Today we welcome Jaxon Phoenix, an author and hand pan musician, to discuss his new book "Only Us: Searching for Truth About the Identity of God and Humanity." The conversation delves into Jaxon’s personal journey of faith, deconstruction, and healing from religious trauma. Together, we explore the challenges of questioning inherited beliefs, the psychological impact of indoctrination, and the process of finding a more authentic, compassionate spirituality. Jaxon shares his experiences with depression, therapy, and discovering the hand pan as a tool for healing, while he and Leslie reflect on the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and embracing uncertainty in faith.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Introduction to Jaxon’s book and his background as a hand pan musician and healer.
• Discussion of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment and the struggle with unanswered questions about biblical stories.
• The psychological effects of religious indoctrination and the fear-based messaging around hell and salvation.
• Jaxon’s journey through depression, therapy, and the role of music (hand pan) in his healing process.
• Honest conversation about deconstruction, family reactions, and the importance of thinking for oneself.
• Critique of church hierarchy, performance culture, and the need for authenticity and safe spaces in faith communities.
• Reflections on the universality of cult-like control in various belief systems and organizations.
• The value of empathy, understanding, and allowing others to follow their own spiritual paths.
• Jaxon’s perspective on faith as embracing uncertainty and the ongoing process of questioning and growth.
• A live hand pan performance inspired by the conversation, symbolizing freedom and healing.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of Honoring the Journey, Leslie sits down with her oldest daughter, Stephanie, for an open and vulnerable conversation about faith, family, and personal transformation. Together, they reflect on their shared history, the impact of religious upbringing, and the challenges of deconstructing long-held beliefs. Through laughter, honesty, and a few tears, they explore what it means to find healing, autonomy, and genuine connection—both with each other and within themselves.

• Stephanie recounts her experience growing up in purity culture and how it shaped her sense of self.

• The episode delves into the pressures and expectations of being a “model” Christian daughter and the journey to self-acceptance.

• Stephanie shares candidly about her time living abroad in Cambodia and how it influenced her worldview.

• Both mother and daughter discuss the process of deconstructing their faith and finding new meaning outside of traditional religious structures.

• The conversation highlights the importance of family support, therapy, and self-care in healing from religious trauma.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we welcome Brit Hartley, an atheist spiritual director, to discuss her personal journey of deconstructing from Mormonism and religion at large. Brit shares her upbringing in a loving Mormon community, the cognitive dissonance she experienced as a teenager, and the pivotal moments that led to her faith crisis and eventual atheism. The conversation explores the challenges of losing faith, rebuilding identity and meaning, and the importance of love, authenticity, and human connection beyond religious dogma. Brit and Leslie also discuss the complexities of maintaining relationships with religious family members, the benefits and shortcomings of religion, and Brit’s work in helping others find spiritual tools without belief requirements. The episode is a compassionate, nuanced look at deconstruction, spirituality, and the search for meaning.

Points of Interest:

• Brit’s upbringing in Mormonism and early questioning
• The impact of cognitive dissonance and teenage rebellion
• Faith crisis triggered by issues like polygamy and racism in Mormonism
• The emotional toll of losing faith, including depression and loss of identity
• Rebuilding meaning through existentialism, love, and personal experience
• Navigating relationships with religious family and friends post-deconstruction
• The role of religion as a cognitive technology and its benefits
• Brit’s approach to “no-nonsense spirituality” and her book/podcast
• The importance of authenticity, boundaries, and bridge-building in interfaith relationships
• Embracing the “dark night of the soul” as a transformative experience

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we welcome my longtime friend, Nicki Pappas, for a deeply personal and vulnerable conversation. Nicki shares her story of growing up in the Southern Baptist church, navigating fundamentalist spaces, and ultimately deconstructing her faith. We also explore themes of spiritual abuse, self-love, embodiment, therapy, and the journey toward authenticity. Nicki opens up about her evolving beliefs, coming out as queer, and the importance of living a life rooted in love rather than fear. The episode is rich with reflections on family, community, boundaries, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. Find out more about Nicki at https://www.nickipappas.com

Points of Interest:

• Nicki’s upbringing in a Southern Baptist church and transition into more fundamentalist spaces.
• The impact of church teachings on fear, anxiety, and self-worth.
• Experiences with spiritual abuse and leaving a toxic church environment.
• The role of therapy (especially Internal Family Systems) and embodiment practices in healing.
• The importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity in personal growth.
• Reflections on self-love, boundaries, and letting go of people-pleasing.
• Nicki’s journey of coming out as queer and exploring non-monogamy.
• The influence of key figures like Donna Powell and the power of love at the end of life.
• Insights on parenting, breaking generational cycles, and giving children tools for emotional health.
• The value of community, safe spaces, and finding peace with being misunderstood.
• Embracing joy, freedom, and living for the sake of love rather than out of fear or obligation.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we welcome singer-songwriter and spiritual explorer Michael Gungor for a candid conversation about faith, deconstruction, and personal transformation. Michael shares his upbringing in a charismatic church, his early success as a worship leader, and the pivotal questions that led him to critically examine his beliefs. The discussion dives into the challenges of questioning long-held religious doctrines, the process of letting go of certainty, and the journey toward a more expansive, love-centered spirituality. Michael also reflects on mystical experiences, the role of ego, and the importance of embracing doubt and authenticity. The episode concludes with insights into Michael’s latest album and his ongoing creative and spiritual evolution.

Points of Interest:

• Michael’s upbringing in a charismatic church and early musical influences
• The role of questioning and critical thinking in his spiritual journey
• Experiences with deconstruction of faith and confronting religious dogma
• The impact of meeting people with different backgrounds and beliefs
• Mystical experiences and the search for authentic spirituality
• The challenge of letting go of certainty and embracing doubt
• Reflections on ego, identity, and the process of personal transformation
• Insights into Michael’s new album "Magnificat" and his creative process
• Encouragement for listeners navigating their own spiritual questions
• Find out more about Michael at http://www.michaelgungor.com
• Listen to his new album! Magnificat: https://open.spotify.com/album/2ZOXZ31WxsvPZ6A99hGjSG

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Honoring the Journey, we chat with Malynda Hale—a singer, actress, podcast host, activist, and the new executive director of The New Evangelicals. The conversation explores Malynda’s upbringing in a progressive Christian household, her experiences navigating conservative evangelical spaces, and her journey toward embracing inclusive, justice-centered faith. Malynda shares insights on deconstruction, the importance of self-love, her role at The New Evangelicals, and the challenges and opportunities in faith-based activism. We also get a peek inside her music career, the differences between gospel and contemporary Christian music, and her ongoing creative projects.

Points of Interest:

• Malynda’s progressive Christian upbringing and contrast with evangelical college experience
• The role of fear and love in religious communities and deconstruction journeys
• Malynda’s approach to activism and leadership at The New Evangelicals
• The importance of self-love as a foundation for loving others
• Differences between gospel and contemporary Christian music, rooted in lived experience and trauma
• Malynda’s creative work: music, film directing, and an upcoming docuseries
• The launch of new initiatives at The New Evangelicals, including courses, advocacy, and community support for marginalized groups
• Reflections on motherhood, family, and balancing personal and professional life
• Learn more about Malynda and what she's up to at www.malyndahale.com!

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we are sharing a special, timely episode of Honoring the Journey where Leslie invites Ben Cremer back to the show to dive deep into the challenges of navigating grief, polarization, and faith in today’s divided world. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and a powerful parable, they explore what it means to see beyond our own lenses, embrace empathy, and walk the narrow way of love and compassion—even when it’s difficult.

Points of Interest:

• Ben Cremer’s reflections on grief and naming our pain
• The parable of the sunglasses: seeing the world through different lenses
• The struggle of being “in the middle” during polarized times
• Misconceptions about being Christ-like in moments of conflict
• The role of fear and certainty in fueling division
• Practical ways to embody peacemaking and compassion
• The importance of curiosity, humility, and authentic conversation
• How laughter and hope can be acts of resistance
• Advice for maintaining kindness and standing up for what’s right
• Insights on repentance, empathy, and the power of community

Find Ben on Substack, Instagram, Facebook and Listen to His Podcast, Into the Gray.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Leslie welcomes back Brian Recker to discuss his new book, "Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love." Together, they dive into Brian’s journey from a strict evangelical upbringing to a more open, love-focused faith, exploring how fear-based teachings—especially the concept of hell—shape personal beliefs, relationships, and community dynamics. The conversation is honest, empathetic, and often humorous, offering practical tools for deconstructing harmful beliefs and encouraging listeners to embrace a spirituality rooted in love rather than fear. Whether you’re questioning your faith or just curious about new perspectives, this episode provides both thought-provoking insights and a sense of hope.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Brian’s background: Raised evangelical, former pastor, and now an author challenging traditional views on hell.
• The main theme of the book: How fear of hell distorts Christian spirituality and relationships.
• The paradigm shift: Moving from a punishment-based faith to one centered on love and acceptance.
• Personal stories: Both Brian and the host share their experiences of deconstructing faith and the emotional toll it takes.
• The impact of fear: How fear of hell shapes parenting, self-worth, and community dynamics.
• Practical tools: Brian introduces reflective questions (inspired by Byron Katie) to help listeners interrogate their beliefs.
• The metaphor of hell: Exploring hell as a spiritual and psychological experience, not just an afterlife destination.
• The importance of community: Encouragement to process these questions with others, and info about a free study guide for group discussion.
• Humor and empathy: Lighthearted moments about rapture predictions and the shared experience of spiritual anxiety.
• A message of hope: It’s possible to move beyond fear and find a more loving, authentic faith.
• Find Brians book on Amazon or Audible, available 9/30/25

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel Dixon joins us today to share her powerful story of self-discovery, faith, and authenticity. Growing up in a deeply religious environment, Rachel navigated the complexities of identity, conformity, and spirituality, ultimately embracing her true self and advocating for wholeness as a birthright. Imagine being accused by people in the church of being a homosexual because of how you look, being rejected because of it and not even realizing that was your truth until much later, after many years of agonizing introspection! The church knew she was gay before she even did. How is that, if being gay is a choice? This story is powerful and incredibly eye opening. Through candid conversation, we explore the challenges of deconstructing long-held beliefs, the courage to live audaciously, and the importance of community and unconditional love.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Rachel’s upbringing in a strict Christian environment and the impact of religious expectations on her identity.
• The influence of Christian radio and audio dramas on Rachel’s early love for voice and storytelling.
• Early realizations of difference—Rachel’s discomfort with gendered expectations and required silence for women in church.
• The pivotal moment at Bible college: being dismissed from a job for having short hair, highlighting the consequences of non-conformity.
• The emotional toll of being judged for appearance and the pressure to fit a prescribed mold.
• Rachel’s journey through denial and eventual acceptance of her sexuality, including the challenges of navigating faith and identity.
• The experience of being directly questioned about her sexuality and the anger and self-reflection it provoked.
• The process of deconstructing faith—questioning dogma, seeking authenticity, and ultimately leaving the church to pursue a more genuine spiritual path.
• Insights on the difference between following rules for appearance versus living with honesty and love.
• The importance of community, creativity, and finding like-minded people after leaving a restrictive environment.
• Rachel’s message of honoring every step of the journey, even the difficult ones, as necessary for growth and self-acceptance.
• The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to embrace their own paths, seek community, and find freedom in authenticity.
• Find out more about Rachel and watch her TEDx Talk at www.racheldickson.com

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we welcome Reverend Joseph Yoo for an open conversation about faith, deconstruction, and creating inclusive spiritual communities. Joseph shares his personal journey as a pastor’s kid in a multi-generational ministry family, his experiences with conservative and evangelical traditions, and his evolution toward a more inclusive, affirming approach to faith. Together, we discuss the challenges and rewards of questioning long-held beliefs, the loneliness and courage involved in deconstructing faith, and the importance of building spaces where everyone—especially those on the margins—can belong and be loved.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Joseph’s upbringing in a family deeply rooted in ministry across generations.
• The impact of purity culture, fundamentalism, and immigrant experiences on his faith journey.
• Joseph’s transition from conservative theology to a more inclusive, affirming ministry.
• Honest reflections on deconstruction, including the pain, loneliness, and social consequences.
• The importance of creating safe spaces for those questioning or leaving traditional faith communities.
• Insights on tokenism versus true diversity in church leadership and congregations.
• Leslie’s personal story of leaving the church to pursue love and authenticity, including her experience on "Survivor."
• The role of neuroplasticity in changing beliefs and the difficulty of reprogramming long-held ideas.
• Encouragement for those deconstructing to seek community and not go through the process alone.
• A focus on love, acceptance, and supporting people wherever they are on their spiritual journey.

Find Joseph online:

Mosaic Episcopal Church

Instagram

Facebook

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!

If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.