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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

Today we honor the journey of David Hayward, known as the "Naked Pastor", who shares his profound journey of deconstructing faith. David discusses his background as a pastor, the origins of his Naked Pastor persona, his educational and theological journey, and the critical moments that led to his deconstruction. Together, we explore themes of authenticity, questioning beliefs, losing and finding community, and the evolving understanding of faith. This candid and thought-provoking conversation delves into personal transformation and the very human quest for spiritual freedom and truth.

Here are the main points of interest in this episode:

Origin of "Naked Pastor"
David explains the meaning behind his moniker, emphasizing transparency and authenticity in ministry.

David's Spiritual Journey
He shares his background: growing up in various denominations, extensive theological education, and his path through different church traditions.

Deconstruction Beginnings
David describes the pivotal moment that started his deconstruction—reading "The Silence of Jesus" and questioning the inspiration of scripture.

The Emotional Impact of Deconstruction
Both David and Leslie discuss the trauma, fear, and loneliness that can accompany questioning long-held beliefs.

Community and Belonging
The conversation explores the loss of community after leaving church, the challenge of finding new support systems, and the unique intensity of church-based relationships.

The Role of Empathy and Sensitivity
They note that people who deconstruct often have high empathy and a deep sense of responsibility for others' spiritual well-being.

Navigating Binary Thinking
The episode highlights the difficulty of moving beyond black-and-white thinking, especially when faced with questions about faith, truth, and identity.

Art as a Bridge
David’s cartoons are discussed as a gentle, creative way to challenge the church and support those in deconstruction.

Building New Community
Both hosts share their efforts to create or find new forms of community outside traditional church settings.

Personal Growth and Acceptance
David talks about honoring his roots while continuing to grow, and the importance of accepting the full journey, not erasing the past.

Oneness and Connection
David describes a transformative experience of perceiving the oneness of all people, which brought him peace and shaped his outlook.

Looking Forward
David hints at a new phase or mission beyond deconstruction, suggesting ongoing evolution in his work and message.

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," Leslie welcomes author and theologian Keith Giles to discuss rapture theology and its impact on those raised in fear-based religious traditions. Building on feedback from a previous episode, they explore the origins of rapture theology, its scriptural interpretations, and the psychological effects it has had on believers. Keith offers a historical and theological critique, challenging common interpretations and encouraging listeners to consider alternative perspectives rooted in scripture, history, and a more inclusive understanding of faith. The conversation aims to diffuse fear, promote critical thinking, and highlight the importance of love, grace, and personal spiritual growth.

Find Keith's books here!

Topics of Interest:

• The trauma and fear caused by rapture theology in evangelical upbringings
• The origins of rapture theology and its invention by John Nelson Darby in the 1850s
• The role of dispensationalism in shaping modern end-times beliefs
• Scriptural analysis of Daniel 9 and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24)
• The use of apocalyptic hyperbole in biblical prophecy
• Misinterpretations of scripture regarding the rapture and end times
• The historical context and coded language of the Book of Revelation
• The difference between the "end of the age" and the "end of the world"
• The inclusive message of Christ and the idea that the kingdom of God is within everyone
• The psychological burden of certainty versus the freedom of faith and trust
• The importance of questioning, critical thinking, and exploring multiple theological perspectives
• The invitation to embrace love, grace, and spiritual connection over fear-based doctrine

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 invites her sister (and bestie) Marie to join her and they discuss growing up in fundamentalism, rapture trauma, deconstruction and how they now see God today. This is a special episode because Marie is probably the only person Leslie had to talk to during her deconstruction journey before going public. They have been through a lot together, and have remained close through it all!

Topics of Interest:

• Leslie and her sister Marie, discuss their experiences growing up with "rapture anxiety" in a fundamentalist Christian environment.
• They describe the strict religious upbringing, including legalistic rules and the constant fear of the rapture.
• The conversation covers the origins and theology of the rapture, including its biblical roots and how it became popular in modern American Christianity.
• Both hosts reflect on the psychological and emotional impact of rapture teachings, including anxiety, fear, and trauma that persisted into adulthood.
• They discuss the influence of rapture-themed movies and media, such as "A Thief in the Night," and the song "I Wish We’d All Been Ready," on their beliefs and fears.
• Marie recounts a personal story of panic and fear during a rapture prediction, highlighting the real-life effects of this doctrine.
• The episode includes listener voicemails sharing similar experiences of rapture trauma and anxiety.
• The hosts critique the use of fear and indoctrination in religious teaching, emphasizing the difference between reverence and terror.
• They discuss their journeys of deconstruction, moving away from fear-based beliefs toward a more loving, inclusive, and less anxious spirituality.
• The conversation touches on the challenges of changing beliefs, the reactions of family and community, and the importance of self-worth and unconditional love.
• The episode ends with encouragement to question fear-based doctrines, embrace change, and focus on love and acceptance.

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 honor the journey of Mary B. Safrit, a writer, podcaster, and content creator, to explore her story of growing up in the Bible Belt, navigating faith, queerness, and deconstruction. Mary B. shares candid reflections on her upbringing, spiritual journey, and the challenges and growth that come with embracing her identity and leaving behind people-pleasing tendencies. Together, MaryB & Leslie discuss the complexities of church culture, relationships, and finding authentic community.

Topics of Interest:

• Childhood memories growing up on a farm and in the South
• Navigating multiple church traditions (Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic school, Southern Baptist)
• Experiences with evangelicalism, purity culture, and people-pleasing
• Coming out as queer and the impact on faith and relationships
• The challenges of deconstruction and leaving church communities
• The importance of authentic friendships and making peace with loss
• Building community, healthy relationships, and embracing personal agency
• Mary B.’s work as a podcaster and writer, and where to find her online

Check out MaryB's podcast, Found Family HERE.

Find out more about MaryB on her WEBSITE.

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.

Preorder John's new book HERE!

Key Ideas from this episode:

* John Fugelsang’s background: son of former nun and Franciscan brother, raised in a progressive Catholic household.

* Discussion of his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate," which critiques the weaponization of Christianity by right-wing fundamentalists.

* Exploration of how fundamentalism distorts the teachings of Jesus and promotes exclusion, fear, and political power.

* Personal stories of questioning and deconstructing faith, both from John and Leslie.

* The difference between following Jesus’ teachings and adhering to organized religion or literal interpretations of scripture.

* The role of empathy, love, and humility in true Christian practice.

* The challenge of engaging with family and community members who hold rigid or exclusionary beliefs.

* Encouragement to use scripture thoughtfully in discussions, focusing on compassion rather than condemnation.

* The importance of modeling kindness and understanding, even when disagreeing with others.

* A call to reclaim faith from those who use it to justify hate or political agendas.

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 engage in a profound conversation with guest Amanda Darrow, who shares her experiences growing up in Utah as a queer, Jewish/Catholic woman in a predominantly LDS community. We also discuss the emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the journey of self-acceptance Amanda faced, including her struggles with internalized homophobia and coming out. Together, we explore themes of inclusivity, the impact of religious beliefs on LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the importance of creating safe spaces. Amanda also highlights her work with Included United, an organization aiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through education. This heartfelt dialogue underscores the power of understanding, empathy, and celebrating diverse journeys without judgment.

Find out more about Amanda and what she does at www.includedunited.org!

Interested in taking Parvati and Kallie's coaching class "How Villains are Made"? Just click here to find out more!

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.