My Gay Church Days

I know. I've been MIA. Between my day job and writing Version 2 of the book, I've had little interest or motivation for the other things I love to do. This episode gives you a rundown of what's been happening with Version 2 of the book and an inside scoop on the trajectory of releasing it! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Archie reaches students personally as he openly and honestly shares his own struggle with addiction and clinical depression. He weaves research of top therapists and addiction specialists into his storytelling, allowing audiences to understand and feel the potential for loss and pain. He guides attendees to a place of self-reflection, encouraging them to find balance and reclaim the power of the emotional baggage that often controls their lives. Connect with Archie here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

SEASON 2 PREMIERE, PART 2!!!! Tatyanna (TOT) is an amazing musician who recently deconstructed her faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her insights and perspective is critical in these times, and I am happy to share her with you! Be sure to check her out here: Spotify Album: Second Half Instagram Website --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

SEASON 2 PREMIERE!!!! Tatyanna (TOT) is an amazing musician who recently deconstructed her faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her insights and perspective is critical in these times, and I am happy to share her with you! Be sure to check her out here: Spotify Album: Second Half Instagram Website --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

One of the most common yet unspoken struggles for men is erectile dysfunction. Especially for those in the gay community who have been exposed to control systems, shame and guilt are controlling factors that impact our ability to perform in the bedroom. This episode details my journey with my struggle with ED and my plan to move forward from seeking healing.  If you struggle with ED, you are not alone.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

PART 2 of my interview with Barrett! Barrett is one of a kind! Being raised in a controlled and abusive environment, Barrett found refuge in the entertainment industry. As a child actor, Barrett was introduced to perspectives that were far-removed from the worldview instilled in him through his experience of homeschooling and isolation. Although acting brought it's own set of challenges, Barrett was introduced to a wide variety of different experiences, forming his way to eventually leaving his controlled environment to pursue a life devoted to helping others heal from their traumas. From Barrett's website: I came to a position where I knew something had to change. It was never about becoming rich or famous for me. It was about creating things that mattered. I wanted to put purpose into pain and create art that did the same. For many years I lived a life filled with secrets and hardships. I had gone through seasons of great success and great failures. As soon as I seemed to be heading in the right direction, I would quickly get pulled away by a different hardship or.... opportunity as I now choose to look at it. I have an unusual story as many of you know. I grew up in a type of small evangelical based cult within a very abusive home. I never received a proper education until I attended college. I struggled with severe depression, Complex PTSD, anorexia and anxiety. During my childhood I was not aware of the depth of the trauma that I was experiencing. I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I had some extended family that worked in entertainment and recognized my abilities at a young age. This led to me eventually working in commercials, Indie films and regional theatre for several years before attending college. I attended Baldwin-Wallace University and The University of Oklahoma where I received my Bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre. I worked at Disney World briefly after graduation but was shaken to my core during that time by the death of 8 of my friends within a year and a half as well as continued family conflict back in Oklahoma. During my time in Florida, I almost lost my own life due to an unexpected sickness and physical complications. After battling, health issues and depression alone, I found myself at the start of a spiritual awakening. --- An accomplished author, actor, and friend, Barrett has so much to offer the world. Be sure to check out Part 2, releasing on Wednesday, May 4th. Also, you can connect with Barrett's work here: Website Book: The Acorn's Journey Instagram --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Barrett is one of a kind! Being raised in a controlled and abusive environment, Barrett found refuge in the entertainment industry. As a child actor, Barrett was introduced to perspectives that were far-removed from the worldview instilled in him through his experience of homeschooling and isolation. Although acting brought it's own set of challenges, Barrett was introduced to a wide variety of different experiences, forming his way to eventually leaving his controlled environment to pursue a life devoted to helping others heal from their traumas.   From Barrett's website: I came to a position where I knew something had to change. It was never about becoming rich or famous for me. It was about creating things that mattered. I wanted to put purpose into pain and create art that did the same. For many years I lived a life filled with secrets and hardships. I had gone through seasons of great success and great failures. As soon as I seemed to be heading in the right direction, I would quickly get pulled away by a different hardship or.... opportunity as I now choose to look at it. I have an unusual story as many of you know. I grew up in a type of small evangelical based cult within a very abusive home. I never received a proper education until I attended college. I struggled with severe depression, Complex PTSD, anorexia and anxiety. During my childhood I was not aware of the depth of the trauma that I was experiencing. I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I had some extended family that worked in entertainment and recognized my abilities at a young age. This led to me eventually working in commercials, Indie films and regional theatre for several years before attending college. I attended Baldwin-Wallace University and The University of Oklahoma where I received my Bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre. I worked at Disney World briefly after graduation but was shaken to my core during that time by the death of 8 of my friends within a year and a half as well as continued family conflict back in Oklahoma. During my time in Florida, I almost lost my own life due to an unexpected sickness and physical complications. After battling, health issues and depression alone, I found myself at the start of a spiritual awakening. ---  An accomplished author, actor, and friend, Barrett has so much to offer the world.  Be sure to check out Part 2, releasing on Wednesday, May 4th.  Also, you can connect with Barrett's work here:  Website Book: The Acorn's Journey Instagram  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

We decided to record our conversation during a spirits-filled dinner with my dearest friend Alana Sweetwater. There are very few people in my life that can go to the depths of conversation like my dear friend Alana. After throwing back a few glasses of wine, we thought it would be imperative to record our conversation. Here is a clip of what was discussed that fantastic night! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Part 2 of my interview with Jesse Cale! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

I was introduced to Jesse Cale on the Growing Up Christian Podcast and was infatuated by his story! Jesse is a wildly talented musician, artist, creator, and human! I could have talked to Jesse for hours, gleaning from his insight and experiences. I hope you enjoy this 2-part series!  Jesse Cale, also known as McSwagger, was born on May 19th, 1990, in Columbus, Ohio. He is a singer, musician, artist, composer, YouTuber, and former member of Maker Studios (now Disney Digital). He has worked with several other YouTube musicians, including Tessa Violet, Dodie Clark, and Emma Blackery. Instagram: @jessecale Twitter: @jessecale Growing Up Christian  YouTube --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

I am beyond excited to share a clip from the audiobook of My Gay Church Days! While writing the book, I often went down rabbit holes on subjects I wanted to incorporate or expand upon in my story. I realized that my desire to go deeper into essential topics would have significantly changed the dynamic of my storyline. Then it dawned on me: I could write particular "thought" chapters! At the start of writing the book, I outlined these "thoughts" - subject title and a brief description. As ideas came up for these sections, I'd revisit whichever caught the inspiration and add more to the thought until it was a full-fledged chapter!  I chose to release Chapter 5, "Thought: Homosexuality," because it is a meaningful conversation that should be had in Evangelical spaces. Beliefs like "homosexuality is likened to other mental illnesses" are alive and well in the churches that don't accept LGBTQ+ individuals.  I talk about how my self-hatred was derived mainly from a passage in Romans 1. Learning about this passage manifested my greatest insecurities by denying my sexual expression and acceptance - as is taught in churches today!  "Thought: Homosexuality" also outlines the journey of my attempted reconciliation of faith with my sexuality, resulting in abandoning my faith.  I hope you enjoy this episode! If you are interested, you can check out the full audiobook here: Audible  Google Play Audiobooks.com And 50+ other sources!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

So often, we are taught to process information in binary thinking. This usually leaves us wondering what is the correct answer - there must be a right and wrong answer, no? For those who have experienced the traumas of religion, we find binary thinking comforting. It allows us to think of our worlds as black and white, good and evil. Unfortunately, this practice negates the complexity of life, sometimes bringing us to a choice between a rock and a hard place.  Eric defies these norms. His faith and sexuality have inspired so many, and I am so fortunate to have him on this week's episode. Eric is raw and honest about his struggles of finding life, meaning, and individuality amongst the voices of others. He constantly sets an example of what it means to be a human with elevated beliefs about Christianity, and he helps so many find the same peace and love.  Through creativity, courage, and authenticity, Eric Feltes cultivates connection and shares stories to inspire others to love themselves and the world around them. In his professional life, he does this through acting and Life Coaching. Through his coaching program, Eric helps other gay men free themselves from Church shame, a topic in which he has a great deal of firsthand experience. Eric lives in Los Angeles with his dog Cadence and 20 houseplants. He enjoys hiking, reading, and writing. Be sure to check out Eric's work and social media accounts: www.LifeCoachingbyFeltes.com Instagram: @ericfeltes --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Matt Bays is a writer, speaker, and life coach with a passion for calling people out of their hiding places. He joins the ranks of writers such as Anne Lamott, Donald Miller, and Glennon Doyle in offering readers honest, raw, funny, and insightful compassion for the journey of life. Matt has two amazing daughters and lives with his husband Chris, in Cincinnati. His first book, Finding God in the Ruins: How God Redeems Pain, was released in 2016. Matt's second book, Leather & Lace, details the heroism of finding his path and accepting his homosexuality.  Matt is an exemplary role model and pioneer in our community. Be sure to connect with him on Instagram @mattbayswriter --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

My thoughts on haters vs. people who genuinely want to understand another's perspective. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Part 2 of my wonderful interview with Lucas Wilson! Lucas holds an MA in English from McMaster University, as well as an MTS from Vanderbilt University. An Invisible History Project Fellow, Lucas is finishing his interdisciplinary PhD in Comparative Studies at Florida Atlantic University. His academic work has appeared in Canadian Jewish Studies, Flannery O'Connor Review,, and in edited collections published by The MLA, SUNY Press, and DIO Press. He also has a forthcoming article in The Journal of Jewish Identities and a forthcoming book chapter about Liberty University's gay conversion therapy program (published through The University of Alabama Press). His public-facing work has appeared in The Advocate, Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, and Religion Dispatches, among other venues. He is currently a Sessional Lecturer at University of Toronto. On top of his many accomplishments, Lucas is a wickedly hilarious, sharp, and brilliant advocate. I was beyond honored to have spent some time with him, and I am so happy to bring this podcast to you! How to connect with Lucas: Instagram: @lukeslamdunkwilson Twitter: @wilson_fw Articles: The Advocate: https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2021/5/13/gay-man-says-he-was-tormented-liberty-university-now-hes-suing Queerty: https://www.queerty.com/jerry-falwell-jr-plays-gay-students-suffer-universitys-conversion-therapy-20200122 LGBTQ Nation: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/04/liberty-universitys-board-trustees-remove-jerry-falwell-jr-schools-president/ Religion Dispatches: https://religiondispatches.org/liberty-universitys-in-house-conversion-therapist-retires-but-will-the-christian-school-cease-this-discredited-practice/ Academic Work: Canadian Jewish Studies: https://cjs.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cjs/article/view/40243 Flannery O'Connor Review: https://www.academia.edu/40368495/Of_Gossip_and_Gaze_The_Shift_from_Symbolic_to_Social_Exclusion_Seen_through_a_Post_Holocaust_Aesthetic_in_Flannery_O_Connor_s_The_Displaced_Person_ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

I can't tell you how excited I am to bring this podcast to you! Lucas Wilson is a trailblazer in our community!  Lucas holds an MA in English from McMaster University, as well as an MTS from Vanderbilt University. An Invisible History Project Fellow, Lucas is finishing his interdisciplinary PhD in Comparative Studies at Florida Atlantic University. His academic work has appeared in Canadian Jewish Studies, Flannery O'Connor Review,, and in edited collections published by The MLA, SUNY Press, and DIO Press. He also has a forthcoming article in The Journal of Jewish Identities and a forthcoming book chapter about Liberty University's gay conversion therapy program (published through The University of Alabama Press). His public-facing work has appeared in The Advocate, Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, and Religion Dispatches, among other venues. He is currently a Sessional Lecturer at University of Toronto.  On top of his many accomplishments, Lucas is a wickedly hilarious, sharp, and brilliant advocate. I was beyond honored to have spent some time with him, and I am so happy to bring this podcast to you!  How to connect with Lucas:  Instagram: @lukeslamdunkwilson  Twitter: @wilson_fw  Articles:  The Advocate: https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2021/5/13/gay-man-says-he-was-tormented-liberty-university-now-hes-suing  Queerty: https://www.queerty.com/jerry-falwell-jr-plays-gay-students-suffer-universitys-conversion-therapy-20200122  LGBTQ Nation: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/04/liberty-universitys-board-trustees-remove-jerry-falwell-jr-schools-president/  Religion Dispatches: https://religiondispatches.org/liberty-universitys-in-house-conversion-therapist-retires-but-will-the-christian-school-cease-this-discredited-practice/  Academic Work:  Canadian Jewish Studies: https://cjs.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cjs/article/view/40243  Flannery O'Connor Review: https://www.academia.edu/40368495/Of_Gossip_and_Gaze_The_Shift_from_Symbolic_to_Social_Exclusion_Seen_through_a_Post_Holocaust_Aesthetic_in_Flannery_O_Connor_s_The_Displaced_Person_ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Part 2 of my wonderful interview with Andrew Pledger. I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Andrew Pledger. Andrew is a talented photographer and an aspiring psychologist. He was recently expelled by Bob Jones University after his segment with Joshua Harris had caught the attention of the university leadership team. He has not been discouraged; rather, encouraged to press harder into pursuing his desire to help others release from the power of systems of control.  This is Part 1 of a two-part series. I could have spoken with Andrew for days, and he will definitely be back on the podcast! What a remarkable human being.  Here is how you can connect with Andrew:  Instagram: @4ndrewpledger  Website: https://pledgermedia.mypixieset.com/  Blog: https://4ndrewpledger.wordpress.com/  Hire him: https://imageconnect.usa.canon.com/photographer/andrewpledger  https://www.fiverr.com/andrewpledger29/composite-photos-with-photoshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Andrew Pledger. Andrew is a talented photographer and an aspiring psychologist. He was recently expelled by Bob Jones University after his segment with Joshua Harris had caught the attention of the university leadership team. He has not been discouraged; rather, encouraged to press harder into pursuing his desire to help others release from the power of systems of control.  This is Part 1 of a two-part series. I could have spoken with Andrew for days, and he will definitely be back on the podcast! What a remarkable human being.  Here is how you can connect with Andrew: Instagram: @4ndrewpledger Website: https://pledgermedia.mypixieset.com/ Blog: https://4ndrewpledger.wordpress.com/ Hire him: https://imageconnect.usa.canon.com/photographer/andrewpledger https://www.fiverr.com/andrewpledger29/composite-photos-with-photoshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Many have been asking me what my current faith system is. Through my evolution after leaving Evangelical Christianity, I started off being wildly tormented by thoughts of eternal damnation. As I started to press harder into discovering my desires and identity, I evolved into the space of being comfortable with the unknown. Once deathly afraid, the concept of "not knowing" has been one of my closest and best friends. I take pleasure in learning more about the human condition and peace in knowing that we have power in the things that are not known.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Scarlett is known as my first love. We met in Bible study shortly after moving home after leaving Bayside Church. She wasn't a force to be reconned with. Paving her path as a strong, opinionated woman in the church, she was seen as an outcast. She didn't care - she was fiercely independent of any social norms brought upon most women in the church. Her tenacity was what drew me closer to her. As I had come to accept my homosexuality, our friendship has continued to evolve into a beautiful manifestation of love and devotion.  Scarlett inspires me to be a better person. Going through her reconstruction, this podcast highlights the harmful effects of the purity culture doctrine. Scarlett also gives us some vital points to ponder, highlighting the reconstruction path she is currently on.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Andrew over social media. He is a wildly talented tarot card and energy healer. Being raised in a Christian family, he came to terms with his homosexuality very early in life. Rather than compromise his integrity, he decided to press deeper into understanding himself, even to the point of being ostracized from his community.  Learn more about Andrew! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarotwithandrew/ Website: https://www.tarotangel444.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Alana was instrumental in me finding peace and serenity outside of organized religion. Having one of the most unique and freeing spiritual experiences growing up, Alana forged her way through the bullshit in life to define what spirituality meant to her. One of the greatest lessons she taught me was that anyone could be a spiritual seeker without finding organized religion.  This podcast highlights the beauty of finding your truth amongst the voices of others. Alana has lived her life more radically and more accessibly than any religious person I know. I am so happy to share this wonderful gem with you and her thought-provoking, revolutionary insights! NOTE: The 30-minute music at the end of the podcast was by none other than the wonderful Alana Sweetwater! To learn more about Alana Sweetwater, please visit her links here: Instagram: @alanasweetwater Podcast: The Warrior Empath on Spotify Music Website: https://alanasweetwater.com/   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

While reviewing my book for the last time before publication, I came across some stories that brought new life lessons from their original writing. This episode covers one of the stories, back in high school when I was a boisterous young Republican Christian.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

After posting a questionable meme, I pondered its ramifications and how it would come across to those in the faith I hold to high respect and esteem. This episode expands upon my thoughts from the blog post, "Going Too Far." I wanted to share my thoughts about Christianity and those I hold near and dear to me who still identify as Christians.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

Hear my story and the heart behind My Gay Church Days! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support

The heart and vision for the podcast.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mygaychurchdays/support