Growing Up Christian

This week we're excited to welcome our good friend, comedian, musician, and podcaster Mike Valdes! Discussion topics include naughty assassins, the Lord's stance on marionettes, Louisianna's new Ten Commandments law for classrooms, and Disney's new “Punk Goes Crunk”-esque album of cover songs. We always have so much fun hanging out with Mike! You can follow him on Instagram (@mikevaldes) and TikTok (@officialmikevaldes), check out his podcast Childlike at Best, and for info on upcoming appearances, merch, etc. go to www.thekidfromup.com.

This week we're joined by Jeremiah to discuss CNN's televised squawk match between the ultimate Boomer avatars, as well as some updates in the continuing mudslide that is Gateway Church and their recently resigned pastor, Robert Morris. More articles are popping up, more church leaders are stepping down, and as predicted, we're finding out that this isn't the first scandal the church has attempted to sweep under the rug… All that and more on Episode 189 of Growing Up Christian!

This week we're joined by award-winning author, journalist, and public speaker Jonathan Merritt! Jonathan wasn't just a “pastor's kid,” his father was the president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Steeped in conservative evangelicalism, his life took a turn during college when he decided he wanted to be a religion and spirituality writer. Jonathan lost himself in his work, publishing several books, writing articles for prominent publications, and earning two graduate degrees. From the outside looking in his life appeared to be on track, but nobody knew that this rising star in progressive Christianity was a closeted gay man. Then he was publicly outed… and his whole world turned upside down. Jonathan is a truly prolific person with a one-of-a-kind perspective, and we love his approach to faith, family, and community. He just published his first children's book, “My Gunkle & Me,” a story about a boy whose gay uncle shows him that his little differences make him special. It's a wonderful book that we absolutely recommend to anyone with kids in their life! Follow Jonathan on Instagram (@jonathan_merritt) and X (@jonathanmerritt), check out his podcast Seekers & Speakers, for more information go to www.jonathanmerritt.com.

This week we're talking about the developing story surrounding pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church, a multi-campus Texas monstrosity boasting over 100k congregants. Cindy Clemishire is a brave woman who has accused Robert Morris of molesting her from 1982 to 1987, beginning when she was just 12 years old. Although she has sought justice against Morris multiple times, Cindy has watched in frustration and despair as he dodged nearly all consequences for his actions and become a prominent national figure in the Evangelical world. All that began to change just a couple of weeks ago thanks to this blog post… Let's hope that Cindy finally gets the justice she deserves for the disgusting crimes perpetrated against her!

Well this is embarrassing, but due to insurmountable technical difficulties with the Comfort Inn WIFI, we weren't able to finish recording this week's episode. However, we have a story in the works for next week that I'll bet many of you have been following. Tune in next Tuesday as we discuss the disturbing allegations surrounding Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Dallas, TX. Have a great week!

This week we're joined by Ryan George, author of “Hurt and Healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction After Spiritual Abuse.” Ryan was listening to a podcast one day when he heard a heartbreaking story of sexual abuse about a pastor, a pastor who happened to be his father. It's hard to imagine being hit with such a devastating revelation, but it set off a chain reaction that forced him to square himself with his own physical abuse at the hands of his dad. In his book, Ryan recounts the full story of his upbringing, coping with his father's crimes, doing what he can to help the victims his dad had hurt, and how he found spiritual healing in what some might think is an unlikely place: the church. We really enjoyed talking with Ryan, and we hope you enjoy the discussion (it begins at 44:00)! Find his book “Hurt and Healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction After Spiritual Abuse” through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other book retailers, check out his podcast Everyday Adventures, and follow Ryan on Instagram (@ryplane).

Colorado is a magical place to so many people, and for so many different reasons! Some venture into the mountains to get glazed on big box weapons-grade weed in a puddle of pine sap, some scour Denver for the latest fast casual slop hut bastardizing ethnic cuisine, but me? I'm here to visit one of the last great vestiges of Christian Americana left in these United States of Tanger Outlets: the Focus on the Family world headquarters in beautiful Colorado Springs! While I was disappointed to find that Whitt's End and the Welcome Center were closed for renovations, Grandpa Dobby made sure that the bookstore was open and ready to take my money. Sam and I chat about all the fun things I found in the store, and one brand in particular that caught my attention called Hold Fast. I'm not sure how to describe their clothing other than that I expect their t-shirts will become a staple of Kid Rock's wardrobe after the terminal cirrhosis prompts him to join Greg Locke's biblical manhood Bible study. However, they are doing big things for their brave-but-beleaguered “Big Brother,” Israel. We take a look at some strange organizations with vague goals supported by t-shirt purchases from Hold Fast and have a good time talking about our recent travels. Enjoy the show and have a great week!

This week we're joined by our friend Kavin to talk about his experiences as a short term foster parent! Foster care is an important service that really doesn't get the attention it deserves. The fact of the matter is that kids across the world through no fault of their own find themselves in difficult, scary situations where they are taken out of their home, away from their families, and placed in the care of strangers. The reasons vary a lot more than I was aware of. They can involve everything from respite to abuse and can last anywhere from a few days to the rest of their childhoods. Regardless of the situation, think about how you would feel to be 6 or 8 years old and suddenly be placed in a strange house with people you don't know. Could you relax? Could you go to sleep? Could you find it in yourself to trust that these people have your best interest at heart? It's a pretty frightening position for a youngster, and extremely delicate for the family taking care of them. Over the last year, Kavin and his family have cared for over 20 children through short term foster care. As you will hear, this is a labor of love that requires a lot of his family, but one that they are passionate about. I think you'll find this discussion informative! If you'd like to learn more about becoming a foster parent, the rules and requirements in your state, or simply some ways to help children in foster care, go to www.adoptuskids.org

This week Jeremiah joins us to talk about God's mightiest warrior and recent 700 Club guest, Terry Eugene Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan! We're all suckers for a juicy testimony, right? Well nobody in recent memory can spin a yarn quite like the Hulkster. Terry is on fire for God and anxious to spread the good word with what time he has left before he takes Hulkamania all the way to the Pearly Gates! He's a truly electric personality, just don't go thinking too hard about his stories…

This week we're excited welcome Andy Prince from Manchester Orchestra back to the show! Last time he was on, we talked about his upbringing in a Florida panhandle Christian community, and his involvement in an Evangelical movement know as the Brownsville Revival. This time around we discuss his early music career and change in lifestyle, as well as his work with an organization called Upward Intuition. Upward Intuition started as a group of people raising funds and support for a public skatepark in downtown Pensacola, which saw the opening of the Blake Doyle Skate Park. Now they hope to expand their reach and help create more places for kids in other communities to skate, hang out, and build friendships. It's a really cool organization, and one that Andy has poured a lot of himself into! Follow Upward Intuition and Andy on Instagram (@upwardintuition & @andyprince), and keep an eye out for new music and tour dates from Manchester Orchestra (@manchesterorchestra)!

This week, we're talking about a few different disastrous stories that we just can't look away from. First, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem continues to make headlines as journalists sift through the ridiculous claims in her upcoming book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” The latest pull quotes had us in tears, and her response to criticism makes it all the more fun! Next up, we discuss the disturbing case of Mica Miller, a young woman who allegedly “unalived” herself in the midst of a messy separation from her husband, Pastor John Paul Miller of Solid Rock Ministries in Myrtle Beach, SC. There is a lot to this story, and given the possible allegations of abuse, the pastor's relationship with another woman in the church, and his absolutely bizarre behavior in the wake of his wife's tragic death, internet sleuths are working overtime trying to find out what kind of person John Paul Miller is and whether or not he had anything to do with Mica's sudden demise. Lastly, we're as captivated as everyone else is by the public war between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Sam lays out a timeline for the attacks, and highlights some of the more ruthless portions of each diss track. We hope you enjoy the show!

This week we're joined by our esteemed assistant pastor Jeremiah to discuss our the details of our presidential cardiac arrest covenant. We've vowed before God and man that if Biden and Trump simultaneously, uh… “come to the clearing at the end of the path,” we will plant a church and dedicate our lives to soliciting donations for it. We also talk about the most irritating team-up ever between Richie the Barber and Mike Servin, and finally, the bizarre and upsetting revelations from South Dakota Governor and Trump VP hopeful Kristi Noem's upcoming book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” Kristi wants everyone to know that she's rough, tough, and ain't got no qualms about acting like a psychopath, and she has the entire internet lighting torches and sharpening pitch forks. All this and more on this week's episode of Growing Up Christian!

This week we're joined by Courtney Bandeko and Benjamin Ironside Koppin to discuss their brand new film, Pastor's Kid! Based on a true story, Pastor's Kid follows a young woman who, reeling from a traumatic event, finds herself parsing through her complicated feelings about faith, family, and forgiveness. The film presents a raw, honest view of what it's like to sift through the overlapping web of imparted beliefs, life experience, and relationships (familial and otherwise) that are woven into our feelings about faith. Who among us can't relate to that? We really enjoyed this movie, and I think you will too! Follow the official Pastor's Kid pages on Instagram (@pastorskidmovie) and Facebook (…/pastorskidthemovie), follow Benjamin on Instagram (@benjamin_koppin), and Courteney on Instagram (@bandekoot), and check out the trailer here!

This week we're talking about ambulance-chasing billboard lawyers, the Israeli bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the retaliatory strike on Israel, and the dangerous upwelling of militarist rationale in the West. Then it's time to crack the lid and peak in at the ever-devolving toilet kingdom that Steven Crowder has ruled with an iron fist… up until recently, that is. When last we discussed our free speech warrior chieftain, he was dealing with the fallout from a leaked video where a cigar-smoking Steven berated his pregnant wife for wanting to use the family car (Dave Ramsey said they only needed one, you know). However, in the wake of this negative attention, some former employees of Louder With Crowder have spoken up about the toxic work environment and ugly, vindictive tendencies that Steven has exhibited over the years. One of the people speaking out is Jared Monroe, aka Not Gay Jared, a former friend, cohost, and “surprisingly good kisser,” according to Mr. Crowder. God this is getting weird. All this and more on this week's episode of Growing Up Christian!

This week we're joined once again by scholar, activist, and all-around great guy, Dr. Luke Wilson! For those of you who haven't heard our earlier conversations with Luke, he was a fellow student at Liberty University and one of their most troublesome conversion therapy victims. He's with us this week to discuss one of the most infamous falls from grace in modern Christian history: Pastor Ted Haggard. Ted has founded multiple successful Colorado churches, helmed a couple of huge Christian organizations, shaped national and state policy and legislation, but most interestingly to us, he's practically penned the Gospel of “How Not to Handle a Scandal.” This story is soooo nuts, and I'm glad we got to cover it with our buddy Luke! Follow Luke on Instagram (@lukeslamdunkwilson) and X (@wilson_fw), and for the rest of his story, check out our earlier episodes with him (Ep. 12 – Conversion Therapy Speed Dating, and Ep. 40 – “Pray Away” and the Gospel Coaltion's Persecution Complex).

This week, we're joined by Jeremiah to discuss Easter rituals, grocery store fruit theft etiquette, and the universal unpopularity of Sam's musical tastes, for starters. Then we wade into Charlie Kirk and the gang's poignant political, cultural, and spiritual assessments of the situation in Haiti. Charlie is the founder of Turning Point USA, and the host of a right wing talk show. What's he look like, you ask? Picture an early 30's youth leader that “felt called” to marry one of his parishioners on her 18th birthday. Got it? Okay, now enlarge the head, shrink the face, and slap the hind quarter of a labradoodle a little too far back on his scalp… You got it, right? All jokes aside, Charlie and his gaggle of nincompoops are a joke, and their notions of history are ridiculous. Grab a drink and prepare for some spit-takes!

Our guest this week is returning author, podcaster, and activist, our good friend Amber Viola! Aside from catching up and chatting about church gossip and missions trips, we spent some time discussing the release of her first book, “72 Hours of Hell: My Time in the VA.” Amber is a Navy veteran, and we've talked at length in past episodes about her advocacy on behalf of US military veterans. When it comes to mental health and self-harm, veterans represent a particularly vulnerable community. In this jaw-dropping personal account, Amber gives readers an inside look at what it's like seeking voluntary mental health treatment from the Veterans Health Administration. It's a harrowing story that shines a light on the VA's shortcomings, and one that we think everyone should hear. Amber is one of our favorite people we've met through the show, and we are always excited to talk to her! Follow her on Instagram (@amber_viola), check out her podcast Politics But Make It Fashion on all streaming platforms, and find her new book “72 Hours of Hell: My Time in the VA” on Amazon and Kindle!

This week we're hanging out with Jeremiah and laughing about dripping dip spit from your tracheotomy hole, the Great Texas Pornhub War of 2024, and drafting a more entertaining and era-appropriate method of selecting public servants (think Most Extreme Elimination Challenge, but the winner gets to be county treasurer and the loser drowns in a big stinking porridge pond). If you like the show, leave us a review and share it with a friend, and if you haven't joined our Discord yet, you can find a link to it in our Instagram bio. Enjoy the episode!

This week we're excited to welcome back activist, writer, and friend of the show, Charles McBryde! Charles has done extensive work with Mission Kharkiv, an NGO working to collect and transport lifesaving chronic and anticancer medication to besieged Ukrainian cities, and has been an outspoken supporter of the Ukrainian people since the start of the war. He has also garnered a lot of attention for his outspoken support of the Palestinian people and scathing criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza. 5 months into the war in Gaza, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, half the country lies in smoldering piles of rubble, countless cultural and religious sites have been destroyed, and the UN is sounding the alarm over the inevitable catastrophe of famine and starvation taking hold on the 2m residents of Gaza now huddled in southernmost section of the country. Throughout the war in Ukraine and now Gaza, Charles is one of the people we've looked to for honest, though-provoking commentary. You can follow him on Instagram and TikTok (@charlesmcbryde), X (@mcbrydecampbell), and we highly recommend subscribing to his Substack, Refuse Dystopia!

Our guest this week is screen printer and designer Zach Merrill of Action Tees! Zach is an old friend of Sam's that grew up in church like many of us. After getting married young and struggling to find his footing in all aspects of his life, Zach charted his own course away from the stifling expectations of his upbringing and conservative outlook. Stepping back from the edge with a new lease on life, he was free to take creative risks and try new things. Through his company, Action Tees, Zach makes some really unique apparel thanks to his unconventional screen printing methods and eye for design. His work has drawn the attention of some really cool artists like CZARFACE, and we can't wait to see where he goes from here! Follow Zach on Instagram (@zachmerrill_), TikTok (@zmerrill), and go to www.shopzachmerrill.com to preorder upcoming apparel drops and info on commissions!

This week is all about church boomers tangling with technology! There has been a plethora of stories involving older religious figures embarrassing themselves on the internet, and we selected a few of our favorites to discuss. We have the hapless head honcho of Hillsong's “hacked account” tweets, the band of benevolent nuns burgled by bogus AI bishops, and finally, the salacious self-sabotage of a sanctimonious Catholic shock jock. Strap on those boots, Christian soldiers! We've got muck to rake…

Our guest this week is musician, producer, and artist Angel Marcloid, also known as Fire-Toolz! Angel grew up in church, and has seen their relationship with faith evolve substantially, over the years. Whether you're talking about their music, visual art, or adventurous, open-minded approach to spirituality, Angel is a fascinating person and Fire-Toolz is a truly unique passion project! For links to anything and everything, go to www.linktr.ee/fire_toolz!

This week we're joined once again by our good friend and fantastic comedian, Spencer Bland! We kick things off talking about the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl commercial that's caused an absolute uproar. Tempers are flaring on all sides of this one… Then we trudge into the slippery, slimy, putrid swamp that is Christian Healthshare - a controvertial and uniquely-American industry bodysurfing a wave of partisan indignance, legislative corruption, and spiritual bankruptcy toward the rocky shores of financial insolvency. The past 15 years has seen healthshare participation swell from less than 50k to well over a million members in spite of the fact that 1) it's not healthcare, 2) it's largely unregulated, and 3) it's full of conartists and charlatans. While there are plenty of people who are plenty happy with their healthshare plans, the whole industry stinks… stinks like a butt. We love hanging out with Spencer, and we're big fans of his comedy! Follow him on Instagram and YouTube (@spencerspicy), TikTok (@spencerspicyy), and visit www.godsfavoritecomedian.com for show dates and his comedy special “Dinner at 4pm!”Articles Referenced:A Christian Ministry Promised An Obamacare Alternative. The FBI Says Its Leaders Pocketed $4 Million And Left Members With Thousands In Unpaid Medical BillsA Christian Health Nonprofit Saddled Thousands With Debt as It Built a Family Empire Including a Pot Farm, a Bank and an AirlineP.S. Shoutout to the listener that turned us onto such an interesting topic. Thanks for the suggestion!

This week we're joined by trauma surgeon and podcaster Rebecca Joy Nappi, a woman who 4 years ago left her father's cult for good. Rebecca made this difficult choice after 20+ years of indoctrination, guilt, and conditioning to spare her children from those harmful and dehumanizing ideas, and in doing so, she left behind her family, her friends, and the community that had been her home. This is a fascinating conversation, and it's a great segway into her new podcast, Breaking Free! Rebecca posted her first episode on January 5th, and there are now four episodes that trace her early childhood, life as a young adult under her father's leadership, the unusual doctrines that the church held, and the circumstances and fallout of her eventual exit from the group. It's a powerful, fascinating show, and we can't recommend it enough! Stream Breaking Free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (search “Breaking Free” and look for the hot air balloon silhouette) and subscribe to the show to keep up to date with new episodes.

This week we're taking a look at Eli and Kaitlyn Regalado, an online pastor and his wife who's recent legal troubles surrounding their spirit-filled cryptocurrency debacle has gone viral in a big way. The Regalados are making headlines are being charged with fraud for selling a worthless cryptocurrency to their congregants using all the tried and true prosperity Gospel word vomit. They fleeced their followers for over $3m, and are accused of squandering at least $1.2m of that on their lavish lifestyle and, you know, a quarter of a million dollar home renovation that “the Lord told them to do.” It's a fascinating story that we have a lot of fun with, and will continue to follow as the Regalado's legal battle continues!But first, we have to hash through a discovery that Sam has been aching to discuss: a 15-year-old Facebook survey that young Casey posted back in the day. As you might imagine, it's aged suuuuper well…

This week we're joined by an absolutely hilarious comedian, Imani (interview begins at 33:30)! Imani spent her early years in Fort Hood, TX, where her family attended what you might classify as a typical Evangelical mega church. However, when they moved back to Oregon and joined here grandfather's more traditional, conservative, predominantly-black church, her home life took a drastic turn that no one could have predicted (I'll leave it at that so as not to spoil the story)… We were really excited to talk to Imani after sharing so many of her comedy clips back and forth! Follow her on Instagram & YouTube (@imanidenae_), TikTok & X (@_wierdhoe), and if you're in the Portland area, keep an eye out for upcoming dates!But first, Casey and April Gloria (@_aprilgloria) take a second look at the Game Genie of all dating books: “Marriable: Taking the Desperate Out of Dating” by Hayley and Michael DiMarco. We're focusing in on a chapter titled “Nice Guys Really Do Finish Last” in which Hayley and Michael give us the nuanced explanation of male and female psyches we've all been waiting for. You're going to want to take notes…

This week we're joined by John Ryan, saxophonist and vocalist for Keep Flying (one of Sam's absolute favorite bands)! John grew up Catholic on Long Island, and is a longtime music industry insider. Whether he was playing in a band or booking and managing tours for other acts, he's one of those guys that's seen a lot of country and met a lot of people. We had a great time talking to him, and we can't recommend Keep Flying enough! Follow them on Instagram, X, and YouTube (@keepflyingband), and visit their website (www.keepflying.band) for more info!

This week we unknowingly bit into a HUGE topic that factors that has peaked the curiosity of theologians, scholars, and lunatics alike: the Book of Enoch! This ancient extra-Biblical tome expands upon the brief story in Genesis 6 about angels who “took human wives” and gave birth to giants. The supernatural implications of the Book of Enoch have made it a favorite reference among people with less-than-conventional views, and you don't have to dig too far into modern commentary to find phrases like “human-reptilian hybrid breeding programs” or “this validates cross cultural accounts of vampires” or “inter-dimensional Annunaki magic artifacts…” it's a fun topic, and we hope you enjoy the show!

Our guest this week is producer and musician Danny Couture! Danny grew up in Massachusetts in the same church as Sam, and went on to find success in the music business. He is a Billboard-charting producer and has worked side-by-side with the likes of Marshmello, Lil Wayne, 24KGoldn, 2KBABY, Morray, and Rico Nasty, as well as ESPN and Space Jam: A New Legacy! Follow Danny on Instagram (@dannycouture), X and TikTok (@dannycouture_), and go to https://hoo.be/dannycouture for links to his music!

Our guest this week is our longtime friend and one of the most interesting and wholesome people in our lives, Dave Smith! Dave was one of our fellow angsty scene kids back at Liberty University and has gone on to do so many cool things. He's travelled all over the country, worked at mushroom and film festivals, guided whitewater rafting trips in Alaska, etc etc etc. Dave is a genuinely great guy, and we had so much fun talking to him that this turned into our longest episode ever! Follow him on Instagram (@snarfersnarf), and check out the video he put together about his summer in Alaska: https://youtu.be/TjR-btKXEX4?si=A2lk3j5a2feOq32u

This week we're joined by vocalist Chris Oberholtzer of Tan & Handsome, a band that we absolutely love! We discuss some of the strange performances we saw as kids in church, Christian rock bootcamp, his time in YWAM (Youth With A Mission), and the twists and turns of being in the music industry. Tan & Handsome is great, and their new single “Snake Church” is right up our alley! Follow them on Instagram and Youtube (@tanandhandsome), X (@tanandhandsome_), and check out their self-titled EP wherever you listen to music!

This week our beloved Jeremiah and GUC alumnus April Gloria (Casey's wife) join us to discuss Christian nationalist Andrew Torba's shocking revelation about the origins of many popular Christmas songs and the Puritans' War on Christmas. Finally, we are proud to present a theatrical performance of “A Super Christmas,” a heart-warming original play by Vanessa Unti, the past/maybe current(?) youth minister at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham, WA. If you want to follow along at home, you can find a copy of the script here: Free "Super Christmas" Printable Script. Follow April on Instagram and X (@_aprilgloria) and enjoy the show!

This week we're joined by Rob Hileman, Paul Misko, and Joe Sudrovic from a band near and dear to our hearts, From A Second Story Window! Sam has talked at length about how huge of an influence FASSW's music and live performances were to him, and we were thrilled to sit down with three of the founding members to discuss their origins, the highs and lows of being a signed ban living on the road, the things that eventually led them to step away from music, and their recent reunion and future plans. Follow From A Second Story Window on Instagram (@fromasecondstorywindow), TikTok (@fromasecondstorywindowband), and Facebook, and keep an eye open for a show near you!

This week we're joined by friend of the show and Discord OG, Marc Penner! Marc is a former Mennonite and graduate of Tabor College, but he left the church years ago when he came face to face with some pretty blatant hypocrisy. We discuss his alleged participation in a “cupid run,” all the cool ways in which churches exacerbate marital problems, the “kids or no kids” dilemma, and keeping a lid on the roiling torrent of rage bubbling inside of us all. It's a great conversation with a great dude, and we were really happy to finally sit down with Marc!

This week we're joined by tattoo artist, comic book enthusiast, and longtime friend of the show, Carlos Cordova aka Stolen Heart Tattoo! Carlos grew up in a close-knit Catholic family. As a young man, his love of art and comic books dovetailed with a fascination with tattoos. Nowadays, he hones his craft at Archetype Tattoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We love his work, and had a great time talking to him about Catholicism, pop culture, and tattoos – the good, the bad, and the downright cringe! Follow Carlos on Instagram (@stolenhearttattoo), and go to www.archetypetattoo.comto schedule an appointment with him!

This week we're diving back into the Great American Family Channel's upcoming Christmas original movies! With exciting titles like Christmas on Windmill Way and The Jinglebell Jubilee, these are like the lactose-free virgin eggnog of holiday films (although they might still trigger your IBS). Join us in celebrating “faith, family, and country” with this lineup of Yuletide yawn-fodder that was tailormade for the checkout line at Hobby Lobby, and have a great week!

This week we're joined by life coach and former pastor, Brad Klausman! Brad was in ministry for 20 years, but doubt and disdain for the church's attitude towards LGBTQ community (including his young daughter) had weighed heavy on his heart for some time. When the actions of other leaders and his church's lackluster response caused a rift between members, he decided it was time to go. Brad, like most of us, knows how difficult it is to reexamine your belief system, as well as the issues it can cause with family, friends, and even your career. As a life coach, he helps people identify, clarify, and create a vision for what they want, determine self-discovery and growth goals, put together an action plan that fits the individual, and foster accountability to increase productivity. We had a lot of fun talking to him, and recommend you follow him on Instagram and Facebook (@brad.lifecoach), TikTok (@bradklaus), and go to www.coachingwithbrad.orgfor more information about his services!

Do you ever feel like the Hallmark Channel has abandoned traditional values? Are your children only allowed to watch a 40 year old VHS recording of “The Secret Garden” because the Disney Channel is nothing but smut?? Are you absolutely dying to watch an off-brand Reese Witherspoon-circa-2001-esque rom-com without having to stomach seeing an interracial couple or two men making prolonged eye contact??? Well, I hope you're wearing suspenders, because I've got something that's gonna bust your buttons, brother! Candace Cameron Bure's Great American Family Channel is here, and it's about to put the Christ back in Christmas with 20 brand new holiday movies that are sure to bring your family together (so long as none of them are trans)! Join us as we take a look at a handful of these upcoming titles, and get those good, clean holiday juices flowing!

Our guest this week is musician, author, and podcaster Andrew Schwab, who is a founding member and lifelong vocalist for Project 86! Andrew has been creating music through Project 86 for over 25 years, and during that time, he has seen and experienced A LOT. Our conversation centers around his upbringing and introduction to music, getting swept up in the Christian rock wave of the late 90's/early 00's, pushing back against the Christian “parallel culture” thing most of us grew up in, and how his faith has changed and grown over the years. After listening to one of his podcasts called “Ceasefire!,” we really wanted to get into some questions about Andrew's views on current events and political topics, but we just ran out of time. He has graciously offered to come back and talk about those things in the near future, so we're looking forward to that! All in all, Andrew is a great guy and a creative force of nature, and we really enjoyed talking to him. Project 86 released part 1 of their final album, “OMNI,” which is a concept album with all sorts of accompanying materials intended to pull the listener into the story. It's fantastic, and all you grownup metalcore kids might be interested to know that the guys from Norma Jean helped record and produce the album. Follow Andrew on X (@theandrewschwab) and Instagram (@aschwab86), check out www.project86.comfor info about OMNI Part 2 and the Pale Riders Patreon Community, and watch the new music video for “When the Belfry Speaks" available now!

What a cataclysmic week it's been… We were pretty nervous to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, so forgive us for spending the first 30 minutes joking about dog appendages, flashers, and intestinal distress. We spend the rest of the episode talking about the bloodshed in the Holy Land, the effects that an Evangelical upbringing has on a person's perception of events, the reactions and battle lines drawn on social media following Hamas' attack on Israeli civilians and the subsequent IDF bombardment of Gaza, and our concerns about where things go from here. Look, we're not well-informed on the history of this conflict, we're not geopolitical strategists or military experts, and we are about as far removed from the experiences of both Palestinians and Jews as two people can be. We're just shocked, bewildered, frightened about what could happen next, and disgusted by the reactions of people in positions of power. That's about all there is to say. We'd love to hear your perspective, and the best place to reach us is on Discord.P.S. The history series we referenced several times is “Fear & Loathing in the New Jerusalem” from the MartyrMade Podcast: https://martyrmade.com/fear-loathing-in-the-new-jerusalem/

This week we're excited to welcome back our good friend George Azar, author of “My Gay Church Days: Memoir of a Closeted Evangelical Pastor Who Eventually Had Enough,” and host of the My Gay Church Days podcast! We discuss some of his public appearances after releasing his book, the strange pushback he sometimes receives from unexpected places, what it was like growing up in the post-9/11 US as a kid of Lebanese descent, and finally we take a bite out of the Infancy Gospel of James, and one of the weirdest purity tests ever put on paper. George is the absolute best, and he's releasing a “Born Again” revision of his book in the very near future! Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and X (@mygaychurchdays), subscribe to the My Gay Church Days podcast (new season coming soon), and for more information about his updated book, go to www.mygaychurchdays.com!

Stand aside, Uncle Sam, because Father God (speaking directly through His chosen medium, The Gospel Coalition) wants you to take up the cross and fill out a participation form for “Bring Your Bible to School Day!” If by school, you're referring to my aunt's breakfast nook, then I'm in. We chat about a fascinating documentary on HBO called Telemarketers about Civic Development Group – a really gross company that Sam spent a few months working for in Virginia. Aaaand the good ol' Catholic Church… jumping through every hoop in the world to hoard their wealth instead of compensating the victims of their disgusting clergymen. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, as we'll be posting video versions of the podcast there regularly!

Our guest this week this week is comedian Jeremy Alder! I'd be willing to bet that you've seen clips from his hilarious standup special “Purity Pants,” and if not, you're missing out. Jeremy is a homeschool kid from Texas that experienced some very interesting segments of Evangelicalism as his family's faith developed and changed, and we had a blast trading stories! Follow Jeremy on Instagram (@jeremy.alder), TikTok, and X (@JeremyAlder), check out his comedy special “Purity Pants” available through Dry Bar Comedy, and go to www.jeremyalder.com for live dates!

This week we're continuing our exploration of the Apocrypha with the story of Susanna, which is like an ancient Law & Order SVU episode written by a moron. BUT FIRST: we have to talk about our favorite pocket constitution-toting, gun-slinging, crotch-groping barfly of senator, Loren Boebert! Centennial State spitfire made headlines over the weekend after causing a ruckus at a Denver theater, and it's a story too funny to gloss over… Enjoy the show, and be sure to check out Casey's guest appearance on Childlike at Best with Mike Valdes, streaming now!

Our guest this week is musician and activist Tommy Green of Run Against Traffic! You may know Tommy from his time spent with bands xDeathstarx, Sleeping Giant, or his current project HolyName. He's been an important figure in the metal and hardcore scene for a long time, but his primary focus nowadays is Run Against Traffic, an organization that “exists to utilize the transformational power of running & community events to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Restore the victims of human trafficking in our world.” Trafficking has become and unnecessarily controversial topic, as of late, but Tommy and his wife Krissi Green are doing great work helping vulnerable people get the support they need to get on their feet. We are big believers in their mission, and we really enjoyed talking to Tommy! To learn more about Run Against Traffic, visit their website: www.irunagainsttraffic.com, and follow them on Instagram, YouTube, and X (@runagainsttraffic). Follow HolyName on Instagram and X (@holynamewxrship), and follow Tommy on Instagram (@tommyagainsttraffic) and X (@tommyrevgiant).

We just can't get enough of the Apocrypha, right now, so this week we're diving into the Book of Tobit! This is a very strange story that none of us had ever heard of, but there's a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from it. We'll be covering practical topics such as the medicinal and spiritual properties of aquatic offal, strange women and how to avoid them, the dangers of avian excrement, cadaver handling, and… alms? Yes, alms. There is so much to glean from this fascinating story! Someday when you've pieced your career, marriage, familial relationships, and finances back together utilizing the eternal principals of Tobit, remember ol' Sam, Casey, and Jeremiah, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Go with grace, brethren.   P.S. Drop what you're doing and listen to “I'M SO PROUD OF YOU,” the latest release from our friends in MIGHTY! Follow them on Instagram and Twitter (@mightytheband)

This week we're joined by comedy duo Casey Grim and Adam McLaughlin, who cohost the A Couple of N3rds podcast! This conversation was one of the funniest we've ever had on this show, and it goes in every direction. Topics of discussion include hallmarks of a grandma house, scootering under the influence, teenage caloric intake journals, and a Catholic buyer's guide to feline indulgences. We did a lot of giggling, and you will, too! Follow Adam and Casey on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook (@acoupleofn3rds), stream their show on all podcast platforms, and if you're in the Buffalo area, check out www.acoupleofn3rds.com for live shows near you!

This week we're jumping back into the Apocrypha with The Apocalypse of Peter! Apparently this is one of the books that came the closest to being included in the Protestant Bible that we all know and love, and it centers around Peter's visions of Heaven and Hell. You're not going to believe this, but the vaaast majority of the book is dedicated to cataloguing elaborate tortures for specific sins, as well as a few sentences about the glorious paradise that is Heaven. And for anyone who feels like women don't get enough screen time in the canonical Bible, you'll be happy to know that much of The Apocalypse of Peter centers around the ladies! Enjoy this fun little devotional, but be ye warned: they that refuseth to rate, review, and share this show shalt surely be doomed to snag their ball sacks and/or labia in their pants zippers for all eternity… And all God's people said “Amen.”

This week we're joined by a very funny comedian, Luke Severeid! Luke grew up in the Pacific Northwest interest in heavy music eventually pulled him away from Christianity. Luke has pursued comedy for over a decade, and we absolutely love his work! Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@lukesevereid), and check out his upcoming live dates in Washington and Oregon!

Jeremiah is BACK, and we're diving into one of the 14 bonus books of the Bible known as the Apocrypha! If you're not familiar with the Apocrypha, it's a series of stories set between the Old and New Testaments that were originally part of the Septuagint. Over the course of centuries, several sects of Christianity stopped recognizing them as “divinely inspired,” and eventually cut them altogether. Catholics, on the other hand, canonized them. Today's story really boils down to a deleted scene from the story of Daniel, and it's a fun little addition to the traditional narrative. I hope you like dragons, because Daniel's gonna be draggin' his balls across Bel's idolatrous face!

This week we're joined by my old friend, Mikel Faulk! I've wanted to have Mike on since we started the show because 1) he's one of the best guys I know, 2) he was one of the first Christians I got to know that wasn't beholden to denominational dogma, and 3) he's a man that has experienced tragedy and hardship that would have broken a lot of people, but he's weathered those storms and come out the other side a great person. We talk about the less-than-charming, real-life version of Never Been Kissed, Mike meeting the love of his life as a teenager, marriage, and the tragic loss of his wife, finding comfort in friends, music, and faith, and a loss of a very different kind… Over the past decade, many of us have ourselves, or had loved ones tumble into conspiracy theory rabbit holes, but in this case, it ripped a family apart. It's a wild story, and one that's all too familiar to many people. So stay off the dark web, and enjoy this week's episode with Mikel Faulk!