The Healing Theology Podcast

In the Season 2 finale of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi is joined by historians Dr. Lloyd Barba and Dr. Sergio González for a timely and powerful conversation on sanctuary cities, religious sanctuary movements, and their deep ties to public health and immigrant justice. Drawing from decades of historical research and current activism, Dr. Barba and Dr. González break down the myths and realities of sanctuary policies, explain the public health impacts of anti-immigrant legislation, and explore the role of faith communities—especially churches and synagogues—in providing refuge, safety, and resistance.

Together, they examine why some religious institutions step up as public sanctuaries while others remain in the background, the legal and moral complexities of offering protection, and the spiritual and psychological toll immigration enforcement takes on communities. The episode also tackles generational shifts within the Latino community, the rise of Christian nationalism, and how religious leaders today can meaningfully engage in justice work.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, policy, community resilience, and public health in an increasingly polarized political climate.

On this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we hear from Dr. Jason Sexton, professor of sociology at UCLA. Dr. Sexton shares with us his research, with a focus on the intersection of theology, carceral systems, and eugenics.

In this conversation, they explored the historical context and implications of eugenics, its persistence in fields such as public health and public policy, and its impact on individuals and society. We explore what the point of incarceration is, the impacts it has on individual's health and the effectiveness in building better communities and its complicated ties with public policy narratives.

We conclude by directly discuss the role of Christianity in addressing social issues, particularly in relation to the carceral system and public health. With the shared goal of creating healthier, safer communities, we explore how, if at all, the prison industrial system actual helps create better more thriving spaces.

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Anna Holleman—sociologist, professor, and researcher—to unpack the complex intersections of religion, public health, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Anna shares key findings from her research on how religious organizations and congregational life impact health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities, and offers a sociological lens on the intricate ways faith communities shape individual and collective well-being.

Dr. Holleman delves into pressing topics like minority stress among LGBTQ+ individuals in non-affirming religious spaces, the challenges faced by queer seminarians, and the evolving landscape of queer representation within religious institutions. In this episode, we explore the role of affirming congregations in fostering resilience, the nuanced ways theology intersects with inclusion and exclusion, and the societal impact of conservative religious movements.

The conversation also touches on the power of congregational life to be both a source of harm and a place of healing, highlighting the need for transformation within religious institutions to create more inclusive and affirming spaces.

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Dr. Joel Hollier—researcher, pastor, and social worker—to explore the intersections of religion, public health, and trauma. Joel shares insights from his groundbreaking work on religious trauma, queer inclusion, and the role of spirituality in shaping mental health and community well-being.. Alejandra and Joel discussed Joel's work as a researcher, pastor, and social worker, focusing on the intersection of trauma, faith, gender, and sexuality. They also explored the importance of spirituality in connecting humanity, the impact of religion on individuals, and the need for more research and data to understand the negative aspects of religion. The conversation also touched on the political and social climate in Australia, the influence of conservative religious movements, and the importance of trauma-informed care and community change.

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi speaks with Reverend Mary Lee Downey, CEO of Hope Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness and poverty in Central Florida. Reverend Downey shares her personal journey, including her childhood experiences with housing insecurity and how they shaped her commitment to social justice. The conversation explores the intersection of public health, housing policy, and faith, emphasizing the importance of moving from “mercy ministries” (immediate relief, like providing meals) to “justice ministries” (systemic change, like housing policy reform).

Reverend Downey highlights the unique challenges faced by Central Florida due to its tourism-dependent economy, the lack of affordable housing, and systemic barriers to addressing homelessness effectively. She also discusses the role of faith in her work, the tension between traditional clergy roles and community-based ministry, and the critical importance of housing-first approaches for public health outcomes.

The episode concludes with reflections on the political landscape in Florida, the impact of conservative housing policies, and the need for informed, justice-oriented voting to support systemic change. Reverend Downey encourages listeners to stay engaged, informed, and committed to dismantling barriers that perpetuate poverty and homelessness.

It's a powerful conversation about faith-driven advocacy, the long road of justice work, and the hope found in collective action.

This episode of the Healing Theology Podcast features Dr. Eduardo Gutiérrez, a recent doctoral graduate from Oxford University. He shares insights on the role of imagination in belief transformation and its application in peacebuilding, particularly in Colombia. The discussion highlights how religious imaginaries—conceptual and emotionally charged frameworks—shape perceptions, foster dialogue, and aid in reconciliation efforts. Dr. Gutiérrez explores the transformative power of religious communities in mediating conflicts, addressing historical violence, and cultivating cultural shifts toward inclusive democracy. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging religious narratives constructively to bridge divides and enrich public health and societal well-being.

In this episode of Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Alejandro Posada-Téllez, a Ph.D. candidate in International Relations at the University of Oxford, to explore the transformative work of peacebuilding and its intersections with religion, public health, and community healing. Alejandro shares insights from his extensive research on transitional justice and his on-the-ground peacebuilding efforts in Colombia. He discusses the evolving role of the Catholic Church in mediating peace, the challenges of reconciling religion with secular institutions like the United Nations, and how faith-based practices could support mental health in conflict-affected areas. Tune in for a compelling conversation that examines how interdisciplinary approaches can foster societal healing and create lasting pathways to peace.

In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Reverend Elizabeth Davidson, an ordained clergywoman in the United Methodist Church and Executive Director of Faith in Women. Together, they explore the intersection of faith and reproductive justice, discussing the complexities of abortion care, bodily autonomy, and the nuanced role of religious communities. Reverend Davidson shares her journey of bridging her faith with advocacy, the historical role of clergy in reproductive rights, and the importance of reducing stigma within faith spaces. Rev. Davidson helps us understand a theological understanding of how to be people of faith and be for bodily autonomy and educates us on the long but unknown history of the Clergy Consultation Service which helped people find access to abortion care with the help of their faith leaders. This candid conversation challenges conventional narratives and highlights the need for honest dialogue in faith-based communities.

In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Dr. Gillian Frank, a leading scholar in the history of sexuality, gender, race, and religion. Together, they delve into the complex and often polarizing topic of abortion, exploring its historical context and the pivotal Supreme Court cases that have shaped its legal landscape.

Dr. Frank takes us through the pre-, during-, and post-Roe v. Wade eras, shedding light on the socio-political movements that led to the landmark decision and its recent overturning with the Dobbs case. The conversation highlights the role of religion in the abortion debate, examining how different religious communities have influenced and been influenced by the changing tides of public health policy.

Listeners will gain insights into the historical connections between race, gender, and reproductive rights, as well as the ongoing impact of these issues in today’s society. Dr. Frank also addresses the current landscape of abortion access in the United States and the implications for various communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intersectionality of these critical topics.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that navigates the intricate relationship between public health, religion, and reproductive rights, and discover how the past continues to inform our present and future.

In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi speaks with Dr. Ellen Idler, Director of Emory University's Religion and Public Health Collaboration, about the powerful intersection of religion, health, and community. Dr. Idler, pioneer in this intersection of religion and public health, shares how religious participation can serve as a protective factor for health by expanding social networks and fostering intergenerational connections. She also addresses the complexities of religion’s role in public health, including the risks when religious beliefs are imposed through policy, as seen in vaccine exemptions and reproductive rights. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the benefits and challenges of faith as a social determinant of health, and the critical need to balance religious freedom with public health protections.