Kinda Religious

In this episode, Cara Schulz discusses the challenges faced by religious minorities in the U.S. Military, the importance of religious freedom, and her personal journey into paganism. She highlights the impact of military policies on religious recognition and shares insights on pagan ethics, community, and resilience. Resources: Cara’s Religious News Service Article: https://religionnews.com/2026/0...

Therapist Danielle Kaplan shares insights on dialectical thinking, the importance of flexibility in life, and how ancient philosophies influence modern therapy. She discusses practices that resonate with Jewish tradition like dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and contingency planning to help create a meaningful life. Resources: Danielle’s Practice: http://www.keepaustincentered.com The Or...

Christian Sundberg shares his insights into consciousness, spiritual awakening, and the nature of reality, exploring how life on Earth serves as a powerful spiritual growth opportunity. This conversation delves into pre-birth experiences, the limitations of religious frameworks, and practical ways to transcend trauma and fear. Christian Sundberg is the author of "A Walk in the Physical," a concise...

Austin Albanese shares insights on the significance of small town Jewish histories, community memory, and the universal aspects of Jewish identity across time and place. Discover how local stories shape broader cultural understanding and foster interfaith and civic harmony. Resources: “Memory Is the Only Inheritance I Have” Substack : https://austinalbanese.substack.com/ Website: https://sites.goo...

Ethnographer of Religion Dr. Natalie Avalos explores the deep roots of indigenous religious traditions, the impact of settler colonialism, and paths toward healing the ontological wounds of colonization. She discusses the role of land, spirituality, and community in restoring indigenous sovereignty and cultural identity. Resources: Dr. Natalie Avalos’ Faculty Webpage: https://www.colorado.edu/ethn...

There are so many stories about Gen Z conversion to more traditional or more conservative denominations of Christianity. Whether this is a trend is debatable, but the lived experience of young adults in this cohort provides truly valuable insight into this cultural moment. Emily Dinneny is a prime example. She is a Gen Z convert to Roman Catholicism who also has a significant social media presence...

Therapist and relationship coach Karen Gwaltney shares her journey through an evangelical upbringing, her crisis of faith, and her work in therapy focusing on religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and healthy relationships. Discover how a shift in spiritual perspective can foster greater self-trust, acceptance, and relational health. Resources:  Karen’s Website - https://www.karengwaltney.com Karen’s...

An enlightening conversation with Rev. Connie Habash who explores the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and nature. She discusses the concept of awakening the true self, the pitfalls of organized religion, and practical ways to cultivate inner peace and authenticity in a world allergic to stillness. Rev. Connie Habash’s Website: https://www.awakeningself.com Other Resources Mentioned In Th...

Yesenia Anaya shares her journey growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, navigating faith, community, and personal growth. She discusses the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, her experiences with disfellowshipping, and her path to understanding spirituality beyond organized religion. Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Yesenia Anaya 02:13 Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses 08:14 Personal Experiences w...

Activist and writer Elad Nehorai shares his religious journey through Jewish communities, his critique of community structures, and his insights on social media, community building, and the rise of extremism. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of spirituality, identity, and technology in shaping modern society and movements. Find more about Elad Nehorai here: https://eladnehorai.sub...

A pastor who is part of a lawsuit against her children's school district to stop them from posting the 10 Commandments in the classrooms, Rev. Kristen Klade shares her experiences as a Lutheran pastor and hospice chaplain, discussing the unique aspects of her ministry, the challenges she faces, and the importance of community engagement in faith. She also reflects on her personal spirituality and...

Gabrielle Deonath, a Guyanese-American Muslim writer and editor, discusses her unique cultural heritage and the intersection of identity, religion, and writing. Gabrielle shares insights into her family's history, tracing their roots from India to Guyana and eventually to the United States. She reflects on the complexities of her identity as an Indo-Caribbean Muslim. The conversation delves into h...

Aaric Eisenstein, known as the Avian Rebbe, shares his journey of combining bird photography with Jewish teachings. Aaric discusses how birdwatching became a therapeutic escape during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the spiritual connection he finds in nature. The conversation explores the symbolism of birds in Jewish thought and the relationship between humans and nature. Read more about Aar...

In this conversation, Rabbi Israel Horowitz shares his transformative journey from an ultra-Orthodox upbringing to a personal, Torah-centered spirituality. He critiques the legalistic nature of Yeshiva education and the Talmud's role in Jewish life, advocating for a direct relationship with the Torah. Rabbi Horowitz discusses the barriers to conversion in Judaism, the commercialization of Jewish p...

Kinda Religious podcast, hosted by Eli Zaffirini, aims to explore diverse, personal stories of finding meaning, identity, and connection in life. This podcast seeks to promote mutual understanding and of the cultural direction in the 21st century.

In this episode, Eli speaks with Cody Robinson, a prominent United Keetoowah scholar and theologian, about the intersection of Native American spirituality and Methodism. They explore the importance of community in faith, the historical context of Indian boarding schools, and the evolving views on theocracy and morality. Cody shares insights on integrating Native spirituality into Christian practi...

Leigh Larson, a storyteller and humanitarian worker, shares her journey of faith, her experiences as a military chaplain, and her insights on Christian nationalism in the military. Leigh discusses her religious identity, the impact of high church services on her spirituality, and the complexities of masculinity within religious contexts. The conversation also touches on the decline of religiosity...

Eli and Lindsay Medenwaldt explore the complexities of faith, community, and the art of conversation. Lindsay shares her journey from a Pentecostal upbringing to a non-denominational faith, emphasizing the importance of understanding different worldviews and engaging in meaningful dialogue. They discuss the role of apologetics in building bridges between differing beliefs and the significance of c...

In this conversation, Rabbi David Braslawsce, known as the Tattoo Rabbi, shares his unique journey from a wild childhood in Pennsylvania to becoming a Chabad Rabbi in Israel. He discusses the complexities of Jewish identity, the impact of recent events in Israel, and his exploration of spirituality through Buddhism. The conversation delves into the significance of tattoos in expressing identity, t...

From political advocacy in Washington, D.C., to an Evangelical seminary on the West Coast, Elizabeth shares her experience pursuing a Master’s in Ministry Leadership and how the role of faith in politics has changed over the past several presidential election cycles. Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Exploring Arizona 01:42 Life in Seminary: Insights and Experiences 06:33 The Rise of Women in Evangelical Se...

Destiny (president of the New Wave Feminists) shares her story about coming from a Christian background, being “agnostish,” her views on the intersection between feminism and consistent life ethic, and finding community beyond traditional church structures. Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Destiny Herndon de la Rosa 01:59 Defining Spirituality and Religion 07:27 Experiences with Charismatic...

We hear from my friend and the host of the Prophetic Justice Podcast, Tatiana Bergum, about how her Christian faith influenced her career choices and the decision to start her own podcast.

An introduction to the Kinda Religious Podcast where we explore religion, spirituality, and skepticism through discussion with some fascinating people who share stories about how they find meaning in their lives.