about the book that arguably kicked off the modern Amish romance era: The Shunning, by Beverly Lewis. Tune in for discussions on the music of 1997, satin baby dresses, adoption, metaphors and more! We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic F...
2021-09-1548 minJust Plain WrongSurprisingly Nice Ice Baby: A Discussion on Vanilla Ice Goes AmishStop, download the pod and listen, the MennoBrarians are back with a brand new... episode. This week we discuss about the Season 1 of the home renovation show, Vanilla Ice Goes Amish. We chat house projects, Vanilla Ice memories, Amish humor, and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us...
2021-09-0826 minJust Plain WrongRomancing the Amish Lumberjack: A Discussion on Love Finds You in CharmThis week, the MennoBrarians chat about the 2015 movie Love Finds You in Charm, based on the book, Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety. We discuss train travel, library shelving problems, unlikely love triangles, and cheese. Find the movie on Prime and let us know your thoughts! We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying me...
2021-09-0143 minJust Plain WrongThe Masquerading of a Psychic Mennonite: A Discussion on 3 Early Amish Romance NovelsThis week, the MennoBrarians review and discuss some of the earliest books in the Amish fiction and Amish romance genre: Tillie a Mennonite Maid, from 1904, Sabina: a Story of the Amish from 1905, and The Masquerading of Margaret from 1908. These three texts are in the public domain so you can find and read them for free! Despite being more than 100 years old, these texts share some similarities to the Amish Romance texts of today - including lots of plot lines, chaste romance, and subtle agenda pushing. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us...
2021-08-1857 minJust Plain WrongAre you my cousin? Discussing the Mennonite GameThis week, the MennoBrarians describe and debate the "Mennonite game," the networking event that many Mennonites feel compelled to play whenever hearing words like "Hostetler," "Yoder" or "Goshen." We also chat about the Kickstarter-funded card game bearing the same name. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: ...
2021-08-1128 minJust Plain WrongWe've agreed, We don't like Ted: A Book Discussion on Narrow PathJoin the Mennobrarians as we discuss the book Narrow Path, by Gail Sattler. Tune in for chats on Mennonite hymns, evangelism, Ted's hat, and our debate on what type of Mennonites the author is actually trying to depict. The marketing materials say Old Order Mennonite but the details suggest something else entirely! You'll also learn why we really don't like Ted. Content warning: some non-specific references are made to body image, weight and disordered eating. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Fa...
2021-08-0447 minJust Plain WrongNot in the Proper Spirit of Rumspringa: Discussing the Amish Episodes of Grey's Anatomy & BonesThis week, the MennoBrarians chat TV dramas! We start with Grey's Anatomy, Season 3, ep 13, where a minor plot line involves two formerly Amish young women dealing with a cancer diagnosis. In the second half of the episode, we discuss the Bones episode "The Plain in the Prodigy" (season 5, ep 3) where the body of an Amish teen is discovered. Discussion topics include shunning, rumspringa, Amish piano players, and more! We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If...
2021-07-2142 minJust Plain WrongThe Pacifist Vampire Soul Dilemma: Three Books about Amish Vampires & Mennonite AssassinsThis week the MennoBrarians try something new! Instead of all reading and discussing the same book, this episode, each of us reads a different book and reviews it for the others. Abby discusses Amish Vampires in Space, Erin reviews Crimson Born (aka the Amish Twilight), and Tillie shares about the Punisher Max comic book character "The Mennonite." Tune in for lengthy book summaries, chats about vampire souls and what that means for pacifists, and more. Content note: This episode does have brief references to suicide and violence, in the context of the book synopses we share with e...
2021-07-1456 minJust Plain WrongWherefore Art Thou... Jonathan? A Discussion of Adoring Addie, an Amish Retelling of Romeo and JulietThis week, the MennoBrarians kick off season 2 with Adoring Addie, an Amish Retelling of Romeo and Juliet. We discuss Shakespeare references, giant families, convoluted feuds, and more. CW: mental health and depression are briefly discussed in this episode. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: ...
2021-07-0746 minJust Plain WrongWe're Back! (Almost)A short promo for season 2 of Just Plain Wrong which starts next Wednesday July 7. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/plainwrongpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainwrongpod/ Website: http://plainwrongpod.com/ “Just Plain Wro...
2021-06-3001 minJust Plain WrongRants & Reflections: A Season One Wrap UpThis week, we reflect on the end of our first season and discuss our favorite books & movies from season one as well as those we liked a wee bit less. Tune in to hear some secret podcast shames, a couple rants, and what's to come in Season 2. Just Plain Wrong will be on vacation for the month of June, but we will be back July 7!We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support...
2021-05-1935 minJust Plain WrongA Beastly Read: A Book Discussion on Belle, an Amish Retelling of Beauty and the BeastThis week we are joined by special guest Elyssa, a librarian and reader of Amish fiction, for a discussion of Belle: An Amish Retelling of Beauty and the Beast. We chat about Episcopalian stereotypes, Disney Movies, and fairy tales (of course). We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: ...
2021-05-1240 minJust Plain WrongKevin and Anita Sing: A Conversation with Andrew UngerThis week we chat with Andrew Unger, author of the newly published novel Once Removed, and the creator of the Daily Bonnet, a Mennonite satire site. Listen in to learn about Mennonite satire, Russian / Canadian Mennonites, and why each of our families has to have seating arrangements in church to avoid inappropriate giggling. Also, this episode was recorded way back in February, so some references to times/dates/timelines are slightly off - apologies for any confusion. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, a...
2021-05-0527 minJust Plain WrongFinally, a Mennonite: A Book Discussion on Too Many Crooks Spoil The BrothThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the first book in the Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery series by Tamar Myers, Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth. This book brings us our first Mennonite protagonist, Mags Yoder, who runs an Amish-themed B&B in central PA. We chat deer hunting, Mennonite denominations, murder plots, and stereotypes that feel a bit too accurate. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Pa...
2021-04-2141 minJust Plain WrongThe Longest Sunrise: A Discussion on Silent LightThis week, we discuss the movie Silent Light (Stellet Licht), a movie set in an Old Colony Mennonite community in Mexico. Rebecca Janzen, author of "Liminal Sovereignty: Mennonites and Mormons in Mexican Popular Culture" and professor at the University of South Carolina, joins us as a guest to offer her expertise and help us make sense of this very slow film. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please c...
2021-04-1443 minJust Plain WrongGendered Burping: A Book Discussion on An Amish Husband for TillieThis week we return to the world of Amish Romance to discuss the book An Amish Husband for Tillie, by Amy Lillard. In this book we find lots to chat about, including improbable threats of shunning, untimely tree deaths, and the author's take on Amish gender roles. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeeP...
2021-04-0739 minJust Plain WrongProvocative Churning: A Discussion on Amish ParadiseAmish Paradise, a parody song by Weird Al Yankovic, recently celebrated its 25th birthday. In honor of this celebration, the MennoBrarians chat about the lyrics, the video, nostalgic memories of the song and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/plainwrongpod
2021-03-3127 minJust Plain WrongCorrupting Prudence: A Discussion on the Amish Episodes of Schitt's Creek & 3rd Rock from the SunThis week we chat about the Amish episodes of two sitcoms, Schitt's Creek (Finding David, Season 2, Ep 1) and Third Rock from the Sun (Season 6, Ep 17). We discuss our favorite sitcoms, Charlie Sheen quilts, and what the heck David was hoeing in the hay field. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic
2021-03-2433 minJust Plain WrongThe Thrill of the Chat: A Conversation with Valerie Weaver-ZercherJoin us this week for an interview and conversation with Valerie Weaver-Zercher, the author of Thrill of The Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels. We chat about Valerie's book and research, what has changed since the book has been published, and more. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic F...
2021-03-1737 minJust Plain WrongSome Mennonite MiscellanyThis week, we take a break from reading Amish romance novels and instead share some corrections, listener stories, and a whole slew of MMmmMms (most Mennonite moments). We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/plainwrongpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p...
2021-03-1016 minJust Plain WrongA Cozy Amish Podcast Episode: A book discussion on True ConfectionsJoin us for a lively discussion on the book True Confections, an Amish "cozy" mystery romance set in an ambiguous Amish town. We chat about niche bakeries, the main character's investigative tactics, coffee soup, and try to determine what the heck a "savory cupcake" is. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic
2021-03-0337 minJust Plain WrongA Pointless Barn-raising: A discussion on WitnessThis week, it's time for the MennoBrarians to tackle the 1985 film, Witness. As you can probably tell from the length of this episode, there was a lot to say, and we still managed to not even touch on the dancing and much of the bonnet removing! There may be a follow up episode some day. We do discuss how pacifism is portrayed, the romance, the unnecessary barn-raising scene, 1985 Harrison Ford, and why the Amish in Lancaster County were not pleased with the film. Content note: some violent scenes are discussed in non-graphic detail. We alw...
2021-02-2448 minJust Plain WrongKissing in Buggies: A book discussion on A Sister's WishThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the book A Sister's Wish and the romance between Amelia and Simon. Will their love survive judgmental siblings, an attacking goat, and Simon's past? (Spoiler: yes). We also share more of your "Mennonite Moments!" Content warning: this episode discusses child abuse and themes related to abuse, mental health, and trauma, in a non-graphic manner. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please con...
2021-02-1735 minJust Plain WrongSurprise Tornados and Amish Taxis: A book discussion on An Unlikely Amish MatchIn this episode, the MennoBrarians chat about the very Amish romance book, An Unlikely Amish Match. Set in Goshen, Indiana, this book tells the story of Micah and Susannah who overcome immaturity, premature judgments, tornados, ill-informed news people, strict grandparents, a jail stint and (somehow) more on their way to finding love. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://ww...
2021-02-1036 minJust Plain WrongHaystacks and Rumspringa: A book discussion on Minding the Amish BabyIn this episode the MennoBrairians discuss the Amish Romance novel, Minding the Amish Baby. Tune in for a lively discussion on haystacks (food, not field), Rumspringa, and what makes a baby an "Amish baby." Note: This is actually the first episode of Just Plain Wrong ever recorded! Because of that there are perhaps a few more audio blips than usual as we were still figuring things out about audio and internet. It also means that some references are to things happening in the fall of 2020, rather than present day. We always love hearing from lis...
2021-02-0337 minJust Plain WrongLet's Get Rebellious: A book discussion on The Mennonite QueenThis week, the MennoBrarians discuss the historical fiction book The Mennonite Queen. This novel follows princess Isabella of Poland and her lover Johan, a stable boy and secret Anabaptist, as they flee Poland and head to Munster. Munster in 1534 is perhaps not the best place to be, and soon they escape and run into Menno Simons. Note 1: Clearly, we believe there are about 5 different ways to pronounce "Munster." Apologies for the inconsistent pronunciations. Note 2: Content warning- this episode makes brief, non-graphic references to torture and execution in the context of martyrdom.
2021-01-2733 minJust Plain WrongJust Plain Wrong: Q & A EpisodeIn this episode, the MennoBrarians take a break from reviewing to answer some listener questions. How are books chosen? What's up with the intro music? Is Yoder really that popular of a surname? Who is a cake person and who is a pie person? All this and more will be discussed in our first Q & A episode. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon a...
2021-01-2015 minJust Plain WrongCow dung or Ordnung! A discussion on For Richer or PoorerIn this episode, the MennoBrarians discuss the 1997 movie For Richer or Poorer. The film's plot revolves around a socialite couple that accidentally end up going into hiding in an Amish home while on the run from the IRS. Much hilarity ensures. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic F...
2021-01-1335 minJust Plain WrongCamels?!? A book discussion on His Pretend Amish BrideIn this episode, the MennoBrarians discuss the book His Pretend Amish Bride, an Amish romance with a bit of everything: deep dark secrets, evil villains, and camel farms. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/plainwrongpod
2021-01-0633 minJust Plain WrongIntro to Just Plain WrongIn this episode we introduce ourselves, the podcast, and provide a quick overview of Mennonite & Amish history and the Amish fiction genre. We always love hearing from listeners! You can reach us at plainwrongpod at gmail.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you want to help support the podcast financially, please consider joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/plainwrongpod or buying merch at TeePublic Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/plainwrongpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plainwrongpod/
2020-12-2326 min