The Happy Rant

In this episode of the Happy Rant podcast Ted Kluck, Ronnie Martin, and Barnabas Piper discuss the following:Why is Cam Newton such a controversial figure? Ted find him insufferable, and Barnabas thinks he's awesome. A debate ensues. The Super Bowl is a football game, but it's much more - it's a spectacle. What are we gaining and what are we losing because it get's bigger and shinier every year?"Think piece" is a pejorative term for an opinion article, and the hosts discuss the good, the bad, the ugly, and the ridiculous of think pieces. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Comedies are often the most memorable movies. People love them. So why don't they ever win Oscars?If we could go back in time and talk to our 20-year-old selves what advice would we give? And would we even listen to that advice?Churches are not businesses, so how should they use business principles? Or should they at all? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode you'll notice something new. That intro, so hot right now. We also rant about a few things.What books would be awesome if they were made into movies? And which ones might be . . . not awesome?What effect is all this helicopter parenting having on kids? Will they be productive members of society? Will they be any earthly good?What's the deal with charities functioning as business? Or is it businesses using charity to market? Why can't charities just be charities? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas take on listener-submitted "would you rather questions such as the following: Would you rather talk predestination with a college undergrad or a Kindergartener?Would you rather only be able to wear 90's Christian t-shirts or have to sport a man bun?Would you rather have sat courtside to see Michael Jordan or have been in the front row for Michael Jackson?These are just a sampling, so tune in for the full, tense, agonizing discussion. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode we try something a little different. Since Ted co-authored a book several years ago called "Why We're Not Emergent" and since the key players in the Emergent movement keep rearing their heads we figured we'd do a "where are they now?" episode.We follow up on Rob Bell, Mark Driscoll, Doug Pagitt, Dan Kimball, and Brian McLaren to see what they're doing now, what are they teaching now, and what their current hair styles might be. We also get an important update from Ronnie on when the heck we'll get a new intro some we can lay the current one to rest with proper honors. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- Why are all the Christian singers good looking? Can't ugly people sing too? And what does this tell people about what it takes to be a successful Christian?- At what point does a pastor's social media posts about his ministry excitement become overkill? - A discussion of the proliferation of year-end book lists on blogs - helpful, braggy, or something else? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- Ronnie opens up about his post Christmas depression (PCD) - When should star athletes or performers retire - Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Bono, Paul McCartney, etc.?- What do we think about New Year's resolutions and if we make any, what are they? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- A brief argument about the merits of cats and dogs- Will our hosts participate in the Star Wars hubbub? Is the hubbub worth all the trouble?- What are we to do when guys like Jerry Falwell Jr. or Franklin Graham make outlandish statements in response to Muslim extremists?- Why is gluttony an acceptable sin for Christians, or at least one that never gets discussed? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- Ronnie may not be a "sports fan" but he does have one secret sports love- Why do evangelical Christians feel so comfortable with Advent and celebrate it so much but kind of weird out about Lent?- What's the deal with guilty pleasures? Why should anyone feel guilty about enjoying music or movies just because someone in skinny jeans says so? - A little bonus chat about who would win the Heisman. Did Ted and Barnabas guess correctly? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- Get Calvinist swag for Christmas- The best (and worst) Christmas movies- Holiday nostalgia- Strange and wonderful Christmas traditions (especially at the Piper house) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- Why are some Reformed pastors viewed as A listers (Piper, Keller, Chandler) and other are B Listers?- Who tweets more egregiously on game days, @BarnabasPiper or @JaredCWilson?- We sponsor our *own* show Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

- Rhonda Rousey is a huge star, but would we let our daughters fight like her?- Can a creative force like M. Night Shyamalan bounce back after such an epic collapse?- Drisky Business: what is Mark Driscoll up to these days, any how? (and of course we tell you HOW YOU SHOULD FEEL ABOUT IT) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What's the deal with people ranting about red cups and ranting about ranting about red cups. We respond by ranting about ranting about ranting about red cups.We read through some iTunes reviews and discover that Homeschooling saves lives.We discuss the uprising at the University of Missouri and, being white and reformed(ish) tell you precisely how to feel and think about it. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A new co-host is welcomed.Why do "gospel-cetnered" people make so many new laws?Why are all 30-something white guys expected to like whiney, Ryan Adams-y music?Why are all professional sports coaches are loathe to take risks and try new things even when it makes sense? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stephen officially announces his retirement from the podcast. Are adult Halloween parties acceptable? When is it okay to adopt a sports team as your own? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A special visit from Chaz Marriot! Draft Kings and Fan Duel insanity. Why our society needs losers like the Cubs. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Should Christians use curse words? What are the best, worst, and dumbest unwritten sports rules? What artists should cover other artists, like Ryan Adams did with Taylor Swift? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What's the deal with the Pope? Why are celebrity pastors reviled but the Pope gets a free pass? What pastors are like NFL coaches? What are Ted, Stephen, and Barnabas reading these days? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's time for the first ever HAPPY RANT CCM TOUR. Are you ready for all the incredible goodness we've got packed in??? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What are we to make of "squishy" church statements? Do Christians actually like Donald Trump? 2015 NFL predictions. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Does the Mark Driscoll comeback matter? Ted delivers the WORST radio interview ever. Do gender neutral toy aisles make any difference to Ted, Stephen, or Barnabas? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.