Let the Bird Fly!
A podcast about Living Freely in a World Given Back to Us.
Ordinary Time

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY, Wade and Mike discuss the church year and "ordinary time." What is ordinary time? What is its focus? What does it mean for the Christian life? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by...
Church and Ministry

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE, Wade and Mike discuss church and ministry. What is the church and why does it exist? What does it have to offer the world? What is the ministry and why does it exist? How does it relate to vocation? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Ch...
Body and Soul

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT, Wade and Mike discuss the relationship between body and soul. How do people try to separate the two? What does the Bible say about them? Why is it so important to get the whole person right? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Ma...
Nostalgia

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN, Wade and Mike discuss nostalgia. Why do we experience it? What can we learn from it? What is its significance? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the ho...
Time

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX, Wade and Mike discuss time. Why does time matter? What are the different ways of considering time? How does the Bible speak about time? How does the church look at it? Why do past, present, and future all matter all the time for the Christian? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Ad...
Liberal Arts

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE, Wade and Mike discuss the liberal arts, their history, and why they matter today as much (or more) than ever, especially for Christians. The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Mo...
Cruciformed

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR, Wade and Mike discuss the formation project on which they've been working. They outline their approach, explain some of what brought the project into being, what each is doing for the book, and how they go about writing. The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by...
Stories

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE, Wade and Mike are joined by Mark Paustian and Lauren Dunn to discuss stories. Why are stories so useful for evangelism? How do the Scriptures use stories? What is it about stories that captures our attentions? Why have humans delighted to tell stories for as long as they've been around? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Imp...
Wingin’ It 322.1: Faith, Fitness, Fellowship, Formation (Session 4, Walk, Water, Sun)

In SESSION FOUR of this new series, Wade discusses the importance of the basics. Why is it so important to walk? How much should we walk and when? Why do we need to drink water (and not just whatever else)? How much water should we drink? Why do we need to get outside, even in the cold? Since losing a lot of weight over the past year, many have asked why he has been doing so and how he has been doing it. This series will talk about that, but also hopefully focus more broadly on the relationship between faith...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 10: We Believe (Creeds, Part Two)

In episode TEN of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade continues to discuss Chapter 3 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, beginning Section 2. Why do creeds matter? What is the role of the creeds? To what degree are they normative? Does one have to confess the creeds to be a Christian? We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517...
Italy: Cradle of Western Christianity

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO, Wade and Jason discuss Italy, its role in Western history and church history, its culture, and why we are so excited to be leading a trip there in March 2026. You can find out more about the trip here. The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 9: We Believe (Creeds)
In episode NINE of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade continues to discuss Chapter 3 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, wrapping up Section 1, looking at Article II. Why is it important that I remember that not only do I believe, but we believe. What is the church's role in my faith? In what way can the church be understood as a mother. What is the importance of the creeds and how does the Apostles' Creed relate to the Nicene Creed? We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more...
Wingin’ It 321.1: Faith, Fitness, Fellowship, Formation (Session 3, Strength Training vs. Cardio)

In SESSION THREE of this new series, Wade discusses the benefits of strength training as compared with cardio? Which one is best? How should one go about them depending on what they are hoping to do? How does Wade break up his strength training and why has he found that method helpful? Since losing a lot of weight over the past year, many have asked why he has been doing so and how he has been doing it. This series will talk about that, but also hopefully focus more broadly on the relationship between faith, fitness, and fellowship in formation...
Every Sunday Easter

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE, Wade, Jason, and Mike discuss Easter and why every Sunday is a celebration of Easter. What does that. mean for the life of the church? What does it mean for the life of the Christian? How does it relate to the other festivals of the church year? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Th...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 8: The Necessity of Faith and Perseverance in Faith

In episode EIGHT of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade and Jason continue to discuss the first article of third chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Is faith necessary? How does one persevere in faith? What does faith deliver to us? We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events...
Wingin’ It 320.1: Faith, Fitness, Fellowship, Formation (Session 2, Numbers)

In SESSION TWO of this new series, Wade discusses the numbers involved in making healthy changers. What should we measure? What shouldn't we measure? Why measure anything at all? Since losing a lot of weight over the past year, many have asked why he has been doing so and how he has been doing it. This series will talk about that, but also hopefully focus more broadly on the relationship between faith, fitness, and fellowship in formation. We hope you enjoy the series and this episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events...
Romans 9 (God's Gracious Election)

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY, Wade, Jason, and Mike discuss Romans 9 and what Paul has to say about election. Who is elected? Why? What for? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the ho...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 7: Faith as Gift, Freedom, and Reason

In episode SEVEN of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade continues to discuss the third chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A The...
Wingin’ It 319.1: Faith, Fitness, Fellowship, Formation (Session 1, Wake-Up Calls)

In SESSION ONE of this new series, Wade discusses what prompted him to make changes in his diet, fitness, spiritual practices, and daily schedule in order to improve his health and lifestyle. Since losing a lot of weight over the past year, many have asked why he has been doing so and how he has been doing it. This series will talk about that, but also hopefully focus more broadly on the relationship between faith, fitness, and fellowship in formation. We hope you enjoy the series and this episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on...
Education and Formation

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN, Wade and Mike discuss what it. means to be educated and why it involves more than classrooms and data. What is education? How is it connected with formation? How does it involve God? How does it involve neighbor? Is it active or passive? How does our anthropology impact how we approach it? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Al...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 6: Man's Response to God, Faith, Abraham, and Mary

In episode SIX of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade and Jason discuss the first few sections of the third chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which focuses on faith as man's response to God, using Abraham and Mary as examples. We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events...
Categories

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN, Wade, Mike, and Jason discuss the importance of categories. Why do we need them? What happens if we have the wrong ones or need new ones? How do we know what to file where? How do our categories impact our thought and life? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Do...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 5: Sacred Scripture

In episode FIVE of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade and Jason discuss Article 3 the second chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which focuses Sacred Scripture and its interpretation. We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of...
Lutherans, Sola Scriptura, and Tradition

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN, Wade and Jason discuss the Lutheran approach to tradition and how this relates to the Reformation slogan sola scriptura (scripture alone). Does tradition have authority? Are all traditions the same? Is scripture the only authority in the church? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 4: The Transmission of Divine Revelation

In episode FOUR of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade discusses Article 2 the second chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which focuses upon the transmission of divine revelation and that the relationship between Scripture, tradition, and the magisterium of the Roman Church. We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517...
Faith and Works; Paul and James, Abraham and Moses

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN, Wade and Jason discuss God's covenants and the relationship between works and faith. Do Paul and James disagree? What do Abraham and Moses teach us? Are there different ways of being saved? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Pre-order: Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Bible in One Year with Chad Bird...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 3: The Revelation of God

In episode THREE of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade and Jason discusses the second chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which focuses upon the revelation of God. We hope you enjoy the episode and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together more in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here.
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 2: Man's Search for God

In episode TWO of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade discusses the first chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which focuses upon man's search for God. We hope you enjoy the episodes and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together in episodes to come. If you want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church online, you can find it here and here.
Faith for Our Times

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN, Wade and Mike discuss what it means to read and apply the scriptures in different times. What does it mean to have a faith for our times? Does the faith change? Do the scriptures' answers change? How does the church faithfully preach and teach in each age without being of each age? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Pre-order: Ditching the Checklist by Ma...
One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Episode 1: Introductions

In episode ONE of One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic, Wade introduces us to this new podcast, why he's doing it, his background, and the plan going forward. We hope you enjoy the introduction and look forward to exploring the One, Holy, Christian, and Apostolic faith together in episodes to come.
How to Read the Scriptures

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN, Jason and Wade discuss the history of the Scriptures, how we ought to read them, and Christian formation. What does it mean to stand under the Word instead of over it? How does the Word interpret us? How do we try to protect ourselves from the Word even while studying it? What does it mean to be spiritually discerning? How does the Word form us beyond the moments we spend with it? What does it mean to contemplate the Word continually? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! ...
Sacramental Revival

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss the sacraments and the challenged faced in our day in truly appreciating them (with mind, heart, and spirit) for all that they are and do. How did modernity destroy categories for such mysteries in the popular mind? Why do we struggle to comprehend the way in way God is breaking into our world and lives in the sacraments? Why do we too often make them more matters of doctrine than devotion? What will it take to have a true sacramental revival in the post-Christian West. The guys discuss all...
Formalism (Ritualism)

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWELVE, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss the Protestant fear of formalism, or ritualism? Is the fear justified? What exactly in this regard did God warn about in the Bible? What is the place for rituals? Does the liturgy encourage or guard against formalism? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Pre-order: Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of...
Routine and Contemplation

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN, Jason and Wade build on the previous episode's discussion of monasticism by focusing on two aspects of the monastic life from which we can draw practical lessons: routine and contemplation. With busy lives in a noisy world, what can Christians do to frame their days and seasons? What should we contemplate? How should we contemplate it? How might this vary between people and throughout life? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy...
Monasticism: History and Lessons

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TEN, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss monasticism. What was it? How did it start? Why did it matter? What were the problems with it, if there were any? What can we learn from it (and there's more than you might expect)? The guys discuss all this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Pre-order: Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy...
Wingin’ It 309.1: Introducing Italy 2026--The Guys Go Back to Europe

In this Wingin' It session, Jason and Wade discuss a new trip (and begin a series walking through what they'll be doing)! They are excited to be leading a tour of Italy in March 2026. We hope you enjoy the session! If this series gives you an itch to travel, you can learn about the trip to Italy here. We'd love to have you join us.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Broken Bonds: A Novel of t...
Lutheran Ethics?

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND NINE, using a chapter from Mark Mattes' Law & Gospel in Action, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss whether there is such a thing as a Lutheran ethic and, if so, what it looks like (and what it doesn't)? How should Christians approach sanctification and the Christian life? How should we be oriented toward God, neighbor, and ourselves? Join the guys as they discuss this and more! We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Bi...
Holy, Christian, and Apostolic

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHT, Jason and Wade continue to discuss terms used for the church. What does it mean that the church is holy, Christian, and apostolic? How is evangelical Lutheranism these things? How does that differ from what other church bodies understand by these terms? We explore such questions and more. We hope you enjoy it! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Am...
Evangelical, Lutheran, Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND SEVEN, Jason and Wade discuss various terms used to describe Christian churches and which ones apply to Lutherans today. In so doing, they discuss the history of the terms, their definitions, how use has changed, and why we claim them as our own as Lutherans. We hope you enjoy it! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Junk Drawer Je...
Beauty or the Poor?

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND SIX, Mike and Wade discuss the woman who anointed Jesus in Bethany, prompting some to complain that she could have sold her perfume and given it to the poor. How does this apply to the church? Should we build beautiful things or help those in need? What best glorifies God? We hope you enjoy it! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by...