I am, as you likely know, something of a podcast addict. Given that I am often in the car two to two-and-a-half hours a day, that probably makes sense. Beyond that, this is a great time to be commuting, if you like podcasts at least, because we are entering some of a new “golden age” in the world of radio and podcasts, given the plethora of shows available. This morning, as I was catching up on a favorite – This American Life – I was introduced to a new podcast, Invisibilia, which is Latin for “all the invisible things” and is, in the “about” post on the podcast’s website, “explores the intangible forces that shape human...

So maybe I shouldn’t describe this Christmas carol as “unlikely” in that Bruce Cockburn has explored the Christian story and theology, along with issues of human rights, throughout his forty-year career. But it may very well be unfamiliar to you. If so, you’re in for a treat, as the Canadian folk and rock guitarist, singer-songwriter’s beautiful retelling of the Christmas story blends elements of both Luke’s tender narrative of the in-breaking good news of God to the least likely of recipients – a teenage girl, her confused fiancee, down-and-out shepherds – with Matthew’s starkly...

I will admit that I am an avid, even devoted, fan of Serial, the new podcast produced by the folks of another of my favorite podcasts, This American Life. But while I’ve listened to it raptly for the last eleven weeks and eagerly await the conclusion to be dropped tomorrow, in the last week or so I’ve also become a bit ambivalent…about both the podcast itself and my devotion to it. A little background may help. Serial is a new podcast that this fall has told – really, is still telling as the conclusion is tomorrow – one story over twelve weeks. One true story, actually. It is the podcast/radio version of a Ken Burns documentary...

Maybe I liked this 15 minute TED Talk because it deals with veterinarians and my daughter very much wants to be a vet. Or maybe I love the interdisciplinary approach Dr. Natterson-Horowitz advocates. Or maybe I just see this as another example of the power of embracing diversity, this time embracing the insights one can gain about one species by looking to a diversity of species. Or maybe I just like the word “zoobiquity. Or maybe…. Truth be told, there are a number of reasons I appreciated this TED Talk and hope you do, too. Note: If you are receiving this post by email, you may need to click the title at the top of the post in...

I enjoy the work of the Piano Guys. Yes, I know, they can be a tad dramatic, but of course that’s part of the fun. I’ve shared several of their pieces in years past and thought this adaptation of Vivaldi’s “Winter” – first done by Disney for the song “Let it Go” for their hit movie Frozen – provided a nice break from whatever you might be doing. And, in case you’re wondering, it’s real snow and ice that surrounds them! Note: If you are receiving this post by email, you may need to click on the title at the top of the post to watch the...