In this episode, Tia Levings provides a powerful and insightful look into the realities of Christian fundamentalism and patriarchy, and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. She shares her personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and her eventual escape from an abusive marriage. Her experiences shed light on the dangers of rigid ideologies that value ideas over people, and the critical need for compassion, discernment, and support for those trapped in such systems. Tia shares important lessons for recognizing and addressing the rise of extremism in our culture, and the importance of fostering an expansive, loving, and life-giving faith.

Tia Levings writes about the realities in Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. She is also a podcaster, speaker, and content strategist. She’s been quoted in Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek, and appeared in the hit Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People. Based in Jacksonville, Florida she is mom to four incredible adults and likes to travel, hike, paint, and daydream. Find her on social media @TiaLevingsWriter. Her memoir, A Well-Trained Wife, releases with St. Martin’s Press on August 6th, 2024.

Tia's Book:
A Well-Trained Wife

Tia's Recommendations:
Democracy in Retrograde
The Complete Stories of Flannery O'Connor

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Let the Art Speak: About Hope conference on April 10 & 11 in Madison, WI
Join artists & creatives at the 5th Let the Art Speak conference — a celebration of hope.

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In this conversation Eliza Griswold provides a fascinating look into her book Circle of Hope, which chronicles the experiences of a progressive evangelical church in Philadelphia as they navigate major cultural shifts and challenges in 2020. Griswold discusses how she was drawn to explore this particular church community, which represented a different perspective on evangelicalism compared to the dominant narratives. We delve into the tensions and conflicts that arose within the church as they grappled with issues of race, justice, and the role of faith in addressing systemic problems. Eliza offers insights into how the rapid pace of change and the online environment contributed to the breakdown of trust and empathy within the congregation. Ultimately, we highlight the complexities involved in trying to enact meaningful cultural and ideological change within a religious institution, and the importance of embodied experiences and restraint in navigating divisive issues. Eliza’s book and this discussion provide a nuanced look at the challenges facing churches and communities as they strive to live out their values in a polarized world.

Eliza Griswold is the author of six books of poetry and nonfiction, all published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Her forthcoming book is Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church, which will be out on August 6th, 2024. Her book Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America was awarded the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. She writes for The New Yorker, is the Ferris Professor and Director of the Program in Journalism at Princeton University.

Eliza's Book:
Circle of Hope

Eliza's New Yorker Article:
The Children Who Lost Limbs in Gaza

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Amy Orr-Ewing's story is a powerful testament to how God can use our lives in extraordinary ways when we are open to His leading. As a young woman, Amy experienced a prophetic call to go to Afghanistan and share the gospel, which she courageously pursued despite the risks. This experience shaped her life and ministry, empowering her to become a bold and effective leader in defending the Christian faith. Now, Amy has written the book "Lead Like the Real You" with the purpose of empowering young women to step into their calling and lead authentically. She wants to provide the mentorship and encouragement that she wished she had received at a younger age. Amy's story and her new book are an inspiration to all women to follow the Holy Spirit's prompting, even in the face of adversity, and to empower the next generation of women leaders. Let us be encouraged to lead like the real, authentic selves that God has created us to be.

Dr Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. She is the author of multiple books including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023) bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ and ‘Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.’

Over the last twenty five years, Amy has spoken in 40 countries across university campuses around the world and is a regular broadcaster on TV, radio and podcast. She has also been invited to address politicians in the Speakers Rooms and Chapel of the UK Parliament, on Capitol Hill, and to West Wing staff at the White House.

She holds a doctorate in Theology from the University of Oxford and is passionate in exploring the intersection of questions of meaning and faith within the marketplace, in education and in policy.

In 2023 Amy was awarded the Alphege Medal for Evangelism and Witness by the Archbishop of Canterbury. She previously served as President of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is an honorary lecturer at the University of Aberdeen.

For more info visit www.amyorr-ewing.com

Amy's Book:
Lead Like the Real You

Amy's Recommendation:
How to Tell the Truth

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In this conversation, Tara Beth Leach shares her personal journey of discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus as a teenager, moving beyond a "cultural Christianity" to truly affirming her faith. She emphasizes the importance of living in Christian community and bearing witness to the love and grace of God, rather than just fighting against culture. Tara Beth also discusses the challenges faced by the early church, as described in John's letters, and how they relate to divisions and strife in the church today. She highlights the need to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit through practices like abiding in Christ, following a rule of life, and discerning truth through a Jesus-centered lens. Ultimately, Tara Beth issues a call for the church to return to the radiant teachings of Jesus and repent of any posturing or baggage that has caused the church to lose its witness in the world. This is a powerful and timely message for the church today, as we seek to be a light in the darkness and embody the love and grace of Christ. Join us as we learn to live in the light.

But today’s guest is Tara Beth Leach. Tara Beth Leach (MDiv, Northern Seminary) is a pastor, author, and speaker. The senior pastor at Good Shepherd Church (Naperville, Illinois), she has also served communities in the Chicago suburbs as well as Southern California. As the author of Emboldened, Radiant Church, and Forty Days on Being a Six, the cofounder of Propel Ecclesia, and cohost of The Pastor's Table podcast, Tara Beth writes and speaks widely about women in ministry and church leadership. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.

Tara Beth's Book:
Live in the Light

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In this episode, Jenai Auman covers her personal experience of feeling othered within the church, and how that led her to write the book "Othered". She discusses the biblical themes of othering and marginalization, and how God pursues and cares for the marginalized. Jenai also shares insights on building healthy communities that welcome and embrace those who are different, centered on the "hesed" or steadfast love of God. We talk about the importance of self-compassion, forgiveness, and creating space for people to be in process as they journey together. Whether you’ve been othered or are learning how to see the marginalized, this is the episode for you.

Jenai Auman is a Filipina American writer and artist. She draws from her years in church leadership as well as her trauma-informed training to write on healing, hope, and the way forward. She is passionate about providing language so readers can find a faith that frees. She received her bachelor's degree in behavioral health science and is currently pursuing a master's in spiritual formation at Northeastern Seminary. Jenai lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Tyler, and their sons, Quinn and Graham.

Jenai's Book:
Othered

Jenai's Recommendation:
The Lord of the Rings as read by Andy Serkis

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What would you do when all you’ve known disappeared? When the construct of your spiritual life was removed? Well, what Tony Jones did was enter wild places. In it, he found a new connection to God, to his dogs, to nature, and the world that is teeming with life. In this conversation, Tony shares about the ups and downs of ministry and family life and recalibrating his identity as he moved out of the vocational role as a pastor and into wild places. Join us as we discover the God who sees us and is with us even in creation 

Tony Jones speaks, writes and podcasts from Minnesota, where he lives with his spouse, dogs, and kids.

Tony Jones is the author of The God of Wild Places and contributing writer to several outdoors periodicals. He’s written a dozen books, including Did God Kill Jesus? and The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life, developed the iPhone app, hosts the Reverend Hunter Podcast, and teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and The Loft Literary Center. He writes a weekly newsletter on Substack.

Tony is a sought after speaker and consultant in the areas of emerging church, postmodernism, and Christian spirituality, writing, and the outdoors. He served as a consultant on the television show, The Path, and he owns an event planning company, Crucible Creative.

Tony's Book:
The God of Wild Places

Tony's Recommendation:
The Sparrow

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I can’t imagine coming home from preschool and being christened into the drug trafficking business by your father. But Dana Trent can because that’s exactly what happened to her. In this conversation, Dana and I discuss her story growing up with two mentally unwell parents as told through her excellent memoir Between Two Trailers.Dana shares experiences with childhood trauma, identity formation, and spiritual practices that aid healing. We discuss the role of Christian community in supporting mental health through practices like active listening, vulnerability, and meeting basic needs. She emphasizes developing empathy for those struggling and using churches as hubs for open conversations and small groups. It’s a fantastic conversation that dives deep into trauma, identity, and healing. So join us as we find our way out of adverse childhood experiences into a life of meaning and belonging.

J. Dana Trent is a speaker, professor, award-winning spirituality author, and minister. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, she teaches world religions and critical thinking at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dana's Book:
Between Two Trailers

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There is a loneliness epidemic. We’ve lost our ability to connect to one another. In this conversation with Bryan Loritts we discuss the importance of enduring friendships. God's primary way of shaping people is through relationships with others and the Bible places a high premium on relationships, seen in concepts like the Trinity and salvation. Jesus modeled community by choosing 12 disciples to be with. We talk about the idea that friendships are important for accountability, correction and preventing isolation that can enable moral failure and the importance of being open and vulnerable within close friendships. Join us as we learn how to connect and have friendships that endure.

Bryan C. Loritts (DMin, Liberty University) is teaching pastor of the Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. He has dedicated his life and ministry to seeing the multiethnic church become the new normal in our society. He is also vice president for regions for the Send Network, the church planting arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, where he is responsible for training church planters in multiethnic church planting. He has been a featured speaker at the Global Leadership Summit and Catalyst. His books include Insider Outsider, The Dad Difference, and The Offensive Church. His latest book is Enduring Friendship.

Bryan's Book:
Enduring Friendship

Bryan's Recommendations:
Truman
The Miracle of St. Anthony

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I have seen leaders, ministry workers, and missionaries burnout over and over. There has to be something that works. Alan Briggs says part of it is a training issue. We train for the launch, but not for longevity. In this episode, Alan discusses leadership burnout and how to cultivate healthy, sustainable habits to avoid burnout. Alan shares insights from his experience coaching leaders, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing self-care, quality time with family, boundaries, and living intentionally from one's identity rather than just doing tasks. We discuss practical strategies like limiting caffeine, daily exercise, prioritizing sleep, Sabbath, and deep work without distractions. Alan encourages leaders to look back on victories, within on progress, and ahead to priorities to gain clarity and reduce overwhelm. It’s possible to lead from who we are, develop healthy sustainable habits and avoid burnout. Join us for the anti-burnout movement.

Alan Briggs is a mountain guide for the leadership journey. Alan helps catalytic leaders leverage catalytic moments for systemic change. He does this through Leadership Coaching, Sabbatical Coaching, Working Genius training and consulting at Stay Forth. He also connects leaders in meaningful ways through a hub and ecosystem in Colorado Springs called Gather. He has one incredible wife and four incredible kids and loves finding adventures in the Rockies. His newest book, AntiBurnout, helps leaders find lightness and longevity. 

Alan's Book:
AntiBurnout
Right Side Up Journal

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In this conversation, Rich Villodas and I focus on Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and what it means to follow the narrow path. We discuss how the Sermon on the Mount helps navigate cultural diversity, the differences between the narrow path and broad way of living, Jesus' teachings on topics like the Beatitudes, money, anxiety, and individualism vs communal life. We also talk about issues like peacemaking, witnessing one's faith, cultivating presence, and navigating spiritual forces that draw us away from God's kingdom. Throughout, Rich emphasizes how following Christ's difficult teachings can lead to a spacious life through connection with God. Join us as we learn how to follow the narrow path.

Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large, multiracial church with more than seventy-five countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. Rich graduated with a BA in pastoral ministry and theology from Nyack College. He went on to complete his Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. Rich is the author of 3 books, the award winning The Deeply Formed Life, Good and Beautiful and Kind and his most recent The Narrow Path. He and his wife, Rosie, have two beautiful children and reside in Long Island, NY.

Rich's Book:
The Narrow Path

Rich's Recommendations:
Gilead
Reading Genesis
Godzilla Minus One

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