Welcome back, Dropouts!

After a short break, Chelsea and Brandon return just in time for Pride Month, bringing their raw, unfiltered takes on life updates, church drama, and personal transformations. In this episode, they dive deep into their journey away from traditional religious norms, sharing stories of personal growth, the struggle for acceptance, and the quest for a church that resonates with their evolved beliefs. Whether they’re discussing Brandon’s "racked brain" or Chelsea’s venture into app development for church seekers, this episode is packed with laughter, candid confessions, and the duo's trademark unhinged commentary. Tune in to catch up with your favorite dropouts as they tackle life, faith, and everything in between with their usual flair and deep dives into the complexities of being true to oneself in a changing spiritual landscape.

Stay until the end for a new song from Of the Land!

Show Notes:

Of the Land on Spotify

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The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

In this week's episode of Religious Dropouts, hosts Chelsea and Brandon sit down with the inspiring Jen Noricks, a queer woman and mother of a queer teenager. Jen shares her journey from growing up in a religious community that didn't accept her identity to becoming a beacon of hope and support for the LGBTQ+ community. As a psychotherapist, minister, and president of PFLAG Livonia, Jen discusses the importance of creating safe spaces, the power of affirming identities, and the intersection of faith and queerness. Through personal stories, including the impactful tale of her uncle's faith and queerness, Jen offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of being true to oneself in a sometimes unaccepting world. This episode is a profound exploration of love, acceptance, and the journey to self-discovery, offering encouragement and support to those navigating their own paths.

Show Notes:

The Trevor Project

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The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

This episode is a blend of heartfelt reflections, quirky banter, and profound insights. Brandon and Chelsea, your hosts from "Religious Dropouts," forego the usual guest feature to share an intimate catch-up with you. They dive into everything from the cringey to the profound, including a hilarious take on "Love is Blind" and moving excerpts from favorite books. It's a array of emotions, from laughter over Spy Kids references to deep discussions on self-love, religious trauma, and embracing one's authentic self. This episode is a cozy chat among friends, exploring the highs and lows of life, faith, and everything in between. Join them as they navigate the complexities of personal growth, societal norms, and the transformative power of true self-acceptance, all while keeping it real and relatable

Show Notes:

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Connect with Kevin Miguel Garcia

Connect with Tamice Spencer Helms

Connect with Courtney Gill

Connect with Matthew Paul Turner

Connect with Paula Stone Williams

Connect with Pastor Heather Boone

Connect with Ken & Teresa Garner

Have a Beautiful Terrible Day! by Kate Bowler

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TIMESTAMPS:

The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

In this heartfelt episode of "The Dropout Dialogues," Brandon and Chelsea sit down with Ken and Teresa Garner, a couple whose journey through faith, questioning, and ultimately leaving their church positions, paints a poignant picture of courage, change, and the search for authentic community. Ken and Teresa share their experiences of being part of the Church of the Nazarene, from embracing ministry and theological education to facing the challenging realities of institutional expectations versus personal convictions. Their story delves into the complexities of navigating faith, inclusivity, and the pain of leaving behind a life's work for integrity and love. This conversation is a powerful exploration of transformation, the importance of asking hard questions, and the beauty of finding "your people" in unexpected places. Join us as we uncover the depths of what it means to choose love over fear, even when it costs everything.

Show Notes:

Connect with Ken & Teresa

Important Stuff:

The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Chelsea and Brandon sit down with Pastor Heather Boone, a figure celebrated for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her impactful work in the homeless community. Pastor Boone shares her journey of leaving a traditional ministry path to focus on serving the marginalized and building Oaks Village, a multifaceted ministry addressing homelessness, addiction, and poverty in Monroe, Michigan. Through stories of transformation, the importance of community involvement, and the power of faith in action, Pastor Boone illustrates the profound difference one person's dedication can make. The conversation also touches on the challenges of advocacy and the necessity for more comprehensive support systems for the vulnerable. This episode is not just a testament to Boone's remarkable contributions but also a call to action for listeners to engage with their communities and make a tangible difference.

Show Notes:

Oaks Village

Donate to Oaks

Important Stuff:

The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

Get ready for a captivating journey through the depths of authenticity, truth, and belonging in this exhilarating podcast episode. Join hosts Chelsea and Brandon as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the inspiring Paula Stone Williams.

Paula fearlessly delves into the complexities of family dynamics, societal systems, and the relentless pursuit of truth. With raw honesty, she shares her experiences navigating a world where belonging often trumps authenticity, shedding light on the challenges of standing firm in one's truth amidst societal pressures. As she delves into the nuances of queer and transgender issues, backed by scientific evidence and personal anecdotes, listeners are compelled to confront their own perspectives and biases.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Paula shares her journey of self-discovery and resilience. From navigating family dynamics to embracing her identity as a transgender woman, Paula's unwavering courage and authenticity shine through. Her vulnerability in discussing the highs and lows of her transition journey, coupled with her unwavering resilience, leaves a lasting impact on listeners.

Throughout the episode, Paula's wisdom, wit, and unwavering authenticity serve as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with their own identity and truth. Whether you're embarking on your own journey of self-discovery or seeking to better understand the experiences of others, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in as Chelsea, Brandon, and Paula Stone Williams embark on a transformative exploration of truth, belonging, and the power of embracing authenticity. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to live your most authentic life. 🎧✨

As A Woman by Paula Stone Williams

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The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

Hey there, dropouts! Join Chelsea and our special guest, Matthew Paul Turner for a raw and real conversation on this episode of Religious Dropouts. Chelsea sits down with Matthew to dive deep into his journey of faith, family, and self-discovery.

From growing up in a small town on Maryland's eastern shore to facing the pressures of conservative Christianity, Matthew shares the ups and downs that shaped his beliefs. Ever heard of a Sunday school teacher burning a Barbie to explain hell? Well, Matthew has, and it's just the tip of the iceberg.

But it's not all heavy stuff! Tune in as Matthew spills the beans on his marriage, family life, and the hilarious usernames he used back in the day (hint: think "woke" before it was cool). And let's not forget about the awkwardness of navigating his sexuality while trying to keep up appearances in the church.

With plenty of laughs and a few tears, Matthew opens up about his journey toward self-acceptance and embracing inclusivity in his work as an author and influencer. Plus, he shares some juicy behind-the-scenes stories about his viral posts and the emotional process of coming out to his family (spoiler alert: it wasn't easy).

So join Chelsea and Matthew for an unfiltered chat about life, love, and finding your true self in a world that often expects you to fit into a box. Whether you're a dropout or just curious about Matthew's story, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace your own journey. Let's do this! 🎙️✨

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The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

Buckle up, fam! 🎙️ This week, we're serving you the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes scoop on ditching the church because our best friend Courtney Gill is joining us. From cringe-worthy walkouts, and letters from concerned parents to letting go and giving grace, we've been through it all.

Ever wondered why some folks are quick to grab their "umbrella of the Holy Bible"? We spill the tea on that, and the wild blow-up that happened after a crazy turn of events.

Get ready for the tough conversation around our lack of leadership – no one made an effort to protect one of us. 😲 Plus, we reminisce about the wild camp experiences, the mind-blowing sermons, and the parents who took their kids' word(✨for the first time in forever✨), instead of an adult conversation.

But hold on, it gets real. We talk about our struggles to let go of bitterness, find grace, and navigate the journey to forgiveness. It's not just leaving the church; it's a battle for integrity and authenticity.

Join the sesh as we spill the tea on how being allies can be a rocky road, the personal beliefs that impact lives, and why leaving the church is both liberating and painful. 🌈✨

So, if you've ever questioned your place in the pews, felt the struggle of speaking out, or pondered the impact of your personal journey, hit play. This isn't just a podcast; it's a raw, unfiltered chat you don't want to miss! ☕🔥

Important Stuff:

The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

Hey fam! Brandon and Chelsea sit down with the incredible Tamice Spencer Helms for a raw and eye-opening conversation that'll leave you thinking.

They dive into some real talk about the wild differences in arrests during the January 6th Capitol riot and the peaceful George Floyd protests. Tamice pulls no punches, laying out the facts and sharing her honest reactions to the stark double standards at play.

Then, things get deep as they explore the impact of whiteness on spirituality and faith. Tamice challenges the whitewashed version of Jesus and stresses the need to go beyond deconstruction to full-on decolonization. It's a conversation that goes straight to the heart of identity, faith, and the messy truths we often avoid.

As Tamice spills her own experiences, the hosts get real about how to talk with folks holding onto harmful beliefs – whether they're white or black. Throughout the episode, Tamice drops some wisdom on grassroots support, urging us all to back those shaking up the system. It's not just talk; it's a call to action for ethical spirituality and making real change.

Get ready for a candid, unfiltered episode that tackles race, religion, and decolonizing faith head-on.

Show Notes:⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Tamice

Buy Faith Unleavened

Sub:Culture Incorporated

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The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC

Welcome Back Dropouts! Join hosts Chelsea and Brandon, as they kick back with the one and only Kevin Miguel Garcia, the brains behind "Bad Theology Kills" and "What Makes You Bloom?" This episode is not your grandpa's Sunday sermon—more like an irreverent exploration of breaking free from religious chains.

Kevin spills the tea on his personal journey of breaking free from fundamentalist beliefs, exploring the intersection of spirituality, self-love, and the courage to challenge religious norms.

Ex-evangelicals, this one's for you! The trio banters about escaping pastoral ministries, surviving attempted exorcisms, and the hilarity of being branded "pure evil." Spoiler alert: Kevin's still here and thriving!

But it's not all laughs—there's a deep dive into the fear that often comes with questioning spirituality. Kevin drops gems about self-love being the ultimate divine connection and how you can navigate your own spiritual path with his upcoming book, "What Makes You Bloom." Bonus: guided meditations to keep you zen. ✨

What Makes You Bloom by Kevin Garcia

Important Stuff:

The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC