John Branyan's Comedy Sojourn Podcast

This episode is being uploaded late, due to tech difficulties. Sorry about that, Neighbor Pkarlgh!Our family is celebrating Cami's 11th birthday this week, but not everyone is excited about her party's theme.  Is it okay for Christians to read stories about magic and witchcraft?... We discuss this briefly. Then:  it's encouraging to know that God has been revealing pieces of his Truth to EVERY nation in EVERY era.  But, when are we allowed to agree with the pagans?   Or are we running the risk of compromising our faith in order to get along with more people?    Let us regale you with a very long-winded anecdote with borrowed from The King's Hall Podcast.  Don't be quick to divide and sell the land of your inheretance, Neighbor!  You can contact us by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com, and you can support the show by becomining a member of John's Comedy Clique.  Details at johnbranyan.com.  

The house is FULL of family today (especially noisy kids)--and we don't feel much like podcasting...  But, we're doing it anyway!   Tabby is at the table, and Megan grabs a mic later in the episode as well.  John wants to talk about why so many Christians seem to be "deconstructing" their faith.  We think we mostly agree with the article he quotes.Young Americans no longer trust large institutions like the government, the medical establishment, and the Church.  They've become loners who trust no one except themselves...and it's getting to the point where they don't really trust themselves, either. (That's what happens when you have been taught to see through everything. There's no end to the free fall.) Christians have access to information about other belief systems and worldviews they didn't have 100 years ago, which may tempt them away from their faith.  But--more importantly--they don't have the skills necessary to discern what's true and what's false.   Pull u

We've been informed that our Neighbor (Pkarlgh) wants to come over and visit MORE OFTEN. So we're putting out bonus content on Thursdays.   Please enjoy today's table talk with John, the Peaches, and the Podcast Ninja (Luke).  We'll tell you how to make yeast rolls that will offend your grandmother...  and how to make marshmallows... and how to make cotton candy in the most entertaining way possible. Also, please let us know if you're interested in our Racoon-Trapping Kits. We're ready to make some money! Email: nextdoor@johnbranyan.com to interact with us.   Thanks for visiting, Neighbor!

The Podcast Ninja (Luke) is at the table today.  We begin by talking about how much fun comedian's have when they're driving about 10 hours, to and from a show.  Then, the Peaches reminds John about how wrong he was two episodes ago... (Remember when John was wrong, Neighbor?) But she's actually trying to make him feel better by sharing something that convicted HER lately:  CS Lewis had a different perspective on Emotionalism than we typically have on this podcast! Please enjoy some quotes from The Abolition of Man. "[People who are wrong] see the world around them swayed by emotional propaganda — they have learned from tradition that youth is sentimental — and they conclude that the best thing they can do is to fortify the minds of young people against emotion. My own experience as a teacher tells an opposite tale. For every one pupil who needs to be guarded from a weak excess of sensibility there are three who need to be awakened from the slumber of cold v

The Comedian and The Peaches are talking about heartrate and stress.   Apparently, it's possible for your body to be stressed without your mind being aware of it. Who knew? We always talk about not being able to trust our emotions, but we can't always trust our thoughts and perceptions, either... Sometimes the tasks that would be stressful for others actually calm us down. That's our comfort zone!  But sometimes we have panic attacks on airplanes.  Next, John makes a few confusing announcements about when he'll be performing at Gutty's comedy club. (He's appearing at the Minneapolis Gutty's on April 22nd and 23rd, and the Indianapolis Gutty's on April 29th and 30th.)  Also, the Peaches sees a bug on the wall.  Then, John's dental hygienist asked for his opinion about the infamous Chris Rock and Will Smith Slap, so he shares that opinion with you, Neighbor Pkarlgh!  Basically, the people of Hollywood are not doing very well! Being unable to handle Mean Words is a sign of pers

We're here at the table, Neighbor Pkarlgh! (And the kids are working busily nearby.) Join us while we talk about John's latest post on social media.  Spoilers: this conversation does not go the way he expected... In this episode:  -Why would a person post a comment that is nothing but Scripture? -Social media encourages disagreement and misunderstanding. -It's almost impossible to communicate with other humans...  unless we can find common ground in Christ. -We don't often treat people on social media with the same grace we give our loved ones in real life. -John is defensive about being defensive. -Plus MORE! Bottom line: maybe we should stay in our lane by focusing on helping people find the humor in their life and choose joy.  Send your Scripture references to nextdoor@johnbranyan.com.  Also, consider supporting John Branyan Comedy by becoming a member of the Comedy Clique! (Details at johnbranyan.com) 

Welcome to the table, Neighbor Pkarlgh!   The Peaches had an epiphany this week regarding how important it is for the human body to have food.  Isn't it crazy the way the sun rises every morning--and putting nutrients in your stomach can change your life? But let's remember: people are not just physical creatures. We have minds and souls as well.  Later: Would you criticize a fat person at the gym?  It's hard to wait for God to reveal the same things to other people that He has revealed to you... Then:  Are we encroaching on Relativism over here??? Or are we simply realizing a Truth about the "living and active" nature of Scripture? Finally:  Ecclesiastes seems really depressing... But, with the right perspective, it's actually encouraging.  "NOTHING MATTERS--EVERYTHING IS MEANINGLESS!"  It reminds us of John's saying, "Life is a joke." Reach out to us by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com. Join us at the Fight Laugh Feast Conference in October! (Details at flfnetwo

We're going to be totally honest about some stuff today, Neighbor!   The Peaches still has been dealing with some emotional and psychological discomfort.    (We would blame the thyroid if we could, but that's has been ruled out, so.... darn.)   Sometimes, life's trials just FEEL more weighty than other times...  Hang on, we have a quick interruption while Collin amazes everyone with his poem-thingy... Okay--back to the subject. The Peaches is going to be very cautious ("guarded") with her words today. But John wants to lay everything out on the table and tell you about some interpersonal conflict.  Not everyone handles their struggles/crisis by dialoging with their Christian family and processing things.   But that's how WE roll.  There are some problems at church because many people aren't comfortable with open communication.  Join us at the table. Let's say true things.  

What do you think, Neighbor?   Should John record another Dry Bar special?  Either way, let's talk about why John keeps posting about Modesty on social media and triggering the "bossy" Feminists... We don't live in a Patriarchy anymore. So, when you discover certain words/topics you're not allowed to say, it's not a bad idea to keep your finger on that nerve. Our culture keeps telling women to "be themselves," but what does that even mean? Next: the Peaches has some very good news! More and more Christians are becoming as grumpy and cynical as she is! Hooray!   There seems to be a shift among our brothers and sisters, as if the bulk of the Church now has almost as much experience dealing with trolls on social media as we did 10 years ago!...Also: if you want to help the Feminists kill John using an obscure Medieval torture device, then B.Y.O.E. Finally: how should we react when those few (but loud) non-believers show up to spout foolishness?  Do we respond at all?  Here

Good to have you at the table, Neighbor Pkarlgh!  If you have any tips for helping Collin grow an inch taller before the summer, please let us know.  Now--let's talk about a book by Vishal Mangalwadi called "The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization."  There is a stark difference between the assumptions of Eastern Mystics and the assumptions of philosopher who have been influenced by the principles in the Bible.   Christians believe humans are valuable, because we were created in God's image. And we're also capable of using logic, because God gives us the ability (and even the command) to be reasonable.  That changes EVERYTHING. Listen as we read some quotes about funny things Eastern Philosophers believe to be "enlightenment." Listen to all the sound of all that knowledge, squeaking and grinding!  Later: Is "individualism" a bad thing?  We think most people probably equate "individualism" with "selfishness," but the

Last week, the Peaches said "If you really believe a thing, it will lead to action. And the main thing stopping people from ACTING on their beliefs is fear/uncertainty."  But... Pkarlgh sent an email with a possible exception involving masks at work, so we need to unpack this a bit more.  Next: this entire winter has been full of health trials for the Comedian's family. We thought having COVID in December would be the peak. But--no. We just can't shake the sickness around here.  This leads us to notice how different individuals tend to struggle with different symptoms more than others.  What's the connection between mind and body when you're suffering with both spiritual and physical symptoms?  (Is it related to the different ways we're tempted to sin?)Let's talk about people who suffer well.  Do they get to the point they actually suffer LESS than people who fall into the suffering spiral?  Some people suffer greatly with anxiety about being laughed at.   John doe

Welcome to the kitchen table of the Comedian Next Door, Neighbor Pkarlgh! We've taken away the video games and other screens, so the kids are playing ball in the house.  John recently realized there aren't many people in the Church today who are willing to be as bold and confident as Paul. Why is that?  Are people afraid to speak the truth?... or do they even know what the truth is in the first place? Peaches thinks most people struggle with uncertainties/doubts.  Some things aren't worth fighting about...  But those aren't really "convictions."  We have been advising people to SHUT UP when they don't know what they're talking about.  So, maybe that's why there are so few Pauls.  Is it possible to will ourselves to know things?  Can we CHOOSE to be more certain?

Hi, Neighbor! The Peaches used to believe that every, single bad thing on the planet could be attributed to "selfishness." (And she still leans that direction.) But NOW she thinks absolutely every conflict boils down to a clash between the Truth and a lie.Lots and lots of people are really struggling to express themselves.  We give two examples of comments from John's "critics." But, they're just collections of generic, angry-sounding words. To be a criticism, a thing needs to be clear and direct.   There are way too many empty words being thrown around. Do you want some practice thinking and speaking more clearly? Try getting directions from a small child and then translating for him/her.  Speaking of small children talking in childish ways, here's Silas to say a thing we don't totally understand at first!Three types of Liars: 1. Immature/Ignorant people with limited ability to express themselves. 2. Manipulators who INTENTIONALLY mislead with "word games."3. Smooth-talkers who want

Please join us in praying a hedge of protection around the Comedian's recording equipment.  Welcome to our table--where Tabby is just getting back from an appointment with her newborn, Warren. We're pretty sure this lip-tie surgery is going to cure ALL of his future ailments. Tabby hasn't had Facebook for over a year, so she hasn't seen our dad's recent posts.  So, pull up a chair what while we fill her in on all the things we've been discussing on social media this week...Every time you laugh at a man dressed as a woman, a Trans Girl gets more afraid to come out!John agrees wholeheartedly. Laughter is a good way to determine whether you need to examine your beliefs for hidden stupidity.  Humans don't decide what is funny; GOD decides what is funny. You can't punch down at people who refuse to view themselves as LESS THAN you are. (High five for cheeseburgers, everybody!) Later:  the Peaches shares a dirty joke that was posted by a troll. But there's a point to giving t

The boys/men of the family just got back from eating "Man Food." Quick--let's talk about what made John laugh this week, before we dive into the INTERESTING stuff the Peaches wants to discuss.First of all, why are a bunch of irrelevant, old musicians picking a fight with Joe Rogan?  Well--we want to announce (formally) that we're joining the boycott! Hopefully this earns us some attention, as it has done for Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. Next, what about Apple's new emoji of the "pregnant man?"    And what about Minnie Mouse getting a wardrobe change?And isn't this podcast supposed to be FUNNY?Whenever we give examples of women doing unwise, sinful, or embarassing things, we use the pseudonym "Carlina" to keep their real names anonymous.   Today's Carlina story involves Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion, plus some weird voodoo nonsense.  We give several examples of comments that are barely coherent... just strange, spiritual-sounding blather. Spoilers:  Carlina has a f

Welcome to our table, Neighbor Pkarlgh.   The Peaches is particularly thankful for spreadable butter today.  Also--please enjoy this story about a misbehaving toddler and the lengths a mom/aunt must go to discipline those little humans. Are we being "petty" and "making a big deal out of nothing" when we forcibly remove the stolen deer jerky out of a child's mouth? Yes--the Bible says blessed are the peacemakers. But, how do we keep peace with rebellious sinners?That leads John to an example involving the man named Caitlyn Jenner. Conservatives are now quoting Jenner and believing he's on THEIR SIDE, simply because he sometimes says vaguely Right-Wing sounding things.    They no longer care that Jenner is using FEMALE PRONOUNS to describe men.  (* Brief Interuption while John breaks the recorder ) Bottom line: Don't be afraid to fight with a person who's wrong. Later: Is the Peaches the only one who thought the Babylon Bee's interview with Elon Musk was super awkward and

Welcome back to our much-less-jolly house, Neighbor Pkarlgh.  We're undecorating, and we're talking about how to deal with disappointment or discontent.  (PLEASE teach your kids to recognize and manage their feelings of disappointment.  PLEASE!!!)Later:  John has been upsetting the pro-Abortion crowd.  But the Peaches believes Christians/Pro-Lifers are making headway in the culture war.  Finally:  Why are some people soooooo dumb?  It's almost as if God doesn't like them very much. Email nextdoor@johnbranyan.com with your questions or comments.  Follow John on Facebook, Gab, and YouTube. (Tune in every Sunday at 7:00pm to be part of his LIVE comedy show--the Starving Comics Quarantine Show.)

Welcome to the Comedian's house, where we spent the afternoon recording new intros/outros for your listening pleasure!  The four McBabies complicated the process juuuuuust a bit.  Write us at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com to let us know what you think. Next, we've been discussing the problem with creating brand new content every, single day and never stopping to promote or share the content with a wider audience.  Most people are intimidated by a blank page and a blinking cursor. But John PREFERS to start from scratch every time he sits down at his computer.   He hates having to say the same thing more than once. Has he written/spoken millions of words?  Yes.  Has he written BILLIONS?  Well, apparently that would be almost impossible...  We spend a long time debating this.But--the point it: we believe God gives us the ability to communicate, and we want to be good stewards of our resource.  The observations, devotionals, jokes, and blog posts that John wr

The Comedian is at the table with Mitch and Michelle Wainwright, who opted to have an apologetics presentation at their wedding ceremony.   Who's idea was that?  How exactly did they insert apologetics into the festivities?  And how was it received by their guests?Pull up a chair and join the discussion! If you'd like to get in touch with Mitch and Michelle, you can email: eaglescoutmjw@yahoo.comFollow John Branyan on Gab and Facebook.  Also--tune in for the Starving Comics Quarantine Show on John's YouTube channel, every Sunday night at 7:00pm Eastern.   

Welcome to the kitchen table of the Comedian Next Door. When you're here, we affectionately call you "Neighbor Pkarlgh."  The Comedian's family is gearing up for a Christmas-and-New-Year's hybrid celebration, and we have a lot of preparations to make. But first, let's talk about the sin of speaking without thinking carefully first...  Have you noticed that many, many people take their ability to communicate for granted?  Too often, they say things they don't actually mean because they don't THINK about the words they're using.  When the Bible warns against unwholesome talk or filthy language, we don't think it's only talking about 4-letter words. What about carelessly saying "God bless you" when someone sneezes?  Or carelessly saying "Amen" in response to a worldly opinion?   If you make a habit of speaking without thinking, you might end up praising the name of Lauren Daigle! (You'll just have to listen to the episode to understand that reference, Neighbor Pkarlgh.)By the w