The Dangling Conversation: Recent Episodes
Noah Burgdorf
The Dangling Conversation's goal is to take time with different friends and family to talk and discuss whatever they are passionate about.
In this episode, Dr. Mark Walker shares how being a pastor informed how he approached teaching and how being a professor has informed his approach to the presidency. He talks about the start of his presidency in the middle of a pandemic with two broken feet and how God has placed people around him to support him. He speaks on the weight of leadership and his family's legacy in ministry and at Lee University, as well as how he tries to have boundaries in his job.
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In this episode, I talk about meeting my goal of uploading every other week and whether or not I met my goal with the same intention as I started it. I reflect on the year as well as the podcast generally and the experiences I've had because of it. Thank you to everyone who has listened throughout the year and thank you to everyone who has been on the podcast and shared their lives and perspectives. It has not been an easy year, both with the podcast and personally, but I'm thankful for the conversations and opportunities that have come directly from this podcast! I hope to see you in 2023!
In this episode, Cory, creator of the Poking Stick Network, shares his approach to art and design, which he combines with his background in theology. He talks about the present state of Christianity's relationship with art and how it rose out of the fundamentalism movement, as well as the possible future of Christian creators. He shares how honesty and objectivity are key to his approach and how he stays disciplined in staying true to what he feels is true.
Follow Cory's page and keep updated with all the things he has coming in 2023!
In this episode, I sat down with Mrs. Scott-Richmond, the Director of the Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations, and the Ensemble Director for the Evangelistic Singers. She spoke about how the office was formed amid the George Floyd protests and how God called her out of retirement to push for change and growth. She suggests ways to promote racial justice and advocacy in your community, whether that be through Lee events or various service groups in different organizations.
If you want to contact Mrs. Scott-Richmond for more information, her email is grichmond@leeuniversity.edu or you can visit the Lee University website for more information. She expressed her desire to continue this conversation and is willing to help educate others in any way she can.
In this episode, my dad shares stories of pickpocketing, firework pranks, stolen homework, and avoiding trouble in school. He talks about meeting his wife, moving to Cincinnati, and going from a quite liturgical UCC church to a charismatic, predominantly African-American church and how that challenged him to think outside of his own preferences. I love my father and I hope that through this episode you get to see why!
In this episode, Chris talks about his experience making friends in college and how studying youth ministry prepared him for the real thing. He talks about why grounded relationships are important throughout life and tells us why Lee's dorm life encourages community.
This is a continuation of the previous episode, where Father Kevin further articulates the Orthodox perspective and his criticism of the role of the theologian.
In this episode, Father Kevin gives a brief introduction to Orthodox Christianity and its history in relation to other branches of Christianity. He talks about the use of icons and importance of substance in worship, as well as some other Orthodox perspectives.
In this episode, Connor talks about hosting a 24-hour podcast and what makes it fun, memorable, and miserable. He also talks about Greek life at Lee University, how he has found community through his club in TKO and what it means to be the club chaplain. Then he shares his experience working at a youth camp over the summer and how that informs his future career in school counseling.
In this episode, my Mamaw shares what it was like growing up in a family of all boys, losing her mother at the age of 13, meeting her husband, and how she tried to break up with him. She raves about the joys of being a grandparent and how it's different than being a parent but can be just as fulfilling.
In this episode, my friend Justin joins me for some hard laughs and great conversation. He talks about growing up in a family of 10, his desire to be an actor, and how he wants to use that for God's glory. Justin talks about his reputation as "The Bike Guy" around campus and what efforts he goes through to stay true to God and himself. He talks about what it means to be black and proud, and what that looks like at a predominantly white, southern school.
In the episode, I am joined by Dr. Terry Cross, the dean of the School of Theology and Ministry (STM) at Lee University. We talk about the new name change to the former School of Religion, how he transitioned from pastor to educator, the state of the church, present, and future, as well as his devotion practices and his hope for the future generation of Christians. He also shares his work translating the German theologian, Karl Barth, and how we are to understand his contributions to theology and his legacy.
In this episode, Derek, co-founder of Yield Coffee Roasters, talks about why his love of coffee started and how his company was founded with the intention of fair trade and helping build economic sustainability in the countries of the producers. He talks about how they provide that support, the projects that they partner with, and how they build genuine relationships with their producers.
In the first few minutes, I explain how to enter the giveaway, as well as give the code for an extra entry for the prize of a Yield shirt, mug, and bag of coffee! Follow my Instagram (@the_dangling_conversation_pod) to enter.
Use code "DANGLE" at checkout for 15% of all Yield Merch and Coffee (https://www.yieldcoffee.com/)
I'm joined by my mother and teacher, Cathy, and we talk about what she thought of me starting a podcast, homeschooling in a time when it was not nearly as popular and the challenges of overcoming the negative stereotypes surrounding it. She also touches on going from homeschooling four kids to being a nearly-empty nester, our favorite memories as a family and how she met her husband.
In this episode, Brian Rogers, youth pastor of 17 years and my former boss, imparts his wisdom of how to navigate youth ministry, family life and personal faith. He talks about how he became a Christian, the growth in Christian music through the years as being more authentic and personal, as well as the difference corporate and personal expression of "Jesus is my boyfriend" music, and some of the artist's that he has had come up through his church.
In this episode I sit down with the creator of the Instagram page @explore.cincinnati, Ben Plotkin, and he talks about what motivated him to start learning about his hometown in ways that he never knew. Ben also shares his favorite restaurants around the Cincinnati area, his desire to help and promote locally owned businesses and his dream to one day open an Art-Deco inspired burger joint! I had a great time recording this and Ben was an amazing guest, so please follow his page!
Note the background audio may have noise, as we recorded in a park.
In this episode, I talk about my adventures with my friends in Ireland! You want more details?? Too bad, listen to the episode.
In this episode, my friend Nick and I discuss how ethical consumerism, simplistic minimalism and eco-friendly living have impacted how he tries to live and give simple tips on how to go about helping the environment.
In this episode, my friend Cassidy talks about getting preparing for her upcoming wedding, and how her and her fiancée, Weston met. Then she talks about books, and what makes a book good or bad in her eyes. Finally, we talk about growing up homeschooled and doing the same co-op, Classical Conversations.
In this episode, my friend Sam explains why theology is practical exercise for any Christian rather than a pompous showing off. We discuss how it effects church structure, and why primary, secondary and tertiary issues can cause division.
In this episode, my friend Emma shares about her experience going to Ireland and experiencing their culture over spring break, and then we talk about how friendships and community change as we graduate and start careers
In this episode, my friend Jonathan and I talk about how we became unlikely friends, his adventure's lightweight backpacking and his future plans for living and teaching in Bogotá, Colombia.
In this episode, I talk with my grandpa about growing up post WWII, teaching for over 40 years, raising my mother and uncle, and the civil rights movement through the 60s. We also talk about how he fell in love with my grandmother, his love of cars and how our family came to America and eventually settled in Indiana.
My former roommate and good friend, Billy, joins me for this episode and we talk about each other's annoying living habits and confrontation styles, then we talk about arguing, argue about arguing and then our favorite memories from college together.
In this episode, T. and I continue our conversation over creative processes and I ask questions sent in by his fiancee, which derails us into talking about our favorite male celebrity crushes.
In this episode, T. and I discuss the album he produced with Cody Bain, which leads us into talking about creativity and motivation, and how its more about discipline than inspiration. Somehow we then talk about furries and the differences between thinking and feeling, as well as how to balance the two.
Quick Clarification: this list consists of albums from any year that I listened to for the first time this year. From 21-11, I give shorter explanations for each album and tried to go more in depth in the top 10.
First upload of the year. I recorded this episode late July, where I felt most driven and articulate about this. Everything rings true except for I won't be doing every week, but instead, every other week in order to better balance school and work. Besides that, I hope you join me in my attempt to self preach imperfection in the New Year.
In this episode, my sister Gloria and I talk about her graduation from high school, pursuing becoming a professional dancer, the enneagram, hot moms and our families relationships.
In this episode Andy and I discuss the current relationship between LGBTQ+ students and Lee University, in light of a recent controversy which has made students feel hesitant to call Lee a safe place. We talk about how to be a safe person, while not necessarily being affirming, to someone of a different sexual or gender identity and overall how important it is to recognize personal bias and setting that aside to see an individual's humanity.
DISCLAIMER The content in this episode may be triggering for people who are currently struggling or have struggled with any form of eating disorders.
In this episode, Rachel Underwood shares her story of recovery and healing from an eating disorder. Rachel articulates the different ways it can manifest itself, how to seek support from community and family, how her faith ultimately led her toward the road of recovery and how we can teach our kids habits that help prevent eating disorders manifesting themselves. Finally, we briefly discuss Rachel and her husband, Thomas's, interest in homebrew kombucha.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder and want to seek help, call the National Eating Disorder Organization at 1-800-931-2237 for 24/7 on call or text support.
In this episode, Jerrod shares how he got to Lee, his father's battle with cancer, how the church can fail to support members of it's community, his hot mom and how my dad makes him feel secure. We also discuss our mutual love of critique of media and Jerrod plugs his review account Upper Room Reviews.
Intro music produced by Gloria Burgdorf
In this episode, Jack talks about his experience working in Galaxy's Edge at Disney World, using his time there to replace his childhood, his experience of dying and coming back, and finally how he influenced his entire school's economy with a box of crayons.
DISCLAIMER Jack swears a lot.
In this episode, Luke discusses growing up overseas as a missionaries kid, the differences between domestic and foreign Christianity, being a summer camp counselor for a bunch of middle-school boys and how that has prepared him better for parenthood. Finally, for "Bid You Review" we analyze Christopher Nolan's "TENET"
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Justin Walker and we discuss the difficulties of doctoral programs, being a pastor's kid, modern takes on Genesis, and Justin's infamous prank during his time as a student. For "We Bid You Review" we analyze J. Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only" album and chew over ways to advocate for racial equality.
In this episode I sit down with my good friend and former coach, Jon St. John. We discuss topics like "who would win in a fight: Jar Jar Binks or John Wilkes Booth?", Jon's beginnings as a worship leader, pornography and its potential affects on the future of the church, mentor-ship and transitioning relationships, and how Jon got involved in a charismatic Catholic Worship movement. Finally for "We Bid You Review" we examine Guardians of the Galaxy 2 as well as our favorite Marvel movies.
In this Episode I sit down with my oldest friend Lucas Strunc. We discuss our different thoughts on religion, how they've changed as we've gotten older, the future of the Catholic Church, Lucas's musical and artistic pursuits, and Lucas's meme page "all_hail_the_mat". For "We Bid You Review" we examine Taylor Swifts new album "folklore"
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and favorite coworker (sorry Jeff) Tyler Forbin. We discuss Tyler's approach to songwriting, his spiritual journey, #vanlife, sailing the world, and for We Bid You Review we examine something new to Tyler: marriage.
In Part Two, Natalie and I discuss how she is pursuing the Lord in her current season, our family dynamics, her mental health struggles and finally for "We bid you review" we create a junk food tier list.
In this episode, I sit down with my older sister and friend Natalie. In part one, we discuss being at the same college together, her Greek club Delta Zeta Tau (DZT) and how those women have impacted her. Finally, we talk through Natalie's previous relationship with someone who is heavily involved in Greek life and the difficulties in that
We pick up right where we left off!
(0:35) Ava's Confidence and Insecurities
(5:30) Having Difficult Talks with Friends
(11:58) The Clifty Falls Incident
(24:30) Reliving Our First Existential Crises
(35:40) Our Personal Faiths and the Brokenness of the Modern Church
(46:00) We Bid You Review: Gravity Falls and the Incredibles 2
I sit down with my cousin Ava Wettrick and in part one we talk about our family dynamics, Ava's podcast (MentorZ), the humor of online entrepreneur "influencers", finding true friends, and lastly we talk about Ava's confidence and how it has shaped her growing up.
(0:00) Growing up and what starting families mean
(16:10) avas podcast “MentorZ”
(21:48) “On My Grind” & Influencer culture & being authentic
(29:34) Learning From other people’s stories and mistakes
(36:00) entering the real world and finding true friends
(39:00) Ava’s Mega confidence Part 1
I sit down with one of my closest friends Doneal Bercier and we talk about his journey from getting kicked out of the house, ending up homeless, coming to college, fashion. Finally, for "We Bid You Review" we talk and compare Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra.
I sit down with my youngest sister Audrey, where we talk ballet, race relations, dyslexia and our family dynamics. At the end she flips the script and asks me about girls and college.
I sit down with my friend Manny and we talk about how we first met, adjusting to a private christian college, home life and we review Mt. Joy's self-titled album.