Saved-ish Podcast

Saved-ish caps off season 5 with a deep dive into what breaking the rules, with Pastor Dexter Nutall. Check out Pastor. Pastor Nutall explores the tension between "worldly" rules and scripture and the ways we can find direction when we're not sure where and how to move. Follow Pastor at PasD on Instagram and Twitter, and keep up with all the rulebreaking happening at New Bethel DC. Scriptures mentioned in this episode are Philippians 1:6 and Romans 7: 14. Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on previous episodes of Saved-ish Podcast. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

We’re taught about tithing but what else is there to learn about managing our finances as we grapple with ballooning student loan debt, unstable career trajectories, and a growing wealth gap? In this episode, Keith, Kiana and Perry Flemming, a credit wealth specialist, discuss financial literacy in the church, owning your worth, and how their own relationship with money has changed overtime. Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 6:21, Deuteronomy 8:18, Proverbs 22:1, 1 Timothy 6:10. Follow Perry and his work on LinkedIn. Saved-ish at savedishpod on IG and Twitter.

Oftentimes we are told that science and faith collide. The big bang and evolution vs. Adam and Eve. God’s healing ability vs modern medicine . Is it possible to reconcile the two? In this episode, Keith, Kiana and special guest Nurse Meedie Bardonille discuss the intersection of faith and science. Scriptures mentioned: Isaiah 38, Jeremiah 30:17, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Psalms 111:2. Follow Savedish at savedishpod on IG and Twitter.

As Christians, we often find sanctuary and solace in attending church. But what happens when the sanctuary is closed to the church family? In this episode we’re looking back at, and looking forward to the time spent at church with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Keith, Kiana and Bunmi discuss church, the effects of Covid-19 on their worship experience, and how they’ve adjusted (or not).  Scriptures mentioned: Ephesians 2:14-16, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Thessalonians 2 Follow Savedish at savedishpod on IG and Twitter.

The Bible says to love and respect one another, especially your father and mother, but what happens when they or any members of your family are problematic? In this episode, Kiana, Keith, and family therapist, Omni Odum, tackle family dynamics and how they have decided to break the rules to protect their peace and maintain stability in their homes. Scriptures mentioned in this episode are Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 1 Timothy 3:5. Follow Savedish (@savedishpod) on Instagram and Twitter. Edited by Stephanie Hou and produced by Bunmi Akinnusotu and Infinity Norton. 

With the world ever-changing, we have changed too. Kiana and Keith return to discuss how they have been doing and discuss the rules they have “broken” as Christians. This season opener is about the ways in which rules can be a catalyst for growth, be a distraction from God’s word and how to keep faith at the center of it all. Scriptures mentioned in this episode are Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 3:6 and Matthew 15:3. Follow Savedish at savedishpod on Instagram and Twitter. Editing by Stephanie Hou and Produced by Bunmi Akinnusotu and Infinity Norton.

Post Scripts (P.S.) is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on Saved-ish Podcast. Pastor Dexter Nutall, Executive Producer and Bunmi Akinnusotu, delve into Biblical principles that can be applied to the political climate of our time, the importance of faith amid uncertainty, and the future of the church in light of COVID-19. Follow PasDNutall on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The right to vote has emerged as yet another tool to subjugate the humanity of marginalized groups as if the violence wasn’t enough. Today, our generation is witnessing the most important Presidential election in our lifetime, testing our faith in government and God’s will. Rev. Kazimi Brown, Deputy Director of Religious Affairs for the Poor People's Campaign joins Keith and Kiana for an empowering discussion about everything voters need to know and do to prepare for the upcoming election. Scriptures mentioned: Song of Solomon 2:15; Acts 18:9-10; Isaiah 61. Follow @savedishpod on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

With everyone calling for justice for violence, unfair treatment, and discrimination, one might wonder if we have the capacity to forgive. Is an apology necessary for forgiveness to occur? Is justice enough for forgiveness? As Christians, forgiveness is a chief tenant of our faith but sometimes, revenge feels so much better. Keith, Kiana, and Marcus Coleman talk about justice in light of generational transgressions and what moving forward looks like at a time when forgiveness doesn't feel like enough. Scriptures to reflect on: Luke 16:10, Ephesians 4:31-32, and John 8:7. Follow us on Twitter and IG: @SavedishPod. Hit us up with thoughts: 202-596-5998. 

Athletes and celebrities everywhere are standing up and calling for a final end to systemic transgressions that have plagued black and brown communities in America for generations.  This episode with Kiana and Keith, will explore the activism that is taking place, cancel culture, the messiness of "wokeness" and thoughts on how all of this align with Biblical teachings. Scriptures mentioned in this episode: 2 Corinthians 13-18 and Proverbs 31: 8-9. Follow us on Twitter and IG: @SavedishPod. Hit us up with thoughts: 202-596-5998.

Kiana and Keith return for the season opener to talk about how they've been doing and their coping strategies for holding tight to their faith while 2020 does whatever it's doing. It's not all doom and gloom, though! The two share their high points over the summer and the ways God continues to show up and show out in their lives. Scriptures to reflect on: James 1:2-5 and Matthew 21:21. Follow @savedishpod social media or leave us a voicemail at 202-596-5998. Edited By: Stephanie Hou

This season of Saved-ish has been centered on "Adulting". Sometimes the key to adulting seems to be about constantly looking ahead and figuring out our passions and values. But adulting also involves unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes we just have to stop to acknowledge the NOW and to acknowledge when we're not ok. That is what this episode is for. The world is on fire (literally!) and there is seemingly no moral extinguisher in sight. What do we do when people are hurting, dying and protesting? How do we move when we feel like God isn't around? How do we turn a moment into a movement?   In this last episode of Season 3, Keith, Kiana, Pastor Nutall, and Bunmi, step back and openly process their feelings about the horrific events of police brutality and discuss their relationship with their faith in this time.   Scriptures to reflect on: Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 46:1-2, Ephesians 4:26-27, Psalm 34: 18 MSG (The Message version)

In this social media age it's easy to get caught up in the "perfect image". While strides are being made to be more open and vulnerable online, it is hard to escape idealistic, and often unrealistic, expectations of what our day-to-day lives should look like. Our standards are constantly shifting, keeping us running a marathon that seems like it may never end. And when we trip on our path to the finish line the ground beneath us can seem more like quicksand than solid ground. What do we do when we trip? And how do we measure how far we've fallen? And whose yardstick are we using? There are a lot of questions surrounding failure and how to handle falling short. It can get even more confusing when there are difference voices and sources influencing the standards we feel compelled to meet. This episode Keith, Kiana, and special guest Anna Sumner discuss failure and falling short and how it has impacted their faith and lives as a whole. Scriptures encouraging us: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Proverbs 24:16 Follow @savedishpod social media or leave us a voicemail with your questions and thoughts at 202-596-5998. (Due to COVID-19 this episode was recorded remotely, and we hope that you all are staying healthy and staying safe!)

Language is such a powerful tool. We use it to express our love, our hopes and dreams, and our fears. Now, maybe more than ever, is a time to use that language to connect with those we love most. But sometimes, some words are harder to say than others, such as the "D-Word", "Death". In a time like this, the "D-Word" may seem all too real. Or, it may seem far and distant, shrouded in the constant waves of data. It can be a slippery slope if the concept of death consumes our lives. Yet, on the other hand, how do we keep ourselves from falling prey to the other side: apathy? Death is not easy to approach. It opens questions about not only the afterlife, but life right now as well. It shapes how people live, laugh, and love. And sometimes, when Death meets a loved one all that can change in a heartbeat. So where does Death belong in our lives and how it shapes us? Join Keith, Kiana, and Bunmi in this incredibly raw episode as they explore Death and how Death has met them in their own lives. Scriptures giving us life: Luke 12:33, John 11:25-26, Songs of Solomon 8:6, Ecclesiastes 12:7 Follow @savedishpod social media or leave us a voicemail with your questions and thoughts at 202-596-5998. (Due to COVID-19 this episode was recorded remotely, and we hope that you all are staying healthy and staying safe!)

A salient feature of adulthood is maturation. Throughout life, ideas we swore by, are rendered irrelevant. Certain habitual behaviors become more burdensome. And longheld traditions, meaningless. Unlearning is "dirty work" God has called us to pursue, whether it's undergoing a weight loss transformation or changing your attitude about certain groups. Kiana and Keith are joined by Christina Ruiz, Founder of Meals of Dopeness (@FindYourDopeness, @MealsofDopness), to talk through life experiences that made way for transformative behaviors. Scriptures dropped in this verse: Philippians 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 13:11. Follow @savedishpod on social media or leave us a voicemail with your thoughts at 202-596-5998. (This episode was recorded remotely, and we hope that you all are staying healthy and staying safe!)

Right now, a lot of us are spending a lot more time at home than we are used to. During this time we may find ourselves thinking about better days or scrolling for longer hours online. Often times the internet can be a breeding ground for comparison with friends or even strangers, both online and offline. What do we do when we find ourselves falling into a cycle of comparison, and where does this comparison stem from in the first place? Join Keith, Kiana, and Bunmi as they talk about how comparison can be a thief of joy in our lives and ways we can find comfort in Christ and his providence during this time.  Follow @savedishpod social media or leave us a voicemail with your questions and thoughts at 202-596-5998. The Scriptures lifting us up this episode are Galatians 6:4, Exodus 20:17, James 2:12-13, and 1 John 2:6. (Due to COVID-19 this episode was recorded remotely, and we hope that you all are staying healthy and staying safe!)

COVID-19 has many adjusting to new ways of working, hustling, and coping with uncertainty. Praying is good but it is not enough. How can we STILL dominate during and beyond the quarantine period? What is the necessary mindset to develop so we are balanced, focused, and effective? "GG", creator and founder of Arrivista Planner, provides a passionate reminder of what we're made of and how to soldier through when life is upended. Follow GG on Instagram for planning inspiration @ArrivistaPlanner and @JetSetGG. Then, check out her daily planning products at www.ArrivistaPlanner.com. Follow @savedishpod social media or leave us a voicemail with your questions and thoughts at 202-596-5998. The Scriptures holding us down in this episode are Hebrews 4:16, Psalm 127: 2, and Proverbs 3: 5-6. 

Many of us were raised to pursue careers that pay the bills. We follow the prescription: obtain an education then secure the bag so you can pay your bills and raise a family. But what happens when your bills are paid but you feel wholly unfulfilled? What happens when you set on an uncharted journey decorated with uncertainty, stress, and delayed (or non-existent) financial gain? Is it possible to do work that feeds your soul AND your stomach? Kiana, Keith, Pastor D, and Tommy Chaney ("Pops") share how they battle the desire to make money and live a purpose-driven life. Read Scriptures mentioned in this episode: 1 Timothy 6:10, Proverbs 19:21, Jeremiah 29:11, Phillipians 3:8, and Proverbs 22:1. Follow @savedishpod on Instagram, FaceBook, and Twitter. Leave us a voicemail with your questions and thoughts at 202-596-5998.

Let’s face it: Life can be rough, especially as we lose the parental training wheels and gain new responsibilities. Staying focused amidst the repetition, walking into the unknown, and dealing with the unexpected are all daily challenges. Yet, we still have to keep moving. So, how do we find encouragement in Scripture while also juggling life’s tests? Join hosts, Keith and Kiana ("Kickin' it with Ki"), as they share their dilemmas being a Christian adult when the world continuously demands your presence. Having a tough time with adulting? Check out related Scriptures mentioned in this episode: Ephesians 4:14, Proverbs 19:8, 2 Timothy 2:22, Luke 12:48, and Ecclesiastes 12:1-13. Follow @savedishpod on Instagram, FaceBook, and Twitter. Leave us a voicemail with your questions and thoughts at 202-596-5998.

Sex is GOOD! What's not so good is the herculean effort to resist the pressure to "give it up". Are Biblical expectations about sex realistic and still relevant today? Is pre-marital sex acceptable if you're in love? And if sex and masturbation aren't options, how do you cope? Joined by educator and youth counselor, Tevera Stith, Keith and Kiana explore these questions and the mixed messages that make the decision to have sex, complicated. Follow @savedishpod on Instagram, FaceBook, and Twitter.

Homosexuality is one of the most contentious and divisive topics in the Christian church. Lost in the debate are the real stories and experiences of LGBTQI+ community and their passion for Christ. In this season finale, the co-hosts speak with Derrick Petit, President of Gay Professional Men of Color and Tanea Taylor, a Howard student and Saved-ish Engineer, about their journey through faith and how they find the courage to remain true to themselves and their relationship with God. Follow @savedishpod on Instagram, FaceBook, and Twitter. 

A new generation of men are redefining traditional beliefs about gender roles, leadership, sexuality, and romance. And for men of faith, these new expectations often call for an unlearning of behaviors and thoughts that have caused more harm than good. This conversation between the guys: Pastor Dexter Nutall, Ottis Ferguson, Leon Horton and Keith Chaney explores all of this and some of the practical tools for being a man in modern times.  Follow @Savedishpod on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram.

There's a lot that comes with being a "Christian woman". From expectations about sexual behaviors, dealing with old baggage, to figuring out your passion. Listen as four dynamic women discuss going about love as a Christian woman and finding joy in their divine presence no matter if they are single or married. Cohosts Kiane Cole and Ellyce Ferguson are joined by First Lady of New Bethel Baptist Church, Tracy Nutall and Kristin Shymoniak. Follow @Savedishpod on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram. Leave us your thoughts at savedish@gmail.com.

Spiritually and emotionally, toxic relationships are difficult to figure out. Is divorce always the answer? How much should you tolerate? And what's the role of the church? Pastor Dexter Nutall and Bunmi Akinnusotu discuss this and much more. Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on Saved-ish Podcast. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay on top of the conversation. 

In the recent years the word “toxic” has been used to fuel everything from politics to pop culture. But what about our personal lives? There are a lot of factors to consider when exploring the topic, from determining when a relationship is no longer healthy, to what to do, and even when, to leave a toxic situation. These questions can be even more confusing when the toxic relationship is in the context of a romantic relationship or marriage. This week, Keith, Kiana, and Ellyce delve into what constitutes as toxic behavior, balancing personal experiences with how to handle toxic situations, and how the church can play a supportive role to the community in such circumstances. If you are dealing with domestic violence or a toxic relationship please do not hesitate to contact the following organizations: 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 In the DMV area: Safe Harbor Counseling at www.safeharbor1.com or by phone at 1-800-305-2089

Cuffing Season is here and with it can come a mix of exciting and conflicting emotions. Pastor Dexter Nutall and Saved-ish Engineer, Bunmi Akinnusotu, discuss our relationship with relationships and explore how Christians can find a balance between personal desires and seeking God through His plans and Divine Assignment for His people. Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on Saved-ish Podcast. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Cuffin's season has begun! Hosts Keith, Kiana, and Ellyce, discuss the challenges of modern-day dating from boundary setting, who makes the first move, to intercultural relationships. Joined by story-telling extraordinaire and host of Time Well Spent podcast Ronald Young. Jr, the crew explore the "ishes" of romantic life and all things related to being a Christian and finding love in modern times. Follow Saved-ish on FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter at Savedishpod. Leave us your thoughts at savedish@gmail.com.

Throughout the world and history, religion has and continues to be used to justify imperialization, colonization, slavery and injustice. In the season one finale, Keith, Shari and Pastor Nutall discuss the history of western Christianity, Biblical misinterpretations, the origins and necessity of the black church, and how the Achilles heel of American race relations led to the belief that Christianity is a "white man's religion". Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

"Just pray about it" is a common phrase in the church but can often be a reason to avoid facing the very real challenges we face in life. Pastor Nutall and Deanie discuss the role the church can play in addressing mental health and mental illness and why Christians should embrace the benefits that science can bring to mental, emotional and even spiritual stability.  Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on Saved-ish Podcast. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

You've got issues. Real issues. Yet, everyone says "just pray about it". While prayer is important and it does work, there are experiences that could use some additional tools such as therapy. How can we as Christians get more comfortable with getting help outside of the Church? Keith speaks with licensed marriage and family therapist, April Preston of Kovu Healing and Faith Harrison, a DC resident with a powerful testimony, about the tensions between faith and science as it pertains to addressing our issues. They also unpack the stigma of therapy in the Black community and why today, more than ever, it's important for Christians to equip themselves with healthy tools for making life a little easier to live. If you are thinking about suicide or in danger of harming yourself, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Christians have fun, too! Pastor Dexter Nutall and Saved-ish Engineer, Bunmi Akinnusotu, discuss turn up culture as a saved Christian, explore Biblical teachings about enjoying life, and the unlikely ways people can learn more about God.  Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on Saved-ish Podcast. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

It's summertime aka "turn up" season. However, having fun as a Christian can be tough. There's a fear you'll be judged for having a drink, pressured to do things you shouldn't, or led to a place you don't want to be. So how can Christians turn up and still maintain a life committed to God's word? Seems impossible but our hosts think not. And do Christians do themselves a disservice by dismissing secular entertainment (i.e. hip hop music)? Listen as Keith, Shari, and Bunmi (Saved-ish Engineer) share what turn up means for them, what they've learned about themselves and others, and how they've come to find fun in today's world. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Pastor Dexter Nutall and Saved-ish Engineer, Bunmi Akinnusotu expand the conversation related to belief in God. How should Christians respond when bad things happen to good people, when prayers are unanswered, and when things happen outside of our control? Why believe in God, at all? Pas explains the importance of faith and the understandably difficult challenge of trusting that which we can not see. Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on previous episodes of Saved-ish Podcast. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

You're not exempt from messy situations, tense relationships, and complicated circumstances just because you're Christian. It's easy to get lost in the downward spiral of doubt because of discouraging news stories or annoying co-workers. So, what do you do? How do "saved" folks balance negative circumstances and their belief in God? Shelby, Keith, and Shari share their doubts, Christian beliefs they struggle with, but also how they remain steadfast in their faith to God's word. Follow savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Pastor Dexter Nutall of New Bethel Baptist Church DC and Saved-ish Podcast Producer, Deanie, delve into the concept of "church folk" from episode two: Who are church folk and how do we hold them accountable? Pastor Nutall also offers the solution of "loving the hell of out of people" as an alternative to leaving the church, when church folk are out of line. Post Scripts (P.S.) with Pastor Nutall is a deeper conversation, from a Biblical perspective, about topics discussed on Saved-ish Podcast. Follow @savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Whether it's the warm embrace of your church family or negotiating pizza portion sizes with the meal ministry, church folk are known to have their special ways. And while tradition often pushes people away, church folks are still the foundation for and evidence of God’s love. Shari, Keith, and Shelby share their stories of the good, bad and the ugly of dealing with church folk and what they hope will change. Follow @savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

In the series premiere of Saved-ish, hosts Keith, Shari, Shelby along with special guest Pastor Dexter Nutall provide an overview of the purpose and vision for the podcast. Three dynamic Hosts also discuss how they arrived at where they are in their individual walks with Christ, and some of the obstacles they've faced on the way. Finally, they get to their "ishes", the many personal struggles/areas in life where they need to grow (e.g. doubt, self-control, and an undying love of ratchet music). Follow @savedishpod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.