The Progressive Christians Podcast

When the Trump administration began its immigration crackdown in Chicago, teenage brothers Ben and Sam Luhmann became a part of a rapid-response network of volunteers that documents ICE raids and assists families of those detained in the arrests. In the first half of this episode we talk with Ben and Sam about their activism and the role that their Christian faith played in inspiring them to put their faith into action. Then we chat with their mother Audrey and discuss how their faith journey and growing awareness of injustice led them all to reimagine what it means to love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Show Notes: - "Teens Tracking Ice" News Coverage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yKSgM0G1xQ https://www.wbez.org/immigration/2026/01/31/suburban-teen-brothers-on-ice-watch-in-minneapolis-this-is-nothing-like-chicago-this-is-so-much-worse https://religionnews.com/2025/11/25/how-one-conservative-christian-family-is-pushing-back-against-ice/ - Audrey's Social Media: https://x.com/LuhmannAudrey https://www.instagram.com/audreyluhmann/ - Caste: https://www.isabelwilkerson.com/ - The Tears of Things https://thetearsofthings.com/ - EU bans destroying unsold clothes: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eu-rules-stop-destruction-unsold-clothes-and-shoes-2026-02-09_en

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

Please subscribe to the Love Your Neighbor newsletter, an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack!

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

#progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion

If you grew up in certain Christian circles, there is a specific type of music that we all know by heart. But why? Where did it come from? What messages might have been hidden inside this music? This week, we meet with Dr. Leah Payne, author of "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," to discuss the surprisingly long, dark, and conservative history of our modern "Contemporary Christian Music" genre.

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

Show Notes: - Leah's website: https://www.drleahpayne.com/ - God Gave Rock and Roll To You: https://www.drleahpayne.com/god-gave-rock-and-roll - Ireland's UBI for Artists: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv389dnk5o - Former Inmate Buys Prison: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/former-inmate-buys-prison

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

We have a Substack! Check us out here: https://substack.com/@theprogressivechristians?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

#progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion

We just launched the Love Your Neighbor Newsletter on Substack! Scroll down for more info!

As if we didn't mention it enough, here is your periodic reminder that we are based in Los Angeles, California... And the Oscars are this week! This year, themes of faith and Christianity were huge for the biggest nominees. Julia and Blair, our most movie-connected hosts, invited some filmmakers from our congregation to have a passionate discussion about movies, faith, and these best picture nominees in particular. (spoiler alert: we're OBSESSED with Sinners!)

Also, for real spoiler alert: there will be spoilers.

The first edition of the Love Your Neighbor Newsletter drops on Saturday, March 14th! The Love Your Neighbor newsletter is an outgrowth of this podcast community. It will be a way for us to create new relationships and deepen existing ones with people of faith who want to learn how to practice their faith in ways that align with their values of love, justice, and compassion. We hope to see you on Substack!

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro/ Our connection to The Movies 14:00 - New Rules 18:50 - General Thoughts On This Year 30:30 - Break

Show Notes: - Oscars new rules: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/oscar-voters-academy-email-honor-system-watching-movies-rcna243328 - The Oscars: https://www.oscars.org/ - Separation of Church and Hate: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Separation-of-Church-and-Hate/John-Fugelsang/9781668066898 - Support our work! https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

#progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion

A lot of times we discuss the disturbing rise of MAGA Christian Nationalism on this podcast - but today, we are featuring a progressive politician that has literally flipped that narrative. Joanna Whaley was formerly a conservative evangelical pastor, but had a spiritual journey that culminated in a bid for Michigan State Representative - where she could be the first openly transgender representative in Michigan's history.

How does a story like this unfold? How did Joanna's religious experience lead her to run for office? What does she stand for, and how would she represent the people of Michigan? Find out all that and more in this very special episode!

(And for Michiganders - make sure you're registered to vote for your August 4th primary!)

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

Show Notes: - Support Joanna - https://www.joannawhaley.com/ - Joanna's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joannawhaleyofficial/ - Joanna's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannawhaleyofficial/ - Joanna's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@joannawhaleyofficial - Huffington Post article about Military and end times prophecy - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/troops-being-told-to-prepare-for-armageddon-in-iran_n_69a6ffe3e4b076ac5d63c82c - FedEx class action lawsuit - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fedex-tariff-refunds-lawsuit-consumers/ - Ticketmaster lawsuit - https://apnews.com/article/live-nation-ticketmaster-antitrust-trial-ecfd6cb3e77459412584ed002653bc8f

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

#progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion

It's the beginning of the Lenten season! Dr. Carter is gone, so Everest is leading us on a journey through the history of Lent all the way to the modern political implications of the holiday. Join us for an especially meditative and spiritual episode of exploring discipline, tradition, and why we practice Christianity the way we do.

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

Show Notes: - A brief history of lent: https://groundworkonline.com/blog/a-short-version-of-the-long-history-of-lent - American women break Olympic record: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/record-setting-winter-olympics-6-152329010.html

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected]. #progressivechristianity #progressive #faith #politics #popculture #religion

There's been a lot of talk about "deconstruction" in Progressive Christian circles, but we've been hearing that y'all want more talk of "constructing" beliefs. A major philosophy that serves as constructive for many Progressive Christians is known as Liberation Theology. Stemming from marginalized communities in the Americas, Liberation Theology focuses on Jesus' teachings on "the least of these."

Join us for a fun, educational breakdown of this philosophy! We discuss the many origins, the biblical basis, the ways it has been modernized, and even some criticisms of Liberation Theology.

And don't forget to let us know what you think!

Show Notes: - Trump's approval ratings: https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/article/poll-trumps-approval-rating-hits-new-low-as-immigration-backlash-grows-and-ice-withdraws-from-minnesota-204723473.html - Michigan's lawsuit against Big Oil: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/michigan-oil-climate-crisis-energy-cost - The Kristi Noem Plane Stuff: https://www.thedailybeast.com/ice-barbies-mile-high-privacy-with-alleged-lover-exposed/ - The Marxist Roots of Black Liberation Theology: https://www.acton.org/pub/commentary/2008/04/02/marxist-roots-black-liberation-theology - What is Black Liberation Theology (bad): https://www.gotquestions.org/black-liberation-theology.html - Gustavo Gutierrez - A Theology of Liberation - James Cone - A Black Theology of Liberation - Cover Art: Jesus of the People by Janet Mckenzie - https://janetmckenzie.com/joppage1.html

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

Project 2025 was all over the news when Trump was first elected. But now that we're a year in - what about Project 2026? The Heritage Foundation hasn't released an official "Project 2026," but they have put out their political priorities for the year, and they look about as bad as you would expect.

This episode, we go through all nine of them, and focus on the ways that the Trump administration is coming after women. From attacking voting rights, to medical autonomy, to trying to force women to be nothing but baby incubators - it's no doubt that they are looking to strip women of their rights in this country. The Heritage Foundation is obsessed with this idea of "The American Family," and in their pursuit of forced conformity to this idea, women and queer people are their first targets.

Show Notes: Rebecca Copeland Entangled Being - https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481321426/entangled-being/ Marriage Improves Men's Health Outcomes - https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/marriage-and-mens-health Marriage Reduces Health Outcomes for Women - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5397241/ Women Lose Earning potential by becoming mothers - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4041155/ Empowered Women Can Transform the World's Poorest Communities - https://time.com/collections/time100-voices/7016128/women-uplift-poorest-communities/ Bad Bunny's Halftime Show numbers - https://www.thebiglead.com/most-watched-super-bowl-halftime-shows-bad-bunny-v/ NASA was saved by grassroots campaigns - https://www.planetary.org/articles/advocacy-success-fy2026-nasa-budget NASA source #2 - https://www.astronomy.com/science/congress-passes-nasa-budget-rejects-trump-cuts/ The Heritage Foundation issues a report on "America's Family Crisis." - https://michiganindependent.com/politics/heritage-foundation-report-families-marriage-education-infertility-fetal-personhood/#:~:text='%E2%80%9D,for%20women%20than%20for%20men.%E2%80%9D The Heritage Foundation Wants to Send Women Back a Century - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/opinion/heritage-foundation-women.html#:~:text=The%20report's%20authors%20know%20they,children%20reared%20primarily%20at%20home.%E2%80%9D The Christian Nationalist Plot to Disenfranchise Women Voters - https://newrepublic.com/article/191420/christian-nationalism-save-act-voter-suppression

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

The massive political polarization of today can make fighting for change seem impossible, but there is an extra layer when you're someone responsible for kids. This week, our friend Claire McKeever-Burgett returns to discuss parenting in our Fascist reality. We discuss children's radically empathetic nature, ways to help them (and you) find their place in the resistance, and the importance of keeping an open mind - especially in the last places you would think. This episode is for everyone, not just parents. As Blair says: "everyone is in relationship with children, because children are a part of society." Take a load off and rest with us, knowing you're not alone in this journey.

Support our work here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

Show Notes: - Claire's website: https://www.clairemckeeverburgett.com/ - Claire's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairemckeeverburgett/ - Claire's Substack: https://clairemckeeverburgett.substack.com/ - Spain approves legal pathway for 500,000 immigrants to gain residency https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n6gw1dp9o - Revolutionary therapy treats "untreatable" blood cancer: "A few years ago this would have been science fiction." https://www.positive.news/society/revolutionary-therapy-treats-untreatable-blood-cancer/ - California court hears two cases to protect kids from the effects of social media: https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/01/social-media-addiction-suits-in-california/

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

If you love the show, please sign up to become a supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and your support is tax-deductible. We need your support to continue and grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].

We have all been flooded with the horrifying stories out of Minnesota recently. This week, we discuss Alex Pretti and the children who have been kidnapped, along with some of the incredible stories of resistance and community from Minneapolis. Join us to rage, cry, grieve, hope, and plan. And remember, in a world full of evil - Be Good.

Show Notes:

1. Anti-trans riders COMPLETELY removed from final house appropriations bill. Everyone say thank you Sarah!!!

https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/anti-transgender-provisions-stripped

1. Judge threatens contempt ruling to ICE head: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/27/ice-chief-todd-lyons-minnesota-court-contempt.html

2. Minnesota Superintendent comments: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/they-are-circling-our-schools-superintendent-says-after-5-year-old-detained-by-ice

3. Hatred as Numbness, Listener Ben's Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-185636768

4. John Abernathy's story and photography: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/throwing-camera-thing-photographers-behind-140000257.html

5. People killed by ICE in 2026: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/27/us-witnessed-many-ice-related-deaths-in-2026-here-are-their-stories

6. "Jesus Saves" Picture: https://calendar.eji.org/racial-injustice/apr/7

7. Ground News: https://ground.news/

8. Our "they like the lying" episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EJZsATPo8rPramZmOJSLw?si=CDGjRT9USEG2dfxzb1-8Xg

9. Our empathy episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UeVUgafrOQRskCVcFjF0l?si=f69648c9ede44d32

You've asked for it, and it's here! Our first ever Q+A! But first, we have a big announcement. We have decided to adopt a donation (rather than subscription) model to support the podcast. You can find more information about how to support the podcast further down in the show notes!

This episode is quite out of the ordinary for our podcast, and we tried to keep it very light and fun.

Potential topics include: Our views on Heaven and Hell, our favorite (and least favorite) movies and TV shows, why we are Methodists, what the best place in the world to live is, what a Progressive Christian is, our most controversial hot takes, our thoughts on substitutionary atonement, and Dr. Carter's ADHD.

Thank you so much to everyone who wrote in with questions! If we didn't get to your question, it's probably because it was too meaty for a Q+A and we would like to save it for a full episode. It's the downside of having such wise and insightful listeners! Please comment below to further burden us with this terrible curse <3

Please sign up to be a monthly supporter of The Progressive Christians Podcast! A one-time donation would be great, or you could sign up to be a monthly supporter. We don't want to deny anyone access to the great content we plan to create, but we need your support to continue and hopefully grow this outreach ministry. You can sign up to support us here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

Show Notes:

• Our salvation episode: (episode 34) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XGSDmaS2k12ni1Cuo0T4I?si=e2e71af3c1884f80
• Our episode about reading the Bible: (episode 28) https://open.spotify.com/episode/70u494d2LLgXRu2jNsTzKe?si=933a9d2e12bb4e81
• Our episode about being sinful: (episode 29) https://open.spotify.com/episode/3u7TleMsTrtB6vpV1mnTyN?si=7ffc4307d2f4426c
• GOOD NEWS: Education Department dropping their lawsuit against universities with "DEI:" Education Department drops appeal over anti-DEI funding threats | AP News
• Donate here to support our work: https://secure.myvanco.com/YGTN/campaign/C-168BG?access=tile_direct

The Progressive Christians Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, TikTok, and Instagram. You can find the links and the links to the host's social media here: https://linktr.ee/theprogressivechristians

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at [email protected].