Shift Happens

Today we talk with author, content creator and ex-Christian Nationalist, April Ajoy. Joe talks to her about her book, why she wrote and how she navigated the complicated relationships of the past. April talks about how we need to move forward if we're going to make it through the next 4 years. This conversation is a bright spot in a dark season. We hope that it is the same for you. Please sha...

Our guest for today is author, columnist, blogger and teacher among the many hats she has worn. Laura talks about her upbringing in the church and a death in her formative years that radically altered how she saw the world and experienced the spiritual. She writes in depth about this experience in her coming of age story "Untethered: Faith, Failure, and Finding Solid Ground". To follow L...

In today's episode we talk to Bri Parson.  Joe and Bri connected in the New Evangelicals group and she wanted to come on and share her story. Bri talks about growing up in IFB churches and going to a fundamentalist college.  Bri has fought and earned every bit of the life she has now. Her story will encourage you to keep pushing for better, no matter where you are.  To help support the ongoin...

Today's guest is Tik Toker Candace Leigh. Candace talks about growing up in a very high control religious space and household which then led to a high control religious marriage. This is a longer episode but well worth the listen. Candace allows the time for us to walk with her through some the darkest and brightest moments & seasons of her life. We know that many of you will resonate wit...

In today's episode, Joe talks to the real brains behind the operation at Restore Austin, Lindsay Contreras. Lindsay is the executive pastor at Restore and she shares her experiences growing up with a queer parent. She talks about how that impacted her life as a young child, her view of God and how it ultimately shaped her Christian practice. Lindsay is a wonderful person, mom, wife and pastor...

Today, Joe talks to returning guest Tom Oord. Tom is an Open and Relational theologian, professor, author and philosopher (among other things). Joe meets back up with Tom to talk about being brought up on heresy charges by the Church of the Nazarene. This episode is frustrating, angering and also beautiful. We get to hear about many of the good things that have come from such a traumatic experienc...

In today's episode, Joe talks to Jarko De Witt van Leeuwen. He is an artist that created a traveling piece called The Growing Wall of Love. Jarko talks about growing up... To see the wall of love and to follow along, please click HERE . To help support the ongoing work of Shift Happens, click HERE. Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice....

Today Joe sits down and talks with a family from Shift GNV. Jen Salmon helps lead worship for Shift and her girls help in the kids programs and are part of the student groups.  Joe talks with Jen and the girls about their deconstruction, their coming out stories and how they dealt with all of that. Jen is very candid about her journey but is an excellent example of how love can guide someone throu...

This week Joe talks to Tim Whitaker from The New Evangelicals. Many of you already know Tim but do you know how he came to be not only affirming but an ally/advocate for queer inclusion in the church? Joe sits down and talks with Tim about how he came to the conclusions that many of us have as well. They talk through how he dealt with the clobber passages, navigating relationships and the ongoing...

In today's episode, Joe talks with Jason Deshazo (Momma Ashley Rose) founder of The Rose Dynasty. Joe and Jason talk about their upbringing, how the church and faith played an early role and how it's influenced all their work with Camp Out and The Rose Dynasty Foundation. Jason and his staff do so much incredible work in the state of Florida and this episode is full of the love the Jason...

To kick off season 2 of Shift Happens, Joe talks with author, comedian, political commentator and how of the Sirius XM show Tell Me Everything John Fugelsang. John talks about his unique upbringing that planted the seeds for his eventual deconstruction out of fundamentalism and into the Jesus centered activism he's doing now. To learn about all of the things that John is doing and/or to follo...

This week Joe talks to his wife of 24 years, Tori. They talk about how they met, her role as the pastor's wife and how that created harm in her life and how she came to be open and affirming. A lot of people will resonate with Tori's story in having to bite her tongue and not having a voice within the church. If you would like to connect with Tori or if you would like to be part of that...

Today, Joe talks with one of our favorite deconstructionists and social media personalities- Unconventional Pastor Paul. Paul talks about his upbringing in a very strict and abusive Assemblies of God household and how that still impacts him today. Joe and Paul not only dive into his story but also into the picture of the larger church in America, politics, Trump and all things deconstruction. If y...

Today, Joe talks with Dr. Miche Van Essen. Dr. Miche is an intersectional theologian and a trans woman. Dr. Miche had a very interesting and varied upbringing. Joe talks to her about her childhood, her queer awakening and how all of that plays into her current work. Dr. Miche is equal parts metal head and spiritual guide. To follow Dr. Miche on instagram you can click HERE . To connect with Dr. MI...

Trigger Warning: Talk of S/A. Today, Joe talks with Annie (not her real name). Annie's story is one of struggle and triumph. Annie grew up in a very high control religion and home. Her story doesn't get any easier when she meets and eventually marries her closeted husband. Annie's story is a glimpse of true perseverance and determination. If you would like to contact Annie or just c...

Today, Joe talks to Joy Dertinger (they/them)  a.k.a. Babz Thabz ( @babytheyby ) on Tik Tok. Joe talks to Joy about their experience growing up in 5 point Calvinism, going to Moody Bible College, meeting their now spouse and discovering their queer identity. They also talk about Joy's work in Biblical linguistics and Lavender linguistics. Make sure to follow Joy on Tik Tok and Instagram ( @ba...

Today, Joe talks to singer/songwriter and worship pastor Sam Hedrick. Sam is the worship pastor of Cascade church in Portland, Oregon and also produces and writes music. Joe and Sam talk about all kinds of things, including the need for more original music that talks about the times we are in currently. But a lot of the focus is on how Sam, as a trans man, uses his experience to communicate what &...

This week, Joe talks to returning guest Mike Maeshiro. The last time we talk to Mike, he was getting his footing in the deconstructed world and had just started using his voice as a gay, Christian man. We invited him back to talk about his continuing journey and how queer joy has led him to a deeper understanding of God, himself and the world around him. This conversation goes exactly where it nee...

In this week's episode Joe talks to Paul Briley. Paul is the host of Off The Comma podcast and is a coach, consultant and professional organizer. Paul's story is one that starts in the heart of Dallas/Ft. Worth area in the shadow of Southwester Theological Seminary. While Paul did not grow up in the church, being so close to the seminary still gave him a taste of what evangelicalism look...

In today's episode, Joe sits down to talk with Billie Hoard. You may know them by their social media handle Billieiswriting. Billie is an outspoken trans woman who uses her platform for so much good. Joe and Billie talk about her upbringing in the conservative church in Turkey, her decision to attend a fundamentalist Bible college, when she realized she was trans and so many other things. Thi...

Today Joe talk with Melody Winderweedle. Melody is the lead pastor of Ecclessia church in Chattanooga, TN. Melody talks about growing up in a very conservative, charismatic movement and how going to a conservative Christian school actually led to a glimmer of liberation. Joe talks to her about how her lived experiences led to a larger liberation based theology and how that informs the works she&ap...

In our 50th episode, Joe talks with our very first guest Brent Roberts. This is a beatiful conversation that goes where it needs to go. They talk about their respective journeys, the lessons they’ve learned and how the work truly never ends. Make sure you click the links and reach out to Brent for just about anything.  Brent Roberts Episode #1 Shipfaced Podcast Actor Site Instagram TikTok To help...

In today’s episode, Joe talks to Brian Recker. You may know Brian from his gut punchingly honest IG reels and posts. They get into how Brian grew up in the IBC, his deconstruction into evangelicalism and what brought him to the work he does now. Click the links below to follow Brian and keep up with his work. BrianRecker.com Instagram To help support the ongoing work of Shift Happens, click HERE....

Today Joe talks to Sarah J. Ruthless. You may know them from their online presence and their "Drunk Bible Story" skits but underneath all that humor and sarcasm lays some long term religious pain and trauma. Sarah's story will resonate with many people (unfortunately) as they talks about growing up in high control spaces, navigating their queer identity and discovering their neurodi...

In this episode, Joe talks to Sharon "Rocky" Roggio from the 1946 Movie. If you are unaware of this documentary, it dives in to the mistranslation that led to the word homosexual being inserted into the Bible in 1946. Joe talks to Rocky about how she came upon the idea, the reason her story with her dad is featured, how people can help with the ongoing project and so much more. Rocky&apo...