Hey Mom, Everything’s Alright

Episode 52. Well...here's the last episode of Hey Mom Everything's Alright. In this episode, I share my heart as I end this podcast and give out thank yous. But don't worry, you can catch me on Bourbon and Cigars with Jeremy (more info coming soon-Follow HMEA's socials for info) and Accidental Tomatoes podcast with Joe Webb. For everyone that has listened......THANK YOU! It has been my pleasure and a true delight. Talk to you soon. Enjoy!   https://pods.link/J9jh4SDC0W2bX https://accidentaltomatoes.com     

Episode 51. Welcome to Part 4 of the conversation with my mom, Robin Wood. We have come to the last episode with my mom. In this episode, We...Get....To....Meet...The....New....Family!!! We meet Paula Cunningham Fox, Todd Cunningham, Rexie Cunningham, David Wood, and Chasity Wood. We hear the family's perspective of meeting mom and their journey to this new reality. Full of laughter and lots of talking. We also get to hear from Martha Deegan, the lady who is responsible for helping mom find her biological father and family. Another huge shoutout to Ancestry.com's DNA test (not a sponsored ad)! And at the end of the episode, there is a surprise. Enjoy!

Episode 50. Welcome to Part 3 of the conversation with my mom, Robin Wood. In this episode, mom shares her journey of finding her biological father. It is filled with many ups and downs, twists and turns. But just wait till the ending. Sooooo good! (Not every story of searching for a parent or sibling turns out like this story does.) We also share how the journey's end affected both of us and the family. I have never shared much about this on the podcast, as this has been a recent development, but this journey, unexpectedly, became a profound moment in my life. Also, huge shoutout to Martha Deegan and Ancestry.com's DNA test (not a sponsored ad)! Episode 4 coming later this week. Enjoy!

Episode 49. Welcome to Part 2 of the conversation with my mom, Robin Wood. In this episode, you get to hear my mom's faith journey. She shares about growing up in an abusive environment, her experience with church as a kid, going from atheism to faith, wanting to give her kids something more than she had, her journey between two churches, and where her faith is now. Robin is also very candid about a situation in her journey that rocked our area and caused a crisis for many, including our family. We deep dive into that story. (If you know, then you know. If not, then you don't want to miss it.) We also talk about how she rebuilt her life as a business owner and how it brings her excitement everyday. This episode is very real and honest. Part 3 and 4 coming next week. Enjoy!   Content warning: In this episode, the topic of suicide is mentioned. The discussion does not go into great detail or at any length, but the topic is mentioned as someone processes their story of pain and isolation.   

Episode 48. You are in for a treat...In this episode, you get to hear from none other than my mom! As I wrap up the podcast, I always envisioned interviewing my mom for the end of the podcast. Well, here we are. We have 5 episodes left, and 4 of those episodes are with my mom. In this episode, my mom, Robin, shares her view of my journey (aka faith deconstruction). We also talk about the worry that comes with being a parent, our idea of comedy (saying the most awkward thing at the worst time ever), and my mom's dislike of bourbon. Can't wait for you to hear this episode as well as the other three episodes with my mom. Enjoy!

Episode 47. In this episode, I catch up with my good friend, Jeremy Batten. We spend time looking back over the podcast. We talk about the episodes we remember the most, and share highlights from the podcast. We even deep dive into some behind-the-scene production stories. Jeremy is the one who first put the podcast idea into my head when I was going through deconstruction and wanted a way to process the journey. That adventure started almost 3 years ago (May 9, 2018). We also look to the future as we embark on continuing Bourbon and Cigars. (More information about Bourbon and Cigars coming soon). And of course, like always, Jeremy and I share many laughs. Enjoy!

Episode 46. In this episode, I catch up with my good friend, Jim Norton. We spend time discussing "Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope" by Mark Manson. Mark is a New York Times Bestseller and is previously known for "The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck." Jim shares why this book became the catalyst for another paradigm shift in his life. DISCLAIMER: I'm sure you can already tell but if not here is your warning: the F bomb is dropped a few times in this episode. Sooooo, listen responsibly! Enjoy! __________   Description of "Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope" by Mark Manson:   "We live in an interesting time. Materially, everything is the best it’s ever been—we are freer, healthier and wealthier than any people in human history. Yet, somehow everything seems to be irreparably and horribly f*cked—the planet is warming, governments are failing, economies are collapsing, and everyone is perpetually offended on Twitter. At this moment in history, when we have access to technology, education and communication our ancestors couldn’t even dream of, so many of us come back to an overriding feeling of hopelessness. What’s going on? If anyone can put a name to our current malaise and help fix it, it’s Mark Manson. In 2016, Manson published The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck, a book that brilliantly gave shape to the ever-present, low-level hum of anxiety that permeates modern living. He showed us that technology had made it too easy to care about the wrong things, that our culture had convinced us that the world owed us something when it didn’t—and worst of all, that our modern and maddening urge to always find happiness only served to make us unhappier. Instead, the “subtle art” of that title turned out to be a bold challenge: to choose your struggle; to narrow and focus and find the pain you want to sustain. The result was a book that became an international phenomenon, selling millions of copies worldwide while becoming the #1 bestseller in 13 different countries. Now, in Everthing Is F*cked, Manson turns his gaze from the inevitable flaws within each individual self to the endless calamities taking place in the world around us. Drawing from the pool of psychological research on these topics, as well as the timeless wisdom of philosophers such as Plato, Nietzsche, and Tom Waits, he dissects religion and politics and the uncomfortable ways they have come to resemble one another. He looks at our relationships with money, entertainment and the internet, and how too much of a good thing can psychologically eat us alive. He openly defies our definitions of faith, happiness, freedom—and even of hope itself. With his usual mix of erudition and where-the-f*ck-did-that-come-from humor, Manson takes us by the collar and challenges us to be more honest with ourselves and connected with the world in ways we probably haven’t considered before. It’s another counterintuitive romp through the pain in our hearts and the stress of our soul. One of the great modern writers has produced another book that will set the agenda for years to come."

Episode 45. In this episode, I talk with Rachel Ellis about her faith journey. A few months ago, Rachel shared a FB post that started a deep conversation between us via FB messenger. On her post, she wrote, "I'm sorry I am not extraordinary like you thought. I am just following Jesus like you taught." In this episode, Rachel reads her FB post and we spend time talking about the events that lead up to it and why she was moved to make the post. She shares about being raised in the Evangelical/Pentecostal system, her time in college pursuing what she thought would be a life of missionary work, meeting her husband, battling illness, changing life plans, and so much more. Enjoy!

Episode 44. In this episode, I interview Aaron Giannangeli about his faith journey. Aaron and I go way back to the days of being youth pastors and spending many weeks at Church Youth Summer Camps. Aaron shares his experience of growing up in the Evangelical/Pentecostal church and being a pastors' kid. He shares about his difficult journey leaving the church system in which he raised. He also shares his journey of coming out as gay to his family, and how that has caused separation from non-approving family members. Coming from a system in which one was controlled, manipulated, and fear being the strongest emotion, Aaron shares what life is like outside of that system. He shares how he is rebuilding his life and being true to himself. Enjoy!

Episode 43. Welcome to this special announcement episode. After quite an amazing journey, Hey Mom Everything's Alright is going to merge with my good friend, Joe Webb, and his podcast, Accidental Tomatoes. I will officially be a co-host for Accidental Tomatoes. This transition will take place in May 2021. Joe and I will continue the conversation regarding faith, deconstruction, and reconstruction. Hey Mom's podcast channels and social media will stay active but all new episodes will be part of Accidental Tomatoes. (But don't fret, Jeremy and I are going to continue Bourbon and Cigars!) I have some really exciting episodes leading up to the transition in May. Go follow Accidental Tomatoes on social media (IG and FB) and on your podcast streaming platform!   https://accidentaltomatoes.com  

Episode 42. Welcome to Part 2 of the conversation with Emily Davey about Spiritual Formation and Religions Trauma. Emily is a graduate student at Old Dominion University pursuing her masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. In Part 1, Emily shared about her research regarding James Fowler's Spiritual Development Model and Religious Trauma Syndrome, and how they interact. Her research was specifically within the context of the American Evangelical Church, in which she raised. And she shared how her research was performed on herself as she was removed from the University, in which she was studying at the time, after presenting her research. In part 2, Emily goes more into detail about her own faith journey. She shares her own deconstruction process and how that led to identity work. We also talk a good portion about individuation and how that is reflected in Fowler's Spiritual Development Model. Enjoy!   

Episode 41. Welcome to Part 1 of the conversation with Emily Davey about Spiritual Formation and Religions Trauma. Emily is a graduate student at Old Dominion University pursuing her masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. In this episode, Emily shares her research regarding James Fowler's Spiritual Development Model and Religious Trauma Syndrome, and how they interact. Her research is specifically within the context of the American Evangelical Church, in which she was raised. After presenting her research, Emily shares how her research was performed on her, which validated her claims, as she was removed from the University in which she was studying at the time. In part 2, Emily goes more into detail about her own deconstruction and identity work.     Side note: The podcast was recorded on the morning of January 7, 2021. This was the morning after the Insurrection happened at the Capitol. The episode starts out with both Emily and Brandon discussing the event.

Episode 40. Here's another episode of HMEA! In this episode, we get to hear Carly Jones' faith story. (Yes, if you have followed the podcast, the last name might sound a bit familiar. Carly is married to none other than Gabe Jones!) It is really inspiring. She talks about her journey growing up in the church and the twists and turns that has taken her. She also talks about how social justice has become prominent in how she views faith and how it should be practice. She has become quickly disinterested with how some churches choose not to speak up on social justice issues (for example, the recent instances with BLM) and pretend as if nothing has happened. Silence is not okay. And at the end of the episode, we talk how we miss having WWE PPV (wrestling) parties and our families spending time together. Enjoy!

Ep. 39. In this episode, we get to hear Rev. Jenny Williams' faith journey. As part of her story, we spend time talking about how she moved from CA to NC, and how she eventually ended up in WV. Like all faith's journeys, Jenny's story takes many twists and turns. In her deconstruction, Jenny shares in this episode some of the beliefs and theological changes she had to go through. We also spend time talking about Covid-19 and the future of the church post the pandemic. This is a great episode. Enjoy!

Episode 38. In this episode we get to hear Joe Webb's faith journey. We discuss the great work he is doing with New Wineskins ("conversation and community for spiritual exiles"), Accidental Tomatoes (a podcast regarding "finding faith beyond the fences"), and Joe Webb Writes (his blog). Links below. With his life, he focuses on having conversations and connecting with people who would consider themselves spiritual exiles. His goal is not to bring people back to church but to do something new in creating conversations and groups where those people, who are done with the church but still drawn to the Jesus story, can continue community. If you consider yourself a spiritual exile, feel free to check out the links below and get connected with what Joe is doing. And of course, we talk about many different subjects regarding deconstruction and reconstruction. Enjoy!   New Wineskins: "Conversation and Community for Spiritual Exiles" https://movwineskins.com   Accidental Tomatoes: "Finding faith beyond the fences" https://accidentaltomatoes.com   Joe Webb Writes https://joewebbwrites.com    

Episode 37. In this episode we get to hear Shalev's faith journey from growing up in the Evangelical/Pentecostal system, to moving to Washington and converting to Judaism, and so much more! We also talk about Shalev's time as a youth in Brandon and Anna's youth group. Enjoy!

Episode 36. Big Surprise!!! Jeremy and Brandon catch up and share a big surprise for the podcast and future episodes. Check it out!

Episode 35. In this episode we get to hear Miguel Petrosky's faith journey. Reminiscing about their time together at a church summer camp years ago, Brandon and Miguel start off by telling the story how Miguel was given the nickname "Kaze." In this episode Miguel shares about his upbringing in the Pentecostal system, the beginning of his deconstruction, his time in Zambia, and what he is up to now in Washington DC. As well as many other great bunny trails!

Episode 34. In this episode I get to interview Dusty Merrill. We talk about his upbringing, faith journey, leanings towards music, art and technology, and, of course, where we see the church heading. 

While quarantined and observing a "stay-at-home" order, what better thing to do than record a podcast, right?! Well, at least not in person. Through Skype, Jeremy and Brandon catch up on what they have been doing since the last podcast episode aired, how they are dealing with Covid-19 and current life events, ways they are taking care of their soul, and give opinions on how this pandemic will change us. Enjoy!

Holiday Gift #2. BOURBON AND CIGARS!!!!!!!! Here is another episode we recorded back in July 2019 but never published. As talked about in "Bourbon and Cigars 'It's Been 98 Days' Parts 1 and 2," Brandon had recently gone through major life upheaval and was seeking to answer "What now?" This episode was recorded right before an unplanned 6 month hiatus, but its sooooo gooooood!!!!! And now you get to listen to it!! We brought Gabe Jones, the local "Supreme Leader of Everything to do with Christian Music (Contemporary and Worship)," back to the studio to discuss Christian music. Christian Music: Does it suck, or not? If you were raised on Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and/or a part of the mainstream worship movement, you don't want to miss this episode. Plus, this episode is full of impromptu breaking out in some favorite CCM/worship songs! Enjoy.   Gabe has his own podcast (which is amazing!!!) called Decent Christian Talk. "A blog and commentary on music. Written for fans by fans." Give it a listen! https://decentchristiantalk.com          

Holiday Gift #1!!! We haven't released an episode in about 6 months. Well...here is a podcast episode recorded back in July 2019 and never published. As talked about in "Bourbon and Cigars 'It's Been 98 Days' Parts 1 and 2," Brandon had recently gone through major life upheaval and was seeking to answer "What now?" This episode was recorded right before an unplanned 6 month hiatus. However, it is so good and we have been wanting to release it for some time now. This is an interview with Gabe Jones about his faith journey. Gabe and Brandon became friends at an early age and attended the same church for many years. Though their faith journeys are similar, there are many differences, and in this episode we hear about Gabe's journey and where he is today with faith, spirituality and religion. Gabe has his own podcast (which is amazing!!!) called Decent Christian Talk. "A blog and commentary on music. Written for fans by fans." Give it a listen! https://decentchristiantalk.com  

Here is Part 2 of "It's been 98 days." Brandon and Jeremy talk about what has transpired during the last 98 days. As much as we wish, our lives are not a straight line. Life is better described as circles that overlap. And sometimes we find ourselves circling around for a long time. Life is filled with ups and downs, emotional roller coasters, change, great memories, stress, pain, joy, laughter, etc. As Brandon has gone through a bunch of life change, he seeks to answer, "What now?" Enjoy!

It's been 98 days since our last episode. What????? Brandon and Jeremy talk about what has transpired during the last 98 days. Let's just say a bunch of life change. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Enjoy!

Episode 28 (aka Season 2 Episode 4) In this episode, I interview Dr. James Nolan, professor of Sociology at WVU. Jim made a quick appearance in Episode 24, Special Edition: Human Rights Ordinance (Fairmont, WV). We continue our conversation on faith and humanity of the other. Jim shares some of his original work: Temple of Truth, Apostate's Creed, and a poem titled, "I don't want to die believing a lie." Enjoy!

Episode 27 (aka Season 2 Episode 3) Welcome to a Special Edition episode of HMEA. As many may already know, the United Methodist Church just wrapped up their Special General Conference in St. Louis, MO on human sexuality. Unfortunately, the Tradition Plan was passed which means the Church is taking a stronger stance against homosexuality, LGBT+ clergy, and clergy who wish to perform same sex weddings. Jeremy and I give a brief overview of what transpired over the weekend, and then share our thoughts and concerns regarding the 2019 UMC Special General Conference.

Episode 26 (aka Season 2 Episode 2) Welcome to Part 3, and the final installment, of Bourbon and Cigars: The Deep Dive: "Is the Bible infallible or inerrant?" Our initial conversation on this topic lasted close to 2 and a half hours. This is the last part of that conversation. In this episode, we conclude by answering the question proposed by Jeremy, "Why has the Bible, not being inerrant or infallible, helped your faith?" If you haven't listened to Parts 1 and 2 yet, make sure you do. This series has included conversation regarding: the timeline of when the teaching of infallibility and inerrancy became a teaching within the Church, the canonization of Scripture, looking at the Bible chronologically rather than canonically, truth found outside of the Bible, interpreting the Bible through the lenses of community, tradition, Scripture, experience, science, and the teachings of Jesus, and avoiding individualistic interpretations. Enjoy!

Episode 25. And we're back!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to a new year and a new season. I am joined by Jeremy as we briefly discuss our hiatus and what we've been doing. (Side note: forgot to mention a family vacation and sickness that ate up 3 weeks.) Also, we look ahead to a new season of podcasts.  And yes Jeremy, Part 3 of Bourbon and Cigars: The Deep Dive "Is the Bible infallible or inerrant?" will be released soon. This is a short episode. A "teaser" if you will! Enjoy!

Episode 24. Welcome to this special 2 hour edition of Hey Mom Everything's Alright! On Election Night, November 6, 2018, the residents of the City of Fairmont voted to pass the Human Rights Ordinance. 58% to 42% (3,384 votes for and 2,465 against). This episode is the celebration about the passing of the Human Rights Ordinance in Fairmont, WV. The Human Rights Ordinance has been mentioned in this podcast multiple times because it was a pivotal shift in my life and faith. In this episode I sat down and interviewed Council Member Marianne Moran, Rikki Butler, Rev. Val Gittings, Rev. Jim Norton, Dani Devito, Joby and Julie Chadwell, Rev. Larry Buckland, Dr. Jim Nolan, Council Member Ron Straight, Cynthia Straight, and Council Member Incumbent Donna Blood. Of everyone interviewed I ask three questions: How were you involved in the Human Rights Ordinance?, What motivated you to be involved?, What are your thoughts/how do you feel that the HRC passed? Enjoy!

Episode 23. Welcome to Part 2 of The Deep Dive: "Is the Bible infallible or inerrant?" This is another installment of Bourbon and Cigars. Our initial conversation on this topic lasted close to 2 and a half hours. This is the second segment taken from that conversation. In this episode, we talk about the canonization of Scripture, looking at the Bible chronologically rather than canonically, truth found outside of the Bible, interpreting the Bible through the lenses of community, tradition, Scripture, experience, science, and the teachings of Jesus, and avoiding individualistic interpretations. We introduce a new question: "Why has the Bible, not being inerrant or infallible, helped your faith?" Part 3 coming soon...Enjoy! .  

Episode 22. Welcome to another installment of Bourbon and Cigars! Jeremy and I launch The Deep Dive on biblical infallibility and inerrancy. During this series, we seek to answer the question, "Is the Bible infallible or inerrant?" This is Part 1. In this episode, we breakdown the timeline of when the teaching of infallibility and inerrancy became a teaching within the Church. Our initial conversation lasted close to 2 and a half hours so there will be many parts to this Deep Dive. Make sure to check back when the following episodes are released. Enjoy!

Episode 21. Everyone welcome Renee LaRue Batten to the "Hey Mom" studio!!!!! Yes, if you're thinking, "wait...that's Jeremy's last name," then you are correct. Renee and Jeremy are married. At the recording of this episode (another one from the vault), Renee and Jeremy were a few months away from their wedding day. In this episode, Renee shares her faith journey and where it has brought her to today. Not growing up in the church, Renee talks about the decision to start attending church when she was younger. She shares the story of the closing of a church plant she was a part of and how it affected her faith. She also shares great insights into the themes such as: resurrection, forgiveness, and grace.  This is another good one. Enjoy!  

Episode 20. Everyone, please welcome Jim Norton to the Hey Mom podcast!!!!! In this episode, I get the priviledge of introducing you, the Hey Mom podcast audience, to Jim. He has become a mentor of mine over the past year, and has become an integral part of my life. Just about every week, Jim and I go to breakfast and chat about our lives, theology, faith, social issues, and just everything else there is to talk about. This is just a "taste" (see what I did there!) of what our conversations look like. At our normal breakfast spot with our waiter, coffee, silverware, breakfast, background music, and chatter from other diner guests, I interviewed Jim Norton about life, faith, and thelogy. Enjoy! ***Disclaimer: I have had this episode recorded for quite some time now. Unfortuantely my mic picked up a bunch of background noise and Jim is hard to hear in some spots: from the background music playing to the waiter and waitress having a conversation behind us. But, this episode is just too good to discard or try and re-record. Big shout outs to Jeremy Batten and Dusty Merrill who tried to edit the background noise for me. Put your earbuds in and crank the volume. You won't be sorry that you did!!!

Episode 19. Guess what happened on Saturday night, September 29th, at the Carnegie Lecture Hall in Pittsburgh, PA?????? Rob Bell was in town for his Holy Shift Tour with special guest Pete Rollins! In this episode Jeremy, Dusty (a newcomer to the Hey Mom podcast), and Brandon sit down and talk about their experience. Each share the first time they became aware of Rob Bell's work, why they think he is such a polarizing figure within relgion and Christianity, and their reflections from the Holy Shift Tour. Enjoy! ***Disclaimer: Jeremy, Dusty, and Brandon are all huge Rob Bell fans. There is still disagreement for who is his number 1 fan!   https://robbell.com/ https://peterollins.com

Episode 18. Everyone welcome Rob Linger!!!!!! Rob is a phenomenal guy and has an amazing perspective on life and faith. Rob and Brandon first met when cycling...yes, wearing spandex! And then spent alot of time at the "coffee shop" at Church B.  In this episode we get to hear about Rob's upbringing, faith journey, his time in the Marines, a story about Katrina, thoughts and prayers vs. actions, doing good only if you fear a mean God, and how one finds purpose in life. This is a good one. Enjoy!

And we're back!!!! Jeremy and Brandon start the podcast off by honoring the life of their beloved high school music teacher, Mr. Bunner. A walk down memory lane so to speak. After that, J & B spend time on many ramblings dealing with life and faith. Oh, and Brandon spills beer (not bourbon) all over his laptop. Good times.   Enjoy Episode 17! (And remember, if you have questions, comments, concerns or would like to be on an episode to share your faith journey, send an email to heymomeverythingsalright@gmail.com)

In this episode, Brandon shares a recent experience where life and faith were at their most truest and deepest forms. Training for a triathlon, Brandon became aware of some emotions, feelings, and thoughts that were lying dormant in his life. While most of the podcast episodes have camped in the faith realm, Brandon describes some changes in his personal life that are taking place as he rebuilds his life. But as you will hear, faith and life are so interconnected that you cannot fully experience one while depriving the other. Enjoy!   "Pursue what's in your heart, and the universe will conspire to support you." -Rich Roll 

Everyone, please welcome Rev. Val Gittings to the podcast!!! Val is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Fairmont, West Virginia. I mentioned, in a previous episode, three people I saw speak in support of our LGBT brothers and sisters at a local council meeting regarding the Human Rights Commission. These three people, not affiliated in anyway, were shining lights admist a sea of "Bible-believing"/hate-filled Christians. Somehow, these three were able to reconcile their faith and support of LGBT. It was beautiful. I made a vow that night to get to know these three people and learn from them. Val is one of the those three people who spoke in support of our LGBT brothers and sisters, and the last person, out of the three, I got a chance to meet and get to know. Val is a gem! Our conversation meant the world to me. In this episode we discuss the Human Rights Commission, her and First Baptist's journey since the council meeting, homosexuality, love, and so much more. Enjoy!

When the conversation with Bill Barnes concluded, the mic continued to record. We spent another 40 minutes riffing on one topic...community. Bill mentioned this in Part 2 and what he had to share needed more time to process and discuss. What followed was a beautiful moment in time of vulnerablity talking about community and the role it plays in our lives.  

This is Part 2 of the conversation with Bill Barnes. We continue the conversation about Bill's faith journey and Faith and Science. We discuss homosexuality, loving your neighbor, original sin, the end goal, and many other ideas. Enjoy! The books mentioned in this episode are: -"Torn" by Justin Lee -"Bitten By A Camel" by Kent Dobson

Brandon and Jeremy return for another installation of Bourbon and Cigars. Please welcome Bill Barnes!!!! In Part 1 of our conversation with Bill, we get to learn more about Bill and his faith journey, Bill and Jeremy's friendship, the marrying of Faith and Science, the Creation story, Evolution, the evolution of truth, Adam was lonely, and "You can tell you made God in your own image when he hates the same people you hate" -Anne Lamott. The book mentioned in this episode is "Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again" by Rachel Held Evans. Enjoy! (And remember, if you have questions, comments, concerns or would like to be on an episode to share your faith journey, send an email to heymomeverythingsalright@gmail.com)    

Everyone welcome Zach Kines!!! Zach joins me in my "podcast studio" to talk about his faith journey. We first met many many years ago. So far back we can't even remember. Zach grew up at "Church B" and comes from the same Evangelical/Pentecostal system as myself.   In this episode we talk about the first time we met and started playing music together, Zach's faith journey and the losing of his faith, people's agendas, being disciplined at school with Scripture, how ineffective the Christian Summer Camps he attended were, the first time he had fun with Christian friends outside of church, being open to hear other's thoughts and viewpoints, and shares his favorite Dumb and Dumber and Black Sheep quote. This is a good one. Enjoy!

In this episode, I share the story of when I "secretively" watched Harry Potter for the first time. Ooooh! Sounds so scandalous! Being raised in a very strict church environment, Harry Potter and anything to do with witchcraft was considered a sin. But this one moment opened my eyes to begin questioning everything I was taught to believe. 

During a two hour conversation with Jeremy, we talked about his faith journey and painted a broad stroke of theology and issues relating to our life and faith. In Part 3, we discuss “we come to God by doing it wrong,” Brandon drops the F bomb, Adrienne Bean says hi, suffering, Faith and Science, parenting through a faith crisis, silent meditation, freedom in saying “I don’t know,” my grandma’s passing, a shared story from our past that significantly affected us both, and OUTTAKES!!!! This new series, Bourbon and Cigars, will be a series within "Hey Mom, Everything's Alright" where Jeremy and I do a deep dive into theology, address issues that are pressing to humanity, our faith and the church, and might have strong language. All of this is done over bourbon and cigars. 

During a two hour conversation with Jeremy, we talked about his faith journey and painted a broad stroke of theology and issues relating to our life and faith. In Part 2, we discuss "for the sake of the other," being a Rob Bell fan, Robert Farrar Capon, secular materialism as something not to be feared, Beer and Monks, experiencing life without the fear of hell, is piss a curse word?, the Mothman Prophecy movie, parental worries, Hego the cousin of the Ego, and "the path is the teacher." This new series, Bourbon and Cigars, will be a series within "Hey Mom, Everything's Alright" where Jeremy and I do a deep dive into theology, address issues that are pressing to humanity, our faith and the church, and might have strong language. All of this is done over bourbon and cigars.  

Introducing a new series and a good friend to the podcast. Please welcome Jeremy! We sat down one night and recorded a two hour conversation about his faith journey and painted a broad stroke of theology and issues relating to our life and faith. In Part 1, We discuss 5% Grade (the best band name ever!), Jeremy's first faith unraveling, homosexuality, why do Christians think they are the only ones in America who are allowed religious freedom?, and the Good Samaritan parable.  This new series, Bourbon and Cigars, will be a series within "Hey Mom, Everything's Alright" where Jeremy and I do a deep dive into theology, address issues that are pressing to humanity, our faith and the church, and might have strong language. All of this is done over bourbon and cigars.  

In this episode, I connect the dots from Losing My Faith Part 2 to where I am currently with my life and faith. I talk about 4 people who have become influential in my journey. I discuss finding my Mr. Myagi and the Human Rights' Commission that caused a fire storm in my hometown. These two events became turning points as I began the process of deconstruction and reconstruction. 

This is the second part of the conversation with my beautiful wife, Anna. In Part 2, she discusses our exit strategy, where her faith is at currently, (I knock over a cup of coffee), her biggest regret, a friend that has become a vital part of her journey, her "calling," and the balance in a relationship between the risk-taker and the stable one.

My beautiful wife, Anna, makes her podcast debut. I think she had pity on me since this was recorded about 2 hours before my birthday! What started as an impromptu conversation became an honest reflection of her journey with leaving the church and struggles with her faith. In Part 1, we talk about the defining moments when she knew it was time to leave the church, crazy leader, breastfeeding, spiritual abuse, and what needs to happen for reconciliation to take place.    Books mentioned in podcast: -Bitten By A Camel, Kent Dobson -The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen

This episode is the continuation to Losing My Faith Part 1. This is my story of what led up to the moment when I lost my faith. Heaven's Gates Hell's Flames, Cult, Spiritual Abuse, Control/Manipulation, and so much more...

Late night. Rain coming down. Karate Kid headband. What better way to talk about losing my faith?! This is Part 1 of my story. Enjoy!   Books/Podcast mentioned in this episode: -Bitten By A Camel, Kent Dobson -The RobCast, Rob Bell (podcast) -Yes, And...Daily Meditations, Richard Rohr