Ciarra Jones, known online as The Gardening Theologian, blends theology, ecology, and storytelling to help people untangle inherited beliefs and cultivate a more liberated, life-giving spirituality. Drawing from her experiences in Pentecostal Christianity, academia, queerness, and gardening, Ciarra explores how systems of power shape the way we understand God, identity, belonging, and collective care. Through the wisdom of plants and natural systems, she invites people to imagine faith beyond rigidity, certainty, and perfectionism.

In this episode, Ciarra shares how gardening became a pathway toward a gentler understanding of God, why ecosystems reveal the limits of individualism, and how uncertainty can become a form of liberation rather than fear. She unpacks the tension between conviction and mystery, the loneliness of leaving harmful systems, and the possibility of rebuilding community, identity, and faith from the ground up.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why ecosystems challenge individualism and “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” culture
• What plants teach us about suffering, flourishing, death, and transformation
• Why certainty can become a form of control—and how mystery creates space for growth
• How the earth, plants, and the garden challenge ideas of hierarchy and white supremacy

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Lessons from Plants by Beronda L. Montgomery: https://amzn.to/3P87SSV
• Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God Kelly Brown Douglas https://amzn.to/4tK4rjt
• The Four Vision Quests of Jesus Steven Charleston https://amzn.to/4nvQi7Q
• Aztlán and Arcadia: Religion, Ethnicity, and the Creation of Place https://amzn.to/3PsCQ87
• Matters of the Heart by Thema Bryant Ph.D. https://amzn.to/4drJdk8
• Homecoming by Thema Bryant Ph.D. https://amzn.to/4dRd7Qc

CONNECT WITH CIARRA JONES:

• Website: https://ciarrajonesconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardeningtheologian
• Substack: https://sacreddissent.substack.com/
• The Community Garden Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NJ90Dwrlky75Olr7dvROG?si=cd32effe3534483b

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/168

Jeremy Steele creates space for folks recovering from religious trauma to rediscover ritual, spirituality, and connection on their own terms. An ordained pastor and creator of the “Not Church” community, Jeremy works with skeptics and spiritual outsiders searching for connection without rigid dogma or fear-based theology.

In this episode, Jeremy and Heather explore the psychology behind ritual, the mental health benefits of sacred practices, and why reclaiming labels like “heretic” can become part of the healing process.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why rituals still matter even outside organized religion
• The psychological benefits of sacred practices and meditation
• Reclaiming the “heretic” identity after religious trauma

CONNECT WITH JEREMY STEELE:

• Website: https://jeremy-steele.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeptic.pastor/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skeptic.pastor
• Buy ‘Rituals for Heretics’: https://a.co/d/0c4YsDd7

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/167

Erik Ireland is known online as “your queer mountain grandpa,” where he shares stories and mindfulness practices for folks who want a little more peace and purpose.

I got to sit down with him to talk about his new book, Awaken Your Myth, where he moves beneath surface-level self-improvement into identity, shadow, and the deeper forces shaping what we create.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about his journey as a content creator sharing his voice publicly, the inner work he has done to really own his story, and why self-compassion is the secret weapon for doing anything brave.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How shadow work reveals both your wounds and your gifts
• Navigating criticism while sharing your story publicly
• Self-compassion as a creative and leadership practice

CONNECT WITH ERIK IRELAND:

• Buy Awaken Your Myth: https://awakenyourmyth.com/book/
• Follow Erik: https://www.instagram.com/listentosleep/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/166

In this conversation, Keith Giles and Nish Dubashia explore the emerging idea of quantum theology, where modern physics, ancient mysticism, and religious tradition begin to overlap.

They rethink what Jesus meant, they confront fear-based beliefs about salvation, they ask whether reality itself is interconnected in ways we can barely comprehend, and this episode stretches the boundaries of how we understand God, truth, and existence.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• What quantum theology is and how science and mysticism overlap
• How quantum physics challenges reality (observer effect, entanglement, time)
• Is the world ending? Or are we moving into a new level of human consciousness?

Buy Quantum Theology: Https://A.Co/D/09r55zrx

Connect With Keith Giles: Http://Www.Keithgiles.Com

Connect With Nish Dubashia: Https://Integraldream.Com/

Connect with Heather:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/165

Cyndi Zaweski is an award-winning journalist, storytelling marketer, and entrepreneur. A little over six months ago, she made a bold move: she stopped posting on social media (yes, as a digital entrepreneur). What happened next? Her sales jumped 176%.

In this episode, she breaks down how it’s even possible…how leaning into search and her background in SEO drove consistent traffic to her offers. We also explore the mental shift that came with unplugging: from withdrawal and fear to clarity, creativity, and finally hearing your own voice again.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How her sales went UP 176% after quitting social
• How SEO, email, and search-driven content bring in clients without social
• The shift from constant output to intentional, meaningful creation

CONNECT WITH CYNDI ZAWESKI:

• Website: https://www.cyndizaweski.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndizaweski/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/164

Joshua Coburn is a marketer, creator, and storyteller…but if you ask him what he does, his answer is simple: he makes people’s lives better.

Joshua shares how years of success, setbacks, and personal battles reshaped his understanding of confidence, purpose, and what actually matters. From learning that confidence is earned through adversity, to navigating the tension between strength and empathy, to choosing connection in a world designed to divide us, this episode is a reminder that impact isn’t about scale…it’s about how you show up, one person at a time.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Confidence is earned: why adversity is required, not optional
• Strength + empathy: leading without losing your humanity
• The algorithm vs. real life: choosing connection over division

CONNECT WITH JOSHUA COBURN:

• Website: https://repputationmarketing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuacoburn/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/163

Jesi Stracham is an entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate who, after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident and paralysis, discovered the power of resilience, faith, and authentic self-expression.

From a life-threatening injury and near-death experiences to writing her book Power in the Roll and founding the Wheel With Me Foundation, Jesi’s journey is about transforming trauma into purpose, honoring the body as a temple, and choosing to live with presence and intention. In this conversation, Jesi explores self-trust, embracing imperfection, and breaking cycles of shame so you can fully live…no matter your circumstances.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Faith and near-death experiences as catalysts for spiritual growth
• The body as a temple: fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness
• Redefining self-identity and breaking cycles of shame, judgment, and self-doubt

Watch my previous episode with Jesi: https://youtu.be/XbHVdmO8oVI

CONNECT WITH JESI STRACHAM:

• Website: https://jesistracham.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesistracham/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/162

Anthony Trucks is a former professional football player turned speaker, author, and transformational coach. Known for his “Dark Work” and “Identity Shift” frameworks, Anthony helps people overcome limiting beliefs, trauma, and past experiences to step into higher levels of performance. After growing up in foster care, navigating abuse, losing his NFL career to injury, and rebuilding his life from rock bottom, he now teaches others how to intentionally reshape who they are and create lasting success.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Dark work vs. shadow work: doing the real work after awareness
2. Identity shift: why you build who you become (not find it)
3. Using adversity as fuel without being defined by it

CONNECT WITH ANTHONY TRUCKS:

1. Website: https://www.anthonytrucks.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/161

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of Counterweights, Start with Hello, and The Ministry of Ordinary Places, as well as the voice behind the popular Substack…The Soup. A self-described wannabe gardener, news geek, justice-seeker, and thrift store enthusiast, Shannan writes about the intersection of faith, everyday life, and community.

In this conversation, Shannan explores the concept of “counterweights”, the practice of holding the heaviness of life while intentionally noticing small, life-giving moments that keep us grounded. From faith shifts and justice work to navigating apathy, anger, and hope in a complicated world, she shares a deeply honest look at what it means to stay human, present, and connected when everything feels overwhelming.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Carrying life’s pain while intentionally noticing beauty and hope
2. How community reshaped her views on justice and belonging
3. Why joy, rest, and small everyday moments are not escapism, but survival

CONNECT WITH SHANNAN MARTIN:

1. Website: https://www.shannanmartin.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanwrites/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/160

Joe Zimmerman is a stand-up comedian whose resume includes The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour special. His first one-hour special, Cult Classic, directed by Nate Bargatze, was called “One of the best specials of the year” by The Comedy Bureau.

In this conversation, Joe shares what it really takes to build a creative career, learning to trust the slow process while staying playful with the work. We talk about writing, curiosity, and why his approach flips the classic advice to “write what you know.”

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. How journaling, free-writing, and imperfect drafts unlock stronger ideas
2. Letting outside interests…feed originality and prevent burnout
3. Why curiosity, not ambition, is often the real engine behind meaningful creativity

CONNECT WITH JOE ZIMMERMAN:

1. Website: https://www.zimmermancomedy.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joezimmerman
3. Listen to ‘Joe Zimmerman – Cult Classic Full Special (Stand-Up Comdey)’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3N0pAhTbRcs0X1Sqyi1Dns

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/159