Holy Post Media: The Esau McCaulley Podcast

Pope Leo's AI Warning & America’s Happiness Crisis

Holy Post Media — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:02:28 GMT

Pope Leo has issued a major warning about artificial intelligence, arguing that the danger is not merely that machines will become more human, but that humans will become more machine-like. Producer Mike takes over while Esau is away, joined by Malcolm Foley and Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss what AI reveals about our broken ideas of work, dignity, limitation. Then they turn to America’s happiness crisis, from toxic positivity and the myth of a frictionless life to why boredom, grief, and inconvenience may be essential to becoming fully human. Plus, what the decline of the white picket fence says about safety, boundaries, and our growing fear of neighbors. Also this week, Tottenham narrowly avoids humiliation, Mike had an intimate moment with Stephen Colbert, and everyone definitely proves they are loyal listeners of this podcast.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:33 - Malcolm and Sharon

2:23 - Most Mundane Accomplishments

7:20 - Pope Leo’s A.I. Encyclical

24:00 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

25:12 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Download a free 30-day devotional about Christ as our sustaining fire at http://www.worldchallenge.org/esau

26:19 - Unhappy America

31:04 - America and Momento Mori

41:55 - Boredom and the Meaning of Life

54:22 - End Credits

How to Stay Christian When Everything Seems Awful

Holy Post Media — Thu, 28 May 2026 10:01:53 GMT

Faith can feel easy at the beginning, but what happens when you’re stuck in the long middle? Tired, cynical, and wondering why God feels far away? Esau is joined by Tish Harrison Warren to talk about her new book, What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience, and why perseverance is more than just spiritual grit. They discuss burnout, doubt, the exhaustion of public faith, the temptation to start over, and why staying put might be one of the most countercultural Christian practices left.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:02 - What Grows in Weary Lands

5:22 - Leaving the New York Times

24:47 - “Middle Stories”

49:12 - End Credits

What Grows in Wear Lands: On Christian Resilience by Tish Harrison Warren: https://amzn.to/4o0FwqE

Why the Church Needs Rituals Again

Holy Post Media — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:03:17 GMT

People are searching for rituals, but often in places the church has abandoned. Esau, Mike, and Rochelle Scheuermann talk about whether friendship can survive political disagreement, why people are inventing new rituals for belonging and meaning, and what churches lose when they trade formation for efficiency. Then, Rochelle discusses her new book, Disability and Evangelism, and why disability is not a problem for churches to solve but a gift the body of Christ needs to receive. She shares how her son with Down syndrome changed her understanding of discipleship, evangelism, and the kingdom of God.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:42 - Drake’s Triple Album Drop

2:24 - Friendship Across Political Divide

10:08 - Rituals

19:33 - Disability and Evangelism

22:17 - Disability Theology

34:33 - Signs a Church is Accommodating

40:02 - End Credits

Disability and Evangelism: The Good News of the Fullness of God’s Kingdom (Center For Disability and Ministry Books) by Rochelle Scheuermann: https://a.co/d/0d4aOT2t

Trump’s golden statue and Alien Invasions

Holy Post Media — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:03:30 GMT

A group of pastors prayed over a golden statue of President Trump, but they insist it was not a “golden calf” situation. Esau, Malcolm and Mike discuss what the Trump statue reveals about power, idolatry, and the church’s temptation to bless empire. Then, they discuss the recent release of government files on UFOs and question of whether the discovery of aliens would change Christian theology, while a discussion about conspiracy theories somehow leads to spies, mayors, and the CIA. Also this week: anti-DEI politics and sewage infrastructure in rural Alabama, companies cutting paid family leave, and is Mike becoming internationally famous?

0:00 - Theme Song

2:12 - Graduation Advice

11:01 - Trump’s Golden Statue

22:33 - Sponsor - OneAccord - Get 3 Hours of free, live translation for your church by visiting: https://www.oneaccord.ai/ESAU

24:58 - Aliens!

37:40 - DEI Cuts Causing Plumbing Problems

50:20 - End Credits

Gutting the Voting Rights Act and Why Results Matter as Much as Intent

Holy Post Media — Wed, 06 May 2026 21:30:34 GMT

Preorder Esau’s New Children’s Book:

https://esaumccaulley.com/books/isaiah-johnson-and-the-big-game/

The Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act decision has reignited an old debate: does discrimination only matter when racist intent can be proven, or do the results matter too? Esau McCaulley, Skye Jethani and Producer Mike break down the history behind the Voting Rights Act, why this Louisiana redistricting case matters, and what it could mean for Black political representation across the South. They also wrestle with whether America’s institutions are actually progressing on race or simply finding new ways to protect power.

Then, Sharon Hodde Miller joins the show to unpack the Newsboys lawsuit and the uncomfortable questions it raises about Christian music, nonprofit partnerships, and money in evangelical culture.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:33 - Esau’s New Book!

2:00 - Voting Rights Act Supreme Court Decision

8:47 - Moral Progress and Original Sin

23:09 - Newsboys Suing Charities

40:38 - Downsizing Friendships?

53:42 - End Credits

Another Assassination Attempt & What We’re Missing About DEI

Holy Post Media — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:22:06 GMT

After another assassination attempt on President Trump, Esau McCaulley, Malcolm Foley and Mike Stralow wrestle with what it means that political violence is starting to feel normal, and why Christians must reject any attempt to justify it in Jesus’ name. They unpack the so-called “Christian” logic behind the attacker’s manifesto, and explain why the story of Jesus fundamentally undermines violence as a tool for change. Then the conversation turns to the backlash around DEI, where real concerns, bad ideas, and political overreactions have all been thrown into one messy debate. Also this week: why people quietly leave churches, and Producer Mike might need a new nickname

0:00 - Theme Song

3:02 - Assassination Attempt

6:11 - Christian Non-Violence

9:05 - Identifying with the State

17:35 - Conspiracy Theories

20:53 - Where DEI Backfires

29:48 - The “DEI Bundle”

34:52 - Critiquing DEI Without Being MAGA

39:00 - Pastors and Congregation Numbers

55:24 - End Credits

The Death of Monoculture and What Comes After

Holy Post Media — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:04:16 GMT

We used to all watch the same thing, but now our entertainment options to our church options are more dived and fragmented than ever. Justin Giboney joins Esau McCaulley and Mike Stralow to discuss the collapse of monoculture.

Then, Dave Chappelle recently took criticism for performing at a comedy festival in Saudi Arabia, but he made the claim that there is no such thing as clean money anymore. The crew discusses if that’s true and how should Christians think about spending, giving, and participating in a system that’s already broken. Also, is it fair to tax the rich and does it actually improve society if we do?

P Lewis Art Collection:

https://www.instagram.com/plewiscollection/

0:00 - Theme Song

1:45 - The Love of Missing Out, LOMO

7:45 - Is Monoculture Dead?

12:28 - Ideology and Entertainment

22:45 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at

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24:46 - Dave Chappell and Clear Money

37:10 - Mamdani and Housing Taxes in New York City

49:50 - End Credits

Trump as the Good Physician and Bieber’s Coachella Performance

Holy Post Media — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:03:06 GMT

It was the AI image heard around the world. Esau and Mike are joined by Christine Jeske to talk about Trump’s infamous AI image depicting him as a Christ figure, and whether it signals a real shift in his evangelical support or just a passing blip. They also dig into Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance, asking whether it tapped into something deeper about longing, vulnerability, and public faith. Then the conversation turns to Anthropic’s gathering of Christian leaders to explore whether AI could ever be considered a child of God. Finally, Christine shares about her new book, Racial Justice for the Long Haul, and what gives her hope in the midst of so much turmoil right now.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:00 - Justin Bieber’s Coachella Laptop Performance

12:13 - The Pope Vs. the President

25:38 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at https://navpress.com

26:56 - Can AI Have a Soul?

31:18 - AI and Human Value

55:33 - End Credits

Trump’s Crazy Holy Week

Holy Post Media — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:01:57 GMT

A government official claims God teleported him to a Waffle House, and somehow that is not the strangest part of this conversation. Esau is joined by producer Mike and Stephen Harris to discuss Holy Week at the White House, where the language of resurrection, sacrifice, and salvation was tangled up with politics, power, and some very questionable comparisons. They also wrestle with how Christians can believe in the miraculous without losing their grip on wisdom, and why performative faith keeps missing the point of the gospel. Finally, Esau and Stephen disagree about the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape in the new Harry Potter series, raising questions about storytelling, representation, and when creative changes actually make a story worse.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:55 - Teleporting to Waffle House!

11:38 - Comparing Trump to Christ

15:23 - Trump’s Easter Tweet

20:21 - God and the State

28:42 - Sponsor - Tyndale - On The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon dives deep into the Bible. Learn more at

https://navpress.com

30:05 - Saul and Performative Christianity

38:42 - HBO Cast a Black Actor as Snape?

55:55 - End Credits

Project Hail Mary and the Return of Optimism

Holy Post Media — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:03:33 GMT

A sci-fi blockbuster about the end of the world is somehow the most hopeful movie in years. What does Project Hail Mary’s success say about a culture drowning in cynicism? Esau McCaulley, Malcolm Foley, and Mike Stralow dig into why audiences are craving optimism again and whether the church (and Holy Post Media) has something to learn from it. Then the conversation turns to all the recent talk about “revival.” Is something actually happening, or are we just reading the signs we want to see? They unpack why Christians are so fixated on growth, what we might be measuring wrong, and whether real renewal looks less like hype and more like repentance. Plus, Holy Week reflections, what’s bringing them joy right now, and a pair of red Air Force Ones.

0:00 - Theme

0:21 - Holy Week with Esau

12:22 - Revival or Not?

17:56 - Curiosity Around Religion

26:10 - Endurance and the Black Church

30:05 - Slavery is a Crime Against Humanity

46:55 - End Credits

When Even War and Death Become Content

Holy Post Media — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:03:16 GMT

War used to be something a nation mourned. Now it’s about banger memes. Esau is joined by Natasha Robinson and Producer Mike to talk about why the Trump Administration seems to prioritize its social media strategy over its war strategy. They also talk about Trump’s response to Robert Mueller’s death and reflect on new allegations about Cesar Chavez and what they reveal about leadership, abuse, and the danger of protecting movements over people. Also this week, Esau forgets a very important day.

0:00 - Theme Song

4:47 - Trump’s Glad Mueller’s Dead

11:06 - Trump’s Lasting Impact

19:31 - Pastors and Politics

24:07 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to

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26:35 - White House War Memes

31:12 - Targeting Immature Young Men

42:03 - Caesar Chavez Scandal

53:26 - End Credits

Unqualified MAGA and the Politics of Hate

Holy Post Media — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:01:29 GMT

A new study suggests Americans distrust each other more than almost any other nation, and Esau, Malcolm and Mike wrestle with whether we’ve crossed a line we can’t come back from. They dig into the deeper spiritual roots of our outrage, asking what it actually means to love your enemies in an age of constant political combat. Then the conversation turns to Hollywood’s obsession with youth and what our fear of aging reveals about us. They also take on the controversy over an unqualified Surgeon General nominee and what it says about leadership, loyalty, and truth. Also this week: Mike shoots his shot, Malcolm runs late, and somehow height insecurity becomes a real topic.

0:00 - Malcolm’s Too Famous

1:37 - Theme Song

4:17 - Oscars and Plastic Surgery

8:54 - Mike’s Too Tall

12:17 - End Stage Polarization

24:46 - Ideological Purity

32:40 - Unqualified Surgeon General

49:24 - End Credits

Iran, End Times, and the McDonald’s Bite Seen Around the World

Holy Post Media — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:03:26 GMT

Are the latest headlines about Iran a sign that the end times are near? Esau, producer Mike, and pastor Sharon Miller examine why Christians often interpret global conflict through the lens of biblical prophecy and why the book of Revelation may challenge that instinct. Then, the group talks about a viral cultural moment involving a McDonald’s CEO whose awkward burger bite sparked debate about authenticity and leadership in the influencer age. What does it say about our culture when even CEOs are expected to perform relatability online? Sharon also introduces the “relationship gap,” a trend suggesting dating apps may actually reduce the differences between people who end up together. Plus, defending movie trailers and more Disney debates.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:38 - Chalamet Angers Ballet Fans

8:36 - Is the Iran War God-Appointed?

16:24 - Memeification of War

27:03 - CEO Eats Hamburger Weirdly

40:04 - Dating Gaps Getting Weird?

52:33 - End Credits

Making Sense of the Iran War

Holy Post Media — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:01:13 GMT

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran and the world is trying to figure out what happens next. Justin Giboney joins the show to help unpack the politics, the constitutional questions, and the potential fallout both overseas and at home. Also, Esau looks at how America’s relationship with Israel shaped the conflict and why some Christians see events like this through the lens of biblical prophecy. Plus: we give marriage advice to Tom Holland and Zendaya.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:02 - Does Justin Know Zendaya?

6:40 - At War with Iran

11:47 - Are We Liberating Iran?

18:12 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

19:21 - Sponsor - Public Good Generation - In high school and looking to lead in faith? Check out this Summer Civics Program in Washington DC: https://ccpubliclife.org/holypost

21:03 - Israel’s Influence on Trump

26:19 - Prophecy ad Abraham’s Sin

31:20 - Trump’s Broken Promises

42:42 - End Credits

US Hockey, Ben Sasse, and Jesse Jackson: How We Celebrate, Die, and Remember

Holy Post Media — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:58:32 GMT

The U.S. hockey team wins gold, but the celebration sparked bigger questions. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss if America become the bully to the rest of the world? Also, Ben Sasse’s public reflections on his terminal cancer diagnosis bring a different kind of clarity about faith, family, and what actually matters when time runs short. Then, with the passing of Jesse Jackson, we consider how to remember leaders who shaped history by honoring real progress without pretending perfection.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:10 - Parking Spot

5:36 - Canada Vs US Hockey

9:07 - Did David Become Goliath?

17:21 - Ben Sass and Facing Mortality

21:10 - Sponsor - Nazarene Theological Seminary - Looking for a program grounded in black theology? Check out the Doctor of Ministry in Black Leadership and Ministry at https://nts.edu/podcast

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25:44 - What’s Worth Our Time?

35:42 - Jesse Jackson

50:34 - End Credits

Lent After Loss: What Christian Hope Really Looks Like

Holy Post Media — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ash Wednesday forces us to acknowledge that some day we will die. For some, that truth is abstract. For others, it is painfully personal. Esau and Mike are joined by Hannah Miller King, author of Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness, to talk about what happens to faith when prayers for healing go unanswered. After losing her father to cancer as a teenager, Hannah began wrestling with a question many believers quietly carry: What does hope look like when God doesn’t do what you asked? They explore the difference between a “transaction of goods” gospel and the communion of persons, the role of the Lord’s Supper in shaping Christian imagination, and how Lent invites us to hold suffering and resurrection together. Also, can Hannah and Esau convince Mike to become anglican?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:19 - Making Mike Anglican

7:21 - King’s New Book on Ash Wednesday

14:40 - The Book’s Thesis

18:10 - Grief

26:07 - Community and Grief

39:22 - End Credits

Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness by Hannah Miller King: https://amzn.to/4aHAvgh

Trump’s Racist Video and the Refusal to Apologize

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:48:00 GMT

A video shared by Donald Trump depicting Barack and Michelle Obama with a racist trope sparked outrage, swift defenses, and eventually, quiet deletion. Esau, Malcolm, and Mike explore the long history of dehumanizing imagery, the theological weight of the image of God, and why the refusal to repent may matter more than the original post. Then the conversation turns to rhetoric at the National Prayer Breakfast and the danger of blending national power with the language of the gospel. What does it mean to follow a crucified king in an age that prizes dominance?

0:00 - Theme Song

2:00 - Can You Beat Middle Schoolers at Basketball?

6:56 - Trump’s Racist Obama Video

24:23 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

25:26 - The Military and Religion

35:27 - What’s Part of the Gospel?

46:00 - End Credits

Outsourcing Our Social Lives to AI

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:09:00 GMT

Students aren’t just using AI to finish assignments. They’re using it to manage social interactions, from emails to professors to conversations on dating apps. Esau, Justin, and Mike explore how that might spare a little awkwardness, but also skips the stage of failure where real growth usually happens. Then, are small liberal arts colleges actually better at forming students, and are universities still teaching people how to think rather than what to think? Also, sports gambling continues to cause problems and why Y2K culture, including the return of CDs, is making a surprising comeback.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:18 - Black History Month Present

2:23 - CDs Are Coming Back?

9:23 - Physical Media in a Digital World

13:29 - A.I. Keeps Us from Failing

22:12 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/esau

23:33 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

24:50 - Avoiding A.I. Entirely?

34:09 - Liberal Art’s Inefficiency is Its Strength

40:54 - Sports Betting’s Return

51:50 - End Credits

Resources:

God’s Colorful Easter: The Good News Is for Everyone by Esau McCaulley:

https://www.tyndale.com/p/gods-colorful-easter/9798400501029?srsltid=AfmBOopFr6DDhzFFW4jVivkDhEgT3FNiuzM1cc8xmhgBCDtMuXLNVBSZ

Alex Pretti’s Killing and Not Letting Rage Win

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:15:00 GMT

The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis has become another moment where violence, misinformation, and political certainty collide. As video evidence contradicts official narratives, Esau, Malcolm Foley, and Mike wrestle with what this death reveals about power, propaganda, and the erosion of public trust. Then the three discuss Esau’s recent article for the New York Times to ask a harder question: how do Christians name injustice without being consumed by rage? What does faithful witness look like when anger feels justified but spiritually dangerous?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:10 - American Girl Doll Nostalgia

9:36 - Dark New Normal

14:45 - Justifying Violence with “Woke” Accusations

23:52 - Sponsor - With & For: Psychology and Spirituality for Thriving Podcast. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330

25:02 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to

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25:53 - Why Do We Believe Things?

33:25 - Not Living with Rage

47:40 - End Credits

Greenland, Druski, and Why the Church Keeps Getting Roasted

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:22:00 GMT

Greenland is suddenly back on the menu of American foreign policy, raising real questions about conquest, NATO, and whether Christians can ever justify taking land that isn’t theirs. Then, J. Cole’s fear of “the fall off” becomes a window into ambition, calling, and the strange psychology of decline. And when Druski lampoons megachurch culture, it forces an uncomfortable look at why the church keeps becoming an easy punchline, and how Christians should respond when they are the butt of the joke. Plus, will Instagram be the thing that finally tears apart Esau and Mike?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:50 - Hills to Die On

7:03 - Why Are We Against Invading Greenland?

16:05 - Sponsor - Glorify - Get full access all year for $29.00 at https://www.glorify-app.com/esau

18:50 - J Cole’s Retiring

27:55 - Pastors Falling Off

33:53 - Satirizing Megachurches

48:50 - End Credits