Don't Cook the Messenger

About Don't Cook the Messenger

Don’t Cook the Messenger is where hot takes meet holy perspective. We say what others are thinking — but filter it through wisdom. From culture and relationships to current conversations and controversial opinions, we bring bold takes, honest dialogue, and a God-centered lens to every topic. We’re not here to argue for attention — we’re here to challenge perspectives. You may not agree. You may feel convicted. But don’t cook the messenger.

Publisher

Cullen Jackson and Justin Cook

Category

comedy · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Feb 2026

Latest episode

12 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Sept 2026

   Episode 21

   In this episode, we tackle the difficult balance between compassion, accountability, mental health, and justice. We begin by taking a moment to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as well as the first responders, healthcare workers, and everyday people who displayed incredible courage during one of the darkest days in American history. From there, we break down the concept of toxic empathy—what happens when compassion becomes so extreme that it minimizes responsibility, excuses harmful behavior, or prevents honest conversations about accountability. We also discuss toxic masculinity, healthy empathy, and whether society applies compassion and accountability differently depending on the person involved. The conversation then turns to the Lindsay Clancy case, examining the known details surrounding the tragedy, the role mental illness has played in public discussion, and some of the theories and misconceptions surrounding the case. Throughout the episode, we wrestle with a difficult question: Can we have compassion for someone struggling with severe mental illness while still holding them accountable for the harm they caused? This episode explores where empathy should end, where accountability begins, and how justice can acknowledge mental health without ignoring the victims of a tragedy. Takeaways What toxic empathy is and how it can become harmful The difference between healthy empathy and excusing harmful behavior Mental illness and personal accountability Compassion versus justice How mental health can affect legal responsibility The Lindsay Clancy case and common theories surrounding it Why empathy and accountability do not necessarily have to be opposites Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Episode Topic 02:31 – Remembering 9/11 04:02 – Defining Toxic Empathy and Toxic Masculinity 08:19 – Healthy Empathy and Accountability 23:25 – The Lindsay Clancy Case and Conspiracies 33:58 – Compassion vs. Accountability 43:22 – Mental Health and Justice

2. 

   29 Aug 2026

   Episode 20

   The episode opens with a lighthearted round of “This or That” before Cullen, Justin, Kristian, and special guest Christian shift into a meaningful conversation: “A Doula’s Perspective on Mothers’ and Fathers’ Rights From Birth to Adulthood.” Christian explains what doulas do, the different types of doula support, and how they provide non-medical, practical, and emotional care through childbirth, postpartum recovery, and other major life transitions. The conversation also explores God’s design for men and women, equal worth alongside distinct callings, and the importance of both parents in a child’s life. Together, the group discusses abortion, parental rights, gender identity, postpartum challenges, and the social and legal factors that shape family dynamics—approaching each topic with compassion, accountability, and a biblical perspective. Takeaways • Doulas provide non-medical emotional, practical, and comfort support during labor, postpartum recovery, and other significant life transitions • Mothers and fathers both have vital roles and responsibilities in a child’s life • Equal worth does not erase the distinct callings God gives men and women • Difficult conversations about abortion require compassion, truth, and accountability • Parental rights, gender identity, and postpartum care affect families in deeply personal ways • Faith should lead to greater understanding and care when addressing sensitive cultural issues Chapters • 00:00 – Introduction and “This or That” • 03:16 – A Doula’s Perspective: What Is a Doula? • 18:06 – The Role of a Doula • 19:47 – God’s Design and Equal Worth • 34:12 – Abortion and Compassion • 49:21 – Abortion and Parental Rights • 52:16 – A Child’s Right to Both Parents • 01:08:00 – Gender Identity and Postpartum Issues

3. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Episode 19

   Cullen, Justin, Anders, and their guest kick off the episode with a playful round of “Would You Rather?”—weighing absurd survival situations, unpleasant senses, disrupted sleep, and the difficult choice between losing past memories or being unable to form new ones. The conversation then shifts to Southaven’s controversial broken-blinds ordinance, examining the mayor’s response, public criticism, enforcement concerns, and the effect fines and appearance-based policies can have on lower-income residents. Takeaways • A lighthearted “Would You Rather?” game opens the episode with funny and thought-provoking scenarios. • The memory discussion explores identity, relationships, and the value of past versus future experiences. • Southaven’s blinds ordinance raises questions about community standards, fairness, and government micromanagement. • The hosts consider whether fines and enforcement practices disproportionately burden lower-income families. • The discussion addresses the conduct of local leadership, law enforcement, and politicians—and how their decisions affect community trust. Chapters • 00:00 — Introduction and catching up • 01:28 — Would You Rather: Crash landing • 06:28 — Would You Rather: Musty smell vs. sour taste • 08:23 — Would You Rather: Frequent urination vs. interrupted sleep • 12:36 — Memory dilemma: Past vs. future • 21:26 — The blinds ordinance controversy • 26:53 — The mayor’s response and public reaction • 28:34 — Government overreach and the impact on lower-income families • 42:12 — The mayor’s behavior and conduct • 45:11 — The blinds ordinance and fines • 59:02 — Law enforcement and community impact

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.