Behind The Mirror

In this episode, I compile the highlights of some this season's best guests (part 1). You'll hear the best of my conversation with WP Young (The Shack), Carlos Rodriguez (Happy Sonship) and Micah J Murray as we explore different ways of imagining God, Christianity and our faith as a whole. We discuss thoughts on hell, inclusion, the history of American Christianity, how we've misunderstood God, "judgement" and what Jesus was really all about. 

Show Notes:

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

So often when bad things happen we are told, "don't worry, God is in control" But can God be in control and good at the same time? Is the idea of God being in control even biblical? I explore all of this from my wrestling with this question and my own journey of trying to balance the idea of a good God in the midst of tragedy and heartache. 

Show notes:

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

I invite Dallas Amsden, host of the podcast Defeating Depression, onto the show to share his personal journey of anxiety and depression. Dallas opens up about being a pastor's kid and how his depression and anxiety came to a breaking point where change had to happen. In our conversation, we discuss how mental health is viewed in the church, why so many of us hide in shame of our anxiety or depression and how we can break the unhealthy cycles of coping that we fall into. We also discuss how anxiety and depression are so prevelent when we are in the midst of deconstruction in our faith. Dallas offers encouragement and practical tools for those feeling isolated in their journey. This is a rare, honest conversation on a topic that is so often misunderstood. 

Show Notes:

Defeating Depression Podcast with Dallas Amsden: http://www.defeatingdepressionpod.com/

Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

I invite my brother on this episode to have a candid, open conversation about marijuana use. We discuss how we were taught to view this when we were younger, how it was addressed in the church and our thoughts on it currently.

Show notes:

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Podcast FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

I've heard the phrase: well, we just need to get back to how they did things in the first church. I wanted to play on that idea and really dig into what radical movements the church in Acts was actually about. I explore how Jesus set up this movement and how Paul radically embraced this idea of inclusion, equality and wild movement of the Spirit.

Show Notes:

Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

I am honored to invite one of my favorite teachers and thought-leaders onto the podcast in this thought-provoking episode with Pete Enns. Host of the podcast, The Bible for Normal People, Pete is the professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University, has his PHD from Harvard and is a contributor to numerous publications and written works. Pete is candid and honest in our conversation as we dig into tough questions like: 

This conversation is rich with wisdom and insight, delivered with a wit and humor that only Pete can offer. If you don't know Pete Enns yet, you will definitely be a fan by the end of this episode. 

Show Notes:

Pete Enns: https://peteenns.com/

The Bible for Normal People Podcast: https://peteenns.com/podcast/

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

The topic of sex is one riddled with a thousand different questions and this episode is my attempt to answer some of the common questions I receive. Questions like: is pre-marital sex a sin? What does God view as marriage? Is pornography wrong? What about adultery? What were the opinions of Jesus? What is an actual "Biblical marriage"? I tackle this topic within the lens of scripture, offering the framework of culture, context and common sense. It is an honest episode shared from my own journey and from the collection of stories you've shared with me along the way. I believe this will offer peace, clarity and (hopefully!) relief from shame.

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Facebook group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

Oh my goodness. This episode is hands down one of my favorite conversations we’ve have on the show. I talk with New York Times best selling author, William Paul Young (The Shack). He offers candid perspectives on the (often misrepresented) nature and character of God. He answers questions like what do we do with things like judgement? Is hell real? What do we when do when we are in conflict with our theology? How do we overcome shame and embrace who we are? I am a huge fan and was honored to share in such an unfiltered discussion about life, God and the beauty of humanity.

William Paul Young: http://wmpaulyoung.com/

Lies We Believe About God: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501101390

Did you know that the hard relationships in your life don't get to control you? WHAT?! WHAT IS THIS YOU SAY?! That's right my friends. And we tackle ALL of it in this episode addressing toxic relationships - whether with a family member, spouse, friend, ex-spouse, partner - we hit ALL the catagories. I unpack the 4 phases of toxic relationships and how to recognize the phase you are in.

I offer simple steps to identify healthy relationships versus unhealthy ones and how to set healthy boundaries that will protect your heart and your sanity. I also address what to do with pressure from those who don't support your boundaries as well as when to know it's time to call it quits. This conversation is jam packed with tools and insight from one who has walked this road what feels like a HUNDRED THOUSAND TIMES (not really - but you get the idea) I promise, you will feel empowered and ready to awken change inside the most valuable parts of your life - your relationships.

FREE e-book A Field Guide to Toxic Relationships: www.justajesusfollower.com/toxicrelationships

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

How to identify toxic relationships

Did you know that the hard relationships in your life don't get to control you? WHAT?! WHAT IS THIS YOU SAY?! That's right my friends. And we tackle ALL of it in this episode addressing toxic relationships - whether with a family member, spouse, friend, ex-spouse, partner - we hit ALL the catagories. I unpack the 4 phases of toxic relationships and how to recognize the phase you are in.

I offer simple steps to identify healthy relationships versus unhealthy ones and how to set healthy boundaries that will protect your heart and your sanity. I also address what to do with pressure from those who don't support your boundaries as well as when to know it's time to call it quits. This conversation is jam packed with tools and insight from one who has walked this road what feels like a HUNDRED THOUSAND TIMES (not really - but you get the idea) I promise, you will feel empowered and ready to awken change inside the most valuable parts of your life - your relationships.

FREE e-book A Field Guide to Toxic Relationships: www.justajesusfollower.com/toxicrelationships

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

How to identify toxic relationships