John Fugelsang is the author of the New York Times Bestselling book, "Separation of Church and Hate" & the host of "Tell Me Everything" on SiriusXM. John and I discuss his complicated relationship with organized religion and how stand-up comedy changed his life. Listen now: linktr.ee/dontencourag...

Whitney asked the following question: “Why do you need a sled in South Carolina?”

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is one of the world’s leading Jewish biblical scholars, and I am honored beyond words to welcome her to “Don’t Encourage This.” Dr. Levine offers a deep dive on the Prodigal Son from an interfaith perspective. Listen now on multiple platforms: linktr.ee/dontencourag...

Gotta wait my turn. Someone has right of way. #sundaybikeride🚴‍♂️

Discovered that they were doing construction outside of our church today. The jackhammering outside my office window convinced me to record from home instead. Oh, well. Best laid plans and all that. The podcast went great though. Can’t wait to share this one with you guys soon

Some days you need to bring your podcasting gear to work. For absolutely no reason whatsoever.

A friend just sent me a photograph they just found from high school and asked, “Do you ever look at old pictures of yourself from the 90’s and think, ‘Damn! I was cute back then!’” I texted back, “I do not.” 😂

Another day, another book scam. I got an e-mail from a definitely-real publisher wanting to talk about an exciting (and lucrative!) acquisition deal. However, they might want to use spell check next time. Last I checked, my book was not called "<Insert title here>" #BetterLuckNextTimeFellas

Simon Bennett (@pookina1.bsky.social) joins me on the pod! He served as Head of Drama at South Pacific Pictures for years & showrunner for Saban’s “Power Rangers.” He gets candid about his love of theater, the challenges of producing long-running television & everything from Shakespeare to spandex.

Hosanna in the highest. Forever and ever.

On the road this week…

It’s that time again…

@slindsley.bsky.social is on the pod! Steve serves as the Executive Presbyter of the Providence Presbytery in South Carolina and has been recording music since 1997. It’s a great chat. Love you, buddy! Listen now on multiple platforms: linktr.ee/dontencourag...

To folks who are feeling some kind of way about not being able to understand the Halftime Show because it was in Spanish: let ye who could have honestly translated any of the Macarena back when you were dancing to it in middle school cast the first stone.

I don't have cable, so I had to catch Bad Bunny's Halftime Show on YouTube this morning like an old man. I loved it. What an awesome show. What a talented performer. And what a great display of international pride at the end. So lovely from start to finish.

Nerds in coffee shops.

My good buddy, Dre Swain, has appeared regularly on Nickelodeon over the past two decades on shows like “Victorious,” “iCarly,” “Henry Danger,” and several others. And she joins me on the pod for this episode of “Don’t Encourage This!” Listen on multiple platforms: linktr.ee/dontencourag...

Merry Christmas!

Sunday evening meditation.

I have never felt fully comfortable with the lyric, “Giddyup, jingle horse.” #Secrets

It was Record Day this past weekend! This is a bit of a deep cut. Extra points if you know it. #RecordDay

I’m delighted to sit down with my dear friend and prolific author, Sarah Bracey White, on this episode of “Don’t Encourage This.” Listen now on multiple platforms: linktr.ee/dontencourag...

Getting ready to hop on the pod a little later. I don’t typically record these in my office at the church, but this is one of those days where it’s good to have some flexibility. Really looking forward to this conversation. More soon!

The water at the creek was high today! We desperately needed the rain. Bellsy was very eager to investigate.

Hanging out at Kofenya this morning, trying to get a head start on my sermon. Some light rain outside. I’m a little sleepy. Happy Tuesday, y’all.

Movie night.

Apple picking! (I got stung by a bee today)

Sermon writing day…

It’s true. Stolen from @thig.bsky.social.

Nice hang, SC. See you again at Thanksgiving. BTW - the shirt is David Lynch.

What is there really to say about folks predicting the rapture? Other than their flawless, unbroken track record of getting it wrong over 2,000 years?

Peggy Jean Craig joins the podcast, “Don’t Encourage This” to discuss how storytelling and advocacy go hand-in-hand. Listen now: linktr.ee/dontencourag...

It’s Sunday afternoon. You know what that means.

Last week, I was gently informed by a Gen Z college student here in the Ox Box that what I’m into might have been cool back when I was in high school, but it’s not cool today. Bestie, I’ve got news for you. It wasn’t cool back when I was in high school either. #CollegeTown

Editing Land today. Working on the next episode of "Don't Encourage This." I've had this interview in the can for the last two weeks, but I'm woefully behind getting it finished. #ChurchLife I'm really excited to share this with you all, hopefully next week. It's a rich conversation! #triennium2025

Snapped this selfie in my bike ride this afternoon. No, the bike was not in motion when I took it. I was pulled over for a quick break. But I kinda like it. Enjoying this great weather for good exercise while it lasts.

Just finished up a committee meeting with the presbytery over Zoom, and now the home office is set up for "podcast mode” in the morning. I'm excited to hop on the pod tomorrow with one of the preachers from this year's Presbyterian Youth Triennium. WHO COULD IT BE? #DontEncourageThis #PYT2025

I'm missing a 35th Anniversary screening of the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movie this week because a church meeting popped up on my calendar, and I can't get out of it. I just wanted you all to know. #TheSacrificesIMakeForJesus

#SundayFunday 🚲

I would rather have an early colonoscopy than see Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” sequels.

Shenanigans on the Ferris Wheel. #CedarPoint #SpakTacular

Roller coaster birthday weekend for Kevin Spak at Cedar Point!

It’s Claudia Aguilar!!!

Just me and Bruce. #PresbyterianYouthTriennium @breyeschow.com

Sneaking in a little break from chasing after high schoolers. #prebyterianyouthtriennium

Day 3. #presbyterianyouthtriennium

Look who I ran into at Presbyterian Youth Triennium! It’s @marcellaglass.bsky.social!