

Pass The Mic
The Witness
Hosted by Rev. Tyler Burns and New York Times Best Selling Author Dr. Jemar Tisby. Tune in every week for engaging discussions and high-profile interviews addressing the core concerns of Black Christians. Pass The Mic is powered by The Witness – A Black Christian Collective. Learn more at TheWitnessBCC.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 12, 2025 • 31min
Sinners Spoiler Review Part 2: The Characters, The Themes, and The Church
Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled.
Sinners is a 2025 American horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to be confronted by a supernatural evil. The film co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton (in his theatrical-film debut), Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo.
Sinners premiered on April 3, 2025, and was theatrically released in the United States on April 18, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Coogler's direction and Göransson's score as well as the performances of Jordan, Steinfeld, Lindo and Caton. Sinners has grossed over $236 million worldwide, becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of 2025.
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6 snips
May 5, 2025 • 42min
Sinners Spoiler Review Part 1: Is Sinners Anti-Christian Propaganda?
A heated debate unfolds over whether the film 'Sinners' is anti-Christian propaganda. The hosts dive into its emotional storytelling and cultural significance, particularly regarding Black representation. They discuss the power of music as a form of expression against rigid church structures. Insights into the tension between faith and freedom highlight the complexities of religious critique. The conversation wraps with the resilience of Christianity amid such critiques, inviting listeners to explore African American experiences and spirituality.

Apr 28, 2025 • 42min
A Break For Joy
Look we talk about a lot of heavy topics on this podcast. This week we wanted to a break for some self-care but focusing on the three Gs: Gratitude, Gratefulness, and Giving Flowers. This one might be for us, but we hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2025 • 39min
Are We Peddlers of Cheap Unity?
Absolution or Accountability? Navigating Racial Justice in Christian Spaces... yeah, it's a very Pass The Mic type of episode this week. In this thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive deep into the complicated dynamics of Black Christians being expected to offer absolution to white Christians in the face of racism.They explore how some Black Christian leaders have been pressured — or at times have chosen — to position themselves as brokers of racial reconciliation, often using the role to build platforms rather than pursuing genuine, hard truths about justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 2025 • 47min
From Young Restless & Reformed to Mike Todd: the Risks of Rapid Growth
Are popular movements with explosive growth healthy in the life of a Believer? In this thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns take a deep dive into the rise of popular Christian movements, including the Young, Restless, and Reformed crowd, and examine the growing influence of celebrity pastors like Mike Todd. What does it mean when ministry becomes a platform and growth outpaces accountability? The hosts unpack the spiritual, cultural, and communal implications of rapid church expansion, the allure of influence, and the challenges of navigating faith in the age of viral sermons and curated theology. Whether you're leading a church or scrolling through Christian content online, this episode invites you to reflect on what true discipleship and sustainable growth really look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 2025 • 46min
Digital Discipleship & The Future of Church
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the evolving landscape of "Digital Discipleship"—what works, what doesn’t, and what it all means for the Church in 2025. Does technology reshape how we connect and grow in faith? What is the strengths of online ministry & digital community-building? What are the pitfalls of virtual discipleship & where does it falls short? And is the local church still the center of spiritual formation? All of these questions and more will be discussed on this week's Pass The Mic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 2025 • 46min
Protect Our Black Institutions
In this episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the rich history of Black institutions and their ongoing significance in today’s world. From historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Black churches, businesses, and media, these institutions have been pillars of strength, resilience, and progress for generations.Dr. Tisby and Pastor Burns explore why these institutions were created, the challenges they have faced, and why they remain vital for Black communities today. They also discuss the threats to these institutions—both external and internal—and what must be done to protect and sustain them for future generations.Key Topics Covered:The historical necessity of Black institutions in the face of systemic exclusion.The role of HBCUs, Black churches, and Black-owned businesses in community development.The cultural and spiritual significance of Black institutions.Modern threats to Black institutions, including economic pressures and political challenges.How Black communities can invest in, support, and preserve these vital spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 24, 2025 • 44min
DEI: Make America Racist Again
First is was Cultural Marxism, then Social Darwinism, Social Justice Warriors aka SJWs, then Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter.... Tesla Lives Matter?... then CRT... Y'all remember CuRT!? And let's not forget about Woke... but today all problems and everything wrong with everything comes down to 3 letters: DEIOn a very special episode of Pass The Mic, Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the effects of the federal governments sweeping actions against DEI initiatives, how we must protect our Black institutions, Black boycotts, and where do we go from here. You can support this podcast at patreon.com/PassTheMic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17, 2025 • 37min
How To Live When Mammon is on the Throne with Dr. Malcolm Foley
Dr. Malcolm Foley serves as the Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement. In this role, Dr. Foley facilitates engagement and interaction with and among the many diverse members of our community and works collaboratively to develop initiatives designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus for all.Dr. Foley holds a B.A. in Religious Studies with a second major in Finance and a minor in Classics from Washington University in St. Louis. He then completed a Master of Divinity at Yale Divinity School, focusing on the theology of the early and medieval church, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor. His dissertation investigates African American Protestants responding to lynching from the late 19thcentury to the early 20th century. From 2018-2020, Dr. Foley served as a student regent on the Baylor University Board of Regents. He is the former Director of Black Church Studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is currently a pastor at Mosaic Waco, where he serves with his wife, Desiree.Support this podcast at patreon.com/passthemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 2025 • 37min
The Anti-Greed Gospel with Dr. Malcolm Foley
Dr. Malcolm Foley serves as the Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement. In this role, Dr. Foley facilitates engagement and interaction with and among the many diverse members of our community and works collaboratively to develop initiatives designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus for all.Dr. Foley holds a B.A. in Religious Studies with a second major in Finance and a minor in Classics from Washington University in St. Louis. He then completed a Master of Divinity at Yale Divinity School, focusing on the theology of the early and medieval church, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor. His dissertation investigates African American Protestants responding to lynching from the late 19thcentury to the early 20th century. From 2018-2020, Dr. Foley served as a student regent on the Baylor University Board of Regents. He is the former Director of Black Church Studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is currently a pastor at Mosaic Waco, where he serves with his wife, Desiree.Support this podcast at patreon.com/PassTheMic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


