John Branyan's Comedy Sojourn Podcast

 It’s just you and me. No other podcast pals, just us. So, if you’ve been with us before, you know there was a baby on the way. Well, that baby has now made his grand entrance, and as predicted, it’s shaken up the podcast schedule. I feared the podcast might be canceled, but The Peaches assured me, "No worries, Dad, I'll pop out the baby, and we’ll be back on track, no big deal." Fast forward a couple of weeks, and here I am, solo at the mic because my usual crew is at the hospital with the newborn boy. My kids have been griping about our intro music, calling it not just mediocre, but downright bad. So, I decided to skip it this week. Maybe it’s time for a new format: no music, just straight into the chatter. Let me know what you think. Now, about the baby. His name is Bridger Luke Michael McKinney. That’s right, Bridger. Not Alexander, which I was half-expecting because Amanda was adamantly saying it wouldn’t be Alexander. But no, it's Bridger. And like all new

Join us for another comedy riff session. We'll talk about slow motion, Paul Bunyan's actual size, antiquated messaging systems and some other stuff. We had fun. Maybe you will too!

This is an absolute carnival of Branyan Family Improv.   That is to say, we're just shooting the breeze and telling stories... Hear us talk about: -Squeaky birthing balls and Lactation Chairs -Why milk is bad in New Mexico -What squirrels have in common with Jared Leto (spoilers: it's the way they talk) -Tech issues and new equipment -Fortunately/Unfortunately -And finally: Our new family project idea!   Plus...  There's a succulunt in the middle of the table. We probably better stop to talk about it.

We're launching a new show that will hopefully ease a bit of the pain caused by the end of SCQS. This is our first episode and we're pretty sure the format and production is going to change. But we gotta start somewhere.The Riff sessions are comedy writing workshops. We're taking a premise and 'riffing' ideas with fellow comedians. Enjoy!

HOW MANY BABIES ARE YOU PLANNING TO HAVE?!  Turns out, we've been fielding that question for over a decade... Next: did you know the very first automobile was tested in our town of Kokomo, Indiana?  Well... that's because it's not actually true.  But Kokomo still loves to call itself the City of Firsts.  (And we really are responsible for that loveable Big, Red Dog!) Still no McBaby... The Big Kids are drinking "coffee."  And John wants to talk about the Presidential Debate that he didn't watch. Later: a shocking number of people can't figure out when they're talking to a robot...or when they're sharing photos of a "missing person" who is actually a plastic doll.  How does THAT affect the voting situation?  Join us at the table, Neighbor! 

Hi, Neigbor! We're going to have another baby in a matter of moments! Though...it could be many, many moments before the event actually happens... It's HOT and some of us are very puffy while others are very burnt.  John is worried that the Peaches can't record a podcast after the baby is born.  But there are ways to make it happen! It's all about priorities! Then: The whole extended family was out in the woods this week... Apparently, the First Graders have been internalizing that Post-Mil Theology!  (Kids who are surrounded by aunts and uncles and babies look forward to building their own families someday.) Later: Why are we so excited about posting the Ten Commandments in school?    Is this a small baby-step toward cultural victory?    Or are the majority of Christians completely confused about how the Word of God actually works itself into the human mind and heart? We're out here trying to build shrines and cast Bible Spells!  Jesus-cadabra! Email the Comedian's fam

Tabby brought her new baby, and Andrew is home on military leave!  So--join us for a noisy chat, Branyan Sibling Style.  What does an unmarried 25-year-old male think is an average size for a newborn?  And whose fault is it, really, that Andrew is always the last to hear family news? You be the judge, Neighbor. And, Later:  Does God care about tattoos and cigarettes?   (Just ask your favorite 90's pop star!) Email the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

Hey, Neighbor!  Luke's microphone isn't switched on, and it distracts us from sharing all the intricate Baby Details.  But--rest assured--Tabby had her baby.   While the Peaches was supporting the birthing mother, Juan and John and Luke were attending the Christian Comedy Association Conference.  There were some very encouraging testimonies shared during that time.  Luke wonders if churches should make space for MORE testimonies to be shared on Sunday mornings... Later: Why does the word "psychology" keep getting used as a synonym for "spirituality?"  Are they one in the same concept? Contact the Comedian's family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com 

We have a special Someone at the table today--though we can't decide whether he's a "guest" or a "friend."  One thing we DO know for sure is, we are pretty slap-happy to have a few days with Juan DeVevo...Did you know disc golf brands like to NAME the various discs? Usually they come with names like "Punisher" or "Intimidater."  But Juan wants to market a line of more peaceful-sounding discs. Next: Tabby is in labor! Thus sayeth The Doula (though she really isn't qualified to say much else)... Then: What happens when an Atheist rejects religion and insists there's no such thing as evil, but then she experiences tremendous evil perpetuated against HERSELF?  (Spoiler: they do NOT suffer well.) Email the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

Hey, Neighbor! The Comedian's family lives within 75 miles of the Indy 500 race track, so we settle a very important question:  does racing count as a "sport?"  And can we call the competitors "athletes" when they sit in a car all afternoon? Then:  Just a little more Labor/Birth talk... (Spoilers: Tabby is still pregnant!) (Also, apparently nobody knew what the date was when we recorded.)  Later:  A former contestant on the Bachelor is struggling with "fertility issues." Just wait until you hear what kind! And: have you heard what's happening in El Salvador?  Finally:  John ignores a call from his wife. And The McKinneys conducted their annual Book Burning. Here are the details.   You can contact the Comedian's Family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com 

Last week, we were jolly and funny.  This week: some of us are a little grouchier...and sunburnt...  The Peaches' water bottle went missing at the soccer game.  And, what's with the lack of "booing" from the Branyan, McKinney, and Farkas section?!?! Where's the loyalty?!    Not to mention: John's 4-year-old grandson was being veeeeeery virtuous today. He couldn't help noticing himself. Playing organized sports can help develop a person's character!... but it's not automatic. Then: Luke was surprised to hear there's (yet another) couple divorcing in our local church body.  It's hard coming to terms with the fact that many families (even professing Christians) don't hold each other accountable.   How should we counsel those who are persuing a divorce?  What sort of "baggage" should a married couple expect, and how can they manage it?  Later: Why don't people like to communicate?  Well, the Ninja and the Peaches had a small falling out this week, and they sh

Our family spent several hours sharing Big Thoughts after church (before we started recording), so now we're ready to just shoot the breeze... Join us for this lighthearted chat.   Why does Luke like spaghetti--but not lasagna? How many clothes can be squeezed into a standard washing machine?  John gives an update on his landscaping projects. (Spoiler: John is turning into an old man before our very eyes.) And--hey look--a rabbit in the yard!  Should we talk about Richard Dawkins being a "cultural Christian?"   Meh.  Too serious.  Let's not. See, Neighbor, not EVERY conversation deep and convicting.  (Oh, now Luke's parents are dropping off some patio furniture!)  There's some real life happening over at the Comedian's House, and you're invited to take a listen. Email the comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com. 

Hey, Neighbor!  There are babies due to be born in our family over the next few weeks, so we're talking about the birth process!  What do "real" contractions feel like? How can we distinguish between "early" labor and "active" labor?  Maybe you weren't expecting this conversation, Neighbor, but it sure beats talking about disc golf!   Riiiiiiiight? Next:  Communication with medical professionals can be challenging... (Here's an example.)  Then: Communication as a pastor/speaker can ALSO be callenging--especially if you're trying too hard to be profound or memorable.  (Here's an example.) (Also, here's our favorite riddle ever invented by a 3-year-old.)  Somewhere in the midst of all these topics, we have an excellent book idea for the Podcast Ninja! Don't forget to laugh, Carl.  Email the Comedian's Family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com.  If nobody is in labor, we'll do our best to respond!

It's the season for MOLE HUNTING.  If you don't remember The Podcast Ninja's technique, he shares all the gory details again in this episode.  Next, John talks about his big plans to avoid yard work...   (Psssst, he's going to be sorely disappointed, Neighbor!)  Then, Luke tells us the thing that John shared at Church today that felt noteworthy and then he forgot and then remembered again.   People's actions will tell you what they really think.  It's easy to say, "I am a Christian who believes the Gospel."  But, the choices made in daily life will reveal much! Finally,  both "Christians" and "Atheists" in America are struggling with an Authority Problem.  We'll unpack that the best we can--but if you know, you know! Email the Comedian's Family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com . 

First, let's talk about making cake for no reason... And,we need a short word-study, because the word "bi-weekly" has too many definitions. Next:  John has been watching lots of videos of sermons from Charismatic preachers.  This false doctrine happens to be the very first theological question that Luke and the Peaches tackled before they got married! Later:  A friend of John's almost made him choke on his chicken caesar salad.  What sort of "authority" are Christians "supposed" to have when it comes to raising the dead? Finally: Luke wants to know, "Is believing a false Gospel the same as not being a Christian at all?"  How much truth about Jesus do you need in order to be saved? Email the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com    

Well, Neighbor, it has been TOO LONG since we talked about disc golf!  Go get yourself some discs, so you don't have to be left out of the recurring conversation.  Next:  We're going to answer all your questions about how to schedule your time...  No, wait, we're going to tell you whether or not to quit your job.   No, actually we're going to talk about productivity.  Luke feels guilty because he doesn't think he's bringing enough focus to his day job.  How should bosses and employees measure "productivity?"  (And what kind of "productivity" really brings the most value to the people you love?) There are so many different directions we could take this conversation! But, of course, it always comes back to home-education and family life.   Contact the Comedian's family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com .

Hey, Neighbor!  Papa John's is selling a pizza featuring crispy "cuppy-roni."  This is worth mentioning at LEAST a few times this episode... Next: there has been a little bit on controversy in the Fight Laugh Feast network. (But, really, what else is new?) Sometimes listeners feel like their favorite hosts aren't practicing what they preach...  The Peaches thinks this speaks to the natural limitations of the podcast platform. It's impossible to get a complete picture of a person's beliefs, even if you consume several hours worth of their content every week! (There's sooooooo much that is still happening behind the scenes.)  It's possible to hear a message about "Rowdy Christians" multiple times and STILL not understand how to apply it, until you've spent more in-person time with the messenger. Later:   Some concepts and analogies we share on the podcast are not going to translate if listeners are not part of a real-life community.   Podcasts have their place! Sermons ar

Hey, neighbor! The Peaches and The Ninja have been together longer than they were "single."  They've gone by many names over the years...   But why does Uncle David call John "Scooter?" (Settle in, while Scooter unloads his coffee-related trauma.)  Then: HAPPY TRANS VISIBILITY DAY!  We actually know people--in real life--who have swallowed that Kool-Aid.  AND:  Our Comedy Clique has been talking about Foot-Washing Ceremonies.  Some good questions have been raised in the last few days!  What message is the Pope sending when he washes the feet of 12 female prisoners?  Is there a better way to demonstrate "servanthood' to a modern culture? Finally:  Jesus taught that being a servant makes you the GREATER in the Kingdom of Heaven. Many Christians are uncomfortable with the way they are elevated to places of Authority, while they keep trying to be perpetual doormats. How do we deal with the reality that our acts of service give us more responsibility and "powe

It's basketball season, Neighbor, and our NCAA bracket is looking sad!  But legend has it, the Branyan kids once predicted all four of the Final Four teams and won enough money for John to retire for about two hours.  Also, there is DRAMA among the McKinney/West/Farkas cousins.  (No, nothing scandalous.) A group of actors, aged 13 and under, are producing their own musical theater show. It's the most adorable thing we've seen in a while. Next: If a person can't explain WHY the believe something, do they really even believe it? Use your words, Pkarlgh!   Pictures aren't really worth 1000 words, and you CAN'T preach the Gospel silently... Contact the Comedian's family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com 

If you're tuning in for this episode, you will be among the first to sample The Podcast Ninja's new Outgoing Personality! (Tell us if you think he's not being "serious" enough.) We tackle other questions like: should men wear a suit and tie to church?  And should adults watch cartoons?... Later: If you want to add rocks to your health and wellness journey, we have a great opportunity for you!  (It's basically witchcraft--but it's all the rage.)   Email the Comedian's family: nextdoor@johnbranyan.com  Tell us what kind of "crystal" John should take to the Quack Doctor's virtual event.