The Hopper Podcast

The Hopper Podcast

Too progressive to be conservative; too conservative to be liberal. Politically homeless Christians tackling LGBTQ+, Gun Control, Racism, Universal Basic Income, Abortion, Grief, Politics, Social Media, with nuance and respect, taking God seriously, and ourselves lightly.

Recent Episodes

Oct. 21, 2024

150 Spirit of the Rainforest with Mark Ritchie

Interview with Mark Ritchie the author of Spirit of the Rainforest , one of our favorite books of all time. Warning: this interview has some descriptions of true, brutal crimes. It's a story of redemption, and the overwhel…
Oct. 7, 2024

149 The Multiverse: Scientific and Spiritual perspectives with Dr. Evan Nelsen

Dr. Evan Nelsen brings the detailed scientific facts and theories of the multiverse. It's not just science fiction, but a real possibility. After some serious discussion of the science and philosophy, we turn to the practi…
Sept. 23, 2024

148 Political Gender Gap Widening World-Wide

Review of this important article: " Why Young Men and Women are Drifting Apart " from The Economist . As we approach another presidential election, young women are more liberal than ever while young men continue to drift co…
Sept. 10, 2024

147 Is America a Christian Nation? with Robert Cunningham

What a great conversation with Robert Cunningham about the Christian origins (or not?) of the United States. This is directly related to competing ideas about the essential character of this country today. If you like The H…
Aug. 22, 2024

146 Olympic Controversies

The Paris Olympic Opening Ceremonies included a controversial scene that outraged Christians around the world. A female boxer raised eyebrows around the world. Let's be thoughtful, compassionate, honest about these hard to…
Aug. 12, 2024

145 "Leave the World Behind" / Soundtracks Game

Dave and William welcome guest Jim Nelson to discuss the movie Leave the World Behind . If you haven't seen it, you should. There's lots to discuss. Soundtracks Game on Youtube you can play right now! Facebook group thehop…

About the Host

William Sofield Profile Photo

William Sofield

William ("Willy") is a hospice chaplain, visiting end-of-life patients and families in their homes, nursing homes, or wherever they live to provide spiritual care. He pastored Grace Community Church (Chapel Hill, NC) for 8 years. He holds a B.S. from William Jennings Bryan College, studied at Dallas Theological Seminary, holds a M.Div. from Covenant Seminary, and D.Min. from Reformed Seminary. William lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife and son.

INTJ, CDIS, Judo Green belt, Marathon runner, slow and deep thinker, avoidant attachment style, Financial Peace step 7, Tar Heels fan