This podcast is a journey into what life could look like when we give ourselves permission. Permission to ask, doubt, share, and be. Too many times people are crippled by not giving themselves permission to ask hard questions or do hard thing. This podcast is a place where we share our own stories as well as the stories of others. People used to tell us we needed to protect our minds from those that think differently. So join us as we put on our helmets and dive head first into some good conversations with people across the spectrum!
Just Matt Hepp jumping in here real quick to give you guys a little update. We'll be back soon with fresh episodes!
We sit down with our high school friend Vic Roy and let him share his experience growing up as a young black man in our predominantly white context. Vic shares certain perspectives on certain rules he was taught to stay safe and/or out trouble. He tells us some of the things he's been doing to use his voice and platform to fight against racial injustice. Most importantly, we get to hear from Vic- a human being and our friend. @vic_royjr
Matthias Roberts is a therapist, host of the podcast Queerology and author of Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms. He shares with us his experience of growing up in a conservative Christian environment while struggling with his sexuality, how the church can do better in this area and why some people should or should not accept celibacy as a gift. www.matthiasroberts.com @matthiasroberts @queerologypod
We decided to record one of our normal conversations. We talk about why we seem like bitter christians, our thoughts on church, and what it means to "find yourself."
Jen and Leah are both counselors and the co-hosts of the podcast "Let's Unravel That." We talk about the negative parts of how purity culture is portrayed, the stigma behind mental health and what it means when we talk about identity. Did we get a free counseling session? You be the judge! @LetsUnravelThat @jenniferhenryrnlpc @leahcarvajallpc
Mega Church Pastor. At risk teens. Prostitution. Faith Crisis. Being an author. All of these things somehow go together. Check out our chat with author Jim Palmer (Divine Nobodies, Wide Open Spaces, Finding Jesus in Nashville) to hear more! www.jimpalmerauthor.com
Jamal Shipman was a contestant on Season 39 of Survivor and shares a little about his experience on a reality show. He talks about an incident where he and another contestant had to have a discussion about racism. For those of you that aren't interested in Survivor, go to the 20:00 mark and hear the content on racism and Jamal's experience and perspective as a black man.
We chat with Brady Toops on his time as a Razorback baseball player, a contestant on The Bachelorette and the story of how his faith began to unravel. We also have a newborn baby in the background competing for his chance at being the third cohost. Such is the new journey of fatherhood. Enjoy! https://www.bradytoops.com/ @bradytoops
Matt Carter of Emery and The Bad Christian Podcast joins us to talk about the new Emery Album, what it means to be "Post-Christian" and help Nichols process the untimely demise of a back roads country canine (Rest in Peace). Don't forget to check out Emery and BadChristian at the links below and tune in on Sunday nights for Emery presents: Are You Listening. www.badchristian.com www.emerymusic.com/areyoulistening
We sit down and talk to Michael Gungor about his faith crisis (or plural according to some articles!), having a spiritual psychadelic experience, and what his faith looks like now days. Michael was a prominent Christian artist who after openly doubting his own faith faced criticism by magazines, media and even Christians. www.michaelgungor.com www.gungormusic.com @michaelgungor Also check his new music with WeiWu!
We get a chance to hear from William Paul Young who authored The Shack. Paul tells us the history behind the book, how his life and theology has changed over the last several years, and discusses how to deal with the issue of brokenness. Paul is a natural story teller so this episode is a must listen! http://wmpaulyoung.com/
Join us as we listen to Ryan Mayfield get Hepp to fail terribly at an on the spot game, explain to us why Jesus wasn't a Christian, and does a walk through Enneagram exercise with Nichols. @ryan_mayfield @enneateams @readysetpodcast www.evrgrnteams.com
Join us as we get a chance to chat with Jamal Jivanjee. Jamal is a podcaster on "The Love Cast with Jamal" and "The Heretic Happy Hour" as well as the author of "Living for a Living."j Who/What is God? Is there life after death? Who is Wim Hof? And why would a lady hug her mugger? These are all questions we will dive into! To learn more about Jamal follow him on social media or visit www.jamaljivanjee.com @TheLOVEcast @HereticHappyHour
Nichols breaks down what it was like to lose his dad. Hepp talks through what it was like experiencing a divorce in the church context. This is one of the most vulnerable episodes we've done yet. Serious and somber one minute. Funny and obnoxious the next. All in all we think everyone can relate to some degree.
How could we possibly do an episode thats mostly about the fence in Nichols yard? Well, we wondered that too. Yet here we are. Also hear a story about a man in his 30's (Hepp) allegely egging a house full of college students. Did he do it and Why? You'll have to listen to find out.
We sync up with lead guitarist of the rock band The Wedding. This is for all you scene kids! Trevor went from living a van DOWN BY THE RIVER....literally- to owning a successful and thriving business. *Since this episode has been record Trevor and his team at 85 Supply have been hard at work to support their local Nashville Tornado relief as well as providing aid to healthcare workers affected by COVID-19. Please check out their social media to see how you can support these efforts*
We touch base with one of our good friends Kyle Sullivan (Sully). Kyle is a pastor at Transformation Church and previously at Life Church- both of which are some of the largest/fastest growing churches in America. He's also a leadership coach for entrepreneurs, a new daddy, and a life long Cajun.
Matt and Matt talk to Cori and Jess about what it means to maintain both their identities as gay women AND Christians. This has been a taboo topic for many people within the faith community so they help us understand how they have reconciled the two and what that type of faith looks like.
Matt and Matt get a chance to talk with film maker David Leo Schultz. David produced/directed films such as Ragamuffin, Brennan, and is currently finishing his 3rd project. What we thought was going to be an interview with David about his movies and life as a filmmaker turned into him putting the emphasis back on us. This was an incredible interview where we got to share our journey with David as well as hear him give us his perspective on some really important topics. For more information on David visit: http://davidleoschultz.com/ http://theragamuffinpreacher.com/ Please consider giving to his campaign to support his latest project!!
The Matt's take a deeper dive into the life of Nichols, the church, and deconstruction.
Matt and Matt share a little about this podcast. Nichols probes Hepp about his personal life. Not recorded- They both secretly make fun of their lack of editing and audio skills.
Matt and Matt kick off with a little Helmet Theory Teaser!