Leaving the Church to Find God

Embark with us on a journey that challenges the very core of belief and identity, as Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, shares her profound transition from the Mormon Church to atheism. Our conversation reveals Lynn's confrontation with historical facts and the deep-seated questions that arose from her encounter with an atheist professor, shaking her lifelong

When the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, we navigate the treacherous waters

Discovering community can be an unexpected journey—one that leads us far from the steepled silhouettes of our familiar churches. I found myself enveloped by the 'ohana' spirit in Maui, where traditions are reshaped, and bonds are forged on the foundation of shared values, not just shared pews. In this heartfelt episode, I peel back the layers of my life to show you the vibrant ta

Marla's courageous tale of departing from the church and deconstructing her faith is a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of spiritual uncertainty. Her voice resonates with raw authenticity as she peels back the layers of dogma to reveal the systemic issues that plague organized religion. Through her eyes, we witness the personal cost of challenging the status quo, and w

Sometimes, the key to unlocking true happiness and well-being is as simple as recalling the unbridled joy of childhood play. On my latest podcast adventure, I reveal the magic that unfolded over my personal 90 Days of Play project, where I embraced my inner child with everything from dancing in my living room to building forts with my neighbor's daughter, Naya. This journey wasn't

Have you ever felt the ground shift beneath your feet as your beliefs and the world you knew began to unravel? Liz Coolidge Jenkins, a powerhouse of thought on faith and feminism, joins us to recount her extraordinary evolution from conservative evangelicalism to a champion of LGBTQ affirming theology. Her book "Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicali

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads between the identity you were raised to believe in and the one that resonates with who you truly are? Mike Maeshiro knows that tension all too well, and in our latest episode, he invites us into his courageous journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of his faith. As a guiding light for the LGBTQ+ community and those healing from th

Dr. Christena Cleveland, a beacon of insight in the realms of social psychology, theology, and activism joins us in this episode. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the complex intersections of faith, gender, and justice, unraveling the tapestry of institutional Christianity and the exclusive 'white Jesus' narrative. Dr. Cleveland shares her raw experiences of alienation and sexi

Remember that art project you worked so hard on, only to deem it unworthy and hide it away? I too have felt the crushing weight of perfectionism, especially within the realm of faith. Our latest episode tackles this silent struggle, opening with a story from my high school days—a sculpture, a symbol of the perfection we often chase, and its unexpected demise.Journey with me as we

When I sat down with environmental activist Derek Jensen, it felt like we were perched on the precipice of a new understanding, one that bridges the gap between the spiritual and the ecological. This episode takes you through Derek's personal metamorphosis from a faithful Seventh Day Adventist to a tenacious defender of our Earth. Our conversation is a journey through the landscape