The Mockingcast

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk prepositional gratitude, backfiring fatalism, overgrown cemeteries, and lighthearted Advents. Also, RJ expounds on the benefits of bumblefat. Click here to respond to the opening appeal and support Mockingbird this year-end! Click here to read Joshua Rothman's essay in The New Yorker, "Why Is Gratitude So Difficult?" Click here to read Bryan Jarrell's piece for Mbird on "Gold Medal Gratitude". Click here to read Jeneen Interlandi's NY Times op-ed, "We Tire Very Quickly of Being Told Everything's on Fire." Click here to read Cara Buckley's piece about the Rewilding of America's Cemeteries. Click here to watch the Instagram videos of Robin Rosenthal and her family that Sarah mentions. Click here to Garrison Keillor's substack about "Walking to Church On a Cold Day".

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk post-election uncertainty, grieving non-grandparents, digital self-worth, and the bondage of the will. Also, Dave shares an important new use for q-tips. Click here to read Adam Grant's op-ed in the NY Times, "If You’re Sure How the Next Four Years Will Play Out, I Promise: You’re Wrong". Click here to read Dave's post-election round-up on Mbird. Click here to read Catherine Pearson's article on "The Unspoken Grief of Never Becoming a Grandparent". Click here to read Thea Lim's essay in The Walrus, "The Collapse of Self-Worth in the Digital Age". Click here to read Amy Mantravadi's Mbird column on "(Post-) Election Day Hope". Click here to order a copy of Amy's novel Broken Bonds.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk vibes, clutter, high school bullies, and fortunate falls. Also, Sarah contemplates Elvis, while RJ comes to terms with his uncoolness. Click here to read Kyle Edward Williams piece on Vibes in the Hedgehog Review. Click here to read Matt Alt's essay on The Joy of Clutter for Aeon. Click here Simeon Ellin's piece for Buzzfeed about Tracking Down the Girls Who Bullied Her As a Kid. Click here to read Will McDavid's post on Mbird, "Bridesmaids Revisited." Click here to read Karen Swallow Prior's newsletter about George Herbert's shape-poem "Easter Wings."

Recorded in front of an audience in Tyler, TX, Sarah and Dave do their best to explain the What and Why of The Mockingcast. Think of it as a rare peek behind the curtain as well as a perfect jumping on point for new listeners. Also, Sarah spills some serious tea about a presidential funeral.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Michelin stars, friends with money, autonomy traps, and Kristofferson's conversion. Also, Sarah and Dave gush about their favorite poet-priest-prophet-musician-TacoBellObsessive Andy Squyres. Click here to listen to The StoryMakers Podcast. Click here to read The Economist's report on The Curse of the Michelin Star. Click here to read about backfiring wellness iniatives. Click here to read Kristin Wong's article in the The NY Times about financial disparties within friendships. Click here to read James Wood's essay "The Autonomy Trap" in Plough. Click here to read Todd Brewer's "Why Does God Talk So Loud?" on Mbird. Click here to watch Kris Kristofferson relate the story behind "Why Me Lord?"

Dive into the chaotic world of school drop-offs, where humor meets stress in parenting. Explore the intriguing concept of mindful underparenting, challenging modern views on child-rearing. Discover the critical impact of technology on human interactions and societal norms. Listen to heartfelt reflections on loss and the journey to recovery, emphasizing vulnerability and grace in personal struggles. Experience the transformative power of faith and community as they share poignant stories that resonate with the human experience.

The hosts dive into the profound themes of familial estrangement and the emotional weight it carries. They explore the loneliness epidemic, discussing how modern society has shifted away from community. Listeners will hear personal tales mixed with insights on forgiveness, revealing its complexities even among family dynamics. Traveling joys and the importance of vulnerability in friendships add layers to this intimate conversation. Plus, a fun anecdote about learning to surf keeps the mood light!

For Mockingcasters looking for something to listen to while the gang is on hiatus this summer, look no further! We hope you enjoy the first episode of the new season of Mbird's The Brothers Zahl podcast, "Faith". Click here to subscribe or listen to more episodes on Spotify Click here to subscribe or listen to more episodes on Apple Click here to visit the The Brothers Zahl landing page on Fireside Click here to peruse the recommendations and references included in the episode

In their last episode before the summer hiatus, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk wedding snobbery, tearjerker movies, and secular exorcisms. The gang wish listeners a fruitful unburdening these next few months! If you feel so led, visit www.mbird.com/support to respond to the opening appeal. Click here to read Francesca Carington's article in the The Guardian, "Why Are We So Snobby About Other People's Weddings?" Click here to read Heather Havrilesky's plea in the NY Times to "Bring Back the Tear-Jerker!" Click here to read the head-spinning review of Rober Falconer's The Others Within Us on Astral Codex Ten Click here to listen to Andrew Root's talk from the NYC Mbird Conference Click here to read Elizabeth Callen's Infinite Grace on Mbird Season 3 of The Brothers Zahl kicks off on Monday June 10th! Click here to subscribe.

In this episode, they discuss weight loss drugs, hypochondria, and the hound of heaven. Also, Sarah attends a pool party while Dave confesses his inner Christian Scientist. They touch on body positivity, career expectations, and the impact of words in the church.