Reviews
A long format that is easy to listen to! I have so much to learn.
Librarian Grace via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/09/24
I am looking for well-informed podcasts on Flannery O’Connor. This wasn’t one of them. The podcasters said Flannery O’Connor had a PhD. She didn’t. The podcasters said there are Catholics in Georgia because King George was Catholic. He wasn’t. I’ll continue to look for podcasters who do more...Read full review »
Yesterdayinnewyork via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/12/23
So many great nuggets of wisdom come out of their discussions.
Alyntrav via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/11/23
I grew up in an ELCA church. After confessing Christ, I joined nondenominational church. I just found this podcast and I appreciate them for so many reasons. They are truly Lutheran and fully Christ centered. And they are quite humorous as they share great reflections on banned books.
Jj639 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/07/22
I have appreciated some of the other 1517 podcasts, but this is a no-go. The general smugness here will lead me to encourage others to stay away and listen to some of the other 1517 offerings.
1077 PJ via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/18/22
Pastor Donovan and Pastor Christopher are perfect interlocutors in a podcast format that is most appropriate for this life. We cannot surround ourselves enough with both the hearing of the Word and hearing their insights as we travail through this vale of tears simultaneously saint and sinner.
NC Confessional Lutheran via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/23/21
Unfocused. Off topic. Annoying, predictable political commentary. I like other 1517 people like Chad Bird and Gretchen Ronnevik, but these two give off a real frat bro vibe.
cruelcoulter via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/30/21
My husband said I should give these guys a listen and I am so glad I did. Banned Books is the only podcast of its kind. In a time where so many people are afraid to speak the truth, these living legends do so unabated. We need more pastors like them and there is hope, because of them.
A. Flickinger via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/28/21
Great podcast, they are the reason I read on the incarnation. Really great conversations that cover a broad range while bringing everything back to The Cross.
Franz Flickinger via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/28/21
The titles on these podcasts are hilarious; the podcasts usually compare well the titles. I’m always entertained on some level as these two guys go deep on historical figures, ideas, books, and thought projects they are working on. A great show.
swbyrnes via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/28/21
I love these podcasts for their insight and bantor. I learn something knew every episode, and it is thought provoking every moment, while entirely entertaining. I listen one to two times a week. I sort of wish they came out a little closer to when recorded, because unlike some other reviews...Read full review »
FQtrC via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/26/21
Though I’m relatively new to the whole 1517 community, this is one of the several enriching shows I have begun to listen to regularly. I’ve been journeying into “old books” anyways to get fresh air from the past and these guys have made this journey to the past nicely guided. I’m recently married...Read full review »
C_R_Hammett via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/15/21
No podcast challenges me as much as this one. Plus it’s funny! My only critique (as a not very smart person) is that sometimes I feel like a ton of major problems are laid out and then at the end I just feel like, “Okay. What do I/we do about it? What now? Etc...”
Danielito11 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/19/21
Banned Books podcast is recommended listening if you enjoy having fun while learning something. For all of 2020, this podcast kept me sane. The hosts pull no punches when it comes to following truth wherever it may be found, whether it’s the Bible, Martin Luther, or Nietzche. They read authors...Read full review »
JSFIam via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/07/21
Every political podcast has me leaving in anger when I’m done listening...however, the fact this this is a religious-based podcast that incorporates politics here & there, it has me leaving feeling better than when I started. Thank you 💜
Marie Dorothy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/03/21
The Banned Books Podcast was my enchanted entryway into the beautiful halls of a lost freedom. It first appeared miraculously, like a hidden door that only reveals itself in a full-moon. After typing “C.S. Lewis” into the search bar of Spotify, a curious greeting at the top of the queue beckoned...Read full review »
The Inklings 2.0 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/19/20
The first 150 episodes were fantastic. I always learned something about an author, a book, theology, etc. It has just turned into political diatribe. Not saying I disagree. It isn’t why I listen to podcasts. There are better political podcasts if that’s what I want. Sorry to see.
Star Gazer 11 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/19/20
There simply is no other podcast that delivers the insight into theological writings that I’ve received from Riley and Gillespie. Top it off with personalities that complement to make discussions sharp yet sincere. Banned Books is a treasure in the 1517 network.
ahj271 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/18/20
Spot on gentlemen. I am grateful for the candid, intelligent commentary. Keep it coming!
A blsses old woman 😇 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/06/20
I heard Donovan Riley on Ringside With the Preacher Men, another great podcast, and the dude blew me away. Was laying down the knowledge. I subscribed and no regrets here. Next-level excellence. Thanks so much. God Bless.
Snowboardin’ Mike via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/04/20
God continues to use these Fordeian-Nestingenian disciples to stretch and grow me. Put in the time. Listen again. “Free to be.”
pepdaddyisalreadytsken via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/03/20
Thoughtful conversations-whether it’s about a book or current events, always a interesting podcast
Jb-1054 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/01/20
These Pastors are very knowledgeable, engaging and relevant. I love their topics and insights on christianity, theology, philosophy, culture, politics, ethics, the literature of various authors both christian and non-christian, coffee roasting, and BJJ. They tackle very difficult and sensitive...Read full review »
SirPerksalot via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/27/20
This podcast is so thought provoking. I listen to it any time I’m craving intellectual conversation.
FZY1 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/22/20
Bravo each episode!
Bil10923874 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/03/20
It started out as a great podcast. I love their Biblically based theology. But lately Riley has gone all political and is out of his element and unaware of that fact. I regret that I must unsubscribe. Fortunately one of Riley’s teachers, Steve Paulson, has started a podcast, Luthers Outlaw God,...Read full review »
aaron57248 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/02/20
I found 1517 a few years ago through a recommendation for the Thinking Fellows podcast, and from there I have gone through almost all of the podcasts on this network and backlogging through them to get all of the wonderful content that they have put out. I graduated from a Lutheran institution a...Read full review »
HossMan9256 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/23/20
The Banned Books podcast is great banter, with a deep knowledge of the history of the Gospel. It has been great to read authors and hear how they have influenced the church. “Rage on against the dying of the light!”
RevPiazza via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/08/20
I have enjoyed the podcast before but these last few in the midst of Covid-19 have been extra thought provoking.
KAW9 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/07/20
I enjoy the show each week
Kg6pir via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/07/20
Great resource!
Tommy (Belfast) via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/28/20
I am a big fan of As Lutheran As It Gets, so Banned Books is a treat. Every episode delves into a part of an author's work, to look at how they present the Gospel and whether Jesus is even present in their text. I really enjoyed the one on The Idiot by Dostoyevsky; it remined me of college...Read full review »
Omphaloskeptic-avoidant via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/12/19
I wait every week for the next episode of Banned Books. It’s intelligent, remarkably Lutheran, and will get you hooked. Pastors Gillespie & Riley bring the goods every week and never disappoint. Stay strong fellas!
lnewland via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/05/19
This is one of the best and clearest theological podcasts out. For those burnt on American religion, Riley and Gillespie never waver from the main thing, Jesus crucified FOR YOU. In a landscape of introspection and subjectivity, this podcast isn’t afraid to be honest about our need for something...Read full review »
Museikguy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/04/19
That was a good Episode. Awesome music history lesson. You gave me permission to not like amazing Grace just as the big Lebowski gave me permission to not like the Eagles
JJM54321 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/11/19
This show has become one of the highlights of my work week. Their explaination of the Lutheran view of the Sacraments answered several questions and cleared up a few misconceptions I had as a once strong Calvinist. Now I'm a Lutheran, having to relearn everything I thought I once knew. Thanks...Read full review »
JakeofWilmington via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/17/19
Pastors Gillespie and Pastor Riley do a tremendous job at pointing out the pitfalls in various streams of Christian theology. Lots can be learned from them as they critique Christian teaching that strays from the proper use of Law and gospel. The material they cover and some of the books they...Read full review »
Azzule311 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/07/19
Pastors Riley and Gillespie apply cultural expertise and humor in a very accessible balance. Give it a try, maybe start with an author you have some experience with. Not for Lutherans only, but with an extra relevance for Lutherans.
kevncarlin via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/07/19
I’m just a few hopped around episodes in,and this review may be jumping the gun. I have been diving into all the 1517 podcast including banned books. I find this podcast to be ungenerously critical and slightly condensing. Especially during a recent episode that ASSUME a lot on an author,...Read full review »
Subway Bible Reader via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/05/19
Thank you so much guys for helping me understand philosophical presumptions that underwrite educational biases and subsequent denominational theological traditions in history. Christ and his saving grace alone, working his way through the gift of the sacraments is a welcomed rest that I, and many...Read full review »
queensland steve via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 03/21/19
Pastors Riley and Gillespie call a thing what it is, in good Lutheran fashion. This show is an incisive exegesis of the human bondage to sin and the unbinding Word of the Gospel of Christ. This podcast doesn't waver from its theological core, but it also never gets redundant, thanks to the...Read full review »
Tomlovestheducks via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/12/19
I have followed your podcasts since Higher Things. Those were good but for me, this format is even better. The nuances of theology are emergent by nature, and a narrative style also helps with memory. Please keep going but can I ask for more Lewis, but not the ususal ones. My choices would be The...Read full review »
Chris Scattergood via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 03/05/19
I was hooked on The Thinking Fellows podcast after a friend shared it on Facebook. Their analysis and wisdom has been a joy to listen to week after week. I believed I had found a new favorite show or book. However! It took the equally brilliant discussions of this podcast, Banned Books, mixed...Read full review »
Action Ashbach via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/26/19
These guys give you Jesus only in a wacky and wonderful way.
Aggie Rev via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/25/19
I was listening to the conversation about Billy Graham and found it very enlightening. With respect and honor, Riley and Gillespie get to “the bone” of Pastor Graham’s sermons. I’m now curious to listen to their conversation on Fyodor Dostoevsky novel The Idiot (I recently listened to a BBC...Read full review »
AndyAlly via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/24/19
I've been a Lutheran for almost two years now. Finally getting Apple Podcasts and finding the treasure trove of confessional Lutheran podcasts there has been a tremendous blessing! "Banned Books" is so helpful, giving snippets of a wide variety of good works and analyzing them through...Read full review »
Tmk1985 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/23/19
Great to hear The Lutheran Distinctives; law/gospel, simul, two kingdoms etc. discussed and explained in an encounter with banned books. Thanks for your program.
Maestlin via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/22/19
I can never remember your names so I simply call you "The Dynamic Duo" to friends and family. As someone who grew up in "Church" but never heard the Gospel, I had nearly thrown in the towel until an equally disgruntled friend introduced me to Martin Luther's "Commentary...Read full review »
Checked Off! via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/18/19
I’m not well versed in theology. This podcast teaches me something new every episode without being over my head.
RussInMichigan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/16/19
Do you host a podcast?
Track your ranks and reviews from Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
See hourly chart positions and more than 30 days of history.
Get Chartable Analytics »