I have listened to a lot of podcasts over the years, and this one is by far my favorite. You guys crack me up. A perfect blend of theology and humor, go figure. I don’t always drink Guinness, but when I do it’s while listening to the Ringside podcast (just kidding, I always drink Guinness). Semper Reformando

I love this show’s content but for the love stop breathing into the microphones!

You guys keep me laughing even when talking about the most serious topics of life, death, faith, and hope. No wonder most people don’t know what to do with you: Pastors aren’t supposed to have a sense of humor ;)

Hi Ringside! You guys host a pretty cool podcast. I like listening to ringside when I am doing running with couch to 10K. What’s up with the bell though? Your ringside bell usually messes up my jogging intervals. Although you are all messing me up physically, I am hoping that it’s giving me better results theologically. :-) keep up the good work.

My husband and I totally enjoy listening to you all and laugh along with your real life answers and thoughts to topics and discussions! So glad to have found you and appreciate all that each of you bring to the show! Fans James and Laura

Ringside is the best of the 1517 network. (Feel free to print this, frame it, and bring it to the next HWSS)

I have grown to love this program. It has improved greatly. The humourous content is great. It's metaphorical and theological rugby. I apologize for anyone offended by this review.

The content of this podcast is so good I’m giving this three stars, though I want to give it two stars because the hosts have this aggravating quirk where they interrupt their guests at the very moment the guest is in the heart of their deepest and most proud insights. I’m nodding along saying, “Yes, yes. This is good. I’m scrambling with writing notes, and then the host(s) interrupts with some joke, derails the whole thing, breaks my train of thought and destroys the momentum of the speaker.” The speaker tries to get back to the where he was, but he will be rebuffed and derailed by another joke told by the other host. I enjoy joking and levity and often say that sarcasm is my love language, but it’s too too much for my blood. Keep up the good work, and please do more to get out of the way of your guests.

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 few years ago and was a bit burnt out on my faith, but I can honestly say that these podcasts have been the main reason why my faith has been revitalized and has become even stronger these past few years. I have found myself being reintroduced to topics I learned in my schooling as well as hearing new views and opinions about Lutheranism as well as Christianity in general, which has been super helpful in expanding my view on my faith and how I approach my faith in a practical way. They have a wide range of topics that are covered as well as a good variety that allows you to find something good to listen to no matter your background or knowledge base in theology. Definitely do yourself a favor and listen to some of the other podcasts on this network if you haven’t yet.

Can always count on you guys to keep it real, never unsure where you really stand 😂 and we love it! Thanks for the challenging food for thought, laughs & insightful wrestle with the upcoming Scripture text. Keep up the good work 💪😎!

I enjoy the show each week

I’m a tree hugging, vegan, pacifist & I love this podcast. Oh yah, uff-dah.

I love these guys and listen to them at the gym. The muscle heads look at me laughing and they must think I’m crazy. I’m considering starting a drinking game as I listen: Someone will make a great, great point and I'll learn something profound but then he will end his point, trailing off saying, “I don’t know…” Come on, man! You’re awesome. Cheers.

This has become one of my favorite podcasts, although it did take a few episodes to truly appreciate the style and message that they are delivering. I love all of the current events and topics covered and it being delivered in such a blunt, almost crude, conversational manner with a perfect blend of knowledge and humor to capture and engage the listeners. I would think the tone and style they are using would be be similar to how Martin Luther spoke to the German people during the reformation.

These guys chop it up and hold no bars. I am usually in tears from laughing once an episode. After a week of ministry and a morning of preaching and teaching this is just the kind of stress relief I need.

I love that the preacher men bounce from thoughtful and serious to whimsical and absurd! I try to avoid most news these day. Ringside is my main source of what’s going on in the world. Keep up the great work guys!

I look forward to Ringside every week. The show opens with a rock-and-roll riff while the host reads a poem about a spiritual topic. My description may sound dull, but give this podcast a try. Several pastors and guests discuss contemporary topics about the church, culture, and theology. The discussion is free-flowing and quite engaging. Don’t think about a dull discussion among pastors. Think about Christian friends debating common and unusual spiritual and church issues over coffee, and with a sense of humor. At the end of each show, they go around to each participant and they apologize to all of the groups and people who they may have offended. This podcast is funny and serious at the same time. It is an hour well invested.

It’s not Let the Bird Fly, but it’s good. :) Seriously, though, it consistently makes us laugh and provides good food for thought. It’s in our regular rotation and should be in yours, too.

Awesome show! Entertaining and always gives me food for thought with cultural and theological issues.

This show rocks with the freedom of the gospel. Pastors who are free to be and who are radical about Christ given as pure gift. It’s a joy to listen!

Y’all are one of the few things keeping me LCMS these days. Please keep it up. But really, this show has quickly become a favorite listen each week. Not many podcasts got me laughing out loud, but I find myself doing just that about once an episode ... I appreciate the deep yet light-hearted approach to the wide array of topics. A fun conversation to listen in on!

First off, let it be known that Joel Hess is my favori...no wait, um, I mean, Tyler the Intern is my favorite crew member! 😂 Anyway, I am a relatively new Lutheran (2 years), and I very much enjoy the many Lutheran podcasts I have found on iTunes. I appreciate your show notes that let me know the topics; keep that going! Keep the apologies and sponsorships going. One idea: choose something from the Book of Concord to briefly highlight in each episode. (This could spark interest in our confessional documents that are not valued as they ought to be by many congregations). Peace to you. 👊🏼

Same old podcast format featuring three guys talking for an almost an hour on various subjects.. The guys laugh periodically at stuff that is not that funny. At least they are amusing themselves. I would call this podcast, "Happy Rant" for Lutherans, opps, Missouri Synod Lutherans. Dan and Jeff at Virtue in the Wasteland are much more entertaining and engaging.

The concept for the show is pretty good. The guys talk about theology, culture, and politics in "rounds," which are set apart by a bell. The show is fun, sometimes a little snarky, and the hosts are likable. They come across as just regular dudes who know and love theology. I listen to podcasts at work when I perform routine tasks. I listen to a LOT of podcasts. As a podcast expert, I can tell you that this one is well done.