Hard to Believe
Religious studies teacher and amateur theologian John Brooks goes from frequent guest to host of his own show where he and special guests explore the intersection of popular culture, religion, myth, and all that is esoteric, unexplained, and misunderstood. All the answers you never knew you wanted to questions you never knew you had, plus puns and sarcasm!
1
Why the End is Always Near - with Dr. Lisa Vox
Dr. Lisa Vox joins the podcast to talk about the past, present, and future of the apocalypse, and what changes when the ability to destroy humanity lies in our own hands.
47 min
2
Speak of the Devil - with Joseph Laycock
Joseph Laycock, associate professor of religious studies at Texas State University, joins John to talk Satanic Panics, Satanism, and the fight for the freedom of and from religion.
68 min
3
Hard to Believe - A Very Special Episode: QANON
John and three guests sacrifice their time and any and all hope for humanity by exploring the terrifying and increasingly ubiquitous QAnon phenomenon. Take the red pill and learn the TRUTH!
145 min
4
The Life of Aleister Crowley, with author Richa...
Crowley's biographer helps correct the record on his life and legacy
54 min
5
HTB Flashback: Prof. Kris Lane on Christopher C...
How did we come to believe myths that don’t square with history?
54 min
6
Pastor June Joplin
Pastor June Joplin on coming out, opening up, and moving forward.
50 min
7
Emmy Nominee Liza Richardson
Liza Richardson, Emmy-nominated music supervisor for "Watchmen", talks to us about music, "The Leftovers", and how she approaches her work.
54 min
8
Greg Garrett - Cultural Theologian - U2, Zombie...
Cultural Theologian Greg Garrett on U2, zombies, and Hollywood's struggle with racism.
77 min
9
Mandisa Thomas - Founder of Black Nonbelievers
Black Nonbelievers founder Mandisa Thomas on being Black and atheist, Christianity's white supremacy, and keeping momentum alive.
57 min
10
Kevin S. Decker - Pop Culture and Philosophy
Philosophy professor Kevin S. Decker joins John and Nico Vasilo to discuss how he teaches philosophy through the lens of science fiction and pop culture.
63 min
11
The Lovecraftian - H.P. Lovecraft biographer S....
H.P. Lovecraft biographer S.T. Joshi on the life, work, and philosophy of America's greatest and most enigmatic horror writer.
46 min
12
J.W. Rinzler - SciFi's Great Historian
Author JW Rinzler on his work covering Star Wars, Alien, and his love of all things space.
62 min
13
Cats! (Not the Movie!)
John and Jess Collins learn all about the...um...interesting history of cats in religion!
51 min
14
Tony Ortega - On the Past and Uncertain Future ...
Journalist Tony Ortega on how Scientology got to where it is today, what new scandals mean for its future, and the real deal with Lord Xenu
51 min
15
The July 20th Plot - Part Two - with historian ...
Historian Roger Moorhouse on the legacy of Stauffenberg, Tresckow, and Hitler's other would-be assassins
61 min
16
The July 20th Plot - Part One
A brief history of Claus von Stauffenberg and the July 20th plot.
26 min
17
The Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade with An...
The history and beliefs of the Cathars and their lingering influence.
68 min
18
Lane Wilcken and The Forgotten Children of Maui
Discussion about the cultural traditions and myths of the Pacific islands.
67 min
19
Tulsa: A Brief History of the 1921 Greenwood Ma...
Greenwood remains the most deadly incident of domestic racist terrorism in this country’s history.
20 min
20
BONUS! #HANX for the Memories: Angels & Demons ...
Bonus episode!
52 min
21
The Devil's Drink
How did coffee go from the Devil’s Drink to the Nectar of the Gods in just four short centuries?
62 min
22
Beyond the Wall
What really happened to the Ninth?
47 min
23
BONUS! #HANX for the Memories: The Da Vinci Cod...
Bonus episode!
61 min
24
Linda Kay Klein- on Breaking Free from the Puri...
An in-depth interview about the evangelical purity movement.
54 min
25
The New World
Exploring the films and philosophy of Terrence Malick.
90 min
26
The Antichrist
Why does everyone think the Antichrist will become the President of the United States?
81 min
27
I Want to Believe
The legacy of The X-Files.
60 min