This episode features Shane Claiborne discussing the intersection of faith and social issues, particularly focusing on the importance of welcoming immigrants and supporting the marginalized. Claiborne emphasizes that actions like welcoming strangers and uplifting the lowly are deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, citing the Gospel of Luke to illustrate his points. He argues that these principles transcend political affiliations and are fundamental to being compassionate and decent human...

In this episode, experience a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Bethany Nass Cseh. Bethany shares her journey from growing up in a conservative Baptist church to becoming a licensed pastor and embracing a more inclusive and empathetic faith. The discussion delves deep into their experiences with deconstruction, the challenges of pastoral roles, and the profound realizations that come with questioning long-held beliefs. Bethany also touches on her work in adoption and belonging,...

In this episode, special guest Dana Hicks discusses his book "The Quest for Thin Places: How to Find Spirituality After Deconstruction." Dana shares his journey from being a pastor and professor to experiencing a profound spiritual and personal transformation. He delves into his deconstruction of rigid, institutional religious beliefs and explores the ongoing nature of spiritual growth and reconstruction. The conversation covers topics like the challenges of questioning long-held beliefs, the...

In this episode, Leslie speaks with former pastor Kyle Butler, who shares his transformative journey through deconstructing his religious upbringing. The conversation delves into Kyle's upbringing, his experiences with religious fear and indoctrination, and the realization of his true beliefs. The discussion also explores the psychological impact of religious teachings, the importance of self-love and critical thinking, and the process of deconstructing faith. Kyle emphasizes the value of...

In this heartfelt episode, Susan Cottrell, Co-Host of Freedhearts Podcast, shares her personal journey of prioritizing love and acceptance over traditional evangelical beliefs upon her child's coming out as LGBTQ. Susan discuss the challenges faced within the church, the need for adults and children to learn anti-bullying behavior, and the courage it requires to step away from judgmental ideologies. This narrative emphasizes embracing a God much larger than religious confines, valuing...

Joel Michael Herbert is an artist, coach, speaker, and musician. Joel opens up about his profound and often challenging journey from growing up in a conservative religious environment to becoming a worship pastor, and eventually deconstructing his faith. Through personal stories and key influences like Brennan Manning, Donald Miller, and Rachel Held Evans, Joel shares how he navigated through doubt, academic scrutiny, and a shifting theological landscape. Together, we discuss the impact of...

Shane Larsen grew up in the Latter Day Saints faith, but after a faith crisis, he began using critical thinking, asking the tough questions and found himself deconstructing his faith. Now, he wants others who leave the comfort and familiarity of their faith tradition to know that they are not alone. He has a TikTok account called "Shane Deconstructs" where he talks very openly about his faith shift, sometimes in funny ways and sometimes in ways that make one think a little deeper about the...

Jay Bakker is the son of famed televangelists Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker. When he was just eleven years old, his entire world fell apart and his teen years were spent with his father in prison, his life in limbo and a lot of heartache as his family was shunned and outcast from the church he called home. To hear him share his journey is deeply moving. Because, in spite of the hurt and heartache, Jay has decided his life journey will be spent sharing the message Jesus shared: one of love,...

Sherea Lloyd was another of the 16 contestants Leslie met on her season of Survivor: China. Leslie & Sherea have a very special relationship that really developed the few weeks after the game was over for them as they traveled China as roommates. This episode is so much fun! Sherea shares the hardest parts of the show for her, along with her favorite parts, how she got on the show in the first place and what she's up to now. She also shares her faith journey a bit with us. Enjoy!

Jared Byas is the co-host of The Bible for Normal People Podcast and he is also a writer, and a former professor of Philosophy and Biblical Studies. In this episode, he shares his journey through deconstruction and his consistently deep desire to know the love and truth of God. He doesn't hold back in offering some of the wisdom he has learned along the way! A fabulous conversation that will leave you with tons of insightful things to consider!

Andrea, who uses the pen name Cheydrea (shy-drae-uh), had a childhood filled with instability, neglect and fear. Through the years, she has fully deconstructed her evangelical beliefs and has found tremendous healing in her writing and art. Her poetry reveals her pain in raw and vivid detail. Through courageous and vulnerable self-expression, she has learned to honor her emotions, re-parent herself, and liberate her authentic voice. Her story is one of tremendous resilience and her desire to...

Reza Aslan came to the US when his family fled from Iran when he was 7 years old. He was raised in the Muslim religion, but converted to Christianity in college, then found his way back to his Muslim/Islam roots in his twenties. He has studied religion deeply for years, has written books, has been on podcasts and documentaries about religion and has incredible insights into the purpose and role of religion in our society. His journey is fascinating and he doesn't hold back from sharing with...

Gary Alan Taylor was very active in ministry for a number of years. He actually worked with Focus on the Family, where he was in charge of touring with The Truth Project (remember that?). But when he began to question some things about his theology, there was a huge shift in his life. He now has a podcast called Holy Heretics, helped found The Sophia Society, and is a writer and speaker in the deconstruction community. His story is so relatable and powerful, friends. I know you will enjoy...

Mason Mennenga grew up in the early 2000's youth group purity culture era. His curiosity and determination to understand truth led him to deconstruct his beliefs and now he's a voice on social media and through his podcasts, A People's Theology and The Black Sheep Podcast! He brings humor and sarcasm to the deconstruction community, and I for one appreciate the laughs! Enjoy the journey, friends! It's a good one.

Molly LaCroix is a Marriage & Family Therapist and utilizes the IFS (Internal Family Systems) model in her work. In this episode, she shares her journey, why she thinks our personal stories are so sacred, and gives us a peek into the complexities of religious trauma and what it looks like to use the IFS model in therapy. A fascinating and powerful interview you won't want to miss!

Come honor the journey of Tripp Fuller with us today! Tripp is a self-proclaimed "Theology Nerd" but he's so much more! He is an Open and Relational Theologian, Author of several books, including co-author with Tom Oord of the new book God After Deconstruction, and he's the one who started Theology Beer Camp several years ago! His journey has been one of absolute curiosity, questioning and finding peace with his faith while also helping countless others along the way. Oh...and apparently, he...

April Ajoy was a worship leader and Christian Nationalist (she even wrote a song about it) for most of her life, until a few years back when she began deconstructing her theological beliefs. Now she is a content creator, podcaster, and author of a book called "Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith" due out in October! Her journey is one of incredible twists and turns and she has been keeping her sense of humor through it all. You're going to love hearing...

Stephen Knight (known on the internet as Knightopia) is not afraid to speak up for the least of these. His heart for the marginalized, his love for his fellow humans and his desire to see social justice in the world fuels him each day. His journey from working in a conservative mission organization, the Billy Graham Association and now fighting for the rights of human begins with Just Leadership USA is relatable, powerful and shows that our journeys are all very complex and important to get...

Our final day of QUOIR WEEK on Honoring the Journey is a special Q&A episode with Leslie’s friend, Rachel Wunderli. They tackle questions like: How do you find your purpose now that you’re deconstructing? How do you find community? What are you going to do for weddings or funerals if you’re not in church? Why do you talk about deconstruction so much? Also, Leslie reads the Introduction from her new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian, due out at the end of...

It's Day FOUR of Quoir Week here on Honoring the Journey and today we meet Quoir Author, Brandy Anderson. In her new book, Through the Veil: A Glimpse into the Afterlife, Brandy shares insights concerning what happens when we die and how that should impact the way we live life now. In today's podcast and in her book, Brandy sheds new light on many traditional spiritual beliefs including karma, the meaning of life, and reincarnation. This episode will definitely stretch you and give you a...

Day 3 of QUOIR WEEK on Honoring the Journey features Quoir Author, Pierce Marks. Pierce is the author of A New Way of Seeing: Meaning of Life and the Christian Vision of Nature. He is not only an author, but also a philosopher and artist and deep thinker. He has had an incredible journey out of evangelicalism, and now is happily planted in an Eastern Orthodox Church. He craves liturgy, tradition and authenticity in his religion. His journey shows us all how important it is for an artistic...

Day TWO of QUOIR WEEK here on Honoring the Journey features Quoir Author, Eric Reitan, whose book Eden Sank to Grief came out in February! Eric discusses his book, the inspiration behind it, and his incredible deconstruction journey in this episode. He is a philosophy professor, a writer and an incredible story teller. You are going to love learning more about his life and faith journey!

Matthew Distefano kicks off QUOIR WEEK on Honoring the Journey by sharing his faith and life journey with us! Matthew is the co-owner of Quoir Publishing and is an award winning author of several books. He also co-hosts Heretic Happy Hour, a Quoircast Podcast, with Keith Giles and many other guest co-hosts. Matthew shares his journey through evangelicalism and deconstruction with vulnerability and authenticity. He also shares the things he has learned along the way and gives insight into his...

Maybe you've seen Kellie Strickland on the internet giving great advice for those going through Religious Trauma on her Instagram or TikTok under the name "chitchatwithkellie"? Well, today we honor her journey! Kellie is a Religious Trauma Recovery Coach after spending most of her life deep in Evangelicalism. Her heart to help others shines through in everything she does and her deep love for others is palpable. I am excited to share her journey with you!