I’m kicking off a new series exploring the intersection of comedy, religion, and spirituality! My first guest is Ryan Erwin, a gay ex-Mormon missionary turned clean comic. We talk about his idyllic Mormon childhood in Utah, his departure from Mormonism and exploration of other faiths, his introduction to comedy, and how he has ultimately found spiritual fulfillment in nature and everyday activities. I appreciated Ryan’s humor, warmth, and grounded perspective, hearing how he finds meaning outside traditional religious structures, as well as how his comedy can be a vehicle for exploring profound, sometimes uncomfortable truths about faith and identity. Highlights: 08:37 “Religious Residue” 22:12 The Power of Storytelling 33:18 Leaving Mormonism and Pursuing Comedy 45:03 Finding Spirituality in Nature and the Present Moment 57:06 Living in the Here and Now: Embracing New Experiences Ryan's Instagram Ryan's Website Dry Bar Comedy Specials: Dry Bar Comedy - Ryan Erwin ___________________________________________ Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024 Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket! ___________________________________________ Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/ Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKoch Faith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/ Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!) Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankoch Email about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: [email protected] YHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98 Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.html Join Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/ Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices