Leaving the Church to Find God

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 tapestry of connection that exists beyond the...

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 we're invited to explore the intersection ...

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 just about rediscovering fun; it became a...

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 Evangelicalism," serves as a backdrop for our ri...

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 the wounds of religious toxicity, Mike's story i...

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 sexism within the church and lays bare the sy...

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 question the notion of flawlessness that&a...

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 landscapes of conviction and contradiction, exploring h...

Growing up as a pastor's kid, Britney Winland has danced along the delicate edge where faith meets personal identity, often finding herself entangled in the expectations wrought by rigid religious doctrine. Her journey, mirrored by the narratives shared in this episode, weaves through the tapestry of spiritual discovery, challenging the boundaries of traditional worship and the courage it takes to step beyond them. Together, w...

You can contact Rich Ralston at www.subtleenergyhealing.com.

Have you ever witnessed the metamorphosis of belief, where deep-seated convictions are shed in the light of new truths? Our latest episode features Rich Rostin, an individual who traversed from the role of a Pentecostal evangelist to that of a spiritual medium and healer. His narrative takes us through the alleyways of human experience—from the streets where he a...

Embark on a spiritual odyssey with our inspiring guest, Rich Rolston, as we defy the traditional boundaries of the church and delve into the rejuvenating practices of chakra balancing and past life clearing. Discover how to harness your inner energy and confront the ego's quest for validation, finding solace in your inherent worth that transcends the need for external affirmation. Through Rich's personal narrative, we rev...

Embarking on a journey beyond the stained glass windows and pews, I, Catherine Melissa Whittington, share the intimate tale of "Leaving the Church to Find God." It's an exploration that surges past the traditional borders of organized religion, spiraling into the heart of self-discovery and the harmony of inner peace. Reflecting on the momentous occasion of my 41st birthday, I realized that the truest form of growth ...