For The Rest Of Us with the Reverend Canon Megan Castellan

In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam dive into one of the biggest theological questions out there: *what actually happens when we die?* And yes—we go there about pets, too.From ancient Christian beliefs to how the plague reshaped everyone’s ideas about heaven and hell, we trace how our understanding of the afterlife got so complicated. Along the way, we talk about purgatory, limbo, grace, and how the church has tried (sometimes not so helpfully) to make sense of it all.It’s a surprisingly compassionate conversation that reminds us theology isn’t about fear—it’s about love, hope, and trust in a God who isn’t finished with us yet.What You’ll Walk Away With:* The question “do animals go to heaven?” has been debated for centuries—and there’s no one answer.* Classical thinkers like Thomas Aquinas said no, because animals don’t have immortal souls.* In early Christianity, people weren’t fixated on the afterlife—the focus was on redeeming the world here and now.* After the plague devastated Europe, people became much more concerned with individual salvation and what comes next.* A lot of what we imagine about hell comes not from Scripture, but from Dante’s *Inferno* and Milton’s *Paradise Lost.** Purgatory was understood not as punishment, but as a place of growth and transformation in God’s love.* The Episcopal Church doesn’t have a rigid stance on the afterlife, and leans into grace rather than certainty.* There’s an important difference between theology (exploring big ideas) and doctrine (official teaching).* Theology should be pastoral—it should help people, not scare them.* Talking about salvation and the afterlife should always come from a place of compassion.If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about heaven, hell, or whether your dog will greet you at the pearly gates, this one’s for you.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

In this cozy-yet-apocalyptic episode, Megan and Adam dive into the season of Advent: that beautiful, purple (or maybe dark blue) draped moment in the church year when we are somehow preparing for a baby and the end of the world at the same time. No pressure.They explore the history of Advent, the liturgical rhythms that shape it, and how this season asks us to acknowledge both the brokenness of the world and the stubborn hope that refuses to quit. Along the way, Megan and Adam unpack the spirituality of waiting, the communal practices that make Advent feel grounding, and the charming particularity of family traditions that make the season… well, seasonal.They wrap things up pondering the question absolutely nobody asked but everyone apparently needs to answer: what does Advent smell like?So grab your figgy pudding and enjoy Advent… for the rest of us!

In Part 3 of our series on Apartheid & Christianity in South Africa, Megan and Adam explore the Anglican Church's response to apartheid in South Africa, focusing on the historical context, the role of different churches, and expand on the significant influence of Desmond Tutu. The discussion highlights the church's opposition to apartheid, Tutu's theological insights, and the call for action against injustice, emphasizing hope and the belief in God's ultimate justice.

In Part II in our multi-episode series on Apartheid & Christianity in South Africa, Megan and Adam explore the significant role of the Dutch Reform Church in South Africa, particularly during the apartheid era. It highlights the church's mainstream influence and its connections to political figures, emphasizing its importance in shaping societal norms and policies. They also introduce the importance of Desmond Tutu in the work of confronting apartheid and his role in bringing change to the people and the church in South Africa.

In this episode, Megan and Adam delve into the historical roots of apartheid in South Africa, exploring the colonial influences, the role of the Dutch Reformed Church, and the impact of the Boer Wars. They discuss how the Afrikaners developed a narrative of victimhood and divine destiny, which shaped their identity and justified the oppressive system of apartheid. The conversation draws parallels between historical and contemporary narratives of oppression, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics in today's context.

In this spooktacular episode, Canon Megan and Adam dig into the surprisingly Christian roots of Halloween — yes, you heard that right. They trace how trick-or-treating, costumes, and remembering the dead all connect to ancient church traditions like All Saints Day and All Souls Day.From the sweetness of candy to the solemnity of candles for the departed, Adam and Megan explore how grief, joy, and community come together this time of year. They talk about why the church has always borrowed from culture (hello, pumpkins!) and how honoring the saints and souls can actually deepen our faith — and maybe even make Halloween a little holier.So grab a fun-sized Snickers, light a candle, and join the conversation about why being a little spooky can be very sacred.

In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam get a little uncomfortable and talk about one of the church’s more delicate subjects—money. They explore how the American church built its financial foundation, from the days of land grants and pew rents to modern pledge drives and stewardship campaigns. Along the way, they uncover some of the stranger and darker corners of church history, including ties to slavery and the role of wealth in shaping who sat where on Sunday morning.Megan and Adam talk about how money has always been more than just a budget line—it’s a moral mirror for the church. The conversation wrestles with what it means to be transparent, responsible, and faithful with resources today, all while keeping a sense of humor about the fact that, yes, the church has always been talking about money.

In this episode, Megan and Adam take on the often uncomfortable topic of evangelism in the Episcopal Church. They talk about why the word makes so many Episcopalians squirm, explore its historical baggage, and reimagine what it could look like when approached with authenticity and love.Megan and Adam also discuss how sharing faith isn’t about coercion or conversion—it’s about embodying the good news through how we live, speak, and care for others. Takeaways:Evangelism is about sharing good news, not coercion.The Episcopal Church has historically been hesitant about evangelism.Authenticity is essential when communicating faith.Reclaiming the language of Christianity matters.Living the gospel can be just as powerful as speaking it, but is has to be both.We’re called to empathy, clarity, and love in how we share faith.Here's a chance for us to reclaim the language of Christianity and maybe even make it a little weird again.

What’s really happening when someone is baptized? In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam take a deep dive into one of the most central sacraments of the Christian faith: baptism.They explore where baptism comes from—starting with Jewish purification rituals—and how it grew into a practice that marks new life, identity, and belonging in Christ. Along the way, they unpack the baptismal covenant, the tension between infant baptism and believers’ baptism, and the role of the whole community in supporting the baptized.With humor, personal stories, and theological insight, Megan and Adam remind us that baptism isn’t just about what happens at the font—it’s about how we live out God’s grace every single day.What You’ll Walk Away WithBaptism is the entry point into Christian community and the life of faith.The baptismal covenant sets a framework for living as followers of Jesus.The roots of baptism lie in Jewish purification rituals, transformed in Christ.Baptism is about identity—who we are in Christ—not just a ritual.Infant baptism highlights God’s grace as the starting point of faith.The community promises to walk alongside the baptized in faith and life.Adults can reaffirm their baptismal vows, claiming them as their own.Baptism isn’t about “heaven insurance”—it’s about how we live here and now.God’s action, not ours, is at the heart of baptism.Every baptism is a reminder that God’s grace goes before us.If you’ve ever wondered what baptism means in the Episcopal tradition—or why it matters so much—this episode offers both clarity and inspiration.

In this episode of For the Rest of Us, Canon Megan and Adam take a good, hard look at one of the most complicated and misunderstood figures of the New Testament: Saint Paul.Paul is often remembered as the author of verses that have been used to prop up conservative Christianity—“wives obey your husbands,” “slaves obey your masters,” and “women be silent in church.” But who was Paul really? What did he actually write? And how did his letters go from problem-solving notes to scripture that shaped entire traditions?Megan and Adam explore:Why Paul often gets a bad reputation as Christianity’s “buzzkill.”Which letters Paul actually wrote—and which were written in his name.How Paul’s Roman citizenship gave him privilege and power he wielded strategically.The mismatch between Acts’ version of Paul and Paul’s own letters.Paul’s cultural comfort with exaggeration, rhetoric, and hyperbole.His partnership with women leaders like Lydia, Phoebe, and Junia.How his letters, dictated aloud, were never intended to be systematic theology.Along the way, they talk about Willem Dafoe as Jesus (and the Green Goblin), diner coffee, carnivorous seals, and why it helps our faith to remember that Paul was human—zealous, flawed, inconsistent, and yet deeply convinced of God’s overwhelming love.

This episode, Canon Megan and Adam tackle a topic that’s equal parts fascinating and misunderstood: exorcisms.From the ministry of Jesus to modern-day Episcopal practice, they explore where exorcisms come from, what they mean, and—maybe most importantly—what they are not. Along the way, they unpack cultural perspectives, biblical roots, and the ways ritual and truth-telling can be part of real healing.But don’t worry—this isn’t Hollywood horror. Megan and Adam keep the conversation grounded, thoughtful, and full of insights about how the Church approaches healing in body, mind, and spirit.What You’ll Walk Away With:Exorcisms are part of the Anglican tradition—but they’re used with great care.The practice is rooted in the ministry of Jesus and biblical teaching.Cultural views of exorcism differ around the world, especially outside the West.Truth-telling is often the key to healing and freedom.Misuse of exorcisms—especially against marginalized people—can cause deep harm.Rituals can be powerful when approached with respect and wisdom.Healing always happens best with community support, not isolation.Exorcisms aren’t quick fixes—they require discernment and pastoral care.The Church seeks to help people integrate their truth, not suppress it.True healing engages the whole person: spiritually, psychologically, and communally.If you’ve ever wondered what exorcisms look like beyond the movie screen—or how they actually fit into Anglican life and theology—this episode is for you.

Links Mentioned This Episode:Lent Madness: https://www.lentmadness.org/DIO CNY Podcast Network: https://cnyepiscopal.org/dio-cny-podcasts/This time, Canon Megan leads the way as she and Adam dive into the remarkable life of Maria Skobtsova—a Russian Orthodox nun, poet, and activist who lived out her theology in radical and courageous ways during the occupation of Paris.From her early years as an atheist and artist to her transformation into a fierce advocate for the marginalized, Maria’s story challenges us to ask: What does it really mean to live a Christian life? Megan and Adam reflect on how Maria’s life—marked by service, suffering, and ultimately martyrdom—calls today’s Christians to respond to injustice with action, compassion, and faith.If you’ve ever wondered what radical Christian love looks like in practice—or how ordinary faith can lead to extraordinary courage—this episode is for you.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

This episode, Canon Megan and Adam tackle a big, thorny question: Can there ever be such a thing as a “just” war?They dig into the history of Just War Theory, how it emerged from Christian thought, and what it says about ethics, responsibility, and the real human cost of conflict. From ancient philosophy to the realities of modern military technology, this episode explores how faith and morality intersect with some of the hardest choices nations and individuals ever face.It’s a thoughtful, honest look at a tough topic—and a reminder that even in the fog of war, theology and ethics still matter.Whether you’re a history buff, a person of faith, or just wondering how Christians think about violence and peace, this episode will give you tools to wrestle with the questions that don’t have easy answers.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

This episode, Canon Megan and Adam get into the movement of worship—literally. From crossing yourself to bowing to sharing the peace, they explore all the little physical gestures you see (and maybe wonder about) during Episcopal services.They break down where these traditions come from, what they mean, and why they matter—not as rigid rules, but as opportunities for personal expression, reverence, and connection to God.Whether you’re someone who’s never made the sign of the cross or you’ve been doing it since you were in the nursery, this is a great reminder that our bodies can be part of our prayer—and that how we worship is just as personal as why.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Canon Megan and Adam are back for round two of one of the hardest questions in the Christian life: Why do bad things happen to good people?  This time, they turn to the Book of Job—not for easy answers, but for real, pastoral wisdom.Together, they unpack what Job’s story teaches us about presence, suffering, and what not to say when someone’s in pain. They reflect on how faith doesn’t always mean fixing—it can mean sitting in the ashes with someone and refusing to look away.Along the way, they talk about finding joy in the midst of grief, how suffering can be transformative, and why being with someone is more powerful than explaining their pain away.What You’ll Walk Away With:Just because an answer makes intellectual sense doesn’t mean it feels good when you’re hurting.Pastoral care isn’t about fixing suffering—it’s about showing up and staying present.Job’s friends are great… until they start talking. Sometimes silence is the best support.God’s presence with us matters more than God’s reasons for us.Suffering can lead to transformation and even redemption—but not without honesty.Grief and joy can sit side by side—both are part of the human experience.Healing starts with acknowledging pain, not ignoring it.The person who’s suffering should guide the conversation—not the one trying to explain it.The church is at its best when it centers people in pain, not theological debates.Searching for meaning in suffering is sacred work—and it takes time.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt helpless in the face of someone else’s pain—or carried grief themselves and wondered where God might be in it.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

This episode, Canon Megan leads the charge into one of the oldest and hardest questions out there: If God is good, why do bad things happen to good people? Adam’s along for the ride as they unpack what philosophy, theology, and real life have to say about suffering.They explore different ways Christians have tried to make sense of evil, from the ancient to the modern—and why those answers often feel deeply unsatisfying when you're the one hurting.Instead of offering a tidy solution, this episode leans into the mystery, highlighting how presence, empathy, and compassion matter more than perfect logic. It’s not about having the right answer—it’s about showing up with love.What You’ll Walk Away With:The question of suffering is one every human wrestles with—across time, cultures, and faiths.Philosophical “solutions” can sometimes create more distance than comfort.The classic theological problem: how do we believe in a good God in a world with evil?The “Veil of Soul-Making” theory suggests that suffering helps shape our virtues—but it still leaves hard questions.Christianity teaches that God is with us in suffering—not watching from a distance.Conversations about evil and suffering get real fast—and need more compassion than cleverness.God gives humans moral freedom, which means the possibility of real harm.Natural disasters and illness—“natural evil”—make the problem even more complex.Scripture shows us a God who doesn’t avoid suffering, but enters into it with us.When words fail, presence, empathy, and support are often the best theology we’ve got.If you’ve ever struggled to find meaning in the midst of pain—or tried to comfort someone who’s suffering—this episode offers grace, honesty, and a space to breathe.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam take on one of the trickiest theological questions out there: What does it really mean to say that God is sovereign?They dive into the influence of Arthur Pink’s writing and it's influence modern Reformed theology, the challenges of hyper-Calvinism, and how different traditions—including Episcopalians (and Anglicanism) —understand God’s power, justice, and love. Spoiler: not everyone sees God as a puppet master pulling every string.Instead, Megan and Adam offer a vision of a God who chooses relationship over control—and who gives us freedom not in spite of divine sovereignty, but because of it.What You’ll Walk Away With:God’s sovereignty is one of the most debated concepts in Christianity—and there’s more than one way to understand it.Arthur Pink’s take has shaped a lot of modern evangelical thought, especially in more rigid theological circles.Hyper-Calvinism can make God seem distant, coercive, or even unloving—but that’s not the only option.The Anglican tradition sees sovereignty through the lens of love, not domination.Free will isn’t a threat to God’s power—it’s a gift from God that makes relationship possible.You can’t talk about sovereignty without also talking about God’s justice, mercy, and character.Theology doesn’t happen in a vacuum—history and context matter.True power doesn’t need to control everything. Sometimes, power looks like choosing to let others choose.God isn’t a puppet master—God is a partner in love and liberation.When we talk about God, the words we use really matter—and so does the story we’re telling with them.If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of God’s will, human freedom, or whether everything really “happens for a reason”—this episode is for you.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

(aka There's Something About… well, you get it)Canon Megan and Adam take on one of the most iconic—and sometimes misunderstood—figures in Christianity: the Virgin Mary.They explore how Mary has been seen over the centuries, from quiet mother to bold revolutionary. Whether it’s the Magnificat turning the world upside down, or the many cultural depictions of Mary through time, this conversation invites us to look beyond the stereotypes and see Mary’s real, radical significance.She’s not just a symbol—she’s a person. And for many of us, she’s one of the most relatable, powerful figures in the whole story of the Christian faith.What You’ll Walk Away With:Marian devotion is very much a part of Episcopal tradition—though how it looks can vary widely from person to person.Mary is honored as Theotokos—the God-bearer—in creedal liturgical churches (yes, that includes Episcopalians!).Her song, the Magnificat, is so revolutionary it’s been banned in different times and places throughout history.How Mary is portrayed often says more about us than about her—especially when it comes to questions of women’s agency in the church.Around the world, Mary shows up in art, prayer, and culture as a symbol of hope, especially for the poor and oppressed.The early church held Mary in high regard—but that reverence got dialed back after the Reformation.Scripture gives us glimpses into Mary’s interior life, making her one of the most emotionally rich and relatable figures in the Bible.Mary’s deep humanity helps people connect with her as more than just a theological symbol.The Episcopal Church encourages personal expressions of piety—and yes, that can include Marian devotion.Mary’s presence in scripture quietly but powerfully pushes back on traditional portrayals of women in faith stories.If you’ve ever wondered what to make of Mary—or just want a deeper, more thoughtful take on her story—this one is for you.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam shine a spotlight on someone you really ought to know—Frances Perkins. She was the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, a driving force behind the New Deal, and an Episcopalian whose faith shaped her fierce commitment to justice.They dig into her early life, her time as a labor activist, and how a moment in a New York church changed everything. Frances wasn’t just a policymaker—she was a public servant on a mission, grounded in the belief that faith should mean something for real people in real need.If you've ever wondered what holiness looks like in politics, Frances Perkins is a pretty great place to start.---What You’ll Walk Away With:Frances Perkins was the first woman in the U.S. cabinet—Secretary of Labor under FDR.Her work helped create the social safety net we still rely on today, including Social Security and the 40-hour work week.She was deeply influenced by the Episcopal Church and saw her work as a calling.A tragic fire in New York City helped shape her lifelong commitment to workers' rights.Perkins believed that public policy could—and should—be an expression of compassion and justice.She wasn’t always welcomed with open arms, but she stayed the course.Her legacy lives on in labor protections, social welfare programs, and the fight for women’s rights.Frances reminds us that sainthood doesn’t always look like a halo—it can look like a woman in a sensible suit, getting things done.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re inherently bad (you’re not), or just want a clearer understanding of why Christians talk about original sin at all—this is a great place to start.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam wade into one of the church’s most misunderstood—and most loaded—topics: original sin. Where did it come from? What does it actually mean? And is it really as bad as it sounds?From Augustine’s personal baggage to Calvin’s famously gloomy outlook, they explore how different Christian traditions have understood sin, human nature, and our relationship with God. Along the way, they reflect on the tension between the beauty of being human and the brokenness of the world we live in.Don’t worry—this isn’t all doom and gloom. There's grace, hope, and a reminder that the Episcopal tradition offers a more compassionate and complex take than you might expect.What You’ll Walk Away With:* Original sin is less about one bad choice in a garden and more about the deep brokenness we all live with.* The idea has changed a lot over time, depending on who you ask (and when).* Augustine’s views on sin were deeply shaped by his own life story.* The Church tends to offer a more hopeful view of original sin than many people realize.* The Protestant reformers, especially Calvin, went much further—emphasizing the idea of total depravity.* Calvin’s theology paints a pretty harsh picture of human nature.* Original sin isn’t just personal—it can help explain larger, systemic problems in the world.* Even in the midst of brokenness, there’s still goodness in humanity worth holding onto.* This whole conversation points us toward the grace of God, not away from it.* The Episcopal Church holds a nuanced, thoughtful view of sin that leaves room for growth, hope, and redemption.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re inherently bad (you’re not), or just want a clearer understanding of why Christians talk about original sin at all—this is a great place to start.AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.