Honoring the Journey

Today we honor the journey of Brian Recker, an influential figure in the Deconstruction community. Leslie and Brian dive into a heartfelt and candid discussion about Brian's journey away from fundamentalism and evangelicalism, sharing personal and relatable stories and reflections on faith, spiritual growth, and empathy. They explore the challenges and revelations that come with deconstruction, the importance of authentic connectio...

Today we have a powerful and heartfelt conversation with guest Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, a filmmaker known for her impactful work on the documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture." We delve into Sharon's journey of navigating her identity as a lesbian within an evangelical Christian upbringing, her inspiration behind creating the documentary, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Sharon shares perso...

Today we get to chat again with author Keith Giles! We talk about his latest book, "The Quantum Gospel of Mary." Keith delves deep into the intriguing intersection of spirituality and quantum physics, explaining complex concepts in an easy to understand way. We also discuss the misunderstood figure of Mary Magdalene, her significant, often overlooked role within early Christianity, and how her portrayal was historically altered. Th...

Today we welcome back Keith Giles, who previously shared his powerful faith and deconstruction journey in episode five. Keith recently wrote a book with his friend and co-owner of Quoir Publishing, Matthew Distefano, called “Reading Romans Right.” Leslie asks Keith, “Why would you write a book by that name? Are people actually reading Romans wrong?” Apparently, the answer is yes. Keith shares their groundbreaking work in theology t...

In this episode we welcome the acclaimed singer-songwriter Derek Webb. The conversation delves into Derek's musical beginnings, his experiences as a member of Caedmon's Call, and his transition to a solo career marked by songs that challenge the status quo of Christian music. Derek shares personal stories about his relationship with faith, highlighting his journey of deconstruction and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. The episo...

In this episode, we honor the journey of Kevin Sweeney, who has a fascinating and unconventional spiritual journey. Once a pastor and now a hospice chaplain and author, Kevin shared his profound experiences, including a life-changing moment while taking mushrooms at the age of 18 that led him to what he believes was a direct encounter with God. We delved into his background, his transition from indifference towards religion to beco...

This episode underscores the transformative power of pain and adversity. Lauren Cibene, author of Tiger in a Lifeboat, openly and vulnerably shares her life journey and how a seemingly insurmountable crisis and emotional turmoil can eventually lead to profound personal growth and self-realization. Through her experience of deep pain, questioning, and despair, Lauren experienced a metamorphosis, emerging as the person she was always...

Join us as we honor the journey of Joe Boyd, a former pastor turned actor, movie producer, and deconstruction advocate, who shares his remarkable journey from traditional ministry to questioning foundational beliefs. Joe recounts how his discovery of deconstruction led him to leave the pulpit and explore his passion for performance and storytelling, eventually establishing a career in the creative industry. He candidly discusses th...

In today’s episode, Leslie welcomes back Jim Palmer, a former evangelical mega church pastor turned advocate for religious deconstruction and non-religious spirituality. They delve into Jim's transformative journey from his early religious experiences to his crisis of faith and subsequent shift towards helping others navigate religious trauma and existential health. Jim shares insights from his recent sabbatical on a secluded islan...

In this episode of "Honoring The Journey,"we welcome guest Jay Aedo, an author of children's books and a teacher of practical philosophy. The conversation delves into Jay’s unique and thought-provoking perspectives on storytelling, particularly how he reinterprets conventional Bible stories to teach children about personal responsibility. Jay discusses the impact of his religious upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness and his journey to...

Today, we honor the journey of Plumb, the recording artist who Leslie used to play on the air when she was in Christian Radio. The conversation unveils Plumb’s transformative journey from her evangelical roots to becoming a fierce advocate for authenticity, kindness, and marginalized communities. Plumb shares her struggles with conformity, her evolution in beliefs about love and religion, and the impact of her divorce on her career...

Gary Mai, an inspiring podcaster and member of the LGBTQIA community, is our guest today on Honoring the Journey. Gary shares his compelling life story, marked by early childhood trauma, struggles with identity, and a long, arduous journey towards self-acceptance. The discussion delves into Gary's experiences growing up in a conservative religious environment, grappling with his sexuality, and ultimately finding solace and purpose ...

Today on Honoring the Journey, we have a deep conversation with Mike Maeshiro, a former ministry leader at Bethel and founder of the NUMA Foundation. We discussed his extraordinary journey of leaving evangelicalism, coming to terms with his sexuality, and navigating the complexities of his faith and identity within a conservative Christian framework. Mike shared deeply personal stories about his traumatic experiences with conversio...

Today, we welcome back Logan Barone to delve into the controversial topic of astrology, especially in the context of an evangelical upbringing. We discuss the historical and biblical underpinnings of astrology, contrasting them with the misconceptions held within certain religious communities. The conversation shifts to the significance of the Age of Aquarius, exploring its impact on spiritual awakening, individual divinity, and th...

In this episode, we meet Logan Barone, a spiritual life coach, bestselling author, and former evangelical minister who underwent a transformative spiritual journey. The discussion delves into Logan's personal experiences, which catalyzed his deconstruction from rigid religious beliefs toward a spiritual awakening that emphasizes living in the present moment and embracing inner divinity. Key application points include the importance...

In this bonus episode, we honor the journey of Charlotte Dalwood—a speaker and writer whose journey is both deeply personal and incredibly moving. Charlotte opens up about what it was like growing up as a trans woman in a conservative evangelical home, navigating mental health struggles, gender dysphoria, and the path to embracing her true self. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of heart. We talk about the courage it takes...

In this episode of "Honoring the Journey," Leslie welcomes Mary Terhune to discuss her profound experiences of spiritual awakening and transformation, as detailed in her book "Out of the Blue." Mary shares her journey from traditional religious upbringing to experiencing divine revelations that redefined her understanding of consciousness and healing. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of connecting with nature, the c...

Today we honor the journey of Zach Lambert, the lead pastor and founder of Restore Church in Austin, Texas. Leslie & Zach chat about his background, exploring his spiritual journey from a disenchanted youth in a conservative Southern Baptist environment to becoming a progressive church leader focused on justice, inclusivity, and a holistic interpretation of the gospel. They also discuss the challenges of deconstructing and reconstr...

Today on Honoring the Journey, Leslie interviews Peter Fenton, delving into his journey from their serendipitous meeting through his evolving identity and professional pursuits. Peter, a playwright, director and screenwriter shares his unique perspective shaped by a complex upbringing in a conservative evangelical environment. The conversation weaves through Peter's childhood loves, like Mario Party and Survivor, his transformative...