The Holy Post

Last week, Stephen Colbert ended his tenure as the host of The Late Show on CBS. Along with witty political commentary and comedy, Colbert was also open about his Catholicism at a time when many were growing skeptical of faith. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss Colbert, the criticism public Christians receive, and how to discern which examples of public faith to emulate. It's graduation season, and Karen Swallow Prior is back to discuss her new book, "You Have a Calling." She says our culture has narrowed our understanding of calling to paid work, but finding our calling is not a matter of following a formula. Also this week, new data on what the cutting of USAID is doing to the most vulnerable parts of the world, more reflections on Rededicate 250, and remora fish take brown-nosing to new depths.
Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/159315601/
 
0:00 - Show Starts
1:25 - Theme Song
1:45 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST
 
3:06 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order
 
4:12 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you



6:44 - Sucker Fish and Manta Butts!
 
10:45 - Is the Nation Rededicated to God?
 
15:56 - Is Association Endorsement?
 
19:24 - USAID Cuts Consequences
 
34:26 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use code HOLYPOST for 30% off sitewide for a great night's sleep! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST
 
35:30 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org
 
36:17 - Colbert's Public Christianity
 
53:07 - Interview
 
55:33 - What's a "Calling?"
 
1:06:50 - "Author" as Unpredictable Calling
 
1:12:44 - Children and Vocation
 
1:25:14 - End Credits
 
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
The National Catholic Reporter on Rededicate 250:
https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/religion-display-trumps-dc-rally-was-not-gospel-jesus-christ
Sucker Fish Hiding in Manta Ray Butts!
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sucker-fish-are-hiding-in-manta-rays-buttholes-new-study-reveals/ 
Effects of Defunding USAID:
https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(25)01186-9/fulltext
New York Times on the USAID cuts:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/09/opinion/foreign-aid-cuts.html
 
Other Resources:
You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good and Beautiful (The Perfect High School or College Graduation Gift for 2026) by Karen Swallow Prior: https://a.co/d/07W6Tn7P
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

MAGA politicians, pastors, and influencers gathered on the National Mall this weekend to rededicate America to God. Unlike biblical ceremonies of rededication, however, this one included no repentance or lament. Elon Musk is upset that a black woman was cast as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey." Sharon McMahon is back to explain how political backlash and violent threats canceled her commencement speech at Utah Valley University, and why the message she planned to deliver is more relevant than ever. Also this week—religious skeptics used to ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" So, why is Gen Z asking a different question, "Why don't bad things happen to bad people?"
Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/721-easy-vs-hope-158706698/
 
Bonus Interview with Sharon McMahon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/158708712/
 
0:00 - Theme Song
3:14 -  Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you
4:13 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!
5:58 - Rededication of America
21:06 -  Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST
22:06 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org
22:40 - Sponsor - Garrett Theological Seminary - Garrett has a program for you! Apply by July 15 to start a master's degree this fall! https://www.garrett.edu/holypost
50:06 - Interview
52:11 - Commencement Speech Cancellation
1:12:14 - Durable Hope
1:25:14 - End Credit
 
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
Gen Z Asks Why Bad Things Don't Happen to Bad People:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/05/gen-z-why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-theodicy-evil-suffering/



Other Resources:
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Online gambling is changing the way we watch sports. Rather than cheering for a team together, more people now focus on their individual prop bets. Russell Moore says the same thing is happening in the church as individual interests and personal goals are overshadowing our collective calling as Christ's people. Mark DeYmaz talks with Skye about how the prayer of St. Francis has helped his church navigate racial, economic, and political divisions. Christian colleges say a provision in the Republicans' Big Beautiful Bill is an "existential threat to the future of religious higher education in the US." Also this week—Christian leaders praying at the feet of a golden statue in Florida insist it's not an idol.
 
Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/158090824/
 
Bonus Interview with Mark Deymaz:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/158093785/
 
0:00 - Show Starts
2:20 - Theme Song
2:41 - Sponsor - Ridge - The Ridge 5-in-1 Power Bank, power on-the-go without compromise! Get 40% off Ridge by going to https://www.ridge.com/HOLYPOST
 
4:36 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST
 
5:56 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!
 
7:00 - Catching Up
 
10:08 - Golden Trump Statue
 
16:31 - Christian College Funds Cut
 
30:22 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org
 
30:57 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!
 
32:05  - Sponsor - OneAccord - Live-translation platform built for churches! Try OneAccord for free at https://oneaccord.ai/HOLYPOST
 
33:52 - Casino-fication of the Church
 
50:10 - Interview
 
54:07 - Multi-Ethnic Church
 
59:47 - Prayer of St. Francis
 
1:10:10 - Challenging Political Idolatry
 
1:25:14 - End Credit
 
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
Christian Colleges Call New Federal Regulation an 'Existential Threat':
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/05/christian-colleges-financial-aid-earnings-test-regulation-trump/
 
Trump's Golden Statue:
https://www.newsweek.com/pastor-defends-golden-trump-statue-from-biblical-backlash-11933490
 
The Casinofication of Church:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/04/against-casinofication-church-sports-gambling/
 
Other Resources:
Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: Becoming More like Jesus Through the Prayer of St. Francis:
https://amzn.to/4u3cit7
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

King Charles III addressed Congress last week, citing his Christian faith as a foundation for pluralism and peace. President Trump, in contrast, gave a speech welcoming the King that referenced Christianity as a cultural identity requiring exclusion and protection. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn unpack the two very different visions of faith. Alan Noble is back to discuss his new book, "To Live Well," and why young people are looking for virtues that are grounded in something more than online influencer advice. Also this week: Was the shooter at the White House Correspondents' Dinner a devout evangelical or a crazed leftist? Matthew Sorens from World Relief gives us an update on what's happening with immigrants and refugees. Why are Americans losing the art of hanging out with strangers? And a bear suit insurance scam.
Immigration Update: Matthew Soerens shares timely updates on immigration policy and why this moment calls for thoughtful Christian advocacy. To schedule virtual meeting with your lawmakers and access the Advocacy Guide, visit https://www.WorldRelief.org/AdvocateNow by May 29th!
 
0:00 - Show Starts
 
2:27 - Theme Song
 
2:50 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org
 
3:20 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!
 
4:23 - Who's right, Mike or Kaitlyn?
 
6:45 - Animal News: Bears Costumes!
 
14:50 - World Relief Update with Matthew Sorens! https://www.WorldRelief.org/AdvocateNow
 
23:18 - The King and the President
 
30:00 -  Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.
 
42:23 - Sponsor - Garrett Theological Seminary - Garrett has a program for you! Apply by July 15 to start a master's degree this fall! https://www.garrett.edu/holypost
 
43:22 - Third Spaces
 
59:50 - Interview
 
1:16:35 - Love and Risk
 
1:26:38 - Deconstruction as Reformation
 
1:33:09 - End Credit
 
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
Insurance Fraudster in Bear's Clothing:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxrq7rx9lqo
 
Third Places Article:
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/04/third-places-meet-new-people-pandemic/629468/
 
Other Resources:
To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times by Alan Noble: https://amzn.to/42PC2NK
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn hosted a live podcast recording in Atlanta on April 22. They were joined by Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Lecrae to discuss his journey through doubt and deconstruction toward a renewed faith in Christ. He shared what helped him through the dark season, and why he felt the need to abandon the "fraud" but not the "faith." They also discussed the tenets of Just War Theory, innovative Chinese cars, and they responded to audience questions you won't want to miss.
Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/156797193/
 
0:00 - Show Starts
 
1:09 - Theme Song
 
2:17 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org
 
2:49 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST
 
4:45 - Futuristic Toilet Car!
 
9:43 - Just War Theory
 
22:40 - Lecrae and Deconstruction
 
35:25 - Sponsor - Garrett Seminary  - Regardless of where and how you are called, Garrett Seminary can help you with practical skills and leadership. Check it out at: https://garrett.edu/discern
 
36:28 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 15% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST
 
37:38 - Reconstruction and Jesus
 
45:45 - Constructing in Christian Community
 
52:09 - Ethic in Every Aspect of Life
 
1:04:27 - End Credit
 
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
Chinese Car-Toilet! 
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1l92yv4mydo
 
Cardinal Robert McElroy on Just War Theory:
https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691637280/morality-and-american-foreign-policy?srsltid=AfmBOopBeII5JJscjOGHPcg786VqJnfYnNKmFV1n3OVRpnHwsPB8wqwG
 
Just War Theory is Supposed to be Frustrating:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/04/just-war-theory-is-supposed-to-be-frustrating-iran-war-trump/



Other Resources:
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.