One month from today — on Feb. 13 — my new book will be published. As many blog members know, over the years I have written (in broad terms) three kinds of books: academic books for hard hitting scholars in my fields of interest; college-level textbooks for undergraduates; and trade books for a broader audience of interested (and interesting!) people.
This new book The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World will be the thirty-first book I’ve published, my fifteenth trade book. Among those fifteen books, by far the best selling one has been Misquoting Jesus. In my personal opinion, the best (in terms of overall quality) was probably How Jesus Became God. But (we all have our favorites), I think The Triumph of Christianity is even better, the most important, and the best conceived, researched, and written. But, again, that’s just me.
It is very difficult for any book, no matter who wrote it or in what circumstances, to make a difference and to become a best-seller. Every author (whether they admit it or not) wants their book to be a best-seller. That’s not usually because they want to become rich and famous; it’s usually, instead, because they think they have something important to say and they want people to hear it. The more people who hear it, and think about it, and talk about it – the more an author has accomplished her or his goal.
Things have changed in the book publishing industry since I started publishing trade books (my first one was Jesus: Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium, in 1999). Only the very famous superstars (think Hilary or Wolff…) do “book tours” any more. Social media and other Internet venues have become the very most important avenue (not advertising in the NY Times; or getting a review in major magazines and newspapers; or even making an appearance on NPR shows). In particular, in our historical moment, “podcasts” are now the name of the game. It’s how millions of people are reached.
I have to admit, despite having a podcast connected with my blog, I simply am not connected to the podcasting world. I’m a Neanderthal. Most people – including most of you – on the contrary, live in the 21st century. So I would like some help.
My publicist at my new publisher, Simon & Schuster, is getting in touch with all the big podcasts out there that might have an interest in me or my book. The book is not only about a “religious” topic but also about a very important “historical” one: the spread of Christianity to become the dominant religion of the west. The book is meant to be of interest not only to people invested in knowing about early Christianity (from Paul to Constantine to beyond), but also those intrigued by the history of our Western Civilization.
We would like to pitch the book to all sorts of podcasts. Obviously we are most interested in ones that reach a broad audience. My publisher has a list that they are contacting. But we don’t want to leave any stones unturned. Do you have any suggestions? Podcasts that you are connected with or listen to or know about that reach a decent sized audience? If so, please let me know, either by putting a comment here on the blog, or sending me an email at [email protected]
Many many thanks!
Waking Up and Ted Radio Talks
1) Very bad wizards, 2) waking up with Sam Harris
The “Waking Up” podcast by Sam Harris.
I like Harris’ Waking Up podcast, but I think Bart should save that one for his afterlife book, over which I’m sure Bart and Sam could have an amazing discussion.
What’s a podcast? I’m a Neanderthal too.
You probably already have this reference: Google “Best Podcasts of 2017 to Listen to Now/News and Observer”
Hi Bart,
You have been on Premier Christian Radio’s Unbelievable? with Justin Brierley(https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable) before.
You can ask your previous debate partners
Dr. Michael L. Brown (he has a podcast called The Line of Fire – his contact webpage: https://askdrbrown.org/contact/) and
James R. White (he has a podcast called The Dividing Line – his contact webpage: http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/contact-us/).
Unrelated: Are you aware, or has it been brought to your attention, that February 13, 2018 is historian Elaine Pagel’s 75th birthday?
Regards,
Colin Lok
By debate partner I meant people with whom you had agreed to partner together in the sense of sharing the debate platform as debate opponents, not that you were on the same side in the actual debate.
Ha! I didn’t know.
I’m glad I could point out that coincidence with the February 13, 2018 date.
I just thought of another podcast: The New Testament scholar Dr. Darrell L. Bock hosts a podcast called The Table Podcast through Dallas Theological Seminary’s Hendricks Center. People you’ve previously debated, such as Dr. Justin Bass and Dr. Daniel B. Wallace, have both been on it.
Hendricks Center (there is contact details at the bottom of the page): https://hendrickscenter.dts.edu/
The Table Podcast webpage: https://voice.dts.edu/tablepodcast/
I would love to hear you on any of the four podcasts I’ve listed.
This is another excellent suggestion
Dr. Ehrman, this may be an odd choice, but if you want to reach a big, broad audience your best bet might be the Joe Rogan podcast. Rogan may be more well-known for being a comedian and a UFC commentator, but his podcast is actually quite eclectic. His discussions have a tendency to become much more heady and intellectual than one would think. He discusses topics as diverse as religion, science, politics and pop culture. And his audience is enormous. If you can get yourself on the Joe Rogan podcast I think you’ll sell a lot of books. And this goes even more-so for your next book about the afterlife, which is a topic Rogan would be even more interested in discussing, I’m sure.
I’d like to second the recommendation for Joe Rogan. As mentioned he has a broad audience, but more than that he’s an atheist who is susceptible to fanciful secular interpretations of Christianity a la John Marco Allegro. Now I know that doesn’t make the Podcast sound too appealing, but Rogan is never happier than when someone is challenging his beliefs. You’ll have plenty of space to talk, and although the discussion will very likely go off topic, I think both you and the host would enjoy the interview.
I agree Joe Rogan’s podcast would be a really good choice. He has had many academics on his show before and they always have thoughtful conversations.
think it’s okay but don’t let it go to your head and move to the bahamas laying naked on the beach with a bunch of cheese burgers and reddi-whip………….. okay?
I’m very much looking forward to reading *Triumph*, Bart. Sorry I can’t help you with podcasts (I’m a Neanderthal, too, lol.)
But, let me ask you a question about *Triumph*:
What’s the big thing that you feel that you added to MacMullen’s *Christianizing the Roman Empire*?
It’s been decades since I read MacMullen. I’ll probably read him again after I read *Triumph*. What are you giving us on top of his contribution?
Many thanks as always! 🙂
I think very highly of his book and have used it for years with my graduate students. But there are things he has gotten wrong (the need for massive conversions) and I cover lots of things he doesn’t talk about. In my book, though, I do agree with him about several key points (the significance of the evangelistic impulse and the exclusivity of Xty, esp.)
A podcast that may be helpful is http:www.mormonstories.org/. The podcast is hosted by John Dehlin. John made national news when he was excommunicated from the Mormon church, primarily for this podcast which seeks answers to early Mormon history and the obvious conflicts that have arisen from recent scholarship in archeology, anthropology, and written testimony that was scarcely available before the internet. The other thorny issue that contributed to his expulsion from the church was his support of gay marriage.
John has a PHD in Psychology. In his younger years, he served a 2-year mission in Guatemala. He seems to have a very diverse audience consisting of Mormons, Ex-Mormons, and others interested in Christianity, Mormon history, and social issues. While I don’t have access to concise numbers, on many occasions he has mentioned that the podcast has been viewed by millions of people since its inception in 2005 or 2006. If someone from the publishing office does contact him, they’ll find a kind, considerate, intelligent, level-headed guy.
Mormon centric but Dehlin is an excellent interviewer.
Dr. Ehrman, I would suggest Sam Harris’ Podcast and also consider one of his live events. He is at the point of reaching a critical mass and having a broad appeal to a wider audience. His existing audience would likely have a large component interested in your new book. Unlike many other podcasters, you would be able to go into considerable depth and nuance with Sam. I frequent guest Sam has on his live events is Matt Dillahunty, I think the three of you would be a very attractive program for a live event.
https://www.reddit.com/r/samharris/comments/7q6kdf/dr_bart_ehrman_for_a_guest_on_the_podcast/
agree with you re How Jesus Became God … pre-ordered your new book!
probably already on your list:
http://bigthink.com/articles?blog=think-again-podcast
http://www.radiolab.org/
not a podcast, but a great newsletter:
https://aeon.co/
interesting article with a list to good podcasts:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2010/11/11/all-programs-considered/
Sorry not a pod cast suggestion but have you considered a yout ube channel? One I found and like is the great war channel https://youtu.be/JAzseue8qvw. Ten minute episodes about what happened that week during ww1. Also one request. Please consider defaulting send email notification to yes when or if you reply to “my” comment. Thanx so much for the blog
I recently discovered Dan carlins hardcore history podcasts. I enjoy listening. http://www.dancarlin.com/. On another note I discovered how to manage my comments to default to email me if someone replies to my comment. It was right there all along.
Dr. Ehrman,
I would recommend you consider pitching to the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Joe Rogan is a stand-up comic, MMA commentator, and psychedelic advocate, so your publisher may consider this a bit out of left field. However, there are several compelling reasons to consider it. First, his audience is absolutely enormous (he’s routinely ranked in the top ten downloaded podcasts on iTunes). Second, he has an enormous variety of guests on that speak to an extraordinary range of topics, including history and religion. Third, he has often expressed unfortunately erroneous views about how Christianity originated and came together (such as the concept that Constantine put the whole thing together at the Council of Nicaea, etc.). And lastly – most important in my view – he is generally open-minded and willing to have his views examined and changed in long-form discussions. I think all of these factors put together represent a truly golden opportunity to educate a large number of people as to some historical realities of Christianity’s ascent, and to promote your new book at the same time.
SR
I’d love to hear you on The Thinking Atheist Podcast, hosted by Seth Andrews. He’s one of the biggest “atheist” podcasters out there, with a large audience. He is a genuinely nice guy. He’s had mythicists Richard Carrier and Robert Price on his podcast many times, and I always find it a shame that these two are over-represented in the “atheist” community. http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/podcast
Radiolab, Hidden Brain, Lore and Serial (NPR)
I would suggest Sam Harris (philosopher, neuroscientist). samharris.org He has a very large following. As an atheist he has views on religion eg his book The End of Faith. He may be interested in your journey from Christian to agnostic whilst still being a biblical scholar.
cheers,
Jake
For Reader’s Mail – It is my understanding that the 4 gospels included in the bible are the earliest gospels we have certainly in whole but even in fragment. Even though we can make an argument that others existed at that time (i.e. Thomas), we don’t know. We have evidences such as from Luke or that it looks like there was a Q, or even the statement from Papias about a Hebrew Matthew, but we don’t have any of these other documents in order for us to draw a good conclusion. Is this correct?
Don’t need a full post on that one. the answer is, yes!
You can try the History of the Papacy podcast: https://www.atozhistorypage.com/papacy
The Ancient World: http://ancientworldpodcast.blogspot.com/
Here is a list of ancient and medieval history podcasts, some of which may be useful: https://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/History/Ancient-and-Medieval-History
Not sure how you would fit with Ancient Faith Radio: http://www.ancientfaith.com/
Change the book’s title to Fire and Fury: The Triumph of Christianity
Here are a few I listen to religiously 😉
The Rubin Report
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Waking Up Podcast (Sam Harris)
Can’t wait for the book.
Radiolab?
I think you would be perfect for Real Time with Bill Maher. And his show is available via podcast.
Oprah’s Supersoul Conversations for the podcast. Being recommended by her book club website would be even better. What about Facebook’s popular pages like BookBub (2.2M followers), Books on Facebook (800k) and Book of the Month (254k)?
Vlogbrothers on YouTube (3M subscribers)
Follow up to my previous comment: I forgot that Oprah’s book club is handpicked by her, so even though the podcast is new,
it may follow along the same lines….I really don’t understand Podcast Land that well. Basically, I’ve been no help whatsoever
1. Waking Up (as many have suggested).
2. Unbelievable? (as you’ve been on many times)
3. Ezra Klein Show (could be an interesting fit and you’d reach new listeners)
4. Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO, large audience!)
5. The Bible for Normal People (Pete Enns’ podcast. Smaller, but different audience – progressive/post evangelicals).
I can only second the nomination of the Rogan podcasts, which usually also end up as YouTube videos. As an example I need only point to Rogans interview with physicist (and fellow prominent atheist) Sean Carroll. Both are in top form.
Okay, maybe this will be more helpful—Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast. (over 500k followers on Facebook—not too shabby) It has a religious history section, and they only take solicitations from publicists. One of the really cool things they look at when deciding to place someone on the show is scholarship on the subject.
https://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts
If you can get on their shows, you should definitely do The Joe Rogan Experience and Waking Up w/Sam Harris.
My other favorite is The Thinking Atheist with Seth Andrews. I know for certain that he would like to have you on.
I would also say The Waking Up Podcast (Sam Harris), especially with the Afterlife book.
and possibly Joe Rogan experience Podcast.
I agree about Bill Maher being a good fit.
A smaller, but energetic and very simpatico crowd for your message–Voices of Deconversion podcast. Steve was studying to be an Evangelical pastor (married with 2 kids) when he realized he’d become an atheist. People from many different Christian backgrounds are guests. Some great discussions. (I believe I’ve heard Steve and Krissy mention your work on the air. If podcasts are “air.”) http://voicesofdeconversion.com/home/
Well I had not heard of the Voices of Deconversion podcast (thanks Sooty), but I just gave it a listen, it’s quite moving. Every episode Steve interviews someone about their experience. In the 16th and 17th episodes his wife Krissy interviews him about his own loss of faith. When asked about things that helped him as he came to terms with becoming an atheist he lists various books, including yours (Bart’s).
I’d guess they’d be very keen to talk to you on the show, and I’m sure many of the people who listen would be interested in your new book.
Not sure if it was mention:
definitely do a YouTube commercial on your YouTube Channel.
Not sure if BUILD Series NYC interviews Authors, worth a looksee.
“Unbelievable” with Justin Brierley
I think this is a great idea as I first heard of you when you were on the now defunct “Reasonable Doubts” podcast. I agree with some of the others here mentioning Joe Rogan and Sam Harris. I would like to suggest Exvangelical. The host interviews all sorts of people who were formally evangelical. They definitely tend to be more personal than scholarly but you would have an entire audience that would be interested in your work.
The Gist w/ Mike Pesca – A Slate Podcast. One of my favorite interviewers. Very quirky, but asks interesting questions.
http://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/gist.html
Wonder if you could do something through your own social media where you’re the one holding the interview. Live feeds via YouTube and FB seem to be very trendy right now. You could hold a live question/answer session for your book. Or interview someone who has a similar book but an entirely different view of how Christianity took over the Roman Empire. It would cross-promote both you and the guest, but a competing theme could generate interest. (We love controversy!) This may be able to be broadcast live through multiple channels at the same time. (People normally comment during live interviews without interaction from the interviewer/guest; it’s different from holding a live session where you specifically answer questions.) Of course you wouldn’t have to make an interview live if it made you uncomfortable.
Yes, I’ve thought about it. But I’ll think some more!
I know I am really late to the party, but maybe History of the Papacy would be a great podcast for this purpose.
It would! Unfortunately, it’s beyond my ken!