The spiritual practice of speaking in tongues –a form of communication with the divine through speaking words in an unknown or unrecognizable language– has invited a lot of speculation and skepticism over the years. To many, it seems like the stuff of horror movies, or old-timey religious revivals. But charismatic Christianity, for which speaking in tongues is a central practice, is one of the fastest growing Christian movements in modern history. So why has it not only persisted, but recently gained momentum? What exactly is happening to the mind and body when people engage in this practice?

We’ll talk to Josh Brahinsky, anthropologist and author of a forthcoming book on speaking in tongues, about his years researching people taking part in this practice, and why it’s far less rare and extreme than many people think. And how neuroscience is showing real changes in the brain that point to tongues as an effective method of prayer and even mindfulness. We’ll also talk to Shavon Gartrell, youth pastor at Glad Tidings Church in San Francisco, about what it feels like to let go, drop in and give her tongue to God.

What is prayer? And why do it? People pray for all kinds of reasons, and in all kinds of ways: alone, together, aloud, in silence, from memory, or from instinct. But whatever form it takes, there’s a reason prayer has been part of just about every spiritual tradition out there: its effects run deep.

On this episode, we’re digging into the science and spirit of prayer. We’ll talk to neuroscientist Andrew Newberg about what prayer does to our minds and bodies, and how it helps shape us as people. And friend of the show Rabbi Shira Stutman will return to explore how people can find meaning, connection and growth through intentional practice, whatever their beliefs may be.

Andrew Newberg is the director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital. He is the author of several books on the neuroscience of spirituality, including How God Changes Your Brain and The Rabbi’s Brain. Find out more about his work on his website.

Shira Stutman is a nationally known faith-based leader and changemaker, currently serving as Senior Rabbi at Aspen Jewish Congregation. She is also co-host of the podcast Chutzpod and author of the book The Jewish Way to a Good Life: Find Happiness, Build Community, and Embrace Lovingkindness.

There's a lot of talk these days about a crisis of masculinity. But is it a genuine problem or just another culture war talking point?

In this special episode, we’ll talk to writer and researcher Richard Reeves about the real and worrying data around the male struggle for meaning and purpose, and what role community and ritual can play in helping men find answers. We’ll also hear from Dr. Russell Moore and Pastor Rasool Berry about how and why religion can help support men, but also the dangers it can pose if they follow it down the wrong path. And we’ll hear directly from some young men about the challenges they’re facing around identity and the comfort they’re finding in Christian community and scripture.

Richard Reeves is the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men and the author of the book Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It. Learn more about his work on his website.

Dr. Russell Moore is a Christian theologian, pastor and the Editor in Chief of Christianity Today. Learn more about his work on his website.

Rasool Berry is Teaching and Family Pastor at The Bridge Church and a leader of The Whole Man Project. Learn more about his work on his website.

Special thanks to Bennett Bullard, Clint Brown, Ben Chao, Mason Diab, Sean Enniss, Alex Leach, Baines Pierre, Ernst Lozin, and Dejan Zivkovic for sharing their stories of what it's like to be a man today with us.