The Hopper Podcast

Too progressive to be conservative; too conservative to be liberal. Politically homeless Christians tackling LGBTQ+, Gun Control, Racism, Universal Basic Income, Abortion, Grief, Politics, Social Media, and more . . . with nuance and respect . . . taking God seriously, and ourselves lightly.

163 Practical Solutions for a Failing Social Security System

Is Social Security going bankrupt? Not exactly, but it is in trouble. What is the actual problem? What are good solutions? And why can't we pass the common-sense solutions?Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

08-31
40:20

162 Mainline Churches are Dying, What's Next?

The divide between theologically conservative and liberal churches is growing wider, is there hope for liberal churches? Let's talk about it.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

08-17
26:50

161 Silly Trivia Games

Time to take a step back from the heavy topics and have some fun. William puts Dave to the test with silly trivia games. Play along, learn something, and have some fun.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

08-03
29:20

160 Common Sense Immigration Reform: This Path Could Actually Work

What if there were a path forward on immigration that both sides could support?In this episode of the Hopper Podcast, we sit down with Jim Neighbors, the author of a surprising, hopeful, and economically grounded proposal for integrating undocumented immigrants into American society. With 11 to 13 million undocumented individuals currently living in the U.S.—many for over 15 years—Jim lays out a nonpartisan plan that combines border security, legal accountability, and economic opportunity.We talk about:Why mass deportation would devastate the U.S. economy and national security.How a $30,000 fine per undocumented person could generate $300+ billion in revenue while avoiding $800 billion in deportation costs.How this plan strengthens national sovereignty and affirms human dignity.The surprising data behind crime rates, tax contributions, and property/business ownership among undocumented immigrants.How this proposal appeals to progressives, moderates, and conservatives alike.This conversation is thoughtful, hopeful, and rooted in both compassion and common sense.Access the Documents:Hope for the Undocumented Community and an Opportunity for the Nation (PDF)UI Integration Proposal: Political Brief and Policy Outline (PDF)Form Letter to Send to Elected Officials (DOCX)For more information: info@whynotact.orgFacebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

07-25
01:00:02

159 Jesus, Nietzche, Trump, and Ice

Wow, gotta love the current events. Let's take a step back, and look at the bigger picture.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

06-15
45:49

158 Finding U.S. in the Minor Prophets

Pastor Dave is preaching through the Minor Prophets of the Bible, and the themes are amazingly familiar to those of "us" who live in the "U.S." The prophets teach us how the world works, and our current situation is no different. Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

05-04
32:47

157 ChatGPT can be your friend and lover

We review the New York Times podcast episode, "She fell in love with ChatGPT." What is the future of relationships, is AI evil? Or good? How can we use it for good?Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

04-20
46:13

156 Young women leaving the church

New studies say that young women are leaving churches, and young men are returning. That's a new trend. What's going on?Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

03-16
32:48

155 Minor Prophets for today

Are the Bible's minor prophets relevant today? Pastor Dave tells us why he is preaching through these ancient poems, and William explains why he is so excited for it.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

03-02
24:47

154 Animals in the Church

Mark Driscoll's Confessions of a Reformission Rev. provides a list of animals that describe people in a church. Horses, rats, snakes, eagles, and more. William and Dave (both seasoned pastors) give explanations and stories of each.For more information about Mark Driscoll, and why he is so controversial, listen to The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. It's one of the best podcasts, it is a limited series.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

02-09
40:26

153 TikTok Troubles / DOGE: good or bad?

TikTok is on the way out, is that good for us? And what about the new "Department of Government Efficiency?"Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

01-19
46:25

152 Tim Keller's 4 Seasons of Cultural Engagement / "Go fast and break things"

Tim Keller wrote in Center Church about 4 seasons of cultural engagement. They are each biblical and good for different "seasons" of society's relationship with the church. Where are we? Then, while big tech companies say, "go fast and break things," Jesus teaches us to go slow and repair things.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesWrite us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

01-12
21:53

151 How Trump Won and What is Next

Our reaction to the election of Donald Trump as President. Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

11-24
42:44

150 Spirit of the Rainforest with Mark Ritchie

Interview with Mark Ritchie the author of Spirit of the Rainforest, one of our favorite books of all time. Warning: this interview has some descriptions of true, brutal crimes. It's a story of redemption, and the overwhelming love of God.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

10-20
36:27

149 The Multiverse: Scientific and Spiritual perspectives with Dr. Evan Nelsen

Dr. Evan Nelsen brings the detailed scientific facts and theories of the multiverse. It's not just science fiction, but a real possibility. After some serious discussion of the science and philosophy, we turn to the practical and spiritual meaning of these (sometimes mind-boggling) ideas. Dr. Nelsen is a supporter of the Hopper Podcast, and you can be a supporter too, by clicking the "Bonus Episodes" button below.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

10-06
42:09

148 Political Gender Gap Widening World-Wide

Review of this important article: "Why Young Men and Women are Drifting Apart" from The Economist. As we approach another presidential election, young women are more liberal than ever while young men continue to drift conservative. Why is this? What does it mean? How can we help?Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

09-22
35:36

147 Is America a Christian Nation? with Robert Cunningham

What a great conversation with Robert Cunningham about the Christian origins (or not?) of the United States. This is directly related to competing ideas about the essential character of this country today.If you like The Hopper Podcast, you'll like Robert's Every Square Inch podcast.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

09-09
56:19

146 Olympic Controversies

The Paris Olympic Opening Ceremonies included a controversial scene that outraged Christians around the world. A female boxer raised eyebrows around the world. Let's be thoughtful, compassionate, honest about these hard topics. Hopper Podcast episodes on transgender issuesIntersex episode, followup Intersex interviewFacebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

08-21
37:11

145 "Leave the World Behind" / Soundtracks Game

Dave and William welcome guest Jim Nelson to discuss the movie Leave the World Behind. If you haven't seen it, you should. There's lots to discuss.Soundtracks Game on Youtube you can play right now!Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

08-11
47:19

144 Birth & Death / Southern Baptists & IVF

Hospice chaplain William reviews the connections (physical and spiritual) between birth and death. Then, a discussion of a recent controversial decision by the Southern Baptists regarding IVF.Facebook groupthehopperpodcast.orgBonus EpisodesCall or text us: 214.267.9287Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

07-07
31:30

INFJayo

Re: the trash talking claims: You correctly state that Lia denies telling teammates she “slows down on purpose” or has to wait too long at the end of the race. Right after clearly saying she denies making these comments, you say they “sound believable.” You give no evidence for this… She hasn’t been known to make other trash-talking comments, and the statements are provided sans context… It’s not like you know Lia or her personality, so how can you say whether these claims are believable or not? This is your prejudice. I agree people don’t transition to another gender just to win a championship in a sport. That’s fucking obvious. Admitting this does not mean you are being fair or treating her with respect. It’s the bare minimum to acknowledge her humanity. Do better.

04-11 Reply

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