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PODCAST

Honoring the Journey

Life is a journey, and we’re all walking our own unique path. But every now and then, we get the chance to step onto someone else’s path, to see the world from their perspective, and to learn from their experiences. That’s what we do here on Honoring the Journey. We walk alongside others, explore their stories, and then step back onto our own path—hopefully with new insights, deeper understanding, and a broader perspective for the journey ahead. Honoring the Journey is hosted by Leslie Nease, a

religion & spirituality religion

All Episodes

01:10:38

Only Us: Honoring the Journey of Jaxon Phoenix

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/11/17

Today we welcome Jaxon Phoenix, an author and hand pan musician, to discuss his new book "Only Us: Searching for Truth About the Identity of God and Humanity." The conversation delves into Jaxon’s personal journey of faith, deconstruction, and healing from religious trauma. Together, we explore the challenges of questioning inherited beliefs, the psychological impact of indoctrination, and the process of finding a more authentic, compassionate spirituality. Jaxon shares his experiences with

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01:03:02

A Conversation with My Daughter: Honoring the Journey...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/11/10

In this special episode of Honoring the Journey, Leslie sits down with her oldest daughter, Stephanie, for an open and vulnerable conversation about faith, family, and personal transformation. Together, they reflect on their shared history, the impact of religious upbringing, and the challenges of deconstructing long-held beliefs. Through laughter, honesty, and a few tears, they explore what it means to find healing, autonomy, and genuine connection—both with each other and within themselves.•

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01:05:37

No-Nonsense Spirituality: Honoring the Journey of...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/11/03

In this episode, we welcome Brit Hartley, an atheist spiritual director, to discuss her personal journey of deconstructing from Mormonism and religion at large. Brit shares her upbringing in a loving Mormon community, the cognitive dissonance she experienced as a teenager, and the pivotal moments that led to her faith crisis and eventual atheism. The conversation explores the challenges of losing faith, rebuilding identity and meaning, and the importance of love, authenticity, and human connection

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01:11:38

Broadening the Narrative: Honoring the Journey of...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/10/27

Today we welcome my longtime friend, Nicki Pappas, for a deeply personal and vulnerable conversation. Nicki shares her story of growing up in the Southern Baptist church, navigating fundamentalist spaces, and ultimately deconstructing her faith. We also explore themes of spiritual abuse, self-love, embodiment, therapy, and the journey toward authenticity. Nicki opens up about her evolving beliefs, coming out as queer, and the importance of living a life rooted in love rather than fear. The episode

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01:03:17

A Sacred Spiritual Quest: Honoring the Journey of...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/10/20

Today we welcome singer-songwriter and spiritual explorer Michael Gungor for a candid conversation about faith, deconstruction, and personal transformation. Michael shares his upbringing in a charismatic church, his early success as a worship leader, and the pivotal questions that led him to critically examine his beliefs. The discussion dives into the challenges of questioning long-held religious doctrines, the process of letting go of certainty, and the journey toward a more expansive,

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00:41:09

Leading with Love: Honoring the Journey of Malynda Hale

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/10/13

In this episode of Honoring the Journey, we chat with Malynda Hale—a singer, actress, podcast host, activist, and the new executive director of The New Evangelicals. The conversation explores Malynda’s upbringing in a progressive Christian household, her experiences navigating conservative evangelical spaces, and her journey toward embracing inclusive, justice-centered faith. Malynda shares insights on deconstruction, the importance of self-love, her role at The New Evangelicals, and the challenges

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01:08:43

The Narrow Way: Finding Hope & Humanity Amid Division...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/10/06

Today we are sharing a special, timely episode of Honoring the Journey where Leslie invites Ben Cremer back to the show to dive deep into the challenges of navigating grief, polarization, and faith in today’s divided world. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and a powerful parable, they explore what it means to see beyond our own lenses, embrace empathy, and walk the narrow way of love and compassion—even when it’s difficult.Points of Interest:Ben Cremer’s reflections on grief and naming

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00:53:42

Brian Recker is Back to Discuss "Hell Bent" on...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/09/29

In this episode, Leslie welcomes back Brian Recker to discuss his new book, "Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love." Together, they dive into Brian’s journey from a strict evangelical upbringing to a more open, love-focused faith, exploring how fear-based teachings—especially the concept of hell—shape personal beliefs, relationships, and community dynamics. The conversation is honest, empathetic, and often humorous, offering practical tools for

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01:02:04

The Transformational Power of Audacity: Honoring the...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/09/22

Rachel Dixon joins us today to share her powerful story of self-discovery, faith, and authenticity. Growing up in a deeply religious environment, Rachel navigated the complexities of identity, conformity, and spirituality, ultimately embracing her true self and advocating for wholeness as a birthright. Imagine being accused by people in the church of being a homosexual because of how you look, being rejected because of it and not even realizing that was your truth until much later, after many years

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01:06:58

A Pastor Talks Deconstruction: Honoring the Journey...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/09/15

Today we welcome Reverend Joseph Yoo for an open conversation about faith, deconstruction, and creating inclusive spiritual communities. Joseph shares his personal journey as a pastor’s kid in a multi-generational ministry family, his experiences with conservative and evangelical traditions, and his evolution toward a more inclusive, affirming approach to faith. Together, we discuss the challenges and rewards of questioning long-held beliefs, the loneliness and courage involved in deconstructing

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00:55:00

Naked Pastor: Honoring the Journey of David Hayward

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/09/08

Today we honor the journey of David Hayward, known as the "Naked Pastor", who shares his profound journey of deconstructing faith. David discusses his background as a pastor, the origins of his Naked Pastor persona, his educational and theological journey, and the critical moments that led to his deconstruction. Together, we explore themes of authenticity, questioning beliefs, losing and finding community, and the evolving understanding of faith. This candid and thought-provoking conversation delves

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01:02:55

Rapture Trauma & Deconstruction Part 2: "The Rapture"...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/09/01

In this episode of "Honoring the Journey," Leslie welcomes author and theologian Keith Giles to discuss rapture theology and its impact on those raised in fear-based religious traditions. Building on feedback from a previous episode, they explore the origins of rapture theology, its scriptural interpretations, and the psychological effects it has had on believers. Keith offers a historical and theological critique, challenging common interpretations and encouraging listeners to consider alternative

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00:57:12

Rapture Trauma & Deconstruction: A Special Episode of...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/08/25

In this Special Episode of Honoring the Journey, Leslie invites her sister (and bestie) Marie to join her and they discuss growing up in fundamentalism, rapture trauma, deconstruction and how they now see God today. This is a special episode because Marie is probably the only person Leslie had to talk to during her deconstruction journey before going public. They have been through a lot together, and have remained close through it all!Topics of Interest:Leslie and her sister Marie, discuss their

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01:03:33

Found Family: Honoring the Journey of MaryB Safrit

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/08/18

Today we honor the journey of Mary B. Safrit, a writer, podcaster, and content creator, to explore her story of growing up in the Bible Belt, navigating faith, queerness, and deconstruction. Mary B. shares candid reflections on her upbringing, spiritual journey, and the challenges and growth that come with embracing her identity and leaving behind people-pleasing tendencies. Together, MaryB & Leslie discuss the complexities of church culture, relationships, and finding authentic community.Topics of

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00:43:33

Separation of Church and Hate: Honoring the Journey...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/08/11

Preorder John's new book HERE!Key Ideas from this episode:* John Fugelsang’s background: son of former nun and Franciscan brother, raised in a progressive Catholic household.* Discussion of his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate," which critiques the weaponization of Christianity by right-wing fundamentalists.* Exploration of how fundamentalism distorts the teachings of Jesus and promotes exclusion, fear, and political power.* Personal stories of questioning and deconstructing faith, both from

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01:03:31

Inclusivity and Acceptance: Honoring the Journey of...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/07/07

Today we engage in a profound conversation with guest Amanda Darrow, who shares her experiences growing up in Utah as a queer, Jewish/Catholic woman in a predominantly LDS community. We also discuss the emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the journey of self-acceptance Amanda faced, including her struggles with internalized homophobia and coming out. Together, we explore themes of inclusivity, the impact of religious beliefs on LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the importance of creating safe

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00:54:12

Deconstructing Dogma: Honoring the Journey of Brian...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/06/30

Today we honor the journey of Brian Recker, an influential figure in the Deconstruction community. Leslie and Brian dive into a heartfelt and candid discussion about Brian's journey away from fundamentalism and evangelicalism, sharing personal and relatable stories and reflections on faith, spiritual growth, and empathy. They explore the challenges and revelations that come with deconstruction, the importance of authentic connections, and the liberating shift from certainty to curiosity. With a

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00:56:17

1946 The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture:...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/06/23

Today we have a powerful and heartfelt conversation with guest Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, a filmmaker known for her impactful work on the documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture." We delve into Sharon's journey of navigating her identity as a lesbian within an evangelical Christian upbringing, her inspiration behind creating the documentary, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Sharon shares personal stories about her relationship with her non-affirming father, the

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01:00:46

The Quantum Gospel of Mary: Honoring the Journey of...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/06/16

Today we get to chat again with author Keith Giles! We talk about his latest book, "The Quantum Gospel of Mary." Keith delves deep into the intriguing intersection of spirituality and quantum physics, explaining complex concepts in an easy to understand way. We also discuss the misunderstood figure of Mary Magdalene, her significant, often overlooked role within early Christianity, and how her portrayal was historically altered. The conversation illuminates how embracing an interconnected, mystical

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00:53:53

Reading Romans Right: Honoring the Book of Romans...

Honoring the Journey ·

2025/06/09

Today we welcome back Keith Giles, who previously shared his powerful faith and deconstruction journey in episode five. Keith recently wrote a book with his friend and co-owner of Quoir Publishing, Matthew Distefano, called “Reading Romans Right.” Leslie asks Keith, “Why would you write a book by that name? Are people actually reading Romans wrong?” Apparently, the answer is yes. Keith shares their groundbreaking work in theology that challenges traditional interpretations of the book of Romans

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