Host: EDJ Guest: Rev. Brandan Robertson – author of Queer and Christian, TikTok pastor, theologian, and public speaker.

In this heartfelt and deeply thoughtful conversation, EDJ speaks with Rev. Brandan Robertson about growing up evangelical, discovering his queerness, and finding a theology that held both faith and identity. Together, they unpack:

• Brandan’s journey from Moody Bible Institute to affirming theology

• The trauma of purity culture and conversion therapy

• Why “obedience” and biblical literalism can be harmful

• What the Bible really says about queerness – including the infamous word arsenokoite

• Queer readings of scripture and the radical inclusivity of Jesus

• How deconstruction can lead to more honest, expansive faith

• What it means to let love—not fear—guide your theology

Whether you're curious, questioning, or walking your own road of reconstruction, this episode offers theological insight, personal stories, and radical grace.

🛒 Buy Queer and Christian: https://QueerChristian.org 📍 Follow Brandan: TikTok, Instagram, and more via QueerChristian.org 🔗 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/wheredowegopod

In this Thoughts and Prayers episode, Jessica and EDJ wade into the murky waters of what it means to engage with faith, critique evangelicalism, and still remain spiritually alive. It’s part deconstruction, part spiritual therapy — with a side of sass.

They ask: Can you love Jesus but be done with church? What happens when purity culture gives way to embodied faith? And how do you hold grief and hope in the same breath when it comes to faith traditions that shaped you — and hurt you?

This conversation isn’t tied up in a bow — and that’s the point. If you’re craving raw honesty and nuanced faith, this one’s for you.

In this episode:

• Church trauma and the long shadow of spiritual abuse

• “Healing” and the commodification of it in Christian spaces

• Why it’s okay to say “I don’t know”

• The spiritual cost of being a “good girl”

• Rebuilding a relationship with the divine on your own terms

Join the conversation and let us know your biggest takeaway.

Is Christianity still good news for women? It’s a big question — and in this episode, Jessica is joined by Emily and Kristen for a thoughtful, vulnerable conversation that doesn’t shy away from the tension.

Together, they explore:

• 🧠 How growing up in the church shaped their views on womanhood, sex, and submission

• ✝️ The parts of Christianity they’ve kept — and what they’ve had to leave behind

• 💔 The difference between Jesus and the institutions that claim to represent him

• 🧎‍♀️ Whether the “good news” can still be good when it’s caused so much harm

• 🪢 And what hope, faith, and spirituality can look like after the unraveling

This isn’t a theological debate — it’s an honest look at what it means to be a woman who still wants to engage faith after everything. No easy answers. No hard feelings. Just an open conversation for wherever you’re at.

What happens when saying yes to God means leaving behind everything you built — and trusting Him in the silence?

In this deeply moving episode, Jessica talks with evangelist, author, and podcast host Brenda Palmer about her upcoming book The Journey of Yes. But this conversation goes far beyond the book.

Brenda opens up about growing up in purity culture, losing her church community after choosing to speak out, walking away from a thriving career, and learning to hear God’s voice in the wilderness of financial uncertainty and emotional pain.

With wisdom, joy, and radical honesty, she reminds us:

• That hearing from God is a process, not a lightning bolt

• That obedience isn’t about transaction, but transformation

• And that our trauma doesn’t disqualify us — it’s often where God meets us

Whether you’ve walked away from church, are learning to trust God again, or are somewhere in between, this conversation is a breath of Spirit-filled air.

Where to find Brenda: https://www.iambrendapalmer.com/

Pre-orders: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762936/the-journey-of-yes-by-brenda-palmer/

Where to find us: https://www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod

This episode of No Hard Feelings is one for the books: we’re tackling two wildly different but surprisingly rich topics — emotional cheating in the age of smartphones, and the global significance of the first American pope, Leo XIV.

First, Jessica, Kristen, and Emily unpack what emotional cheating actually is (spoiler: it’s not as cut and dry as you think). From secret texts and blurred lines to purity culture hangovers and relational ethics, we sit in the tension and explore the gray areas of emotional intimacy.

Then we shift gears to talk about the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV — what it means for the global church, the far right’s response, and how Catholicism’s center of gravity may be shifting away from Europe.

We don’t offer all the answers. But we ask the questions with honesty, curiosity, and no hard feelings.

🎧 Support the show and get bonus content at patreon.com/wheredowegopod

What if your pain isn’t just something you have to live with?

In this episode, Jessica talks with osteopath Rebecca Lovett about pelvic floors, vaginismus, body shame, and the impact of purity culture on women’s health. They explore how trauma can live in the body, why many women suffer in silence, and what it means to reconnect with your body — not just spiritually, but physically.

This conversation is honest, warm, and deeply practical — and it's here to remind you: your body is not a problem to be solved.

📍 Rebecca Lovett is a Melbourne-based osteopath with a focus on pelvic health and whole-body care. Learn more: rebeccalovettosteopath.com.au

In this episode of 'Where Do We Go From Here?', host Jessica van der wyngaard introduces her new co-host EDJ, who shares her journey from Australia to America and her experiences with deconstruction in faith. The conversation explores the themes of grace, purity culture, and the importance of open discussions about faith and relationships. EDJ discusses her background in Bible college and how it shaped her beliefs, as well as her plans for future interviews and topics related to deconstruction and spirituality.

• EDJ shares her journey of moving from Australia to America.
• The concept of 'Thoughts and Prayers' is redefined in a communal context.
• Deconstruction is a long and personal journey.
• Bible college challenged EDJ's previous beliefs about faith.
• Grace is a central theme in understanding one's relationship with God.
• Purity culture has lasting impacts on relationships and self-perception.
• Open conversations about sex and faith are necessary.
• Deconstruction can lead to healthier perspectives on faith.
• Future episodes will include interviews with various authors and influencers.

Welcome to Where Do We Go From Here's new monthly episode series: No Hard Feelings - where we take on the questions that don’t have easy answers. But the answers don’t need to be hard and fast. Here we’ll explore different perspectives, share our own thoughts and invite you to form your own - because here, there’s no hard feelings. 

Host: Jessica 

Co-hosts: Emily & Kristen 

In the inaugeral episode of 'No Hard Feelings', Jessica, Emily, and Kristen delve into the complexities of ghosting and its implications in dating and relationships. They explore whether ghosting is ever acceptable, the nuances of communication in various relationship stages, and the importance of safety and vulnerability. The conversation encourages thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives on these often contentious topics. In this episode, the hosts discuss the emotional impact of ghosting in relationships, emphasizing the lack of communication and emotional intelligence often exhibited by men. They transition into the topic of contraception, debating whose responsibility it is and the importance of open conversations about sexual health. The discussion highlights the need for mutual respect and understanding in relationships, particularly regarding contraceptive choices. The episode concludes with a reflection on the challenges of adulting and the necessity of ongoing dialogue in navigating complex issues.

Takeaways:

• Ghosting is defined as ending a relationship without explanation.
• The hosts discuss the disrespectful nature of ghosting in established relationships.
• Safety concerns can justify ghosting in certain situations.
• Communication is essential, but not always safe or easy.
• Different perspectives on ghosting can lead to more understanding.
• Caspering, or friendly ghosting, is a more respectful approach.
• The impact of ghosting on emotional resilience is significant.
• Generational differences in ghosting behaviors are evident.
• The hosts emphasize the importance of vulnerability in dating.
• Navigating dating requires balancing honesty and personal safety. Ghosting leaves individuals with an ambiguous loss.
• Most men lack emotional intelligence regarding ghosting.
• Women often articulate their feelings better than men.
• Contraception is a shared responsibility between partners.
• Open conversations about sex are crucial for safety.
• Condoms should be prioritized to protect both partners.
• Purity culture impacts decisions around contraception.
• Conversations can prevent misunderstandings in relationships.
• Adulting involves navigating difficult conversations.
• It's important to keep asking questions about relationships.

Where Do We Go From Here? is a podcast hosted and produced by Jessica Vanderwyngaard. 

Support the work of the podcast at patreon.com/wheredowegopod

After nearly five years of co-creating Where Do We Go From Here?, Devi Abraham is stepping away from the podcast and Patreon community — and today, Jess sits down with her for one final conversation.

In this emotional and reflective episode, Devi shares what led to her decision, how her life has shifted since 2019, and what she’s dreaming about in this next chapter. From parenting and mental health to rest, community, and the surprising role of cake in connecting with teenagers, this episode is full of the warmth, honesty, and depth Devi has brought to the mic every single time.

Whether you've been here since the beginning or are just tuning in, this is a moment to mark. Thank you, Devi. 💛

👉 Stick around to hear what’s next for Where Do We Go From Here?, including our new monthly serial No Hard Feelings and Thoughts & Prayers.

• 📬 Subscribe to Devi’s writing: deviabraham.substack.com

• 📸 Follow Devi on Instagram: @devi_writes

• 💛 Learn more about Prison Network

• 🧵 Join our community on Patreon: patreon.com/wheredowegopod

• 🎧 Listen to the episode with Matthias: [“What Are the Rules When There Are No Rules?”] 

Where Do We Go From Here is a podcast hosted, edited and produced by Jessica Vanderwyngaard and Devi Abraham. 

Sign up for a 2-month long book club discussing Sarah C. Williams new book: "When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women."

Sign up at patreon.com/wheredowegopod for $10 a month, or as a $7 upgrade from our $3 membership level. (Prices in USD.)

Book Club Benefits: 

• Private Facebook group for online discussions throughout the month 
• Zoom discussion on the book (month 1)
• Zoom conversation with the author (month 2) 

You can find out more by going to wheredowegopod.com 

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