Last week, I notified you about our upcoming plans for the podcast. Thanks to everyone who subscribed in iTunes, the podcast hit #1 in Canada and #13 in the USA.
These rankings are unbelievable to me as I’m essentially a nobody. Unlike the others who have podcasts in the top 20, I’m not a mega church pastor, and I don’t have a television program. (And I have no plans for either.)
The interest in the podcast is simply a testament to the hunger that exists for Christ-centered messages with depth and a good dose of humor sprinkled in.
Now on to something related to the podcast.
At the encouragement of two of my friends, I’m toying with the idea of starting an Internet Radio Show.
If we end up launching it, the show will include interviews with interesting guests and lots of shtick.
If you want a snapshot of “shtick,” listen to this 3-minute episode on the podcast and you’ll get the idea.
My 25,000 give-away is another example.
Now . . . if I end up deciding to take the plunge and do the show (I’m undecided right now), it’s been agreed upon that I have a guest host. Just one (count them – 1) guest host for each show. The same person, not several people rotating.
Those producing the show want my co-host to be a fellow Christian author who is fairly well known. And that he or she would have a sense of humor and be able to connect with the main audience of the show (and this blog) – Millennials (20s and 30s).
Note: the podcast would not be about “church.” It would be similar to this blog in that it would discuss a wide range of topics – theological, biblical, popular culture, etc.
So . . . imagine that the show is going to become a reality.
Who do you want my co-host to be?
Remember: One person. A fellow author (female or male), fairly well known in the Christian world, sense of humor, and connects well with Millennials. If someone has selected the person you wanted to pick, just repeat their selection.
Thanks!
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Two thoughts
1. Jay Bakker
2. Matthew Paul Turner
For controversy…maybe a little Rob Bell action. For rock solid commentary, hands down, Len Sweet!
Anne Jackson would be another good choice.
How about Rob Bell? Nobody really knows what he’s up to these days except that he’s supposed to be involved in some television work in Hollywood.
what about Margaret Feinberg or Anne Jackson or Rod Garvin?
I would agree with Francis Chan as he has a sense of humor and is passionate about Jesus. I also like John Eldridge for the same reasons. I think another good option as he is international and from the tweet banter I have seen from the two of you, funny, Alan Hirsch. Now my dark horse would be Derek Webb the singer but that is for these reasons and the kind of shock he tends to give people. My two cents.
I just recommended Derek as well. That would be an amazing combo!
Rachel Held Evans, for sure. Donald Miller is a distant second.
Rachel is big in the blogosphere, but i’m not sure she’s that recognizable to the “average” young adult christian. Lauren Winner might be more well known.
But – how bout someone like Brian Kim, from IHOP? He’s not an author, but is very well known in those circles.
Or if you cohosted with someone in the music industry, that would have major young adult appeal even if they are not an author per se. Like Chris Tomlin, or Kevin Prosch, David Ruis, etc.
Ah . . . you will hear from David Ruis on this blog in the days to come.
Frank – Louie Giglio is awesome. However, he’s so passionately pro-institutional church that I don’t know if that would work very well.
Heather: I’ve worked with several people who are “pro-institutional” church and am working with such people right now (including pastors). This especially given the present season of my ministry right now: http://frankviola.org/2012/03/05/seasonsofministry/
If a person knows, loves and lifts up Jesus Christ, I don’t care what their views on church structure or expression are, I’m happy to co-labor with them in the work of the Kingdom. I’ve always felt this way. To my mind, it’s sectarian for people on either side to shun a believer because of the way they view the practical expression of the ekklesia.
Word!
Jon Acuff, Donald Miller, or Shane Claiborne.
My imediate thought was for John Eldredge. I think Frank and John would provide a dynamic combo of rich in-depth content along with humor. Tons of people would want to tune in to hear this duo, and it would deeply edify the body of Christ.
Shane Claiborne.
I vote for Rachel Held Evans and Gabe Lyons. I guess Tim Hawkins would be good too. He is hilarious!
Gotta go with Steve Brown, Len Sweet, or Jon Acuff. Steve Brown would be my first choice. I’m reading his book “Three Free Sins” and he is hilarious. He also knows what he is talking about theologically and would create some great dialogue for the show. He and his pipe smoking are always controversial too. Just my two cents. I’m sure you’ll pick someone great as you always interview/dialogue with interesting and intriguing people on here.
Steve is great. He had me on his show several times. But he already has a show, so I wouldn’t even ask him.
You would need to have him as a guest sometime. Loved his interview with you and Len on his show.
Philip Yancy would be my top pick.
Rachel Held Evans or Jon Acuff
Shane Claiborne
Len Sweet
Rachel Held Evans…Len’s too busy and you need to make sure the sisters are “represented”!
Well, if it’s entertainment minded, how about Steve Taylor?
Ted Dekker
Matthew Paul Turner
Quentin Schultze (from Calvin College)
I think that you and Francis Chan would be an incredible pairing.
Mark Driscoll.
Ok, ok
Keith Giles.
HAHAHA. NICE ONE
Yes, Keith for sure!
John Eldredge because he doesn’ only write about theology but is also very interested and knowledgeable in world cultures and philosophies. Plus he has a great sense of humor and really believes that Jesus has one as well. And he is great with people.
Len Sweet
Very strong vote for Len Sweet
N. T. Wright is my second choice
How about Kenny Luck ??
Louie Giglio – He exalts Christ & connects well with his audience.
I don’t him or anything about him except that he has to be Italian. Hmmm … two Italians wielding the show. That could be trouble.
Hey! Yeah! Maybe Giglio might be awesome for the job!
Tim Hawkins would be hysterical!
Paul Young, author of The Shack. Also, Donald Grey Barnhouse–you have the faith to resurrect him from the dead.
Whoever you choose will be okay with me, but I’d like to know if I can take over your job at your mother’s radio station? That podcast was awesome and I can at least do as bad – and maybe worse – than you did. If background is needed, just consider how witty the average pizza delivery man is when he stands on the front porch of your home and says, “Yeah, ah, well, you know, that’ll be $13.65 and I ain’t got no change for you, okay?” That’s me…plus add in that I’m 66 years old and not very spry.
Dude: I love pizza! Even though I eat it rarely now. This is heavily biasing my decision.
After you heard that 3-minute podcast, one would think I’d give up the idea of being a talk radio show host after being skewered like that. But I’ve bounced back . . . I think.
Pick someone whos going to be there for the haul. Pick someone whos not overly popular. In fact pick a nobody like yourself. One nobody plus one nobody surely makes a somebody. I would rather hear from a child then someone who thinks they have it going on. I caint hear the Spirit over most peoples egos.
Yes but the producers want my audience and someone else’s. I can understand. This sort of thing takes time so it has to be worth the effort. IF I even agree to it.
You have enough of a following that you could have anyone on there and it would be successful. Just look at your statistics. Put a Muppet on with you. “Bob the pharisee” (Sir Robert).
You think too highly of me. Though the Muppet idea isn’t too shabby.
Greg Boyd
Names that pooped into my head because of stuff I have read in the last four months, include:
Dallas Willard
Neil Anderson
Beth Moore
Josh Harris
Wayne Grudem
I am not sure that any of these people fit all of your criteria, but each of them would certainly add an interesting dimension to your discussions.
Jon Acuff
I’m honestly not sure. Are you looking for someone who is theologically like-minded? Because of the suggestions given, take Rachel Held Evans, for example, you differ on many things.
Drew Marshall began a series of blogger interviews on his radio show, of which I was honored to be the first of in the series. All that to say, reviewing his past guests might give you some ideas. You can actually hear individuals on the radio and hear how they connect (or don’t) with the audience. Many of them are well-known authors,as well.
Looking forward to seeing what comes of this! Blessings.
Nicole: I think I differ with everyone who has been selected as a potential co-host on some things and vice versa. I also have a lot in common with all of them (including Rachel). Agreement on all things theological isn’t a requirement at all for this potential project. (I don’t agree with myself on some days!)
In fact, I prefer that it be someone who I differ with one some things as it will be more fun that way. This show will major in entertainment. Just like the humorous sketches on the podcast, it won’t be boring.
Drew is great. Kudos on being on his show!
P.S. I’ve been amazed at how much agreement two people realize they have when they actually talk with one another about the areas where they think they differ. I wrote about this very thing yesterday: http://frankviola.org/2012/05/15/disagreement/
I assumed as much. I think some disagreement makes for better radio, not in the form of arguing of course, so much as encouraging open and honest debate.
I saw your post from yesterday but have yet to read it. Hope to today.
I think Pete Greig would be an excellent choice too.
I’d like to see you and Mark Driscoll do a show. That would be cool. You guys would be awesome together.
I, too, recommend Len Sweet… you two together (again) would be a home run, IMO..
PS. Although I’m not the 20s-and-30s demographic, is it OK to FB/tweet this to my friends?
Of course.
Len Sweet
Scot McKnight
N.T. Wright (probably a time zone issue, but the videos floating around of him singing and playing guitar show his lighter side)
Eugene Peterson
Erwin McManus
Reggie McNeal (very funny in person)
Ed Stetzer
David Fitch
My pick would be Len Sweet, though. I think you two would “gel” and hit it out of the park.
Forgot to add Felicity Dale to the list.
Also, in addition to all the other suggestions made, which I agree with, I vote for Neil Cole. Would love to hear the two of you together outside of the Q&A that you two did.
STEVE BROWN would be great.
George Barna or Leonard Sweet
One of the first people to come to mind was John Acuff, but just because he’s so funny.
Francis Chan would be cool, but I think he’s moving in a different direction.
Curious: do you know George to have a sense of humor?
When you say Chan is “moving in a different direction” …what does that mean related to this potential show? Is he leaving the Lord? If not, I don’t see how that relates to the show. If I end up doing it, it would deal with theology, culture, Bible, and interviewing guests . . . but with lots of shtick and humor.
The two audio links above give you an idea of the humor/wit. Someone said it would be sort of like a Christian John Stewart program with a co-host.
Thats cool Frank that you are not so dogmatic and you have gone past evangelical to not always have to be right, as well as not always seeing eye to eye in everything. I like that you will take someone that holds to a different form or even interpretation. Christ is everything….THANKS
That’s been my position over the last 15 years. Haven’t changed it and don’t plan on it. “Cooperation without compromise,” is how I put it. My “Beyond Evangelical” series goes into this in more depth as well as “Rethinking Christian Unity.”
Wolfgang Simson
how bout Jaeson Ma?
What!?!? You don’t plan to be a mega-church pastor!?!? Aww man! I’m going to quit reading your stuff then!
(Lots of exclamation points for you as well. Hee, hee.)
Or what’s Don Francisco up to? A singer would be nice, and he loves your stuff.
I would think John Lynch of the Truefaced team would fit your requirements well. He’s got my vote.
Len Sweet, or NT Wright
John Eldredge, great combo.
Francis Chan or Lanny Donoho. Both excellent choices.
1. Donald Miller
2. John Acuff
3. Alice Cooper
4. An invisible female co-host that you make up and do her voice.
LOL. I like #4!
Alice Cooper? Good Idea!
While we’re reaching far and wide, why not Bono?
How about Donald Miller??
Casting my vote for Rachel Held Evans.
Derwin Gray. I think you know him he endorsed your book From Eternity to Here.
Rachel Held Evans
Dr. Baxter Kruger…brilliant, warm, witty, wicked sense of humor…
Dave Geisler could be a good choice. He’s done some podcast work, is cutting edge in many areas and has a great sense of humor.
Bart: I’ve not heard of him. Is he a published author and does he connect with Millennials?
Frank, Dave is a friend of mine who lives near you in Florida (Sarasota). He’s pastoring a non-traditional church. He’s done podcast and videoblogs and has a great sense of humor. I think he might fit the bill.
For some reason he came to mind. I can link the two of you on FB if you like, if you’re not already.
Thanks Bart, I was honored by your endorsement. Did I mention I have a great blood line…ever heard of Dr. Norman Geisler, he just so happens to have a son – Dave Geisler. Now even though I am no relation I’ve heard rumors that I am 1/32nd Cherokee, by the way I’ve been to Canada and am quite the popular in Alert, Nunavut, Canada
Bart I would second Dave Geisler as a good option.
I think my vote would go to Len Sweet or Rachel Held Evans.
Easy – John Eldredge.
That would be awesome!
How about a Canadian? Sarah Bessey would be AWESOME.
I second the Rachel Held Evans nomination.
I also want to throw in Matthew Paul Turner and Elizabeth Esther. They have great senses of humor, passionate and thoughtful opinions, and can hold their own in a discussion. They both have experience in media, Elizabeth primarily in speaking and on television, while Matthew has done speaking and podcasting. I like Elizabeth for this because she comes from a Catholic perspective, which would give added dimension to faith conversations.
I think a male and female combinaton would be more appealing to listeners. Rachel Held Evans is my pick. She fits all your criteria – well known author, connects with millenials, sense of humor, and she’s featured your blog a number of times on her blog. I know me and my friends would tune in for sure with you both.
I’m with Jennifer–I think Rachel Held Evans would be great!
Yes Rachel!
I really like the idea of an internet radio show! It would be a great addition to the blog. I agree with the other replies that Leonard Sweet would be a good co~host.
I’d like to throw Jamal Jivanjee’s hat into the ring. He loves the Lord with all his being, has a great sense of humor, and is used to public speaking. Not too mention his insightfulness on a variety of topics.
Len Sweet or Gregory Boyd
My vote goes to Len Sweet. You’ve already worked with him and I think you’d make a great team.
Gregory Boyd
Boyd is my choice too…
I’m not sure if he has a sense of humor or if he’d be good at talk radio but Francis Chan and you would be a cool combination.
i second this fella
Oh, Rachel Held Evans and you would make an awesome team!!
John Acuff. You two would be amazing!
When I read the description (Christian author, well-known, great sense of humor, connects with millenials) I instantly thought of Jon Acuff as well.
Shane Claiborne would be my choice for a co-host!! I’m not sure how likely he is to do it, but that would be my choice!!
I vote for Len Sweet.
For me, it has to be Jon Zens. He has such a wealth of knowledge and would encourage Christians of all types to listen.
The first name that came to my mind is Francis Chan, seems a little bit of a stretch, but you ask. ( on a more realistic note, perhaps Jamal Jivanjee).