Why do our greatest stories—Chaucer, Shakespeare, and even the Bible—include moments that feel . . . a little crude?

In this episode, we make a surprising case: what we call “toilet humor” isn’t just childish—it may actually serve a deeper purpose in storytelling. From the shocking story of Ehud in Judges, to Chaucer laughing at farts, to G. K. Chesterton reminding us to “take ourselves lightly,” we explore how humor rooted in the body can humble our pride, reconnect us to reality, and remind us all that we’re physical creatures with physical bodies.

Recent Episodes

The Case for Toilet Humor

In this episode, we make a surprising case: what we call “toilet humor” isn’t just childish—it may actually serve a deeper purpose in storytelling.

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A podcast of the Anselm Society Arts Guild. Join host Matt Mellema, Mandy Houk, Christina Brown, and a rotation of guests at the digital pub table to explore how art and storytelling matter for faith and to connect our stories, great stories, and the Great Story.

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