Here is the trailer for Episode 77 of The Amalgamation Podcast: The Cross and the Olive Tree: A Conversation with John and Samuel Munayer.

The full episode drops on Tuesday, December 9, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter gain early access to the full episode.

Thanks for listening!

The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.

The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix,  edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: [email protected].

In this powerful conversation, host Bruce Reyes-Chow sits down with Dr. Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar to discuss their new book We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Together, they explore how ritual, prayer, song, and community become vital tools in the fight against poverty and injustice. Despite the darkness of our current moment—from rising authoritarianism to devastating policy cuts—Liz and Sharon remind us that hope is not naive. It's real, attainable, and already blooming in grassroots movements across the country.

From free dental clinics in churches to Jericho walks around detention centers, they share concrete examples of communities living into a vision of abundance and justice. They challenge us to move beyond performative allyship, to sing together, to take action together, and to remember: we get there together or we don't get there at all.

This is a conversation about reclaiming faith traditions rooted in liberation, staying grounded in difficult times, and the radical possibility that poverty could actually end—if only we had the political will.

Dr. Liz Theoharis is a theologian, Presbyterian pastor, author, and anti-poverty activist. She serves as the executive director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice and co-chairs the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. A biblical scholar with decades of organizing experience, Liz has been working in poor and low-income communities for 30 years, fighting against Christian nationalism and advancing a vision of "everybody in, nobody out." She is co-editor of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Liz on Instagram

Charon Hribar is a song leader, cultural organizer, and social ethicist who serves as the managing director of cultural strategies and communications for the Kairos Center and co-director of Theo Musicology and Movement Arts for the Poor People's Campaign. A PhD holder who grew up in a steel worker family in Western Pennsylvania, Sharon has spent over 20 years building movements that connect struggles across education, healthcare, and environmental justice—all grounded in culture, ritual, and song. She is co-editor of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Connect with Charon. Charon on Instagram

• The origin story of "We Pray Freedom" and why this collection of liturgies matters now
• Hope in action: Real examples of grassroots organizing transforming communities
• Beyond plug-and-play liturgy: How to engage authentically with ritual and avoid performative justice
• The reality of poverty in America: Why 140+ million people are poor or low-income, and why ending poverty is actually possible
• The power of song and ritual: How collective practices break isolation and reinforce shared humanity
• A dying mule kicks the hardest: Understanding our current moment as the birth pangs of a new world
• Practical grounding: How to stay connected, take action, and avoid overwhelm in these times

• We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor (Broadleaf Books)
• The Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice
• Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
• The Freedom Church of the Poor - Online and in-person community for organizers and faith leaders

✊🏽The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.

💌 The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix,  and edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: [email protected].

#TheAmalgamationPodcast #StorytellingForChange #PoorPeoplesCampaign #FaithInAction #EndPoverty #LizTheoharis #SharonRebar #WePrayFreedom #FreedomChurch #ProgressiveFaith #GrassrootsOrganizing #RitualAndResistance #PodcastLife

Here is the trailer for Episode 76 of The Amalgamation Podcast: We Pray Freedom: A Conversation with Charon Hribar and Liz Theoharis

The full episode drops on Tuesday, November 4th, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter gain early access to the full episode.

Thanks for listening!

The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.

The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix,  edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: [email protected].

Flamy Grant is a shame‑slaying, hip‑swaying, chart‑topping drag performer and singer‑songwriter who blends folk, gospel, and roots music to tell stories of resilience, faith, and liberation. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Flamy’s work reimagines the intersections of queerness and spirituality — challenging religious trauma and reclaiming sacred belonging through art and performance.

Her debut album Bible Belt Baby soared to #1 on the iTunes Christian chart and was named one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023. Her 2024 follow‑up CHURCH hit #8 on the iTunes Country chart, cementing her as a vital new voice in progressive spiritual music. A winner of the 2023 Kerrville New Folk contest and nominee for Artist of the Year at the 2025 International Folk Music Awards, Flamy uses her platform to advocate for inclusion, authenticity, and the divine within us all.

(Her name is a nod to pop icon Amy Grant — a joyful act of reclamation and reverence.)

In this episode, host Bruce Reyes‑Chow sits down with Flamy Grant for a conversation that’s equal parts fabulous and faith‑filled. Together, they explore the intersections of drag, spirituality, and authenticity — and how art can become a sanctuary for the marginalized. From performing in churches to topping the Christian charts in full drag, Flamy shares her journey of reconciling queerness and faith while unlearning shame and embracing joy.

This is a powerful, funny, and deeply human conversation about what it means to reclaim the sacred on your own terms.

• How drag became a spiritual practice and source of healing.
• What it means to find holiness in queerness.
• The story behind Bible Belt Baby and CHURCH.
• Navigating the backlash and beauty of being a drag artist in Christian spaces.
• How to build communities rooted in radical inclusion and joy.

• Flamy Grant Official Site
• EPK & Press Info
• Flamy Grant on Instagram
• Listen to Bible Belt Baby
• Listen to CHURCH

Be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen.

The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merissa Magdael‑Lauron (Music)

Rev. Bruce Reyes‑Chow is a 3rd‑generation Filipino/Chinese American speaker, writer, and coachsultant exploring topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, surrounded by too many animals and houseplants.

• Website & Newsletter
• Bookshop Storefront
• BlueSky
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

#TheAmalgamationPodcast #StorytellingForChange #FaithAndDrag #ProgressiveChristianity #QueerFaith #FlamyGrant #BibleBeltBaby #CHURCH #SpiritualityAndArt #PodcastLife

Here is the trailer for Episode 75 of The Amalgamation Podcast: Unashamed: Drag, Deconstruction, and the Divine with Flamy Grant.

The full episode drops on Tuesday, October 21st, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode.

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, host Bruce Reyes-Chow speaks with Musa al-Gharbi about his book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. The conversation dives into wokeness, race, education, and politics, challenging the gap between elite progressive rhetoric and the lack of material change for marginalized groups. Expect a balance of sobering insights and witty exchanges.

• Why the term "wokeness" often refers to the symbolic performance of activism rather than substantive policy reform.
• The function of cultural contradictions within elite institutions, and how they neutralize true social justice movements.
• A critical look at the role of politics and education in perpetuating the very systems they claim to be critiquing.
• Musa's perspective on what a truly "woke" or equitable society would actually prioritize.

Musa al-Gharbi (Sociologist, Stony Brook University)

Musa al-Gharbi is a sociologist in the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University. His first book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite, is out now with Princeton University Press. His second book, Those People, is scheduled for release in late 2026 with Princeton University Press. Musa's Substack, Symbolic Capital(ism), explores themes that cut across both books.

In this episode, Musa joins Bruce to discuss the core arguments of We Have Never Been Woke, examining the gap between stated progressive ideals and their practical, often contradictory, outcomes within influential institutions.

• Website: https://musaalgharbi.com/
• Newsletter: https://musaalgharbi.substack.com/
• Bluesky: @musaalgharbi.bsky.social

• Musa al-Gharbi's book: We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite
• Announcement for Musa's second book: Those People
• Musa al-Gharbi's Substack: Symbolic Capital(ism)
• The book's paperback release date is October 8th.
• Beyond the Easiest Cases
• Alienated America by Timothy Carney

#TheAmalgamationPodcast #WeHaveNeverBeenWoke #Wokeness #MusaAlGharbi #CulturalContradictions #SocialJustice #Politics #PodcastLife

Hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, The Amalgamation is a podcast about people doing good in the world, exploring faith, justice, and the messy beauty of humanity. Be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merisssa Magdael-Lauron (Music). For all show inquiries, contact [email protected]

Bruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation Filipino/Chinese American and an active speaker, writer, and coachsultant on topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, with too many animals and houseplants.

💌BRC Website and Newsletter

📚BRC Bookshop Bookstore

🔗BRC on BlueSky

🔗BRC on Instagram

🔗BRC on Tiktok

🔗BRC on YouTube

Here is the trailer for Episode 74 of The Amalgamation Podcast: We Have Never Been Woke: A Conversation with Musa al-Gharbi.

The full episode drops on Tuesday, October 7th, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode.

Thanks for listening!

Brian Kaylor is a Baptist minister with a PhD in political communication. A former professor of political communication and advocacy studies, he now serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Word & Way, where he writes and speaks on issues of faith and public life. He previously served at churches and denominational organizations affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, American Baptist Churches USA, and Southern Baptist Convention. An award-winning writer, his pieces have been published by numerous outlets, including Boston Globe, CNN, Houston Chronicle, Kansas City Star, Nashville Tennessean, Sojourners, and Washington Post. Kaylor serves as board treasurer for Americans United for Separation of Church and State and on the board of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. He also chairs the Resolutions Committee for the Baptist World Alliance. He lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Beau Underwood is the Senior Minister of Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also a contributing editor to Word & Way. He holds graduate degrees in both religion and public policy from the University of Chicago and is currently a doctoral candidate in public affairs at the University of Missouri. Underwood is the co-author of a book on Christian fatherhood called, Dear Son: Raising Faithful, Just, and Compassionate Men that is also published by Chalice Press. His writing has appeared in Religion News Service, Sojourners, The Christian Century, Religion & Politics (now ARC), Sightings, Religion Unplugged, and other places. In addition to pastoring and writing, Underwood has past ministry experience in faith-based advocacy and hospital chaplaincy. He has also held a variety of leadership roles within his denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Together, Brian and Beau are the co-authors of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism, published by Chalice Press.

In this episode, Bruce sits down with Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood to explore the uncomfortable but necessary truths about how mainline Protestant churches have played a role in shaping Christian nationalism in America. With humor, insight, and deep historical context, the conversation covers faith’s role in public policy, the complicity of religious institutions, and what it means to reckon with our past in order to build a more just future.

Expect to laugh, think, and—most importantly—leave smarter than when you started.

• Baptizing America (Chalice Press)
• Christian Century Review of Baptizing America
• The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power (Chalice Press)
• How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism (article that gave rise to the book)
• Civil Religion as a Gateway to Christian Nationalism 
• Word & Way
• Allisonville Christian Church

Be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merisssa Magdael-Lauron (Music)

Bruce Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation Filipino/Chinese American and an active speaker, writer, and coachsultant on topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, with too many animals and houseplants.

💌 BRC Website and Newsletter

📚 BRC Bookshop Bookstore

🔗 BRC on BlueSky

🔗 BRC on Instagram

🔗 BRC on Tiktok

🔗 BRC on YouTube

#TheAmalgamationPodcast  #ProgressiveChristianity #StorytellingForChange #PodcastLife #ChristianNationalism #MainlineProtestantism #FaithAndPolitics #BaptizingAmerica

Here is the trailer for Episode 73 of The Amalgamation Podcast: Faith, Power, and the Making of Christian Nationalism: A Conversation with Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood 

The full episode drops on Tuesday, September 23rd, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode. 

Thanks for listening.

Alix Dick is an artist and storyteller living in Los Angeles. Her contributions as a producer and filmmaker have screened at film festivals across the globe. She co-edits the substack, La Cuenta, an online publication centering the voices and perspectives of individuals labeled undocumented in the US.

Antero Garcia is a professor in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University and president-elect of the National Council of Teachers of English. He has authored or edited more than two dozen books about schooling in America. He co-edits the substack, La Cuenta.

In this powerful episode, Bruce Reyes-Chow speaks with Alix Dick and Antero Garcia, the folks behind The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman’s Reckoning with America's Inhumane Math. The book explores the emotional, financial, and systemic burdens placed on undocumented immigrants—and the human stories that make those costs real.

Bruce, Alix, and Antero dig into:

📚 The origin story behind their collaborative nonfiction project

💵 The hidden costs undocumented immigrants face in education, healthcare, housing, and safety

🧮 Why “inhumane math” is more than just a metaphor

💡 How storytelling and data can work together to inspire change

👩🏽‍🏫 Antero’s personal lens as an educator and writer

🧠 Alix’s process of transforming pain and policy into a compelling narrative

It’s a heartfelt and thoughtful conversation about justice, narrative power, and reclaiming humanity in dehumanizing systems.

📘 The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman's Reckoning with America's Inhumane Math 

🧑🏽‍💻 Alix Dick on Instagram

🧑🏽‍🏫 Antero Garcia at Stanford

💌 Subscribe to the La Cuenta Newsletter on Substack

🎤And the singer that Alix mentioned, Debbie Dawson is at: www.debbiidawson.com

Be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merisssa Magdael-Lauron (Music)

Bruce Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation Filipino/Chinese American and an active speaker, writer, and coachsultant on topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, with too many animals and houseplants.

💌 BRC Website and Newsletter

📚 BRC Bookshop Bookstore

🔗 BRC on BlueSky

🔗 BRC on Instagram

🔗 BRC on Tiktok

🔗 BRC on YouTube

#TheAmalgamationPodcast #UndocumentedVoices #AlixDick #AnteroGarcia #TheCostOfBeingUndocumented #ImmigrationJustice #ProgressiveChristianity #StorytellingForChange #PodcastLife #DebbieDawson