Honoring the Journey

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...

Today on "Honoring the Journey," we welcome Amanda Carroll, a fellow-former-Christian Radio gal who Leslie met online and realized quickly that she wanted to know more about her faith and life journey! Amanda is the founder of the Single Mom Collective, a podcast and online community dedicated to empowering single mothers. Amanda shares her inspiring story, detailing her extensive career in radio, her struggles and triumphs as a si...

In this episode of "Honoring the Journey," we honor the journey of Paul Young, the renowned author of "The Shack." Leslie expresses her excitement about finally having Paul on the show, sharing a personal anecdote about how his book profoundly impacted her spiritual journey after a challenging experience on Survivor China. They discuss the controversy surrounding "The Shack" in evangelical circles, delve into Paul's tumultuous past...

Today on Honoring the Journey, you’ll meet Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian theologian, scholar, podcaster, and entrepreneur, who shares his captivating personal journey. From his lucid childhood memories in Bethlehem and Indiana to his poignant accounts of the Gulf War, Daniel discusses his multifaceted career and profound insights on faith, politics, and activism. The conversation delves into his experiences as a pastor's kid, his ...

In this episode of "Honoring the Journey," Leslie welcomes her friend Shannon Hunt. They delve into Shannon's unique perspective on life, highlighting how their friendship, despite Shannon being an atheist and Leslie having a religious background, has been enriching and transformative. The conversation explores Shannon's journey from her challenging upbringing in the LDS faith to her eventual departure from religion, citing a pivot...

In this episode, Leslie has a dynamic conversation with guest Justin Scoggins, an author and day center director. Justin shares insights about his new book "Inking Christ," which explores the theological perspectives on tattoos. They also delve into his personal story of overcoming addiction, experiencing a transformative encounter with Jesus, and finding his place in pastoral ministry. The discussion covers their favorite TV shows...

Today, we welcome Liz Charlotte Grant, an award-winning nonfiction writer from Colorado, where we dive into Liz's background and her dedication to empathy, which she often explores in her newsletter, "The Empathy List." We chat about Liz's experiences growing up, her faith journey, and her role as a birth doula, providing an insightful look into how she navigated her life and spiritual beliefs. The conversation also touches upon Li...

Today we honor the journey of Josh Scott, a pastor and writer known for his progressive views. We discuss his spiritual journey and perspectives on Christianity. The conversation delves deeply into personal experiences with organized religion, the process of deconstructing faith, and the challenges faced along the way. Both Josh and Leslie share insights on moving beyond traditional beliefs, the importance of love and inclusion, an...

In this milestone 50th episode of "Honoring the Journey," Leslie reflects on the transformative experiences and lessons learned during the first year of the podcast. She shares insights on overcoming fear of failure and success, the importance of authentic human connection, and the power of listening. Additionally, she discusses the challenges faced by deconstruction content creators, the need for balance and margin in life, and he...

In this episode, Leslie welcomes guest Annelise, a singer/songwriter and TikTok star known for sharing her spiritual awakening. The conversation delves into Annelise's profound journey of spiritual discovery triggered by chronic pain post-childbirth. Annelise and Leslie discuss the shift from conventional Christian upbringing to a broader, more inclusive understanding of God as pure love, free from anger and retribution. They touch...