
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

Mar 11, 2024 • 57min
Episode 256: God Is Not a Puzzle to Be Solved
The hosts discuss interpersonal dislikes, luxury beliefs, Roman revenge, and polyamory. They cover navigating the desire to be liked, social dynamics, acts of kindness, and the concept of mystery in Christianity. Embracing the mystery of God and life as a puzzle is also explored.

6 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode 255: Mortal Movie Stars and Awesome Astronauts
Topics include the impact of weather talk, girl world reflections, navigating relational aggression in the digital age, faith through astronauts' perspectives, awe, illness, and redemption journey, mortality reflections, and living fully

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
Episode 254: Fellowship of the Cringe
Topics discussed in this podcast include core memories, superegos, uncool churchgoers, revenge vampires, the impact of 'coolness' on loneliness, the rise of 'super ego' culture, exploring the themes of revenge and forgiveness, and discussing Christian freedom and a scene from Fargo.

12 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 3min
Episode 253: The Ministry of Fun
Topics discussed include Tetris champion, the importance of wonder and finding meaning, the changing nature of fun, influences and values in society, and God's language in the Christmas story.

6 snips
Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 15min
Episode 252: A Merry Little Rizzmas
The hosts reflect on Christmas challenges and emotions. They discuss their emotional states and recommend their favorite movies, books, channels, and podcasts. They explore the word of the year 'Riz' and the pressure to find a 'thing'. The podcast also delves into drinking habits, finding relief in faith, and embracing the darkness and joy of Christmas. They discuss the significance of a crying baby and end with Merry Christmas wishes and music recommendations.

Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 14min
Episode 251: The Horror and the Majesty
Topics discussed include passive aggression, teenage misery, jazz flute comebacks, wartime prayers, cooking turkey, communication challenges, dealing with challenging situations, unexpected return of a rapper with a new musical style, moral tension of war, absence of violence in the New Testament, and the presence of redemption

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 19min
Episode 250: The Gang Goes Goth
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk eldest daughters, crypto parents, and a pair of awe-inspiring conversions. Also, Dave binges some Curb while Sarah discloses the worst thing someone said to her in the early days of grief.
Click here to read Sarah Sloat's piece on The Plight of the Eldest Daughter in The Atlantic.
Click here to read Katie Roiphe's WSJ essay on "Why Are We So Obsessed with Sam Bankman-Fried's Parents?"
Click here to listen to Simeon Zahl's talk from Minneapolis, "The World Is a Hospital".
Click here to read the review of Dachner Keltner's book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform You Life in The Guardian.
Click here to read about Kat von D's conversion. And click here to watch the video of her baptism.
Click here to read Ayaan Hirsi Ali's column, "Why I Am Now a Christian" on UnHerd.

Nov 4, 2023 • 1h 8min
Episode 249: Justin Timberlake Is Dead to Me
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk canine anxiety, celebrity memoirs, and dispensaries (of grace). Also, Sarah prays for high waistlines while RJ uncovers a stroller conspiracy.
Click here to read Rose Horowich's "Too Many People Own Dogs" in The Atlantic.
Click here to read Patti Davis's column in the NY Times, "Matthew Perry and the Loneliness of Addiction."
Click here to order a copy of John Z's Grace in Addiction, published by Mockingbird.
Click here to read Spencer Kornhaber's review of Britney Spears's new memoir.
Click here to read Corinne Purtill's profile of Robert Sapolsky in The LA Times.
Click here to read Matthew Sitman's essay on Muddling Through that he references in the Know Your Enemy clip (used with permission).

5 snips
Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 5min
Episode 248: God's Great Merciful Lie
This episode features Adam Mastroianni discussing oral hygiene, Esther Perel exploring the three common conflicts in couples, and Dan Barry examining the Minnesota Board of Pardons. The hosts also explain the show's name and touch on topics like marital challenges, forgiveness in the justice system, and preaching during crisis.

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 9min
Episode 247: Boys, Men, and Second Chances
In which RJ, Sarah and Dave talk astrology, masculinity, and minor league saints. Also, a certain Scorpio experiences the opposite of good will on a visit to Good Will.
Click here to read the Reductress article "Why I Don’t Believe in Astrology Unless It Reaffirms Something I Already Thought."
Click here to read Christine Emba's essay "Men Are Lost. Here's a Map Out of the Wilderness" in the Washington Post.
Click here to read Caitlin Flanagan's "In Praise of Heroic Masculinity" in The Atlantic.
Click here to read "Why Baseball Doc ‘Saint of Second Chances’ Is Making Grown Men Cry" by Nick Schager in The Daily Beast.
Click here to read Katelyn Beaty's essay "Mercy Begets Mercy" in The Mockingbird.
Click here to read Andy Squyres's devotion "I Saw God".
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