Do you ever wonder how the shepherds, who heard the angels proclaim that Christ was born and then were instructed to go see Jesus, processed their experience?Take a few minutes to listen to the popular Advent devotional from Hearts Adorned with Wonder, my series on YouVersion.Day Three of the three-day plan will help you to adorn your heart with wonder. Today’s Wonder Challenge is a journaling exercise that will help you reflect on gratitude. All you need to do is turn off your phone and take a few moments to reflect. You’ll be so happy you did!Other resources and links:* Luke 2: 8-21* Read the plan on YouVersion the Bible App: http://bible.com/r/7WR * Check out more of Andrew’s devotions on YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/Unveil * Resources for your Church - Andrew’s popular, easy-to-produce scripts at Skit Guys: https://skitguys.com/authors/andrew-kooman This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

Have you ever noticed how it's the quiet moments, when we stop and pause to reflect, that can be the most meaningful, the most holy?Take a few minutes to listen to Day Two of Hearts Adorned with Wonder, adapted from my popular series on YouVersion.Day Two of the three-day plan will help you find some wonder in a busy season.Today’s Wonder Challenge is a short, practical activity that will help refresh you and your family. All you need is to turn off your phone and steal a few moments of silence. Other resources and links:* Luke 2: 11-19* Read the plan on YouVersion the Bible App: http://bible.com/r/7WR * Check out more of Andrew’s devotions on YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/Unveil * Resources for your Church - Andrew’s popular, easy-to-produce scripts at Skit Guys: https://skitguys.com/authors/andrew-kooman This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

Feel like the wonder of Christmas gets lost amidst all of the digital distractions and busyness of the season? Take a few minutes to listen to Day One of Hearts Adorned with Wonder, adapted from my popular Advent devotional series on YouVersion.Day One of the three-day plan will help you to reconnect with wonder by imaging the story of the Wisemen on their epic journey to Bethlehem. Today’s Wonder Challenge is a short, practical activity that you can do alone or with your family. All you need is the outdoors, and the willingness to look at the stars. Other resources and links:* Matthew 2:1-12* Read the plan on YouVersion the Bible App: http://bible.com/r/7WR * Check out more of Andrew’s devotions on YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/Unveil * Resources for your Church - Andrew’s popular, easy-to-produce scripts at Skit Guys: https://skitguys.com/authors/andrew-kooman* Looking for other Christmas content? Get Andrew’s new Christmas book for kids (a #1 Hot New Release on Amazon) - Get Simple Christmas Spectacular now This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

In this episode Killer Whales are the stars and we go deep into an ocean of intrigue to explore the mindset that leads sea mammals to commit shocking acts of marine violence. In lieu of lifejackets, we hope the fanny packs and travel bags Petra brings to the pod will do.Andrew won’t stop talking about documentaries and there’s so many stars named, you’d think we’re angling for a job at TMZ.We hope you enjoy our latest episode!This week’s mocktail is a Homemade Passion. (Petra created it in with her new marine obsession on her mind.) All you need is a can of lime Bubly, some lime juice and passion fruit concentrate and stir it up with a dash of sugar.If you have a fave drink, drop a suggestion or recipe in the comments.Things we say out loud, this week:* Tom Lake by Ann Patchett* Timothée Chalamet Goes Electric* Moby’s new documentary* Brooke Ligterwood’s Authority* Access UnveilTV and Andrew’s articles and writing at AndrewKooman.com (the new official home of Things I Wrote Down).* Barbie and Beckham the movies* This is not a boot - the Timberland documentary* Killer killer whales, orcas that wear salmon hats, ship-sinking traumatized whales* Hailey Bieber’s skin care line* The travel backpack that just might push the fanny pack out of Petra’s lifeOther episodesWant more Mocktail Mashups or other content for your auditory pleasure from Things I Said Out Loud? Check out our other episodes, garnish with mint! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

November 5 is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, so I spoke with Jared Vander Meulen from Open Doors Canada. The organization that works to “strengthen Christians where faith costs the most.” In this episode we discuss: * How Open Doors’ work began and its famous founder Brother Andrew, known for smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain and bold prayers in this bold subversion.* Brother Andrew’s work in Gaza and throughout the Middle East and his faithful witness in the most dangerous and surprising places.* How Open Doors defines “persecution” and the five spheres of pressure (beyond physical violence) that Christians face in countries around the world. * The World Watchlist, which outlines the 50 most dangerous places for Christians to live.* What the marginalized church teaches us about being people of faith in today’s world.* The realities of digital persecution and how internet surveillance impacts churches in different countries, including China.* Why printed Bibles are resurgent in areas of persecution.* Unique innovations and creative ways Open Doors brings support, including MP3 players in Malaysia (cue: a minor Andrew geek-out).* The local-led and church-based approach the organization uses to maximize protection for people in danger.Links to follow* The World Watchlist: https://www.opendoorscanada.org/worldwatchlist/* The MP3 players from the gift catalogue: https://www.opendoorscanada.org/giftsofhope/* Resources and details about the International Day of Prayer: https://www.opendoorscanada.org/idop/* Jared’s private X handle: https://twitter.com/jaredvdmeulen* Here’s an interesting video about faith under surveillance out of China:Thank you for listening. Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Share it!Catch up on recent posts on Andrew’s Things I Wrote Down This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

In this episode, I chat with Tim Bratton, the Artistic Associate for Burnt Thicket Theatre who’s bringing his My Little Plastic Jesus to living rooms across Canada.Part confession, part history lesson, part multimedia extravaganza, Tim finds hilarity and heartache as he unpacks his upbringing in evangelical pop culture, examining its folly and redeeming its faith. We chat about:* How Tim developed the coming of age story * What writing and performing theatre is like in small spaces* Filling the well: the practice Tim incorporates into his life to nurture creativity and faith* The story behind the making of My Little Plastic Jesus* And more! Want to see the show in a living room near you? My Little Plastic Jesus is on the road: * Oct. 5-6, 2023 in Saskatoon* Oct. 12-21, 2023 in southern Ontario* Feb. 29 - Mar. 17, 2024 in Saskatoon, southern Alberta and across BCIf you’re in the London area, I'm hosting a performance on October 14. Get tix and come say hi to Tim and I. Watch the trailer for My Little Plastic JesusAbout Tim BrattonTim is privileged to be the Artistic Associate for Burnt Thicket Theatre and is excited to finally be sharing this one man show, a true labour of love. Tim is a local actor and aspiring theatrical dilettante with diverse artistic talents and interests. You may have seen Tim on a Saskatoon stage in recent productions such as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Persephone), Boeing Boeing (Persephone), Pride & Prejudice (Persephone), Art (Persephone) and Burnt Thicket's We Are the Body. Tim lives in the King George neighbourhood with his lovely wife, Amy, and their two very active little boys.Other links and notes* Things I Wrote Down - Andrew Kooman’s Substack Newsletter* Unveil, the Newsletter and Podcast by the Kooman BrothersThings I Wrote Down is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

On today's episode, I chat with my brother Daniel Kooman the best-selling author of Breath of Life.We talk about:* Dan's newly released book Sons of the Father* Leaving a legacy as a parent* Pushing against limitations in creativity* Why creativity thrives when we venture into new territory* Consistency and spontaneity in the creative process* Rom-coms* The why behind my new book, Popcorn Helmet (because Dan asks me some great Qs)* Upcoming projects with UnveilTV Links and notes* Daniel’s best-selling book Breath of Life and new book Sons of the Father* Things I Wrote Down - Andrew Kooman’s Substack Newsletter* Unveil, the newsletter and podcast by the Kooman Brothers This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

In this episode we share a big life updated (spoiler: we moved) and Andrew makes Things I Said Out Loud history with his first every on-air ad. We also share a few hot takes and learnings from our move and explain why the song Yellow is booming from the speakers. Jump to the show notes to see Andrew's office room with a view and a before/after snapshot of our kitchen. This week’s mocktail is a virgin Mojito. (We included a recipe from Sustainable Cooks, though we didn’t have any lime, because we recorded on Labour Day and stores were closed).If you have a fave drink, drop a suggestion or recipe in the comments.Things we say out loud, this week* Anthony Doerr’s About Grace (and a link to the presentation about writing we reference)* Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth* Coldplay’s concert list (thanks Chris Kooman for the Spotify playlist)* Brooke Ligertwood’s Fear of God* If you listened to the on-air ad and want to support an indie author by going paid, you can get a paid subscription to Things I Wrote Down right here (which includes access to UnveilTV and the full archive)* Coastal Island Farms HiCamp* Horseshoe Cottage AirBnB* The deer and the walnut tree, the new view from Andrew’s office* How fetal cells hang out in a mother’s body - National Geographic articleOther episodesWant more Mocktail Mashups? Check out our other episodes, garnish with mint! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

In this episode we talk talk about an amazing new opportunity in Petra’s career, Andrew cracks open the unbelievable with the greatest egg story of all time and just as Oceans marks 10 years on the airwaves, we get ready to plaster it on our wall. Petra also shares a clip of human laughter that’s made us chuckle all week: beware the giggle.This week’s mocktail is a virgin Singapore Sling. (We included a recipe from Sober Cocktails, though we definitely made it our own).Got a favourite mocktail?Things we say out loud, this week* The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling podcast series from * The IG laugh clip* Chuck Gasper’s Art * Oceans, 10 years in. Here’s a tribute featuring TAYA.* Master Class brand videos* GQ’s article: The legend of the best sweatshirt in the world* Thank you John Frieda - go blonde or go home!* Andrew’s article on asking big, getting unreasonable (to set up the crazy egg experience")* The new Corrie ten Boom book from Larry Loftis: The Watchmaker’s DaughterHere’s a clip of 12 doubles, as a tease - stay tuned for more:Other episodesWant more Mocktail Mashups? Check out our other episodes, garnish with mint! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe

In this episode we talk about our meet-cute of Parliamentary proportions, celebrate streaming palindromes and put out an audience advisory for anyone considering inviting us to a dinner party. Andrew also asks an important book etiquette Q of the audience. Listen carefully to hear if Petra names the book.This week’s mocktail is a Virgin Cranberry Moscow Mule from the Happy Kitchen. (We started with Ginger ale, but later substituted with tonic water for some extra punch).Got a favourite mocktail?Links:* UnMAiD article on Special Joint Committee’s Report* Lifehouse on Spotify - the soundtrack for much of our cross-province road trip* Yeonmi Park’s interview on the Megyn Kelly podcast* Extraordinary Attorney Woo* Snow running fail: “That can happen” WATCH THE VIDEO:* Humorist Dave Barry’s funniest joke (involving a laxative)* The Joy Smith Foundation’s See the Trafficking Signs campaign * Diamond Marketing SurpriseEnjoyed the episode? Share with a friend!Other episodesWant more Mocktail Mashups? Check out our other episodes, garnish with mint! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.andrewkooman.com/subscribe