The Esau McCaulley Podcast
Esau McCaulley
The Esau McCaulley Podcast looks to find God in the midst of culture. Each week, Esau will bring together friends, scholars, artists, and writers to unpack the cultural stories that shape our lives and discuss how these stories point us back to God's presence in the world. Whether it's literature, sports, movies, music, or politics, Esau and his guests will explore how culture reflects both human creativity and our deepest longings. They'll also challenge the notion that spirituality and culture are at odds by showing how faith can inform our engagement with the world around us. The Esau McCaulley Podcast wants to help the church move beyond the walls of the sanctuary to meet real people where they are, in this beautiful, complex world God has made, and find the space where truth and goodness meet.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2025 • 50min
Anglican Abuse Allegations, NBA Gambling Scandal, & the Admiral Who Resigned over Trump's Military Strikes
Skye Jatani, co-worker and podcaster known for his cultural and theological insights, joins the conversation about the complex intersection of integrity and institutional failure. They delve into the recent Anglican Church abuse allegations and debate whether reform is possible within flawed structures. The discussion shifts to a U.S. admiral's resignation over unlawful military orders and the ethics of compliance. Finally, they explore the NBA gambling scandal, highlighting its societal implications and the dangerous allure of sports betting.
Oct 23, 2025 • 52min
Young Republicans' Racist Chat, No Kings, & How AI Deforms Us
Last week, OpenAI announced it will remove moral limits from ChatGPT and "let adults be adults," opening the door for adult content on the platform. Esau and Mike are joined by Malcolm Foley to talk about how AI is reshaping our view of relationships and making it easier to chase selfish desires resulting in destructive consequences. Then, they turn to the leaked racist group chat among young Republicans. Does it reveal anything new, or just prove that racism never disappeared—it just went underground? Finally, the "No Kings" protests drew millions last weekend, but what did they actually accomplish? Malcolm walks through Martin Luther King Jr.'s four-step process for nonviolent action and whether the No Kings protest measured up.
Oct 16, 2025 • 44min
Is the Black Church the Problem?
Kaitlyn Schiess, an insightful author and podcaster, joins Esau McCaulley to delve into the complexities of the Black Church amid accusations of promoting 'ethnic idolatry.' They explore its historical roots and cultural significance. A thought-provoking discussion emerges on joy during suffering, ignited by the latest Taylor Swift album. Kaitlyn and Esau also debate how Christians can engage with secular art responsibly and tackle the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance, questioning the motivations behind cultural criticisms.
Oct 9, 2025 • 44min
ICE in Chicago: Tear Gas, Helicopters, and the Cost of Dehumanization
Priscilla Perreaux-Domínguez, an associate pastor and author, discusses the harrowing reality of ICE raids in Chicago, exposing the fear experienced in local communities. She emphasizes the church's role in advocating for humane treatment of migrants, upholding the dignity of every individual. The conversation takes a turn to the cultural implications of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance, revealing insights on belonging and church inclusivity. They also explore social media trends, highlighting the U.S. as an outlier in usage patterns.
Oct 3, 2025 • 30min
The Emergency Taylor Swift Pod: Review and Why Christians Should Care
Lindsey Goetz, a Taylor Swift expert, dives deep into the recent album while discussing its place in Swift's career. They explore themes of vulnerability, betrayal, and resilience, examining how these topics resonate with personal and communal experiences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with secular art, highlighting how it can spark meaningful discussions within faith communities. From favorite tracks to critiques of romantic idealization, this dialogue reveals the deeper layers of Swift's storytelling and its implications for listeners.
Oct 2, 2025 • 38min
Finding Your Purpose Outside of Your Career
Matt Forte, a former NFL running back for the Chicago Bears and two-time Pro Bowl selection, is now an author on a mission to help people discover purpose beyond their careers. In a heartfelt conversation, he delves into the challenges of redefining success after retirement and emphasizes that true identity shouldn’t hinge on fame or stats. Forte shares insights on his spiritual journey, the importance of serving others, and his passionate ministry to athletes, highlighting a growing authenticity in Gen Z when it comes to faith.
Sep 25, 2025 • 47min
Vaccines, Parental Rights, and the Public Good
Malcolm Foley, a scholar at Baylor University, joins Esau to navigate the murky waters of modern outrage culture sparked by a viral Phillies game incident. They dive into Florida's decision to eliminate school vaccine mandates, weighing parental rights against public health concerns. The conversation also critiques the current state of Disney, revealing its shift from a family-friendly destination to a luxury experience catering to the wealthy, thereby highlighting issues of inequality and accessibility.
Sep 18, 2025 • 48min
Charlie Kirk and America's Cross-Cultural Divide
Christina Edmondson, co-host of Truth's Table and a church consultant, joins to discuss the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. They explore the cultural rifts this tragedy highlights, emphasizing the differing experiences of Black Christians. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by pastors in addressing violence and the importance of empathy in cross-cultural relationships. Edmondson also shares insights on maintaining integrity within academia while navigating racial tensions and the complexities of public ministry.
6 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 47min
Charlie Kirk & Political Violence with Sharon McMahon and Justin Giboney
Sharon McMahon, known as America’s government teacher and author of The Small and the Mighty, joins Justin Giboney, president of the AND Campaign and author of the forthcoming book Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around. They dive into the recent political assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications. The conversation touches on America's history with political violence, the risks of radicalization, and the crucial role of the church in fostering unity. They emphasize love and respectful dialogue amidst societal divides, urging compassion even in disagreement.
15 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 42min
Jesus, Paul, and the Law: Friends or Foes?
Paul Sloan, a New Testament scholar and author of 'Jesus and the Law of Moses,' joins the discussion to unpack the complex relationship between Jesus and Paul regarding the law. They tackle significant questions about Torah observance for Jews and Gentiles and challenge misconceptions about the Pharisees. The conversation dives into the ethical teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and the role of grace. With a blend of theology and humor, they even link modern-day NBA legacies to broader themes of influence and change.
