Two quirky and cerebral creatives talk it out as writer and former History teacher, John Driver, goes toe-to-toe with best friend and comedian, Jonnie W., in hilariously real and genuinely insightful conversations about life, history, current culture, faith—and everything in between.
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Overpacking, Phone Addiction, and Vulnerability
32:49
32:49
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32:49John does some retail therapy and ponders a bold new way to reduce his screen time. Meanwhile, Jonnie hits the road with way too much luggage and tells the strange history of the Patron Saint of Toothaches. Plus, a conversation about vulnerability and why a life without humility is so dangerous. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Telepathy: "Tell …
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Our Goal in Life Should Not Be Happiness. But What Should It Be Instead?
36:08
36:08
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36:08"You do not need to know precisely what is happening or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope." - Thomas Merton. In this episode, we have a conversation about the "pursuit of happiness" and why adapting to challeng…
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Is Knowing Too Much Killing Our Brains? Information Overload in the Age of the Internet
35:49
35:49
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35:49Bertrand Russell said, “There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.” If there was ever a flagship quote for our podcast, is this it? Are we drowning in knowledge? Is knowing too much actually harming our brains? In today's episode, a conversation about information overload in the age of the internet and whether knowing too much is k…
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Healthy Self-Awareness vs Unhealthy Navel-Gazing: What’s the Difference?
50:15
50:15
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50:15"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate." - Carl Jung. Self-awareness is a double-edged sword. Too much of it and you can become an introspective navel gazer. But at the same time, as John Calvin said, "without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God." In this episode, John and Jonnie t…
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Avoiding the Comparison Trap in Your Career (Plus Missed Opportunities & Fingerless Gloves)
44:54
44:54
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44:54John comes in second place A LOT and tries his best to look menacing on his way to Walgreens. Meanwhile, Jonnie eats way too many caramels and learns that the most highly ranked restaurants are also selling car parts. Plus, a conversation about the trap of comparison and how to enjoy the one life you've been given. We make a lot of resolutions this…
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How Gratitude Can Quiet Your Anxiety (Plus Reclaimed Beanies & Going to Movies)
45:27
45:27
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45:27"He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears." - Michel de Montaigne. This guy said that in the 1500s… so anxiety has been around for a while. In this episode of Talk About That, we talk about fear and worry - is there a way to get better at worry? Can we worry less in 2025? Is that a resolution we can keep? Listen in to our convers…
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Inconvenience or Adventure? How Perspective Shapes Experience (Plus: Christmas Pickles)
43:19
43:19
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43:19Think about it: the greatest adventures you’ve experienced almost certainly had inconveniences. What mishaps are you currently experiencing that might lead to great stories later on? On this episode of Talk About That, we share some laughs about our holiday hiccups, and a few of our favorite funny moments from Christmases past. As GK Chesterton wis…
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Burning Rugs, Explosive Shoes, and Self-Righteousness
40:08
40:08
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40:08John becomes an impromptu firefighter and turns Jonnie's rental car story into a sermon illustration. Meanwhile, Jonnie gets flagged at the airport and tells us the real reason "It's a Wonderful Life" became a classic. Plus, a conversation about self-righteousness and the temptation to make the gospel about "other more sinful people" when it's real…
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John questions Santa's delivery route and takes a private jet straight to prison. Meanwhile, Jonnie has his rental car confiscated in the middle of the night, and tells the story of the time Winston Churchill got a prescription for booze. Plus, a conversation about Advent, waiting, and the beauty of brokenness. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by G…
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Frozen Turkeys, Cheapskates, and Big Tables
34:09
34:09
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34:09John tells us why we really eat turkey at Thanksgiving and is forced to perform in a talent show before he can join the feast. Meanwhile, Jonnie defends the lowly Sloppy Joe as a quality sandwich and tells the tale of the woman so cheap she made nightgowns out of newspapers. Plus, a conversation about what it really means to "prepare a table for us…
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Is Gen Z Ready to Shed Cynicism and Embrace Hope?
34:09
34:09
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34:09On this episode of Talk About That, we come back to the idea that cynicism is easy and hope is hard. If we’re not careful, we can all be cynics. But what have we built? The things that we grow and build in life that matter most are usually the people with whom we’ve built relationships. Today, John and Jonnie have a conversation about the courage i…
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John defends green peppers, eats gum wrappers, and needs a hobby. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders why people romanticize medieval times and reveals the surprising reason the sandwich was really invented. Plus, a conversation about wisdom and foolishness, and how the internet has robbed us of contemplation before rendering an opinion. Today's episode is N…
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Prayer Peekers, Smarty Pants, and Stubbornness
42:38
42:38
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42:38John keeps a secret folder of phrases to make himself look cool at parties and invents a clothing line. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders people who pray with one eye open and tells the story of the man who was jailed for 7 years for smoking tobacco. Plus, a conversation about the one thing wise and stupid people have in common. Today's episode is NOT spon…
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Monk Retreats, Hotel Robes, and Generosity
41:28
41:28
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41:28John gets frustrated with ChatGPT and wants to be a monk (except for the silence part). Meanwhile, Jonnie stays at a hotel with a fancy television and thinks his wife may have stolen several pair of slippers. Plus, a conversation about prosperity, giving, and surrender. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Bobbing for Apples: "The Halloween Party ga…
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The Importance of Voting and Civic Duties (Plus Early Baldness and Bruce Lee)
41:32
41:32
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41:32John tells us why he just can't lick his fingers anymore and gets jealous of the Bachelor. Meanwhile, Jonnie dishes on an exciting delivery to the old ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ set and gets irritated by fancy ketchup at restaurants. Plus, a conversation about talent vs discipline and why repetition matters more than you think. Today's episode is NOT sp…
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A Better Way to Think about Forgiveness (Plus Dog Training & Confused Emus)
38:31
38:31
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38:31John gets played by his own dog and ponders a replacement for smart phones. Meanwhile, Jonnie learns about pandas who fake pregnancy and how Abe Lincoln got body-shamed by an 11-year old girl. Plus, a conversation about forgiveness and grace as a habitual act. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Moving Walkways at the Airport: "We make you feel lik…
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Why Battle Language in Scripture Needs to Be Handled with Care (Plus Plane Crashes, Redshirts & Loving Our Enemies)
42:42
42:42
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42:42John looks bad in volleyball shorts and talks to a coconut. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders the origin of the “redshirt freshman” in football and why the Beatles’ biggest hit was almost a song about breakfast. Plus, a conversation about the subtle difference between a wise person and a fool. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Oatmeal: “Tastes 45% better…
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The Perfect Sandwich, Dopamine, and Systems
44:23
44:23
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44:23John supersizes his game day food and ponders a time before cellphones ruined us. Meanwhile, Jonnie tells us why a picnic is no picnic and reveals how a little citrus saved some British sailors. Plus, a conversation about goals and systems, and why one is more important than the other. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Hot Air Balloons: “The only…
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Neural Implants, World War III, and The Party of Principle
46:46
46:46
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46:46John ponders neural implants and whether he’d want to control devices with his mind. Meanwhile, Jonnie tells us about the guy who saved the entire world from annihilation by not doing his job, and shares the absolute worst inspiration Bible verse if you are a a wrestler. Plus, a conversation about the broken two-party system and the importance of s…
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"I Have Everything, Why Am I Still Sad?" A Conversation on Anxiety (Plus Outdoor Comedy and Lightbulb Jokes)
48:09
48:09
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48:09John and Jonnie chat about the pros and cons of performing at a music festival. Then, Jonnie tells the tale of the very first chiropractor and shares some old jokes about changing light bulbs. Plus, a conversation about anxiety and brokenness, and why we need the proper perspective during hard times. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Trophy Shops…
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How We’re Choosing Hope Instead of Cynicism (Plus Garbage Gifts and First Car Crashes)
43:24
43:24
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43:24John gets a present straight from the garbage and starts a militia. Meanwhile, Jonnie wrecks his first car spectacularly and tells us about the longest baseball game in history. Plus, a conversation about choosing hope over fear and how our actions can make deserts or forests. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Bubble Tea: “When you want a drink y…
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John learns the origins of the slang term “Rizz” and raises a celebratory toast to 17th century Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Jonnie haunts his own car while it’s in the repair shop and reveals why being the opener as a comedian can sometimes be a real sweet spot. Plus, a conversation about idols and order, and how misplaced priorities can lead to all …
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Recliners, False Endings, and Good Intentions
31:12
31:12
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31:12John’s recliner dreams are dashed and he hesitates to tell strangers what he does for a living. Meanwhile, Jonnie has nightmares he can’t wake up from and argues that a very popular trilogy of movies are all about 30 minutes too long. Plus, a conversation about how we evaluate others versus how we judge ourselves. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored b…
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Talking Volleyballs, Geometry, and Essentials
31:45
31:45
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31:45John has to relearn geometry and tries his best not to be a bad sports parent. Meanwhile, Jonnie reminisces about school supplies that were also implements of carnage and reveals the history behind National Waffle Day. Plus, a conversation about disagreeing with someone without being disagreeable. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by High-Heeled Sho…
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Breakdancing, Olympic Painting, and Eternity
41:44
41:44
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41:44John tells us about some odd olympic sports that got discontinued and learns about a forbidden dance that terrified Christian parents when we were kids. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders an old joke about traffic and reveals the story of the woman behind the most iconic line from a commercial in the 1980’s. Plus, a conversation about eternity and why it’s …
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John thinks the Olympic Steeplechase is unnecessarily dangerous and ponders getting our old band back together as a vanity project cash grab. Meanwhile, Jonnie explains why beefs between rappers are adorable and why learning about old political scandals actually comforts him. Plus, a conversation about faith in God that depends on an outcome vs. on…
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John thinks he deserves a cut of the proceeds from Jonnie’s comedy shows and dusts off his old Spanish lessons for a family trip. Meanwhile, Jonnie has the most expensive rental car ever and reveals the ordinary woman who inspired the Statue of Liberty. Plus, a conversation about stewarding an appreciation of the world around us and why you despera…
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John can’t spell “yogurt” and has a dog who gives himself shock therapy. Meanwhile, Jonnie isn’t sure a llama should be in your kitchen and tells us the surprising retail price of the nation’s first ballpoint pen in 1945. Plus, a conversation about whether ignorance really is bliss and why knowing the truth makes things better, but not necessarily …
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Cat Jokes, Canyon Crashes, and Interdependence
44:50
44:50
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44:50John misquotes yet another popular saying and wants to die at age 100 in the most dramatic way possible. Meanwhile, Jonnie argues that “tearing it off quick like a Band Aid” is terrible advice and tells us how to inform your neighbor that their cat has died. Plus, a conversation about vulnerability, worry, and independence—and what the Bible really…
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Love Languages, Torture Songs, and Goodness
50:24
50:24
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50:24John becomes an overnight Lakers fan and tells us what song could be used to torture him into submission. Meanwhile, Jonnie goes to a Celine Dion concert and reveals the secret to a great comedy venue. Plus, a conversation about prayer and how our thoughts steer the direction of our lives, for better or worse. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Fi…
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Why It's So Easy to Idolize the Days of Youth
46:09
46:09
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46:09John shares his supervillain origin story and why he loves sitting in a hot car (even though it might be killing him). Meanwhile, Jonnie tells an old (and pointed) joke about religion, along with the story of the Automobile Club who got busted for helping speeders avoid the cops. Plus, a conversation about our idolization of youth, the marginalizat…
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John compares churches to soft drinks and reveals his wife’s growing (and dangerous) shoe problem. Meanwhile, Jonnie changes his mind about seatbelt laws and tells us about the time the Pope (literally) demonized cats and helped spread the Plague. Plus, a conversation about love and risk, and why a guarded heart is like putting plastic covers on yo…
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Doomsday Preppers, 25-foot Chickens, and The Truman Show
50:42
50:42
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50:42John goes to a fishing rodeo and regrets not being a doomsday prepper. Meanwhile, Jonnie makes some new friends at a petting zoo and ponders being chased by 25-foot chickens. Plus, a conversation about Main Character Syndrome, victim mentality, and how to know whether you are being persecuted or just disagreed with. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored…
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John tells us the secret to happiness and gives his daughter (and himself) a birthday gift. Meanwhile, Jonnie takes a bucket list trip with his 84-year old father in law and comes up with a new way to get people to look at positive news stories. Plus, a conversation about the laziness of contrarianism and why we will be remembered for what we built…
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John tells us why he would be a terrible NASCAR driver and the boys argue over whether professional wrestlers are athletes or actors. Meanwhile, Jonnie has a run-in with the cops because he forgets his phone and tells the story of NBC’s diabolical plan to get people to buy color TVs in the 1950s. Plus, a conversation about worry and the importance …
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John goes to extreme lengths to stop his snoring and attracts some local females. Meanwhile, Jonnie’s poor eyesight almost causes a scene at the grocery store. Plus, a conversation about letting go of our need for vengeance, and our inclination towards moral superiority. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Professional Wrestling : “Ironically less …
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John ponders what the best accent is and wants to bring back the word “comeuppance.” Meanwhile, Jonnie takes his first red-eye flight and tells the story of the time Johnny Carson saved the game Twister from extinction. Plus, a conversation about bias and why it so easy to make a hasty judgment before hearing all sides. Today’s episode is NOT spons…
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John changes his mind about lunchmeat and gets kicked out of a football game. Meanwhile, Jonnie turns the tables on a police officer, and tells the tale of the “Human Fish.” Plus, a conversation about self-esteem and the balance between knowing our value vs. over-inflating it. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Coffee: “You just woke up. Quick, po…
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John threatens someone with a loaded broccoli and tells us why not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Meanwhile, Jonnie learns about redundant colons and gives his review of the newly re-styled Cracker Barrel. Plus, a conversation about success and happiness and why they are not usually the same thing. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Your Favor…
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You Will Definitely Be Forgotten (and That’s Great News)
53:06
53:06
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53:06John gets a ’67 Mustang and some pointy sideburns, and wonders if relatives can see us from heaven. Meanwhile, Jonnie wonders how long he could stand on one foot and ponders why having your accomplishments forgotten is actually a huge relief. Plus, a conversation about living by a standard vs. being ruled by our feelings or the actions of others. T…
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How Concerned Should You Be About the End of the World?
53:06
53:06
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53:06John preaches the day before the eclipse and DOES NOT reference it in his sermon. Meanwhile, Jonnie tells the story of a presidential candidate who lost an entire state because of the way he ate a tamale. Plus, a conversation about the American obsession with End Times prophecies and our human need to know things that cannot be fully understood. To…
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Analog Rebellion, Deep Fake News, and Divine Intervention
56:05
56:05
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56:05John reads some listener emails and gets his writing into The Bible (but not like a heretic, we promise). Meanwhile, Jonnie is starting to fear Artificial Intelligence and tells the story of the craziest coincidence ever. Plus, a conversation about how tolerance and compromise is actually rooted in early Christianity. Today’s episode is NOT sponsor…
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Christian Music, Big Orange, and Sowing & Reaping
57:16
57:16
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57:16John tells us what NOT to say in a fight with your wife and that we basically drink orange juice for breakfast because of a government contract during World War II. Meanwhile, Jonnie has a dumb idea for church drum cages and has a conflicted relationship with his team’s colors. Plus, a conversation about people doing good while working in a flawed …
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Ghost Shrubs, Arcade Robberies, and Perspective
1:01:32
1:01:32
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1:01:32John heads to Las Vegas to help his daughter jump higher and gets scolded while gambling exactly one dollar. Meanwhile, Jonnie gets his computer stolen at a pastor’s conference and tells us about the time a woman got quarantined for life because she wouldn’t stop cooking. Plus, a conversation about faith as a lens by which we see the world. Today’s…
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John makes an awkward joke on primary Election Day and has a magical (and questionable) encounter with a bald eagle. Meanwhile, Jonnie plans a weekend of comedy shows in the path of the coming eclipse, which may lead to him sleeping in his car. Plus, a conversation about compatibility in marriage and why it’s not necessarily the most important thin…
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Death Threats, Stressed States, and Wonder
45:58
45:58
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45:58John wonders what happened to the roadside Rocket in Huntsville, AL and tells us which states are the most stressed out. Meanwhile, Jonnie releases an old comedy clip and somehow finds the angriest people in Iowa. Plus, a conversation about regaining a sense of wonder and what it really means to have “faith like a child.” Today’s episode is NOT spo…
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John gets a go-kart and embarrasses his daughter with a “cool” handshake routine. Meanwhile, Jonnie jumps over the neighborhood kids with his bike and tells the story of a basketball player who saved a dolphin’s life in the weirdest way possible. Plus, a conversation about the importance of taking risks and why a careful life is more empty than one…
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John gets the flu and makes Jonnie sing the highest harmony notes ever at his wedding. Meanwhile, Jonnie ambushes John’s former teenage celebrity crush for a cruise ship selfie, and tells the story of Abe Lincoln becoming buddies with a guy who wanted to kill him. Plus, a conversation about how to disagree with someone without dehumanizing them. To…
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You wanted it, you got it! A special encore of Talk About That's 2023 Valentines Day minisode. The boys take a deep dive into the important topics like high school crushes, the best Valentine’s candy, and how long is too long in a hot tub. FOLLOW Jonnie W.: https://jonniew.com FOLLOW John Driver: https://johndriver.com Listen now on any platform at…
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Awkward Roses, Ten Lepers, and Neuroplasticity
38:12
38:12
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38:12John gets jealous at a Boyz II Men Concert and teaches us about Neuroplasticity. Meanwhile, Jonnie gives his band’s demo CD to Tobymac in hopes of a record deal, and ponders what it would be like to officiate the wedding of Kevin Bacon. Plus, a conversation about the power of positivity and giving our spouse the benefit of the doubt, and the danger…
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