I’m so blessed with this podcast. I can celebrate my freedom, be encouraged & enlightened. And you shall know the truth & the truth shall set you free. @BadgerSmith7 Finally a show for truckers!

4 stars for getting Come to the WELS stuck in my head.

I appreciate these podcasts; I have listened to many of them. Mike and Wade are knowledgeable and share interesting , helpful insight. At times, Wade’s “birdwalks” (off topic interruptions) and inside jokes can be distracting. Yet, the back & forth between the hosts helps you to better understand who they are; this is good! Because of their intellectual gifts, there are times when they use terms that go over the head of the average listener like me. Perhaps they can briefly offer a quick explanation to help. Their use of guests brings an appreciated dose of variety and keen insight. Even with my constructive criticism, I encourage others to check out Let the Bird Fly!

I can listen to these guys all day! Their discussions on Biblical truths, philosophy, and culture are deep yet accessible. Mike and Wade are also engaging and entertaining. I learn every episode, and my faith grows as they mine the riches of Biblical theology.

I had the privilege of having Dr Johnston and Dr Burg as professors in college. The wisdom of these men really encouraged and strengthened my faith, and they continue to do so with their podcasts. Thank you for the insight and wisdom, I am greatly edified by this podcast!

Let the bird fly is consistently the first podcast I listen to when a new episode drops. I laugh, I cry, my reactions run the full gamut of human emotion. Okay, maybe not so much, but I am always interested in hearing the take of these gospel-focused guys and their guests talking about the freedom we take into every day of the life that has been given back to us. LTBF!

A great podcast with a variety of qualified hosts and guests. Topics range from basic Christianity to more in-depth discussions of our lives as Christians in whatever vocations we may have. The guys do a great job of talking about serious topics while keeping it light and enjoyable to listen to. I certainly think that this can be for anyone: someone new to or curious about Christianity, a lifelong Christian who wants to dig deeper, pastors, and anyone else. Great series on the liturgy, church history, and the Life of Luther Good stuff...thanks!

This podcast is a great mixture of gospel, history, philosophy , deep conversations, and plenty of humor to make it fun enough to listen to all day on a road trip. I don’t know how else to describe it other than to say that it’s deeply pastoral. I learn something new every episode, and am constantly refreshed by the gospel throughout. Most importantly, I learned on a recent episode that rioting is a plausible response to communion not being offered. I did not realize that was an option, and will be sure to keep it in my back pocket going forward. Thanks, Mike and Wade! (And I’m sure my pastors thank you too 😂)

As someone who has struggled with evangelical Christianity of late, I have found great joy and peace - and the right amount of challenge - from Mike and Wade and guests. Their banter and wackiness helps offset the weightiness of some of the topics they tackle on the regular. I mostly appreciate their thoughtful approach to difficult and potentially divisive subjects.

Great podcast, but 5 stars (like 100%) is only for Jesus.

You never know what you are going to get but you can always benefit from it. The show really grows on you as you get to know the different hosts and their personalities.

5 stars for high-quality academic/theological discussion, variety of topics, and a refreshingly informal style. I learn and laugh a lot while listening!

They talk about serious stuff, and they have a lot of fun doing it!

I found 1517 a few years ago through a recommendation for the Thinking Fellows podcast, and from there I have gone through almost all of the podcasts on this network and backlogging through them to get all of the wonderful content that they have put out. I graduated from a Lutheran institution a few years ago and was a bit burnt out on my faith, but I can honestly say that these podcasts have been the main reason why my faith has been revitalized and has become even stronger these past few years. I have found myself being reintroduced to topics I learned in my schooling as well as hearing new views and opinions about Lutheranism as well as Christianity in general, which has been super helpful in expanding my view on my faith and how I approach my faith in a practical way. They have a wide range of topics that are covered as well as a good variety that allows you to find something good to listen to no matter your background or knowledge base in theology. Definitely do yourself a favor and listen to some of the other podcasts on this network if you haven’t yet.

Caution! Listening to this podcast may cause a peace that transcends all understanding. These podcasts are changing my life for the better. Their ability to mix theology with history, introspection with explanation, sprinkling it with humor while applying it to today’s culture inspires me to not just lead a better life, but to share these learned blessings with others. Let the bird fly!

I have enjoyed the range of topics L.T.B.F. has to offer. Wade's off the wall humor's fun, keeps things lively and off balance a bit. Mike tries to keep Wade in check and focused. This recent COVID-19 volley (as of 3-19-2020) has been great. Keep it up guys...West Michigan is listening!

I enjoy the show

If you don’t like the fun banter at the beginning they tell you where they get to the theology. Some good discussion on theology with comedic jabs in between - especially from Wade.

Wade and Mike are a joy to listen to! I learn something every time I listen and I really enjoy the little pieces of humor thrown in. I'd especially reccommend the Wingin' It series on the life of Luther. I have re-listened through those a couple times. They capture dense theological subjects and present them in an understandable fashion.

These guys to a good job outlining doctrinal and historical Lutheranism, and are lighthearted in their approach.

Wade and Mike along with knowledgeable guests dive into a variety of topics. The mix of history and theology makes the podcast particularly interesting. The series on Luther and Church history were both very interesting. As a frequent traveler i make sure i have their latest podcast ready to go for my next flight.

This podcast has has become an indispensable and very enjoyable part of my professional growth.

It's just like a good theological conversaton in your local pub with free PBR for everyone.

I have listened to this podcast for several years. Great content with lots of humor and eclectic discussion, but always coming back to Christ and Him crucified for you.

This is a great group. The live freely theme is so necessary for believers to be reminded as we all have our selfs to get in the way - the Spirit overcomes. I especially appreciate how easily distracted Wade can be. I can relate to that kind of brain. Keep up the good work gents!

I enjoy listening to it and it gives me great insight in history of Christianity

Very helpful!

My family and I love listening to this podcast on long drives or just around the house. I was really surprised at how much they all seemed to enjoy it when I first introduced them to it. The wide range of topics covered is fantastic and it’s a great way to learn something new everyday, with some good laughs thrown in throughout. Students, it’s also a great resource for Theology or History classes! Wade and Mike, keep up the good work!

They keep my attention with good back and forth dialogue.

This podcast has given me a renewed appreciation for Christian freedom. Besides that I can almost hear Mike’s aggressive eye rolls towards Wade. You will want to make sure you become a regular partaker of this podcast.

I always look forward to listening to new episodes. Wade, mike, Peter, Ben and their assortment of guests keep it entertaining while digging into some really interesting topics. Their vast experiences and expertises allow them to get into a vast array of topics and they never fail to draw me back in and usually lead me to do some of my own research. Keep up the great content!

I come from a background of many years of religious instruction, and this podcast does a great job of summarizing things I may have forgotten from high school religion class, and then taking the topic in-depth in a way that I appreciate. The hosts are great teachers who keep the subject matter interesting by interspersing with analogies and just enough lighthearted tangents.

This podcast is such a blessing! Enjoyable. Entertaining. Educational. Superb! Such deep, interesting conversations. Love the interactive discussions, guests, and the Wingin’ It sessions. God bless your efforts!

This podcast not only lets the bird fly, but the time too. While obviously full of meaty topics, it pushes me beyond my comfort zone and encourages me to continually learn about what makes me as a confessional Lutheran—well, both confessional and Lutheran. I love that my (very young) boys are hearing intense, thoughtful conversation as background during the day. It sets our family up for future discussions when the kids are able to comprehend, as well as establishing habits for what is profitable to listen to while multi-tasking. The hosts are witty, quick to the punch, and experts about their topics. A must listen and a must subscribe!

10/10 would recommend. Totally listening to this podcast in order to get a head start on the Apologetics course I have next semester. Thanks!

Their ‘Winging It’ series that goes into certain topics in detail are quite worth it. I loved their one on church history.

I love the message in the podcast, in a format that is fun, and easy to follow. Very easy to binge listen to.

I especially like the bee episode!

While this is just a podcast, it's an awesome and edifying way to spend your time. The hosts and guests are fun, I learn a lot, and I find ideas for personal Bible and theology study. Highly recommend.

Great podcast for Lutherans and Christians of all denominations who want to learn some history and philosophy as it relates to Christianity. Always informative and funny and, above all, Christ centered.

Very uplifting, I feel like I’m sitting in the room with you. Keep them coming.

Good Christian podcast with other topics too.

It’s an interesting podcast. I like the assortment of guests and when the kids are on.

Variety of topics with good guests on all sorts of stuff, but especially good for those interested in religion, philosophy, and history.

Winsome, reflective and engaging. Life, theology and history from a Confessional Lutheran perspective. So nice to hear substance and humor in the the same podcast. Keep up the great work and “Let the bird fly.”

Great combination of solidly biblical topics, humor, faith-strengthening and faith-challenging conversations, deep theological insights, yet also beneficial for the new Christian or anyone seeking to learn more about confessional Lutheranism. Thanks for your work guys!

I’m a student at Martin Luther College and really enjoy this podcast. It is a great alternative to the less edifying stuff out there. These guys keep a strong biblical basis while also covering current events and topics of historical significance. Recently discovered this podcast and I’m sure I will continue to tune in!

Really enjoy listening to the podcasts. Appreciating the new light and various perspectives on topics that are more global than we may think! Very easy podcast to listen to. Often times I am listening while biking around Shanghai.

Great podcast from some funny people who blend hilarity, current events, and Midwest accents with sound theology, focus on Law and Gospel, and allowing the word to speak for itself. Finally a Christian podcast that doesn't try to make the relationship with God a give and take transaction, but a relationship of submission to God's will and our humble obedience and recognition of salvation through Christ alone.

I love these podcasts! They are interesting, thought-provoking, and encouraging without ever being dry or boring. I look forward to each new episode!