Best Spiritually Nerdy Podcasts (2025)

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#2515 - The USCCB Conference, reopening the government, and an interview with Kat Armas 1:31:34

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11d ago1:31:34

1:31:34

Heidi, Daniel, and David do a deep dive into the recent Bishops' Conference, and we look at the ongoing fallout from the government shutdown as the country struggles to reopen. Then Heidi interviews Kat Armas about the spirituality of resisting empire during Advent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#2514 - The loss of SNAP benefits, LMU labor dispute, and America's attacks on boats in the Caribbean 1:08:11

26d ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the cascading effects of the government shutdown, as well as the recent attacks by the American military on civilian fishing boats in the Caribbean. Finally, we take a look at the unfolding situation at Loyola Marymount, where their Board of Directors has refused to recognize union negotiations moving forward. Learn…

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#2513 - Effects of the government shutdown, Pope Leo's first apostolic exhortation, and an interview with Fr. David Inczauskis, SJ 1:19:38

1M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

Heidi, Dan, and David look at the ongoing government shutdown from the perspective of Catholic Social Teaching, and the notion that the government should exist to promote the common good. Then they look at Dilexi Te, the Holy Father's first apostolic exhortation to the faithful. Finally, Heidi interviews Fr. David Inczauskis, SJ, who was involved i…

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Episode 294 - How to have a Session Zero (TTRPG) 1:09:00

1M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

When starting a new role playing game with friends it is often good to do a session zero. We did a mock session zero in today's episode for a game and had fun doing it.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2512 - Pope Leo's comments on Senator Dick Durbin, Pete Hegseth's unprecedented meeting with the generals, and an interview with J.D. and Tamara Long-Garcia 1:27:56

2M ago1:27:56

1:27:56

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the recent comments made by Pope Leo in the wake of Cardinal Blase Cupich offering to honor Senator Dick Durbin for a lifetime of service, and then we try to understand exactly what was going on with the recent meeting of generals and other military leaders called by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Finally, Heidi…

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Episode 293 - Unpopcultural Opinions 1:03:43

2M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

We shared our unpopular opinions about pop culture and also fought a bit about some of them.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2511 - Pope Leo's long interview, free speech fallout, and Tricia Bruce on synodality 1:18:00

2M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Heidi, Daniel, and David explore what we might learn from the first official interviews with the Holy Father. We then turn to the recent bouts of alleged political violence and the chilling effects on free speech in the public sphere. Then Heidi interviews sociologist Tricia Bruce about the continuing work of synodality in the Church. Learn more ab…

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#2510 - LGBTQIA+ Jubilee pilgrimage, RFK and vaccines, and an interview with Joe Paprocki 1:13:20

3M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the unsettling shifts in America's vaccine policies, and the recent pilgrimage to Rome by LGBTQIA+ Catholics. Heidi interviews author and catechist Joe Paprocki. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Sandburg Media

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Episode 292 - Musicality 54:30

3M ago54:30

54:30

David, Brian, and Áine bond over music. Some of us don't remember band names, but all of us love music and have different and eclectic tastes. A particular interesting conversation point is the idea of people who don't like music.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2509 - Our summer, Trump's summer, and an interview with Archbishop Wester 1:15:49

3M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

Heidi, Daniel, and David catch up on the many projects and changes they've been working on over the summer break. They also recap the many moves of the Trump administration and what they might mean for America and the Church. Heidi interviews Archbishop Wester of Santa Fe about nuclear disarmament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.…

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Ep 291 - Reenacting vs. Enacting - with Paulbo Baggins 1:13:14

4M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Paulbo Baggins joined to talk about dressing up in historical outfits and going to war. We also talked about reenactments, Larping, Ren fair and other related and unrelated topicsBy Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 290 - Brian and David Quick Hangout 44:14

4M ago44:14

44:14

David and Brian needed to do a quick episode due to heat, chores and other things so we hung out.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 289 - Finding the Pleasure Port 55:59

4M ago55:59

55:59

What's that one tech product that really hits the spot? That one console, one appliance, one computer peripheral that just fills a need you didn't know you had. Erica, Brian, and David talk about this and much more.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 287 - WeekendNerds 1:25:46

5M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Episode 287 - WeekendNerds by Nerd Podcast RadioBy Nerd Podcast Radio

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Ep286 - Nerd Reunion! All Five Hosts! 1:17:25

6M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

Mikey, Erica, David, Brian, and Áine were all on the same episode! This is the first time Mikey has been on an episode in forever and it was SO special! We were thrilled to be together again! Mikey still has scheduling concerns but share your love, hopefully he will be back again soon!Edit: We skipped a number. For ep285 we met and chatted unrecord…

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Episode 284 - Existential Crisis 39:19

6M ago39:19

39:19

We talk about getting olderBy Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 283 - Religion and Spirituality 1:09:38

6M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

Brian couldn't make it due to Easter so we talked about Religion.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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Summer Special - We have a new Pope! 56:26

6M ago56:26

56:26

Heidi, Daniel, and David gather for a special episode to look at the first weeks of the papacy of Pope Leo XIV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Sandburg Media

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Episode 282 - You Can't Take the Sky from Me 1:15:49

7M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

I thought I had a great idea to speculate on where Firefly would go if it wasn't cancelled. Erica did not like this idea. There was also beer involved. This was an interesting episode. Enjoy.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2508 - The death, impact, and legacy of Pope Francis 1:18:21

7M ago1:18:21

1:18:21

Heidi, Daniel, and David reflect on the papacy of Poe Francis, end talk about the next steps that will be happening in the Vatican following his death this past Monday. Then they look ahead to the future of the Church, and discuss how we each can take up the legacy of Francis into the heart of the 21st century. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

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#2507 - Tariffs, preaching on creation, and an interview with Stephanie Clary about Laudato Si' 1:19:56

8M ago1:19:56

1:19:56

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the negative effects of a fabricated trade war on global commerce, and then they explore how pastors can use their positions to help raise awareness about climate change. Then Heidi interviews Stephanie Clary, of NCR's EarthBeat, about the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega…

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Episode 281 - Domo Arigato 59:25

8M ago59:25

59:25

Our recurring guest host, "The Rusty Nail" joined us to chat about Robots. I am so impressed by Rusty's incites on this subject, it was a truly great re-look at this topic.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2506 - Illegal deportations, survey of women in ministry, and an interview with Meghan Clark 1:36:45

8M ago1:36:45

1:36:45

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the recent actions of the Trump administration to violate civil rights and judicial oversight, and discuss a recent survey of women in the San Diego Diocese. Then Heidi interviews theologian Meghan J. Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 280 - Brian Quit...for the Day 1:25:53

9M ago1:25:53

1:25:53

Bad days and burn out happen. Brian unexpectantly couldn't make it so David and Erica scrambled together quite a good episode. They even found a guest. Sir Nicholas, David, and Erica had a fantastic discussion about all sorts of things. Best episode ever! Sorry Brian.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 279 - ChatGPT wrote this Episode 1:20:36

9M ago1:20:36

1:20:36

We explored what AI could do for us to help us make an episode. We tried to create an example of a way to use AI for productivity rather than as a way to exploit.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2505 - Threats to the Department of Education and Georgetown Law School, and an interview with Rev. Angela Denker 1:17:45

9M ago1:17:45

1:17:45

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the recent attacks on education, both generally and specifically, by the Trump administration, and Heidi interviews Rev. Angela Denker about Christian nationalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Sandburg Media

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Pre-Pod:Raised vs. Raising: Parenting Styles, Lessons & Breaking Cycles 16:18

9M ago16:18

16:18

In this bonus episode, the crew gets real about parenting—then vs. now. We reflect on how we were raised, the lessons (and trauma) we inherited, and what we plan to keep or leave behind as we raise the next generation. From old-school discipline to gentle parenting, we break down the shifts in parenting styles and ask: Are we doing better, or just …

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Episode 250: Black & Nerdy w/ MAX 1:03:54

9M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

This week, we’re joined by MAX from Fax From The Lab Podcast to talk all things blerd culture and how it’s always been a part of Black identity. From Parliament Funkadelic to Erykah Badu, we break down how Black people have always embraced futuristic, imaginative worlds—long before anime and sci-fi went mainstream. Whether it’s Dragon Ball Z, comic…

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#2504 - The Pope's health, potential cuts to Medicaid, and an interview with Shannon Evans on Lent 1:19:49

9M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Daniel, Heidi, and David look at the GOP's recent attacks on Medicaid, and join their prayers with the world on behalf of the health of Pope Francis. Heidi interviews NCR's Shannon Evans about lenten spirituality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Sandburg Media

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Episode 249: Truckin’ Through Love, Sex Playlists & Valentine’s Day Fails 1:18:59

9M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

Truckin’ Through Love, Sex Playlists & Valentine’s Day Fails | Unsolicited Views Podcast Ep. 249 This week on the pod, Jon, Mal, Syd, and special guest Franklin are bringing the laughs and real talk! Franklin gives us the lowdown on his life as a trucker and opens up about his love life on the road. He’s got one big question: Why doesn’t his lady e…

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Francis Effect presents: The Four Theologians 1:11:48

9M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

In this special episode of The Francis Effect, co-host Heidi Schlumpf moderates a roundtable of four theologians: Dr. Bryan Massingale and Dr. Cristina Traina, both of Fordham University in New York, and Dr. Hille Haker and Dr. Miguel Diaz, both of Loyola University Chicago. The guests react to the first month of the second term of President Donald…

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Episode 278 - If You Could Be A ... What Would You Be? 1:06:38

10M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Holly surprised David, Brian, and Erica by joining us to have a very strange conversation about what we would be in certain properties. This was an experimental format, let us know what you think.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 277 - Robots Are Cool 59:45

10M ago59:45

59:45

David and Brian had a blast talking about well, those that beep and boop. Robots are cool. As usual for D & B episodes, lots of Star Wars. This was an improvised no outline episode so be prepared for chaos. Bleep Bloop.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2503 - The attack on USAID, J.D. Vance's armchair theology, and an interview with Charlene Howard of Pax Christi 1:20:14

10M ago1:20:14

1:20:14

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the effects the recent attacks on USAID have had on charities and NGOs - especially in the Catholic world. Then they look at the recent comments made by Vice-President J.D. Vance as he weighs in on theological issues. Finally, Heidi welcomes Charlene Howard, the new Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, for a conve…

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Episode248: Work Sucks, Friends Change & Is Spirituality a Scam? 1:14:31

9M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

The gang is back with another unfiltered episode of Unsolicited Views! Mel returns from FMLA, and we catch up on everything—from her love for Sprinkles to Jon’s latest peculiar story. We dive into whether we truly stand up for Blackness, why so many of us are fighting for work-from-home life (work plan antics) and Jamal’s name if he went to jail. T…

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#2502 - Trump 2.0, the Oscars nominations, and an interview with Thomas Reese, SJ 1:17:10

10M ago1:17:10

1:17:10

Heidi, Daniel, and David look at the first week of the second Trump administration, and what listeners can do for self-care and mutual aid. Next, we take a lighter view and look at the various vilms nominated for the 2025 Academy Awards. Finally, Heidi interviews Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ, about his life in Catholic journalism, Learn more about your ad …

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Episode 247: Allies, Secrets, and Love Languages 49:49

10M ago49:49

49:49

Episode 247 is packed with laughs, truths, and a little bit of soul-searching. Jon gets candid about his allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community—because supporting all the letters matters 🌈. Mel is back… well, kind of. He’s on FMLA (again), and we’re still trying to figure out how he makes it work. 😂 Meanwhile, Mal keeps his emotions locked up like Fort…

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#2501 - The new Trump administration, Cardinal Robert McElroy becomes new Archbishop of Washington, and an interview with Dylan Corbett 1:18:25

11M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Heidi, Dan, and David think about how Catholics might prepare themselves for the violence against the vulnerable being promised by the incoming Trump administration, and they look at the work and ministry of Cardinal Robert McElroy with some measure of hope for the Church speaking out in favor of the "least of these." Then Heidi interviews Dylan Co…

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Episode 276 - Planning for the Future 1:18:10

11M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

Paulbo Baggins who previously joined us in some Minecraft episodes joined us for a look to the future. Since it's the new year lets talk about the future. What does a plan look like? Where do you see yourself? I found it most interesting to look at looks to the future from different generations. It was a fun chat…

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Episode 246: Welcome Back, Mel: Pet Peeves, Parenting, and Deal Breakers 1:11:12

11M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

We’re back, and so is Mel! 🎉 After catching up and hitting you with a top-tier dad joke (don’t worry, we’re cringing too), we dive into some real talk. Are deal breakers and pet peeves the same thing, or are we just being dramatic? 🤔 Can you maintain relationships with people who keep testing your patience? And when your inner child feels unsafe, i…

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Episode 275 - Holiday Recap 52:40

11M ago52:40

52:40

The Legion (Leigh) joined Super Vegan Brian to talk about the holidays followed by a tired David from a long drive from Vegas. It's a short one due to holiday activities but we had a fun chat hearing about O-Mega Mart and the Fallout Festival as well as other holiday stories.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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Episode 274 - Friday the 13th with Grymm 1:16:57

12M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Stolas and Grymm shared a mic for the episode we recorded on Friday the 13th. The topic was luck and of course this lead to arguments like this:Brian - Luck isn't realErica - Brian's a **** idiot.Brian - Erica is Short.By Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2416 - Advent, Chris White on Vatican News, and a Pop Culture Roundup 1:22:33

12M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Heidi, Dan, and David end the season with a conversation about how we are celebrating Advent and preparing for Christmas this year, as well as doing a roundup of what we have been watching and reading over the past few months. Plus Heidi interviews Chris White of National Catholic Reporter, and they discuss what might be coming next for the Francis…

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Episode 245- Sins, 2-Ply, and Last Names 1:12:35

12M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

This week, the crew is here to tackle the big questions in life…sort of. First, we dive into the “Sin Spectrum” and decide which sins are worse—spoiler alert: marriage might just be the cheat code to knock fornication and adultery off your list. Next up, we settle the age-old debate: is 2-ply toilet paper the only acceptable option? (The answer is …

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Episode 273 - Thankfulness 1:23:33

1y ago1:23:33

1:23:33

Tis the season to be thankful....in the USA. So we talked about thankfulnessBy Nerd Podcast Radio

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#2415 - Trump's Proposed Cabinet Picks, Renewed Debates about Hymns in Liturgy, and an Interview with Ann Garrido 1:18:09

1y ago1:18:09

1:18:09

Heidi, Dan and David discuss the implications of Trump's cabinet picks for vulnerable populations. They look at the recent controversies around the liturgical use of certain hymns and songwriters, and Heidi interviews Ann Garrido about how to navigate difficult conversations during the holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho…

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Episode 244: The “Ain’t Sh*t” Spectrum 1:13:33

1y ago1:13:33

1:13:33

With Mel still on LOA and Mal out here galavanting, Jon and Syd are left to roast every generation. First, they dig into the age-old question: why did Millennials sneak around while Gen Z just throws it all out there like they’ve got nothing to lose? Then they dive into life trajectories—turns out, how we turn out really isn’t that shocking. They a…

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Episode 272 - Winter Is Coming...For Some Of Us 1:07:34

1y ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Brian was brilliant. He picked seasonal topics for the next lined up episodes not thinking that half of the hosts live in climates that have two seasons. The attempt was talking about winter activities and how to avoid being an indoor kid but the indoor kid in all of us flourished and we ended up talking about mostly indoor activities and some seve…

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#2414 - Post-Election conversation, featuring Sr. Simone Campbell and Fr. Bryan Massingale 1:11:07

1y ago1:11:07

1:11:07

Heidi, Daniel, and David welcome their guests, Fr. Bryan Massingale and Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS, to look at the 2024 election and address the questions, How are we doing? How did we get here? and Where do we go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Sandburg Media

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Episode 271- Talking About The Dresden Files 1:11:25

1y ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Holly, David, and Brian do their best to remember details about the Dresden Files novels as they anticipate the upcoming book.By Nerd Podcast Radio