Church Nerds: Recent Episodes
Love Thy Nerd
Bubba is a founding partner of Love Thy Nerd, a ministry that attends comic and gaming conventions to minister to nerd culture. Bubba and his wife, Anna, bring a show that combines their Church Cred and the Nerd Cred to show you just how well these two ways of life come together. This show is created by Love Thy Nerd for BackRowRadio.com
Bubba & Anna discuss The Rings of Power and the relationships there-in, all recorded LIVE for the LTN Giving Tuesday Mega Stream!
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The Church Nerds discuss shows and series that were cancelled before their time, and then step up the discussion to cancel culture and our Christian response.
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The Church Nerds bring you a post-Halloween episode full of spoopiness as they share some of their nightmares and go through 8 different scary Bible stories.
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The Church Nerds take a look at personality-driven "church" cults, inspired by the new HBOmax's documentary about Gwen Shamblin Lara's religious weight-loss regimen and the church built around it.
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Bubba & Anna take a look at their TikTok feeds and what the algorithm they've cultivated means for them, spiritually.
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Bubba & Anna take a look at their TikTok feeds and what the algorithm they've cultivated means for them, spiritually.
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The Church Nerds share Bubba's stories from Strong Tower Con. Things are happening and we are seeing God move in the lives of those who come to do something as seemingly meaningless as push little bits of plastic and cardboard across a table.
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The Church Nerds share Bubba's stories from Strong Tower Con. Things are happening and we are seeing God move in the lives of those who come to do something as seemingly meaningless as push little bits of plastic and cardboard across a table.
★ Support this podcast ★
The Church Nerds talk about their love of the Great British Bake Off and how the show reminds them of other impossible situations we face in life.
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The Church Nerds give their thoughts on Top Gun Maverick and the themes of anger and resentment in the story between Maverick and Rooster.
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Bubba & Anna discuss Mr. Rogers and the documentary "Won't You Be My Neighbor?", taking a look at what we can learn from Mr. Rogers to carry into our work.
Bubba & Anna return for a new season and kick things off by taking about the smash hit of the Summer - Stranger Things - as well as the themes of bullying and manipulation through the series.
Our world is experiencing a lot of tragedy, divisiveness, and pain right now. The Church Nerds take a look at what is going on and at what we can do.
The Church Nerds use "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" to launch into a discussion on how to discover people who may be misunderstood, but have so much to offer - in the world at large and in the church body.
With social media and news dominated by the Depp/Heard trail, it makes us think about scandal and rumors and why they fascinate us. The Church Nerds ask: How does our faith affect whether or not we watch, listen, or take part in these things?
We all know that one nerd who knows so much about their fandom that having a conversation with them is no fun. The Church Nerds ask if Christian apologists fall into this same problem? When and where are the best times to teach apologetics and how can we avoid weaponizing them?
The Church Nerds explore the importance that stories take in our lives, from the allegories we find in our favorite fiction to the inspiring testimonies of how Christ has transformed our lives.
The Church Nerds discuss "Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed", "The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill", and several other recent church scandals - including what could have stopped these scandals long before they even became scandals.
This week the Church Nerds draw off of the real-life experience of Bubba losing his voice and not being able to communicate. They take a hard look at how we not only communicate non-verbally with each other, but also how God communicates with us when we can’t hear His voice as clear as we would like to.
Bubba & Anna work to help you build meaningful moments in gaming with those closest to you, including helping them get past any hang-ups or misconceptions they might have about certain games or gaming in general, and doing it in a more selfless way.
Bubba & Anna discuss disagreements within fandoms that, when you get down to it, aren't really all that important in the grand scheme of things. And, of course, if we tend to do this over our fandoms, we certainly get tempted to argue the same way over doctrine and faith.
Bubba & Anna take a deep dive into the movie "Encanto", taking a look at spiritual comparisons and connections that they see in "a movie about a candle."
Few things rival the feeling of finally beating a game that has made us question our resolve multiple times over weeks, maybe even months - the moment we finally conquer something we thought was beyond us, because the game forced us to level up. But in our spiritual lives, are we too soft? Or are we allowing ourselves to be challenged so we can level up?
Do you hear Laurel or Yanny? Is the dress white and gold or black and blue? Green needle or Brainstorm? Bubba & Anna discuss personal interpretation and how outside help can either manipulate or persuade - whether that be in a silly internet trend or in our spiritual lives.
PLUS:
+ Wordle or Absurdle?
Bubba took a virtual adventure into virtual church in the Metaverse (well, as it currently exists, anyway) this past week, and he and Anna discuss what the Metaverse is and what ministry in the Metaverse will look like moving forward.
In this special Dec 24th episode, Bubba & Anna set out to rank the definitive Christmas Movie Tier Chart! Plus, a Christmas Traditions Quiz and loads of Holiday Cheer!
Some people are comfortable in their routines, enjoying their favorites, and living a life wrapped in the familiar. But does that mean we fear trying new things? Bubba & Anna discuss why some people struggle to do something new and how that translates to our faith journey as well.
In our Thanksgiving-focused episode, Bubba and Anna dive a bit deeper into the idea of celebrating a holiday that might be a source of pain for another American culture. As Christian in America, is it kind and tender-hearted to celebrate Thanksgiving? It's an open and honest examination that might not have a perfect answer, but it's a conversation that we need to have.
Bubba & Anna can't let go of Halloween season! And so, in this week's show, they unpack the new Netflix series "Midnight Mass" in a spoiler-filled deep-dive review.
Bubba & Anna revisit The Chosen - a dramatic episodic presentation of the Gospels from Angel Studios - as Season 2 has completed it's release. How does Season 2 stack up against Season 1? Highlights? Flaws? What comes next? All this and a Game of Thrones quiz too!
Bubba & Anna dive deep into Halloween-related topics and memories. They also welcome the author of the article "Holy Horror" - Jaclyn Parrish - to discuss our facsination with the scary and supernatural.
Bubba & Anna discuss burnout, rage quitting, and all phases of emotional struggle in the gaming world and life in general.
Bubba & Anna discuss the hobby of collecting and what our collection habits say about us on deeper levels.
Bubba & Anna discuss food, snacks, treats, and drinks, as well as food in the Bible! PLUS: Stranger Things.
Bubba & Anna take a look at time travel in our TV and movies and examine the idea and possibility from different moral aspects. PLUS: Murder basement!
Even some of the greatest movies in history struggle with plot holes that threaten to take you out of the world being built. Bubba & Anna discuss some of the most glaring plot holes, and then transition to what some would call "Faith Plot Holes" or big questions about God and the Bible that we may never be able to answer.
Sometimes we are so invested in our favorite movie, TV show or book that if someone spoiled a major plot point we might wish them great harm. Why do we have those feelings? Why do some of us want to be the spoiler? What does the Bible teach us about this topic? Bubba and Anna attempt to answer these questions and more on this episode of the Church Nerds podcast.
Have you ever wanted to share your favorite movie from your childhood with your kids only to be horriefied at the content when you sit down to watch it with them? Yea... uh... us neither... Bubba and Anna chat about why the rating system even exists and how we can use it to our advantage this week on Church Nerds!
Bubba & Anna rate the nerdiness of Old and New Testament figures. I know it sounds strange, but go with us here, it's deeper than it sounds.
Bubba & Anna return for Season 3, catching you up on their life and discussing a strange event that occurred last month when Bubba went viral on TikTok, the events of which raised some interesting questions... all based around a shed.
In the Season 2 finale, Bubba & Anna discuss nostalgia and tradition, and how both can be good for us and bad for us, depending on the situation and execution.
Bubba & Anna discuss the History of Memes, GIFs, and LTN's stance on over-posting "Jesus memes". PLUS: PJ the baby guest stars!
Bubba & Anna tackle a heavy topic - grief, in all areas of our lives. Plus: Backpacking, Solo Parenting, and more!
Bubba & Anna discuss creativity, why it is essential in nerd culture and church culture alike. PLUS: Skill share!
Bubba & Anna explain their absence last week - they were miserably sick - and share what the LTN Community loves to do on their sick days. PLUS: Gift Cards
Bubba & Anna share their unpopular nerdy opinons and then discuss when the right time is to share our opinions. PLUS: Stress Relief Tactics!
Bubba & Anna discuss what it says on the tin - miracles and magic - in the nerd community and in the Biblical realm. PLUS: Love Thy Nerd is 3!
Get 20% off LTN Merch with the coupon code "WEARETHREE" at LoveThyNerd.com/store
Bubba & Anna talk about how they have found long distance connections with family in an unexpected place; through gaming and online play. Plus, what the Bible says about connection.
Bubba & Anna discuss how our personality differences affect our gaming habits and then open the idea up wider to how they effect our spiritual lives and the spiritual gifts we've been given.
Snow hit Texas this past week in a way that made everyone there question things in their lives they had probably never even thought about. Bubba and Anna talk about how they got through it and how it shapes their perspective on living for Jesus.
PLUS:
+ Bubba starts a new job!
+ Natural Deodorant
The concept of "New Game+" has been around for a while - the ability to replay a game you've beaten with new elements added to the game to keep it fresh. Bubba & Anna try to apply this way of gaming to the world of parenting! PLUS:
-
Parenting Bingo Card
-
Beef Sticks
Bubba & Anna are BACK! Kicking off Season 2, the Stallcup's share why gaming - and life in general - is better together and why we need a balance of solitude and community. PLUS: Baby PJ!
Bubba & Anna discuss Black Friday Deals, Year-Round Deals, and one Deal your just CAN'T pass up! PLUS:
-
IT'S OVER 100!!!
-
XBOX Game Pass Ultimate
Bubba & Anna discuss Thanksgiving and if it's okay to have Christmas overshadow it. PLUS: Geeky Thanksgiving Recipes.
Bubba & Anna mourn the loss of Matt Warmbier's beard and then tie it all in to a discussion about Jesus. How? You'll just have to listen. PLUS: Beard quiz!
Bubba & Anna continue taking listen questions, this time going full-parent in reguards to screen time limits with children.
Bubba & Anna continue a thread from last week with the question, "Is is okay to play as a bad guy in a game?" PLUS:
- Did Anna cheat on LTN Radio?
- Commissioned: The Call
Bubba & Anna discuss a submitted question on lying when it comes to games like "Among Us". Is it a wrong for a believer to lie when deception is a play mechanic for a game?
Bubba & Anna discuss the unnerving Netlfix documentary about just how intergrated into our lives social media companies are. PLUS:
- Is there really anything we can do about it?
- Bubba Abandoned his Animal Crossing island
- LTN Radio is ON AIR
Bubba & Anna discuss open world gaming, MMOs, and Aunt 'Rona coming for a visit to thier home.
A collection of some of the best segments from Bubba & Anna, including:
- Boot Camp Bubba
- Games We Should Play with our Kids
- Nerds Reaching the Non-Nerdy
- I was Raised by a Cup of Coffee
Bubba & Anna discuss what it's like to get into debates over spiritual matters and moral stances, highlighting the right and wrong ways to appraoch these kind of discussions. PLUS: Fighting within Fandoms! Back to School! LTNcon is Coming!
Bubba & Anna share the journey of Bubba helping launch Love Thy Nerd a couple years ago and now preparing to go into that ministry full-time, and why Love Thy Nerd is important. PLUS: All the media they've consumed during Summer Lockdown 2020 & and shout out to Sunday Cool!
After discussing "The Chosen" a little last week, Bubba & Anna do a deep dive in to amazing VidAngel Original Series about the story of Jesus and the disciples, sharing their inital thoughts and some character profiles. This is NOT a spoiler-free discussion, so be warned. PLUS:
- Umbrella Academy
- Comics Vs. Streaming Shows
- Kallax
Bubba & Anna discuss depictions of Biblical events in some of the more recent movies and shows, explaining which ones did it poorly and which ones did it best! PLUS: Live streaming as a family!
Bubba & Anna discuss their thoughts and fears about the upcoming Netflix adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia and then expand the conversation about the age old debate between books and movies, Narnia and beyond! PLUS: Coffee talk.
In this special Best Of episode, both Back Row Morning Shows come together to share their best Quarantine/COVID-19-themed discussions and segments! INCLUDING:
- Church Nerds: "Quarantine Happies"
- The Morning Sidehug: "Contactless Delivery is a LIE"
- Church Nerds: "Quarantine Crappies"
- The Morning Sidehug: "Our New Coronacubulary"
- Church Nerds: "Coronavirus Hacks"
- The Morning Sidehug: "Matt & Mo's COVID Scare"
If you haven't already, subscribe to "The Morning Sidehug" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.!
Bubba & Anna dive deeply into the "Lord of the Rings"-inspired event that occurred on Bethel TV that has given a lot of Christians a nervous witchcraft vibe. PLUS: Celebrity Crushes!
Bubba & Anna shares guidance on when and how to handle disagreements in this currently more-and-more contentious culture. PLUS:
- The Almighty Caffeine
- A Nerdy Recommendation
- A chance to win a game!
Bubba & Anna discuss music from games and movies, and the emotions they stir in us. PLUS: Coronavirus-inspired baby names for their baby due later this year!
Bubba & Anna discuss viewing our fandoms throught the lens of faith and how for a believer, it's impossible to not intermingle them.
Bubba & Anna know this quarantine has been going on far longer than any of us have wanted, and share with you their list of things that have been awful so far, but also want to seek out the good things that have come out of this time! PLUS:
- A giveaway!
- FLGS!
- Anna is bad at catching butterflies!
Bubba & Anna discuss tech addiction, tech fasting, and Coronavirus hacks! Plus, our giveaway winner is announced!
Bubba & Anna discuss the huge Nintendo hit - Animal Crossing: New Horizons - and how this was the perfect time for it to explode worldwide. PLUS: Enter our GIVEAWAY!
Bubba & Anna come to you from quarantine, when all of us are spending more time in our online communities. Interested in running on of your own? Here are 10 things NOT to do and 10 actual tips to starting and running one. PLUS: The Church Nerds announce a GIVEAWAY!
Bubba & Anna encourage parents with ideas on how to make the most of this extra time with your children, cutting back on screen time and upping the quality time.
Bubba & Anna share with you several ways you can spend your time in Virus isolation to keep you both entertained and productive!
Bubba & Anna discuss the problem of cyberbullying, especially in the gaming industry, touching on some of the biggest controversies of the past few years, and then go through what "inclusion" meant in the life and teachings of Jesus. PLUS: PAX Recap!
Bubba & Anna examine strange Kickstarter campaigns, discuss the question "What is Truth?", and explain ways to share truth in your life.
Bubba & Anna share with us why building real relationships in our communities is important and gives you strategies on how to do it effectively.
Bubba & Anna discuss video games and the Sabbath. They also discuss Stardew Valley and Christian Music of Yesteryear.
Bubba & Anna answer submitted questions such as "What Scripture is most often used incorrectly to attack nerd culture?", "Are there themes that cross a line for you in board games, video games, TV shows and movies?", and "Shouldn't your ministry technically be called 'Love Thy GEEK'?"
Bubba records a solo episode in between two LTN trips, to share with you what it's like to be a Love Thy Nerd missionary.
In this show, Bubba & Anna share why a local area game night is such a great idea and explain how to go about starting one in your church or community.
In this show, Bubba and Anna discuss ways Nerdy Christians can reach and minister to the non-nerdy people in their lives. They also play a game of "VBS or NES?" and Anna opens up about the struggles that came with marrying a "nerd."
In this show, Bubba and Anna introduce themselves, shares their "Church Cred" and their "Nerd Cred", and give their recommendations for family friendly games and games Christians should be playing, like, right now.