The Holy Post

The Pope's first encyclical about the importance of human dignity and the threat posed by A.I. is causing a stir. Some secular journalists are celebrating Leo's moral clarity, while Trump administration officials are saying the Pope should stay in his lane. Historian Yuval Noah Harari has his own warning about A.I. and explains how we are moving from an "attention economy" into an "intimacy economy." With the launch of Holy Post Media on Substack, Kaitlyn and Skye take you behind the paywall to sample everything offered by Holy Post Plus, including a daily devotional for people who hate devotionals. Also this week, a dog in Nebraska stands his ground. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/723-pope-leo-ai-and-the-intimacy Getting Schooled - Matchmaking 201: https://holypost.substack.com/p/getting-schooled-matchmaking-201 0:00 - Show Starts 1:49 - Theme Song 2:12 - Sponsor - Poncho - If you've been looking for the perfect shirt—something breathable, fits great, feels even better, and stands out in a good way—give Poncho a try. Get $10 off and free shipping your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost 3:23 - 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. 4:28 - With God Daily is Here! 8:27 - Dog Shoots Woman! 10:55 - The Pope's Encyclical on A.I. 24:50 - How A.I. Hacks Brains 34:21 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org 34:55 - Sponsor - World Relief - Multiply your impact today! Start your monthly partnership with World Relief to walk alongside refugees and others on the move. Give today at http://worldrelief.org/holypost 36:00 - 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! 37:05 - Narcissism and A.I. 53:07 - Tour of HP+ 56:28 - With God Daily 1:03:46 - My Hill to Die On 1:11:34 - Getting Schooled 1:18:37 - 66 Verses 1:26:25 - Advice-ish 1:33:58 - End Credits Links Mentioned in News Segment: Dog Shoots Woman at 7-Eleven! https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/26/dog-shotgun-nebraska-convenience-store Slate on the Pope's A.I. Encyclical: https://slate.com/technology/2026/05/artificial-intelligence-pope-leo-encyclical.html 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.

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.