
The Mockingcast
The Mockingcast is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by RJ Heijmen, Sarah Condon and David Zahl, and brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries, an organization which seeks to connect the Christian faith with the realities of everyday life in fresh and down-to-earth ways. You can find out more about Mockingbird at www.mbird.com.
Audio production provided by TJ Hester.
Latest episodes

Oct 22, 2024 • 49min
Episode 266: Reintroducing the Mockingcast
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.

4 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 4min
Episode 265: Why Me Lord?
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?"

4 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 12min
Episode 264: Rock Bottom Has a Basement
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.

Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 263: Estrangements and Encylopedias
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!

Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 28min
Bonus Episode: "Faith" from The Brothers Zahl
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

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Episode 261: What Am I Gonna Do About the Demons?
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.

May 20, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 260: I Don't Know If I Should Say This
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.

May 1, 2024 • 59min
Episode 259: Last Chopper Out of Vietnam
Recorded live in front of the audience at Mockingbird's annual conference in NYC, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk quarter-life crises, parental control, dating types, and the relief of not being God. Also, Dave and RJ finally figure out who won.
Click here to read The New Quarter-Life Crisis by Maggie Mertens in The Atlantic.
Click here to Kathryn Jezer-Morton's piece on "Parenting Through Control Issues" for The Cut.
Click here to read The One Big Thing You Can Do for Your Kids by Arthur Brooks.
Click here to read Lillian Fishman's advice column for The Point, asking Can We Ever Trust Ourselves?
Click here to read Seven Words That Sum Up the Entire Bible by Anthony Robinson on Mbird.

Apr 20, 2024 • 1h 4min
Episode 258: The Greatest Bible Study of All Time
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk furniture flipping, rental people, lunar eclipses, and Rwandan redemption. Also, RJ drops some serious science.
Click here for more details about next week's Mbird Conference in NYC
Click here to read the excerpt from Amanda Montell's new book The Age of Overthinking in Marie Claire
Click here to receive Sarah Hinlicky Wilson's newsletter Theology and A Recipe, the most recent installment of which is Bad Pie
Click here to read Todd Brewer's piece Looking for Enchantment on Mbird
Click here to read Denise Uwimana's "How Far Does Forgiveness Reach?" in Plough

15 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 14min
Episode 257: Screwing Up Is a Good Start
In this podcast, discussions range from elephant mudslides to liquid death, Alzheimer's, and atonement. They explore animal play, Liquid Death disrupting the bottled water industry, rebranding traditions in churches, and the emotional impact of Alzheimer's. The hosts also touch on the dynamics of tragedy and success in building relationships.
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