This episode, the Adventuring Party (Rev. Tim, Helene, and Joseph) welcomes a brand-new party member: Rabbi Ilan Emanuel of Temple Concord in Syracuse, NY! Together, they roll initiative and tackle a wide-ranging, delightfully nerdy conversation that spans TTRPG origin stories, mysticism in early Judaism and Christianity, the power of storytelling, and the surprisingly Jewish roots of comic book icons like Superman and Captain America.

Along the way, they explore how narrative shapes identity, how myth becomes meaning, and why humans have always used stories—whether sacred texts or superhero arcs—to make sense of the world. Also: Joseph has a new perler bead hobby, and we are HERE for this character development.

This episode is equal parts theology, pop-culture history, and pure geek joy, so grab your dice bag, crack open your favorite comic, and get ready to level up your lore.

🛎️ Producer’s Note:

At about the 29:23 timestamp, the conversation includes revelations about Christmas that might not be ideal for listeners who still believe in a certain jolly red-suited gift-giver. Listen for the bell sound as a warning and skip ahead if you need to preserve the magic in your household.

So settle in, stack your snacks, and let’s get reaaaaal nerdy with it. 🎲📜🦸‍♂️