Joanna Whaley Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Today we replay one of the most popular episodes of the show with Joanna's best friend and oldest ally in her journey of holding onto faith and being LGBTQ. You will hear discussions about the struggles of of her journey and the victories she is fighting for to this day. SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.c...

Send us Fan Mail Today Joanna sits down with a dear friend who is also an LGBTQ affirming pastor. We have a fascinating conversation about theology and approach from a pastor who fully accepts and affirms LGBTQ people. FOLLOW ALYSA: https://www.tiktok.com/@alysazavalaoffman SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/team GET SUPPORT...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like the weight of religious rules and expectations was holding you back from a deeper, more authentic connection with your spirituality? In this powerful and insightful episode, we bring you a recording of a recent live talk given by Joanna at a local church, where she dives into the often-complex relationship between religious doctrine and genuine spiritual fr...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we address the Department of Health and Human Services' new guidelines regarding the treatment of gender dysphoria. The U.S. government is trying to compel transgender individuals to undergo publicly sanctioned Conversion Therapy, undermining all established scientific evidence that helps alleviate the suffering of trans people. Join us as we explore the sp...

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show, we evaluate Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. America feels vastly diminished, and we’ll discuss the reasons behind this perception. Join us as we dive into reviews and updates regarding the turmoil unfolding in Washington, DC.  SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/team GET SUPPORT: htt...

Send us Fan Mail In this replay episode, we dive into the chilling intersection of Christian nationalism and Project 2025. We'll explore how this right-wing movement is targeting LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, and what it means for the future of equality. Join us as we unpack the rhetoric, the policies, and the real-world impact on LGBTQ+ lives. We'll also discuss ways to fight back and pro...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we replay an episode from the week after the inauguration of Donald Trump. We dive deep into a thought-provoking exploration of societal and spiritual decline, beginning with a powerful passage from Isaiah 1:21-23. The prophet's lamentation over a "faithful city" turned into a "prostitute" offers a striking parallel to America's own...

Send us Fan Mail Today we replay one of the most listened to episodes of the podcast.  We discuss the marriage of Christianity and gun ownership rights. We also discussed in depth about how the employment of "Thoughts and Prayers" is unhelpful after major mass shooting events. SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/tea...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, we discuss how many dehumanizing public policies are being signed into law by politicians who know nothing about the demographics that they're attempting to regulate. We discussed how anti-trans legislation affects sis gender women and the full spectrum of minority groups. SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: ht...

Send us Fan Mail On the show today we discuss the Trump administration's task force aimed at eradicating anti-Christian bias. We delve into how these ideas are crafted to silence any voice that falls outside a specific interpretation of Christianity. This task force raises significant concerns regarding freedom of expression and the potential marginalization of diverse viewpoints in public di...

Send us Fan Mail The Supreme Court of the United States has begun hearing a case between the Delaware school district and a group of parents who have religious objections to LGBTQ content being shared in the schools. Today on the show, we discuss why being LGBTQ and our narratives have nothing to do with religion.  SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: htt...

Send us Fan Mail Pope Francis, who recently passed away at the age of 88, leaves behind a profound legacy characterized by his unwavering commitment to social justice and the care of marginalized communities. His papacy was marked by a progressive vision that sought to bridge the gap between traditional Catholic values and contemporary societal challenges. Throughout his tenure, he championed the...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we hear from Joanna's pastor, Josh Scott, from Gracepointe Church in Nashville, TN. In today's live episode, Josh discusses how the Easter story is less about the forgiveness of sins or about Jesus pulling himself up by his bootstraps, but rather a call to create justice in the face of an empire that devalues the marginalized. CHECK OUT GRACEPOINTE CHURCH: https:/...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into how governments have interacted with religion, from ancient empires to modern democracies. Discover how these relationships have evolved and what they mean for us today. Does the government need to defend God?  SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/team GET SUPPORT: https://www.joa...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we discuss how Donald Trump scolded a CNN reporter in the Oval Office for their honest inquiries and reporting. We'll examine the dangers of assuming the leader is infallible, particularly when he views others as the source of problems. Join us as we explore the media landscape and how religious power dynamics have fostered an atmosphere of unquestioningly...

Send us Fan Mail Today, on the show, we discuss the effects of the Trump administration's withdrawal of federal grant money from Harvard University for not complying with its political wishes. In today's episode, we discuss some history and how many of these ideas stem from religious mistrust of educational systems. SUPPORT  THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate MERCH FROM THE HO...

Send us Fan Mail In certain factions of American Christianity, a troubling narrative has emerged that equates empathy with sin. This perspective, primarily propagated by some evangelical and right-wing Christian nationalists, asserts that the act of empathizing with others can lead individuals astray, tempting them toward deception and ultimately, Hell. Such beliefs pose a significant danger, not...

Send us Fan Mail Today's show presents an analytical overview of the intricate relationship between Christian nationalism and contemporary political discourse in the United States. It particularly scrutinizes the narrative found in Luke 23, drawing parallels between the trial of Jesus and the modern acceptance of Donald Trump as a controversial figure akin to Barabbas. Today we seek to illumi...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a nation is run like a corporation instead of a community? In this episode, we confront the dangerous ideas behind Donald Trump’s tariff policies and his broader strategy of treating America like a profit-driven enterprise. This isn’t just bad economics — it’s a spiritual crisis. Rooted in progressive Christian values, we call out the false ideas of capitalism-as...

Send us Fan Mail Join us today as we dive into the journey of Joanna thinking of stepping up to run for political office. With a vision for a more inclusive and equitable future, Joanna shares her determination to confront the rising tide of Christian nationalism and champion the values of democracy, diversity, and justice. Discover the strategies she plans to implement to ensure that all voices a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the overconfidence of Trump’s tariff policy and how certain theology can inform conservative mindsets. We'll examine how the Trump administration used the American people to pursue policies in a belief of greater power by punishing other nations. We'll also look at how Biblical figures were immigrants and why we should honor imm...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the show I share my experience of confronting the dissonance between outward displays of political support and the lived reality of LGBTQ+ individuals in my community. The prevalence of "Trump swag" created a false sense of security, while conversations with fellow LGBTQ+ people revealed shared experiences of religious-based prejudice and the ever-present threat...

Send us Fan Mail This week, as we honor Trans Day of Visibility, we're diving deep into Psalm 51:10-12. These verses, a plea for renewal and restoration, resonate powerfully with the journey of trans and queer individuals. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' We'll discuss how this ancient text speaks to the profound experience of aligning on...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we're focusing on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18:9-14, and exploring it through a queer theological lens. Who are we in this story? Are we the Pharisee, boasting of our righteousness and judging others, or are we the tax collector, standing in our vulnerability and seeking mercy? For queer folks, this parable resonates deeply. We kno...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we're diving into Matthew 6:16-18, but we're looking at it through a queer lens. Jesus talks about fasting and how it shouldn't be a performance for others, but a deeply personal act of connection with the Divine. How often are we pressured to perform our faith, or even our identities, for the approval of others? How often are we told that our authentic s...