Joanna Whaley Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Today, on the show, we discuss the effects of the Trump administration's withdrawal of federal grant money from Harvard University for not complying with its political wishes. In today's episode, we discuss some history and how many of these ideas stem from religious mistrust of educational systems.

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In certain factions of American Christianity, a troubling narrative has emerged that equates empathy with sin. This perspective, primarily propagated by some evangelical and right-wing Christian nationalists, asserts that the act of empathizing with others can lead individuals astray, tempting them toward deception and ultimately, Hell. Such beliefs pose a significant danger, not only to the individuals who subscribe to them but also to the broader society that thrives on compassion and understanding.

Empathy, the ability to recognize and share the feelings of another, is a fundamental human quality that fosters connection, understanding, and community. When individuals are taught to view empathy as sinful, they are stripped of a vital tool that enables them to build relationships and support one another through life’s challenges. This erosion of compassion can lead to a culture of judgment and isolation, where individuals are discouraged from reaching out to those in need.

As we navigate these precarious beliefs, it is crucial to challenge the notion that empathy is a vice. Instead, we must advocate for a worldview that embraces empathy as a strength, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society. In doing so, we not only counter the dangerous rhetoric but also cultivate an environment where love and understanding prevail.

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Today's show presents an analytical overview of the intricate relationship between Christian nationalism and contemporary political discourse in the United States. It particularly scrutinizes the narrative found in Luke 23, drawing parallels between the trial of Jesus and the modern acceptance of Donald Trump as a controversial figure akin to Barabbas. Today we seek to illuminate the implications of such acceptance, positing that the Christian nationalist movement has prioritized political power over the welfare of marginalized communities. By systematically dissecting these dynamics. 

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a nation is run like a corporation instead of a community? In this episode, we confront the dangerous ideas behind Donald Trump’s tariff policies and his broader strategy of treating America like a profit-driven enterprise. This isn’t just bad economics — it’s a spiritual crisis.

Rooted in progressive Christian values, we call out the false ideas of capitalism-as-salvation and challenge the idea that national success is measured in dollars instead of dignity. Tune in as we push back against policies that exploit the poor, widen global inequality, and distort the soul of a nation that was never meant to be a business — but a beloved community.

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Join us today as we dive into the journey of Joanna thinking of stepping up to run for political office. With a vision for a more inclusive and equitable future, Joanna shares her determination to confront the rising tide of Christian nationalism and champion the values of democracy, diversity, and justice. Discover the strategies she plans to implement to ensure that all voices are heard and that government remains a space for everyone, regardless of belief. 

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the overconfidence of Trump’s tariff policy and how certain theology can inform conservative mindsets. We'll examine how the Trump administration used the American people to pursue policies in a belief of greater power by punishing other nations. We'll also look at how Biblical figures were immigrants and why we should honor immigrants rather than heap more trouble on them.

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Today on the show I share my experience of confronting the dissonance between outward displays of political support and the lived reality of LGBTQ+ individuals in my community. The prevalence of "Trump swag" created a false sense of security, while conversations with fellow LGBTQ+ people revealed shared experiences of religious-based prejudice and the ever-present threat of conversion therapy. Join me as I explore the importance of staying vigilant and active in the fight for equality, even when hate seems to be winning. The "Hands Off" rallies serve as a reminder that we must never give up, and that solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community is essential in the face of ongoing discrimination.

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This week, as we honor Trans Day of Visibility, we're diving deep into Psalm 51:10-12. These verses, a plea for renewal and restoration, resonate powerfully with the journey of trans and queer individuals. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' We'll discuss how this ancient text speaks to the profound experience of aligning one's inner self with their outward expression. We'll explore how the prayer for a 'steadfast spirit' and the restoration of 'joy' can be a source of strength and affirmation for trans people and their allies. Join us as we reflect on the beauty of authentic identity, and the divine call to embrace our true selves. We will be talking about how God's love is with all of us, and how that love helps us to be our true selves.

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we're focusing on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18:9-14, and exploring it through a queer theological lens. Who are we in this story? Are we the Pharisee, boasting of our righteousness and judging others, or are we the tax collector, standing in our vulnerability and seeking mercy? For queer folks, this parable resonates deeply. We know what it's like to be judged, to be told we're "other," to be excluded from sacred spaces. But we also know the power of humility, of acknowledging our broken systems, and of finding God in them. We'll delve into how this parable speaks to the queer experience of living authentically, of finding spiritual connection in the face of judgment, and of valuing vulnerability over performative piety. We'll also reflect on a prayer that emphasizes humility and love, urging us to move beyond religious labels and embody grace in our actions

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we're diving into Matthew 6:16-18, but we're looking at it through a queer lens. Jesus talks about fasting and how it shouldn't be a performance for others, but a deeply personal act of connection with the Divine. How often are we pressured to perform our faith, or even our identities, for the approval of others? How often are we told that our authentic selves, our "hidden" selves, are somehow less worthy? We'll explore how this passage speaks to the queer experience of living authentically, of finding spiritual connection in the face of judgment, and of valuing the quiet, internal work of faith over outward displays. We'll also reflect on a prayer that encourages us to find God in the "hidden places," reminding us that our true selves, our queer selves, are sacred and seen

SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate
MERCH FROM THE HOST: https://www.joannawhaley.com/store
GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support

Support the show