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Have you ever felt the weight of an entire belief system bearing down on you? Join us on "Life After 11" as we, Tamisa Spencer-Helms, Robert, and Tamara, reunite to share our deeply personal journey from the confines of evangelicalism to the liberating embrace of a more inclusive faith. We kick things off by catching up on our lives and careers, but quickly shift gears to reflect on the mental and emotional toll of our evangelical past. From the absurdities of purity culture to the ultimate liberation we experienced, Tamara's humorous yet poignant declaration of leaving ministry for good sets the tone for a candid conversation about our ongoing healing process.

As we navigate our post-evangelical faith journeys, we discuss how our understanding of spirituality has evolved. Influenced by Black church traditions and womanist theologians, our conversation sheds light on the joy of worship in affirming spaces and the shedding of white evangelical pressures. We unpack the resilience and genuine devotion that remains despite our disillusionment with past teachings, celebrating a mature, unwavering love for God that has only grown stronger through life's hardships.

Throughout the episode, we also explore the immense power of imagination and the importance of rest, creativity, and pleasure. Personal anecdotes bring to life the physical and emotional exhaustion we faced within evangelical spaces, and we reflect on the liberating feeling of leaving toxic environments. Highlighting the significance of enduring friendships and the beauty of life beyond evangelicalism, we conclude with a sense of gratitude and joy, celebrating the camaraderie we share. Join us for a thought-provoking and heartfelt discussion that underscores the resilience and beauty of life after evangelicalism.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

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Have you ever wondered how your family's past shapes your present? In this heartfelt episode of Life After 11, we promise an intimate journey through time as we sit down with my great uncle, Coleman Goldsboro. Uncle Demi opens up about our family's roots, dating back to the early European settlements in Talbot County, Maryland, in the 1630s. He shares touching stories about his parents, George and Ida Goldsboro, their life in Pocomoke, Maryland, and the poignant memories of siblings who passed away too soon. This chapter is not just about history; it's a tapestry of personal anecdotes that give you a deeper understanding of our family's legacy.

We then turn our focus to the life and legacy of my mother, exploring her passion for education, community involvement, and her courageous role in the civil rights movement. From desegregating local establishments to participating in Freedom Rides, her inspiring actions are a testament to her character and values. The episode also uncovers the rich heritage of Mo, tracing his lineage from Uganda to New Orleans and his connection to Native American ancestry. As we celebrate the resilience and diverse backgrounds of our family, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the experiences that have shaped us. Don't miss out on this compelling exploration of identity, heritage, and legacy.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

How does a near-miss car accident transform your belief in God? Join Tamice Spencer-Helms and her mother, Lori Hasty, as they take you on an intimate journey through personal faith transformations and evolving family dynamics. Lori shares her profound shift from traditional Catholicism to a deeply personal relationship with God during a time of deep depression, where the Lord's Prayer became her beacon of hope and healing. This pivotal change significantly shaped Tamee's own spiritual path, revealing how faith can intertwine and strengthen familial bonds, even amidst challenges and resistance. 

In the latter part of the episode, we highlight the nurturing and transformative environment of Mount Lebanon Church and the remarkable influence of Bishop Kim Brown. We'll recount our journey to discovering this inclusive community, how Bishop Brown's recognition and cultivation of our gifts have profoundly impacted our lives, and the resonance of the church’s values with our own. Through touching personal anecdotes, we underscore the importance of finding a faith community that truly feels like home, where personal growth, acceptance, and spiritual understanding flourish. Don't miss this heartfelt exploration of faith, family, and the quest for belonging.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

Join us in a profound celebration of wisdom as we sit down with Randy Woodley, a beacon of knowledge in sustainable living and indigenous justice. Alongside his partner Edith, Randy has woven a remarkable narrative of life, merging the threads of his indigenous heritage with his Christian faith. As we honor the tapestry of experiences that have shaped him, from overcoming a challenging childhood to his impactful role in spiritual education, Randy's journey is not only inspiring but a profound lesson in resilience and the power of transformation.

Venture with us as we navigate the complexities of community through the lens of Randy Woodley's teachings and Dietrich Bonhoeffer's insights on authentic relationships. As Randy discusses the shifts in Christianity, moving away from rigid doctrines to a practice rooted in authenticity and well-being, we uncover the delicate dance of redefining faith identity. Together, we probe the distortions of Western Christianity and reevaluate what it means to walk the Jesus Road in our modern world, embracing harmony and restoration beyond the boundaries of traditional labels.

Wrap up your listening experience with a call to reconnect with our sacred Earth, guided by Randy's latest publications that challenge the destructive dualism of Western thought. We confront the harsh realities of how this ideology has affected global Indigenous cultures and delve into the complexities of missions and evangelism amidst white supremacy. Randy leaves us with an invigorating sense of respect for Indigenous wisdom and a charge to steward the land with the honor it deserves. His parting gift is a wealth of resources, from his website to his podcast "Piecing It All Together," for those eager to continue this enlightening journey.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

As I turned the page on my fourth decade, it was Brian McLaren's voice that echoed wisdom into my evolving understanding of faith. His fresh interpretation of Jesus's teachings, as discussed in "Life After Doom," brought a sense of clarity to the tumult of global crises we face today. Together, we peel back the layers of collective despair that often stifles action, finding instead a call to balanced activism and renewed hope. McLaren's insights challenge us to confront collapses of various kinds, encouraging a shift away from the paralyzing extremes of complacency or despair.

Venturing into the entwined realms of faith, technology, and artificial intelligence, we ponder the legacy we're crafting for future generations. The conversation beckons us to question the pursuit of a machine-like existence as our civilization advances. We wrestle with the theological implications of such a path, considering whether we are mistakenly emulating an omnipotent deity in our technological endeavors. This intricate dance with divinity and intelligence leads us to reflect on our cultural narrative and its impact on the progression of both our spirituality and our society.

Embracing the kaleidoscope of human identity, we celebrate the unity inherent in our shared ancestry. I recount an eye-opening journey through my own genealogical tapestry, revealing the complexities of identity beyond simplistic racial constructs. By honoring the transformative power of understanding our multifaceted natures, we uncover the potential for compassion and kinship in our collective human story. Join us for a profound exploration that transcends self-discovery, inviting us all to find common ground as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

Embarking on a transformative journey requires a guide who embodies wisdom and compassion, something Emily Rowe, the founder of Invisible Napsack, brings in abundance. Our heartfelt conversation traverses her poignant shift from education to coaching amidst the whirlwind of 2020, fostering a space where growth and liberation intertwine. Inspired by her heritage and the enlightening works of feminist Peggy McIntosh, Emily delves deep into the essence of somatic coaching, offering a beacon of resilience for those daring to chase their true calling.

As your host, Tamee Spencer Helms, I open up about my personal voyage through decolonized spirituality, and the grounding effects of connecting with my ancestry. This grounding journey has reshaped my life, revealing the stark contrasts and unique synergies between somatic coaching and traditional therapy. By shedding light on the cyclical path of self-evolution, this episode promises to be a tapestry of stories and insights, celebrating the resilience of individuals who embrace their inner diversity and strive for harmony within.

The narrative culminates with an intimate exploration of Internal Family Systems Coaching, where Emily and I honor the multitudes each of us carries. Guests are privy to the rich conversations about the healing power of acknowledging and integrating the various parts of our egos. Embracing our wholeness, we reflect on the journey of healing and the connections that lead us to a deeper understanding of self. Through this episode, I extend my deepest gratitude for the growth I've witnessed and invite listeners to draw inspiration from the transformative potential that lies within Emily's coaching philosophy.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

Have you ever felt the ground beneath your religious beliefs quiver and crack? Join me, Spencer Helms, alongside Darren Slade of the Global Center for Religious Research, as we venture into the heartache and complexity of religious trauma. Through our conversation, we shine a light on the psychological toll of departing from a faith-based community, discuss the nuances of toxic Christianity, and contemplate the evolving landscape of American evangelicalism. Our personal accounts intersect with broader discussions on the marginalization of black and queer identities, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the very real impacts of religious indoctrination and exclusion.

Navigating the murky waters of faith and politics can leave anyone gasping for air. In this episode, Darren and I dissect the tight weave of American Christianity with political ideologies, pondering the future of a religion at the brink of institutional collapse. We also provide a lifeline for those swimming through the aftermath of religious trauma, highlighting resources like Recovering from Religion. By widening one's literary horizon, we argue, one can foster resilience and growth in the wake of deconstructing fundamentalist beliefs. My journey from a tumultuous post-high school period to finding solace in religion, only to grapple with its darker sides, serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-enquiry and education.

The path to intellectual freedom is often strewn with obstacles, yet it’s a journey worth embarking upon. For those who have walked through the fire of religious trauma or wrestled with the shackles of cult-like environments, this episode is a guiding beacon. We wrap up our deep-dive with a discussion on essential readings that informed our transformative experiences and a spotlight on the certifications offered by Darren's organization, aiding anyone on the road to recovery. This is more than an exchange of ideas—it's a harbinger of healing, a call to rethink our spiritual journeys, and an invitation to reshape our understanding of religion's role in our lives.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

As I sat down with Dr. Emilie Townes, the gravity of her words struck me with the force of a spiritual awakening. Through our conversation, we peeled back the layers of womanist theology, revealing its inception from the unmet needs of Black women in theology and its evolution into a movement that intersects race, gender, and class. Dr. Townes' insights bridged the gaps left by other theologies, guiding us through the importance of a framework that captures the essence of Black women's fight for survival and justice.

The episode traverses more than just academic theology; it's an expedition into the heart of identity, where labels fall short and personal narratives emerge victorious. Our dialogue in Salvador, Brazil, with Dr. Townes unveiled the ever-evolving journey of self-definition beyond conventional boundaries, invigorating the soul with the concept of 'in betweenness' and the re-emergence of Jesus as a personal spiritual figure. The rich tapestry of cultural identity and faith we discussed is a testament to the power of individual stories in shaping our spiritual and cultural landscapes.

Closing our heartfelt exchange, I couldn't help but express profound gratitude for the resilience Dr. Townes instilled in me, reminding us of the sanctity of companionship in our individual and collective quests. As we seek to align our inner circles with our values and beliefs, the episode is a clarion call to build communities that reflect the diversity of our theologies and politics. It's a celebration of the kinship that fuels our journey toward personal and societal transformation. Join us for this enlightening voyage that is sure to embolden your spirit and challenge your heart.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

Embark on a profound exploration  as we welcome Dr. Willie James Jennings to discuss the transformative insights from his books "The Christian Imagination" and "After Whiteness." Prepare to uncover the unsettling reality of how racial identity and the concept of whiteness have infiltrated and often taken precedence over our Christian belonging. In a world where whiteness operates not just as a phenotype but as a societal architect, Dr. Jennings guides us through the necessity of reimagining our spiritual and educational frameworks to foster inclusivity and diversity, reflecting Jesus's revolutionary way of uniting people.

Wrestling with the intricacies of Christian faith and its practice today, we uncover the challenges of revitalizing doctrine through lived experiences. We probe the unique obstacles encountered by those from evangelical backgrounds, striving to disentangle their faith from the historical threads of colonialism and the quest for power. Our conversation journeys through the painful schism within Christianity, as we seek to distinguish between the distortion of a faith bent on supremacy and the genuine pursuit of a Christ-centered community that nurtures justice and collective well-being.

Concluding with a pressing discussion on the housing crisis and the theological implications of our built environments, we grapple with the call to intentionally design spaces that reflect our faith commitments. I share insights from my upcoming book, which draws from lectures on these very issues, urging us to consider how education and architecture can inspire hope and equity, particularly for black students. Join us for an episode that transcends mere discourse, fostering a robust dialogue on how we can live out a faith that not only acknowledges but actively works against societal disparities.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Send us a text

When Michelle Higgins graced our studio, she brought with her a all the fire! In this session of Life After Leaven, we're taken on a transformative journey that challenges our perceptions of sin, atonement, and their ties to the oppressive structures of patriarchy. Michelle's theological insights invite us to consider a new understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and its role in shattering binary perspectives that have long fostered racism and misogyny.

The wisdom of black women takes center stage as we recount stories from a gathering of social entrepreneurs that resonate with power and poignancy. We traverse the landscapes of identity, race, and spirituality, drawing strength from the resilience of the black church against patriarchal constraints. Our dialogue uncovers the profound impact of womanism in shaping these narratives, offering a space for healing and reconciliation amid the complexities of navigating whiteness and embracing non-binary identities.

As we wrap up, the conversation shifts to the historic black church's enduring legacy in shaping salvation and judgment narratives where the marginalized claim their voice. We celebrate the interplay of worship and justice, highlighting figures like Ella Baker who inspire us to keep rising. And in the quiet moments of exile, we share the hope for new networks of solidarity, finding joy in tradition while boldly naming the divine in all aspects of life. Michelle's reflections leave us with an invitation to recognize God's presence more deeply, transforming our personal deserts into places of profound encounter.

Support the show

Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.

Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.