The Speakeasy

Author, speaker, and podcaster Jordan Raynor joins Blake to discuss his children's picture book, The Royal in You . The conversation begins with an exploration of Raynor's personal journey and misconceptions about heaven, which led him to write this book. He explains that many Christians dread eternity due to false teachings about heaven being a place of endless worship without purpose. Jordan emp...

In this solo episode, Blake discusses the history of the CIA's controversial MK Ultra program, which explored mind control and behavior modification through drugs, hypnosis, and psychological manipulation. The episode begins by referencing recent events that reignited the discussion around government secrecy and censorship. She emphasizes the long-term effects on unsuspecting U.S. citizens, who we...

Wife and mom, Brittany Poppe joins Blake to share her deeply personal story of healing and transformation after experiencing an abortion in her youth and the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aftermath she experienced. She describes how her faith journey was not linear and how each time she shares her story, it brings her closer to healing. The conversation highlights the often overlooked em...

In this special episode of Confessions of a Crappy Christian, we delve into the complex conversation surrounding gun reform following recent tragic events. Addressing both sides of the debate, I share my perspective on the nuances of proposed legislation, including red flag laws, universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and restrictions on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons...

The host of the Blurry Creatures podcast, Nate Henry and Luke Rodgers return to the podcast to discuss their commentary on the Book of Enoch, discussing its significance and its alignment with biblical texts. They highlight the importance of the book's content, its translations, and the inclusion of prophecies that foreshadow the coming of Christ. The conversation also touches on why the Book of E...

Founder of Talitha Coffee, Jenny Barber joins Blake to share her journey of combining a passion for coffee with a mission to combat human trafficking. Jenny and her husband have been involved in anti-trafficking efforts for over 15 years, spurred by personal experiences and a desire to help others break free from exploitation. They realized that many survivors struggled to reintegrate into society...

Author and speaker Dawn Spicer joins Blake to discuss a heavy and often overlooked topic within the church: infidelity. She shares her personal journey of having an affair, the subsequent unraveling of her life, and the long path of restoration that followed. They discuss the void that led Dawn to seek fulfillment outside her marriage and the importance of recognizing and addressing those feelings...

Writer, author, and online educator Hannah Brencher joins Blake to discuss her journey with unplugging from technology and the importance of finding a balance between being present online and in real life. She shares how burnout, particularly as a new mom during the pandemic, led her to embrace a lifestyle of unplugging, which she initially resisted but ultimately found necessary for her mental he...

Therapist and writer, Sam Jolman joins Blake to discuss the harmful effects of purity culture on both men and women, especially those raised in the church. Sam shares his personal journey of grappling with his own sexuality and the challenges within his marriage. They explore how men, often left without proper guidance on sexuality, struggle to integrate their sexual desires in healthy ways. The c...

TV host, author, and producer Cynthia Garrett joins Blake to discuss the lies women are told regarding their bodies, sexuality, and empowerment. She shares her journey from making common dating mistakes and ignoring biblical teachings on sex to embracing God's design for sexuality. She emphasizes how media, particularly shows like Sex and the City , have distorted societal views on relationships,...

Author and speaker Christy Boulware joins Blake to discuss teenage anxiety and mental health. The conversation centers on how anxiety manifests differently in teenagers compared to adults, highlighting symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, and a tendency to isolate. Both Blake and Christy share their personal experiences with anxiety from childhood through adulthood, emphasizing the...

Pro-life activist, speaker, and podcaster Seth Gruber joins Blake to discuss the current cultural and political climate, criticizing the church's passive approach to issues like abortion and gender ideology. Seth argues that the church has allowed itself to be sidelined, contributing to the rise of secularism and the moral decay in America. They emphasize the need for Christians to be bold and unc...

In this solo episode, Blake reflects on her personal journey of faith, grappling with long-held beliefs about happiness and holiness. Raised in a church environment that emphasized suffering and purity culture, she explores how these teachings shaped her understanding that God prioritizes holiness over happiness. However, a profound realization comes when she discovers Psalm 128, which directly st...

Author of "I Am a Woman", Jennifer Strickland joins Blake to discuss the complex and often controversial topic of what it means to be a woman. They delve into how this seemingly straightforward question has become contentious in modern society, particularly among Christians who believe the answer is clear. Jennifer shares her motivation for writing her book, which stemmed from observing the women'...

Political commentator and strategist Brilyn Hollyhand joins Blake to discuss their mutual love for politics, sharing insights and predictions about the current political climate. Brilyn shares his unique story of how he became interested in politics during the 2016 debates and how he believes the younger generation can bring positive change. They also talk about the challenges of engaging the yout...

Pastor, apologist, author, and speaker Sam Allbery joins Blake to discuss his new children's book, "God's Go-Togethers," which aims to help parents navigate conversations about marriage and sexuality with their young children. Pastor Sam shares his journey, including his struggle with same-sex attraction and his decision to become a pastor and author. He emphasizes the importance of instilling a p...

Join Blake, a proud Louisianan and devoted Christian, as we dive into Louisiana's groundbreaking legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every state-funded classroom. This episode offers an in-depth look at the intersection of faith, politics, and education in our beloved state. Discover why this law, part of a larger educational reform package, has stirred both support and c...

Author, influencer and ex-New Age follower Caroline Dooner joins Blake to share her journey from disordered eating and new age spirituality to Christianity. Despite dabbling in witchcraft and the occult, seeds were planted that kept pointing her to Jesus as the answer. A Christian conspiracy theorist's testimony of going from a New Age psychic medium to a Jesus follower through supernatural experi...

Homeschool mom, podcaster, and author Jennifer Pepito joins Blake to discuss the importance of creating peaceful and sacred homes. Jen shares her journey of striving for a perfect home environment and the realization that true peace comes from small, consistent habits rather than perfection. They emphasize the importance of balancing grace with intentionality in parenting, noting that societal pre...

Author Monica Swanson joins Blake to focus on homeschooling, a journey that Blake has recently stepped into. Monica shares her experience from being a skeptic to a homeschooling advocate and author. In her book, she aims to uncomplicate homeschooling, providing a manual that parents can adapt to their needs, ensuring a joyful and rewarding experience. The conversation addresses common concerns abo...

Worship leader, songwriter and teacher, Natalie Runion joins Blake to discuss church culture and the challenges faced by believers. Natalie shares her journey from being a pastor's kid to experiencing significant church hurt, which led her to nearly leave the ministry. However, a transformative moment inspired her to start "Raised to Stay," a movement encouraging believers to remain committed to t...

Co-founder of Aro, a digital wellness solution for families, Joey Odom joins Blake to discuss the nuances of technology use, emphasizing the importance of balance and positive reinforcement rather than demonizing screen time. Joey explains that Aro goes beyond traditional parental controls, focusing on the core relationship individuals have with their phones. Joey shares personal experiences of re...

Blake sits down to talk about her personal journey of leaving one church after seven years and transitioning to a new church, emphasizing the importance of finding alignment with a church's values and priorities. She discusses the process of discernment, prayer, and seeking God's guidance when considering a new church community. Join her for today's episode while she highlights the significance of...

Lead pastor at The Pursuit NW and recovering politician Russell B. Johnson joins Blake to talk about his journey from working in politics to planting a church that grew at record speed when they refused to close their doors during the lockdown. Listen in as they talk about his conviction and passion for sharing the truth in today's culture where it is wildly unpopular and how we can love people wi...

Wellness advocate, kitchen creative, wife and mom, Fallon Lee joins Blake to share her personal journey from a mindset focused on diet culture and thinness to embracing holistic wellness and self-care. She discusses her past struggles with anxiety, joint pain, and exhaustion, attributing them to her rigid diet and lifestyle. Fallon opens up about her journey into motherhood, where she faced additi...