Election Day Communion was an effort started by two Mennonite pastors and an Episcopal layperson in 2012. to try to bring people together on Election Day. The hope was after people voted, they would come and gather at the communion table. Subsequent events took place in 2016 and 2020. But the Facebook Page for Election Day Communion was not updated…

BigXthaPlug is a rapper from Dallas, Texas. His new album “Take Care” is streaming everywhere, and you can catch him on tour now through the rest of the year. BigXthaPlug joins Theo to chat about his recent rise in popularity and the changes that came with it, how he manages being a dad and a rapper at the same time, and why he might be down to go …

Shobi’s Table is a foodtruck that is also a ministry. It is a pay-as-you-can food truck that creates and serves from-scratch, delicious, nutritious meals rescued food from Twin Cities Food Justice to make meals such as burritos, wraps, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes like baked pastas, fried rice, and more. I’m talking with Deacon Kari Olsen, the Mi…

JD Vance is a United States Senator (R-OH) who is also running for Vice President on the Republican ticket alongside Donald Trump. Before his political career he was a lawyer and wrote the popular memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” in 2016. Senator JD Vance joins Theo to talk about how life has changed for him since becoming Donald Trump’s running mate 3 mon…

Samantha Martin is an animal trainer, cat advocate and rescuer who leads “The Amazing Acro-Cats”, a touring troupe of over a dozen cats that entertain audiences by riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, balancing on balls, and more. Animal trainer Samantha Martin joins Theo to talk about her unique life traveling the country in a bus with dozen…

In this episode, Dennis chats with Julian DeShazier about how the great man theory has poisoned the church and a better way for pastors and congregations to do ministry that is more in line with what our faith teaches. Julian is the Senior Minister at University Christian Church in Chicago, writes for the Christian Century and is an Emmy-winning hi…

Dr. Gabor Maté is a Canadian physician and author known for his books on trauma, addiction, childhood development, stress and healing. His latest book “The Myth of Normal” is available now everywhere. Dr. Gabor Maté joins Theo to talk about his studies on trauma and how it affects our lives and relationships, his experiences leading Ayahuasca cerem…

Miranda Lambert is a Grammy award-winning country musician known for her many hits like “Drunk”, “The House That Built Me”, “Little Red Wagon”, and more. Her latest album “Postcards From Texas” is out now everywhere. Miranda Lambert joins Theo to chat about her journey from playing rodeos to becoming one of the biggest names in country music, meeti…

In this episode, I speak with Miranda Zapor-Cruz, author of "Faithful Politics," about the role of Christians in the political landscape as the 2024 presidential election approaches. We discuss the challenges of engaging with politics while maintaining spiritual integrity. Miranda Zapor Cruz is a professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan…

Sean O’Brien is the General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and a 4th generation Teamster himself. He is originally from Medford, Massachusetts. Sean O’Brien joins Theo to chat about his job representing the Teamsters and supporting unions in America, why they made the controversial choice to not endorse a presidential cand…

Joe Gatto is a comedian, actor and podcaster known for his many years on the hit show “Impractical Jokers”. His first stand-up special “Messing With People” is out now on YouTube. Joe Gatto joins Theo to chat about hitting the road and making his first ever special, his relationship with the rest of the Impractical Jokers nowadays, and the health b…

In this episode, I engage with Reverend Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, on the intricate meanings of 'progressive' and 'inclusive' in Christianity. Wells challenges the simplistic view of progress as a linear moral improvement, arguing it can perpetuate a patronizing mindset. He links these discussions to the theology of…

Brooks & Dunn are a country music duo featuring songwriters Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. They’re known for their many hits like “Neon Moon”, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”, “Red Dirt Road” and more. Their album “Reboot 2” comes out November 15th featuring new takes on their classic songs. Theo meets up with country music legends Brooks & Dunn to talk about …

In this Church and Main Shorts, we look at a clip from a May interview with Joshua Gritter, a Presbyterian Pastor in North Carolina. We talk about what he and his wife will preach on at the church they serve on the Sunday after the election (hint: it won't be about the election). Suggested Reading and Listening: The Full Episode with Joshua Gritter…

Mark Cuban is a billionaire entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist and media personality. He is best known for his longtime ownership of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, and for his tenure on the popular show “Shark Tank”. Mark Cuban joins Theo to chat about his recent involvement in Kamala Harris’ campaign for president, why he has issues with Donald T…

In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with retired Disciples of Christ pastor Doug Skinner about Christian behavior during election years. (It isn't good.) We discuss the divisive rhetoric often found in the church and emphasize the need for kindness and grace despite political disagreements. Suggested Reading and Listening: Episode 139: Why …

Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, former psychiatric doctor, and author focused on improving physical and mental performance for everyone. Dr. Tara Swart joins Theo to talk about how we can use neuroscience to change our behaviors for the better, easy things we all can do to reduce stress, and using new ways of thinking to overcome past trauma. D…

Kevin Smith is a director, writer, and podcaster known for his many films like Clerks, Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob, Dogma, and more. His new film, “The 4:30 Movie”, is in theaters now and loosely based on his childhood in New Jersey. Kevin Smith joins Theo to chat about his journey from films to podcasting, changing his life and perspective after …