Changed My Mind with Luke T. Harrington: Recent Episodes
Luke T. Harrington
Award-winning author Luke T. Harrington talks to people who have changed their minds about big things.
IMPORTANT: This is the final episode of Changed My Mind. Thanks for going on this journey with me! To keep up with my future pursuits, please sign up for my Substack newsletter at https://luketharrington.substack.com .
I talk to pastor and writer J. R. Forasteros about how he came to regard the vaunted Oxford comma with a bit more skepticism. ALSO: Why I'm ending the show, what's next for me, and where you can find me in the future.
IMPORANT: CMM is coming to a close at the end of June. To keep up with me, please go sign up for my Substack newsletter at https://luketharrington.substack.com .Thanks!
On this episode, I talk to Leah Libresco Sargeant, author of Arriving at Amen, about how she found her way into the Catholic Church. Also discussed: the shortcomings of the New Atheism; the scientific limits revealed by COVID-19; virtue ethics FTW.
I talk to my sister Tamar, who was once diagnosed with tokophobia (fear of pregnancy and childbirth), but recently gave birth to her first child. Also: self-hypnosis, feminism, my FDR impression.
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
I talk to hip hop artist Sho Baraka on how his sympathies shifted from the revolutionary Du Bois to the more conservative Washington. Also discussed: Ralph Ellison. Lecrae. Should we defund the police?
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Subscribe to my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
Visit Sho at https://www.barakaology.com
I talk to Catholic rapper Mandala about why he changed his mind about the iconic DC Comics villain. Also discussed: Is "Catholic rap" even a thing? Why are Midwestern rappers so into evil clowns? Did the Joker nudge me into the "dirtbag left"?
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Sign up for my substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
Check out Mandala at https://mandalaraps.com
I talk to Chris White, director of 'Electric Jesus,' about how writing, shooting, and editing the film completely changed his perspective on the characters, the story, and his past. Also discussed: Judd "John Bender" Nelson's obsession with the Old Testament; my brother's struggles to put on plays at a Christian college; why has the political left turned into a bunch of "church ladies"?
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Support us at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
More info on 'Electric Jesus': https://electricjesusfilm.com
I talk to Liam Murray about how he landed at a pro-life conviction—despite walking away from his Catholic upbringing. Also discussed: Daylight Saving Time; the death of Google Reader; why are there Catholics in Scotland?
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Support us at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
Follow Liam on Twitter at https://twitter.com/liammurray
I talk to media and new humanities professor Dominic Pettman on how he came to question the idea that humans are at the center of history. Also discussed: What even is technology? Are humans just the “sex organs of machines”? And what is Dominic’s middle name? Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com Visit Dominic at https://dominicpettman.com
I talk to academic, podcaster, and internet meme Asher Gelzer-Govatos about how he learned to appreciate the films of Wes Anderson. Also discussed: Runza sandwiches, Muriel Spark, Danny DeVito's Matilda.
UPDATE: Yes, I’m aware that I mistakenly refer to The French Dispatch as “Licorice Pizza” throughout the podcast. In my defense, “Licorice Pizza” really sounds like a Wes Anderson movie.
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Sign up for my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
Visit Asher at http://www.ashergelzergovatos.com
I talk to philosopher Justin E. H. Smith (author of ’Irrationality’) about why, in his view, people know everything a priori, and therefore never change their minds. It’s a wild ride. Also discussed: Bigfoot, Pascal’s Wager, and what even is “rationality” anyway?
Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Subscribe to my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
Visit Justin at https://www.jehsmith.com
I talk to writer Robert Skvarla about how he's learned to use "the language of conspiracy" to interpret and explain political phenomena. Also discussed: The Koch Brothers. The Satanic Panic. Are "identity politics" just a tool of the Right?
Robert Skvarla's Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertSkvarla
Read both my books for free by signing up for my Substack: https://luketharrington.substack.com
Support Changed My Mind at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
I talk to Ben Hansen, host of several Discovery Channel documentaries, about how his thinking has changed on the paranormal. Also discussed: Scooby-Doo!, the limits of belief, bulletproof backpacks.
Become a supporter at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Ben’s official website: https://benhansen.com
More info on Shocks Docs: https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/new-on-travel-channel/aliens-make-contact-in-the-hudson-valley-and-they-may-not-come-i
I talk to Clint Carroll, host of ‘Whatcha Gonna Do? The Hulk Hogan Movie Podcast,’ about how he hated the Rolling Stones’ album ‘Exile on Main St.’…until it got stuck in his car’s CD player and he was forced to listen to it over and over. Also discussed: our respective attempts at stand-up comedy; that time I pretended to understand ‘There Will Be Blood’; is America due for a pro wrestling revival?
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Listen to ‘Whatcha Gonna Do?’: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatcha-gonna-do-the-hulk-hogan-movie-podcast/id1118828232
I talk to media and new humanities professor Dominic Pettman on how he came to question the idea that humans are at the center of history. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters.
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Visit Dominic at https://dominicpettman.com
I talk to William Giraldi, author of Hold the Dark, about how he found his way out of the Catholic Church…and then back into it, at least on an aesthetic level. Also: bodybuilding; Michael Jordan; is Christianity the only rebellion left?
Support the show on Patreon at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email the show at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Visit William Giraldi at http://www.wgiraldi.com
I talk to Walter Benn Michaels, author of ‘The Trouble with Diversity,‘ about how he became disillusioned, first with diversity, and then with capitalism. Also discussed: Willa Cather, F. Scott Fitzgerald, ’White Fragility.’
Support Changed My Mind at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Check out my Substack at https://luketharrington.substack.com
I talk to philosopher Justin E. H. Smith (author of ’Irrationality’) about why, in his view, people know everything a priori, and therefore never change their minds. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters.
Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Visit Justin at https://www.jehsmith.com
I talk to high school teacher Nathan Ogan about why he changed his mind about the Electoral College. Also discussed: teaching Spanish class; why I should get to live in Hawaii; the objectively best way to shoot a free throw.
Become a supporter at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Email me at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Support FairVote at https://www.fairvote.org
I talk to Tasha Robinson, film and TV editor for Polygon, about how she learned to love horror movies. Also discussed: What are the rules of four square? Do good-faith interactions ever really happen? And why do the best writers always ascend to editor heaven? This episode was previously only available to Patreon supporters, but we’re making it available to free listeners, because we love you guys. Happy Halloween!
Support the show at https://patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Visit Tasha’s Twitter at https://twitter.com/TashaRobinson
I talk to Cynthia Pelayo, Bram Stoker Award–nominated author of Children of Chicago and Into the Forest and All the Way Through, about why she thinks ghosts probably aren’t real. Also discussed: prayer; voodoo priests; that time she got “canceled.”
Support the show here: https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Email me at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Visit Cynthia: http://www.cinapelayo.com
I talk to Ben Hansen, host of several Discovery Channel documentaries, about how his thinking has changed on the paranormal. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters.
Become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Ben’s official website: https://benhansen.com
More info on Shocks Docs: https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/new-on-travel-channel/aliens-make-contact-in-the-hudson-valley-and-they-may-not-come-i
I talk to John Langan, author of The Fisherman and co-founder of the Shirley Jackson Award, about how he lost his Catholic faith. Also discussed: boarding schools, literary horror, and my inability to push “record.”
Support Changed My Mind at https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind
Email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com
Visit John here: https://johnpaullangan.wordpress.com
I talk to film critic Sarah Welch-Larson about how she ended up living in the Midwest, despite thinking she never would. Also discussed: Nic Cage, Yasujiro Ozu, and LIGHTING TRAIN TRACKS ON FIRE.
Become a supporter of Changed My Mind by visiting https://www.patreon.com/changedmymind or email us at changedmymindpod@gmail.com.
I talk to film journalist Tasha Robinson about how she came around to love horror cinema. This is a preview of a bonus episode available exclusively to Patreon supporters.
I talk to Leigh Stein, founder of BinderCon and author of Self-Care and What to Miss When, about how she stopped thinking about feminism “as a religion.” Also discussed: Billy Collins, The Decameron, Network.
I finish out season two with a special episode: My producer Blake comes on to interview me about what I’ve learned so far. Also discussed: my career (?) as a novelist; John Crist, Alec Baldwin.
I ask Lovecraft Country author Matt Ruff how he fell away from the Lutheran faith he was raised with. Also discussed: Should white people write black stories? Why are all “true” tales of the paranormal the same? And is morality just a type of language?
I talk to Ryssa Marshall about how the death of her dad and brother catalyzed her loss of faith. Also discussed: hippie stuff; the Scream franchise; my award-winning acting debut.
I talk to geologist Rachel Greve about how becoming convinced of evolution taught her it was okay to change her mind. Also discussed: poop on porches; the terrible characters I cut from my novel; the Scopes Monkey Trial.
I talk to activist Maghie Miller-Jenkins about why, despite thinking she would never get married, has now been married twice. Also: What’s natural and what’s artificial? Is the human mind just matter? Is marriage just a contract?
I talk to Patrick W. Randolph about how he learned “God told me to marry you” is not a good argument for why you should be dating a girl. Also discussed: Is the friend zone real? What’s the name of my old blog? Who looks good in tank tops?
I talk to writer and academic Hunter Baker about why the Capitol riot made him change his mind about supporting Donald Trump. Also discussed: C.S. Lewis, Aldous Huxley, John F. Kennedy.
I talk to hip hop artist Yons about how he lost his faith. Also: the doctrine of hell, the hip hop industry, Super Mario Bros. 35.
I talk to graphic novelist Joshua Kemble about why he abandoned Christianity…and why he came back to it. Also discussed: Back to the Future, Limp Bizkit, Celeste.
I talk to the Keytar Catholic, Fr. Stephen Vrazel, about why he finally gave in on the debate about how many spaces go after a period. Also discussed: Ben Folds, videogames, Aristotle.
I talk to attorney Jasper Abbott about how his wife's chronic illness made him rethink his libertarianism and advocate for single-payer healthcare. Also discussed: Martin Luther; Ayn Rand; Pete Buttigieg.
I talk to Richard Clark on why he’s gone all-streaming for his games. Also discussed: Andrew Lloyd Webber; Calvinism; why Gamergate will never go away.
I talk to Dr. Christian Tiews about how he came to believe in demons—and how he became an exorcist. Also discussed: Halloween in Germany; Lutheranism in Africa; Julian Jaynes.
I talk to Doug Lattery about why he no longer believes in ghosts and miracles. Also discussed: Pokémon, firefighters’ calendars, Jack Chick.
I talk to Laci Cornelison on how she came to believe white privilege is real. Also discussed: nursing homes, farming, William Tecumseh Sherman.
I talk to Marjorie Hall about how she decided leashes for toddlers are probably okay. Also discussed: dogs, spiders, playing with knives.
I talk to podcaster Ben Rowe about how he decided universal basic income was a good idea. Also discussed: What’s the best horror movie of all time? Is there a plague safe zone in Canada? And why does every teenage boy like Ayn Rand?
A free chapter from my upcoming book, ‘Murder-Bears, Moonshine, and Mayhem: Strange Stories from the Bible to Leave You Amused, Bemused, and (Hopefully) Informed.’
I talk to April-Lyn Caouette about how she found her way from Catholicism to agnosticism to paganism to vague spirituality to Protestantism. Also discussed: YA fiction, the Ayn Rand Society, April-Lyn’s definitely real boyfriend who lives in Canada.
I talk to Justin Camp about why he quit a high-powered career in venture capital to found Gather Ministries with his wife. Also discussed: Is the ability to write actually a curse? Are teenage boys actually sociopaths? Why capitalism?
I talk to Jason Kettinger about his conversion from Catholicism to Presbyterianism. Also discussed: Julia Child, Roach Motels, Bigfoot, UFOs.
I talk to Adina Holmes and Anna Davey about how they became close friends, despite disagreeing about nearly everything. Also: poutine, Canadian Flanders, and my thoughts on BLM and general political unrest.
I talk to James Blake Ewing about how ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’ changed his understanding of morality. Also discussed: Tim Schafer; Lord of the Rings; Western vs. Japanese RPGs.
I talk to novelist K.B. Hoyle about how a close friend’s death made her realize she couldn’t be a Republican anymore. Also discussed: Why is the South so patriotic for the country they lost to in the Civil War? Is Fox News brainwashing? And is K.B. secretly living in a God’s Not Dead movie?
I talk to British expatriate Ian Barrs on why he’s come around to the “American” view of gun rights. Also discussed: the deceptiveness of “common sense”; Eddie Murphy; why hunter stereotypes are complete opposites on the two sides of the pond.
I talk to Cheryl Siedband about why she ditched Jesus to worship the Goddess. Also discussed: face masks; head shaving; Don Bluth.
I talk to Blake Collier about how he came to realize that all history is revisionist history. Also discussed: Salt-n-Pepa; Extra Credits; why is every ‘80s romance film so violent?
I talk to Brad Williams about why he quit Team Chevy to get himself a Ford. Also discussed: the Obama-era bailouts; Back to the Future; my newfound love of Mazdas.
I talk to activist Albany Rose about why she's a pro-life atheist. Also discussed: her abortion, The Secret, and her father who may or may not be the reincarnation of Jesus's brother.
I talk to Dr. Christian Tiews about why, despite multiple geology degrees and decades as an agnostic, he's now a young-earth creationist. Also discussed: horseshoe crabs, Buddhist young-earthers, growing up in Munich.
I talk to Luke Hansen, a former Republican who now believes all government is illegitimate. Also discussed: roofing; the Portuguese war on drugs; T.S. Eliot.
I talk to Cap Stewart about why he's stopped worrying about how Hollywood could be a thorn in his side and started worrying about how he can be a thorn in Hollywood's side. Also discussed: Monty Python; Star Trek; are leftist sexual ethics actual neoliberal?
I talk to Calvin Moore about why he left evangelicalism behind. Also discussed: Francis Schaeffer, Mark Driscoll, being a black man in white spaces.
I talk to Tom Darrow, who used to think Christmas was an attempt by Christians to co-opt pagan solstice celebrations, but changed his mind after some serious research. Also discussed: Descent, the murderous pirate Hans Sprungfeld, and why depressed people are bad at making sandwiches.
I talk to comics writer Benito Cereno about how he learned to stop worrying and love jolly old St. Nick. Also: Is "Santa" an anagram for "Satan"? Why is religious Christmas music so much better than the secular stuff? And who would win in a fight between Michael Eisner and Victor Hugo?
I talk to Jeremy Doan, a former Reaganite Republican who now identifies as a Marxist. Also discussed: Homer, Oscar Romero, why you should turn off the news and read a book.
I talk to Adam Oster, a southerner living in the north, about why he no longer flies the Confederate Flag.
I talk to Doug Overmyer, who formerly doubted the existence of ghosts, but now believes they walk among us.
I talk to Zach Korthals, who formerly believed in mind/body dualism but now thinks the soul is something that emerges from the complexity of the body.
I talk to Amanda Martinez Beck, who decided she was done with diets and ready to accept her body. Also discussed: evolution, Catholicism, Texas.
I talk to Caleb Woodbridge, who once thought of Harry Potter as likable trash, but now considers it a literary classic. I'm no Potterhead, so it gets contentious. Also discussed: Star Wars, Beowulf, and is Harry Potter better Christian fiction than Narnia?
I talk to Brian Gregory Thomas, a former Southern Baptist preacher who is now a catechumen in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
I talk to editor Darryl A. Armstrong on the question of whether a list needs a comma before "and." It gets contentious. Also discussed: X-Files, Godzilla, and the deceptive divide between "logic" and "emotions."
I talk to Rachel Ollivant, a grad student studying public relations, about how she's changed her mind on how marriage should work. Rachel formerly identified as a complementarian, and now thinks of herself as more of an egalitarian. We also touch on Elizabeth Elliiot, Switchfoot, and the fun of joining the Air Force.
I talk to film critic Kevin McLenithan, a former neoconservative who now identifies as a pacifist.