Virginia Duan is the biggest BTS fan I've ever encountered. I do not understand this. But I also know she is one of the best and biggest baddasses I've ever met. Her story of overcoming fundamentalist christianity, a violent father, and racial discrimination is inspiring. It makes me want to keep fighting. And maybe listen to some BTS.Check out her blog, The Mandarin Mama, and read her books, Illusive, and Weightless, the first two of the Katie Wu multiverse.Join the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
I'm kinda hoping hardly anyone listens to this wide-ranging episode about diversity, or lack thereof, in the deconstruction world. The solution is simple. More BIPOC folks need to create content. I do criticize some creators, but I mostly want to celebrate you, the Chapel Probation listener. The criticisms herein are not about you. If you listen to BIPOC voices, you're doing good. Or you're building towards doing good. Thank you.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
I asked my friend Umi Hsu to be on Chapel Probation to talk about their art and spiritual practices as a non-binary AAPI member of our community in Los Angeles. I had no idea Umi shares similar religious traumas from fundamentalist christianity. So this episode is great because you get a showcase of Umi's music and art and a relatable tie to religious trauma. Check out Umi's podcast, Kindred Transmissions here.And check out Umi's band Bitter Party's IG for upcoming shows.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
This week we have a very different experience in academia with Dr. James Lee. He tells his story of growing christian, how he got out, and how he found his way as a philosophy professor in a real university (as opposed to pretend evangelical ones). It's an amazing conversation about getting out of church, teaching, and life as an AAPI professor today.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
If you've read my book, you know I had some tough times teaching at Azusa Pacific University. But Dr. Sara Moslener has experienced even worse at a public university. She has had to adjust her pedagogy to survive, but she's still teaching incredibly important material centered on Christian purity culture, and she has a forthcoming book, After Purity: Race, Sex, and Religion in White Christian America. The book is available now for pre-order.Dr. Moslener talks about life in academia during this difficult time, and she talks about her book. As always, she is incredible to talk to, inspiring us all to keep fighting the good fight.Listen to the Pure White podcast and check out Dr. Moslener's first book, Virgin Nation: Sexual Purity and American Adolescence.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
People are asking how their friends and family could possibly like a person like Charlie Kirk. Scott talks about the reasons for this bending the knee to a horrible human being by otherwise "nice" or "good" people. And he talks about what pushing back looks like in your inner circles. There is a price to pay, for sure. But it's worth it if you have community support. Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
We're back to Biola this week...kinda. Yes, Lacey Bond attended that school and was a "good" christian woman who followed all the rules. But while there, she was encouraged to ask questions and think creatively. This would prove lethal to her closely held fundamentalist, purity culture-soaked faith. It would eventually lead her to question everything and being exploring her identity as a woman and a sexual being. And through a series of life events, Lacey became a licensed Sex and Relationship coach, specializing in kink and non-traditional relationships. Want to know how someone goes from Biola dream student to complete sex-positivity? Lacey's story is one example. And it's a great conversation.Lacey's website.Check out Lacey's survey she mentioned in the episode here.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
Alycea, aka Transvangelical, is here this week to talk about her life and her forthcoming book, On Your Knees: The 69 Day Irreverent Devotional. Here is the book description:On Your Knees: The 69-Day Irreverent Devotional is a raw, humorous, and unflinching journey through the Bible, designed for those who have been harmed by traditional religious teachings. Author Transvangelical offers an honest look at familiar-and often forgotten-passages, challenging conventional translations and interpretations to reveal the text as a source of healing and liberation, not weaponized oppression.This devotional dares to find sex, humor, and a queer-affirming spirituality within the sacred text, dismantling harmful doctrines of "sexual purity," gender inequality, and conformity. From Jesus being intersex to Jacob's potentially queer encounter with God, and even the biblical examples of masturbation and getting high, this devotional invites you to laugh, learn, and let go of the religious baggage you've been carrying.More than just a book, On Your Knees is an invitation to engage with scripture on your own terms, and to reclaim your life in a way that celebrates your truest self.Pre-order here!
Scott met Greg Corricello while at UC San Diego as Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) leaders. They played on the worship team together and shared a large, supportive community of christians on "secular," science-heavy campus. We saw ourselves as being on the front lines of radical christian living. But Greg went on to gradually deconstruct his faith, learning to accept himself as an asexual man. Being involved with a christian college org like IVCF, in many ways, was more intense than attending a christian school. That's a christian flex right there.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
We wanted to give our reactions to the passing of the architect of today's conservative tyranny, Dr. James Dobson. We share our experiences, give a nod of support to the survivors of the abusive, self-hateful, queerphobic, misogynistic, and all-around bigoted teachings of this man. It's not so much a celebration as it is a solemn acknowledgement that much of our fight began when Focus On the Family began. Scott also shares some thoughts as a former neighbor of the Dobson family.
We watched the doc. And goddamn. Christians are not ok. We talk about this particular Christian cult, purity culture, and how we got where we are as a nation.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
The Deconstruction world is dominated by progressive Christians, and while that's all well and good, I do not understand it. Maybe it's because I'm Japanese and could never imagine pushing a definition of christianity on the world. To be sure, I got tired of trying to define my faith, my identity, and my community while I was a christian. But the good news, well...my good news is that I want to build a better world with progressive christians, even if I do not understand their need or desire to remain christian. Who cares what I understand or believe. I just want to be part of a movement that makes this world better. I don't even care about proving myself right when it comes to my understanding of christian faith, theology, or the bible. Zero interest in that. I just want to build. And if you tell me your christian faith inspires you to share that vision, I have a million questions, having been a part of that and having read the bible. But I'll hold onto those questions and concerns and build with you. I can't promise I won't raise an eyebrow or wince when you talk about Jesus. If and when we fix this shitty world, we can have it out. But if you are for unequivocal human flourishing, I want to be on your team. Just try and keep the god stuff to a minimum . It's triggering to some of us. Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
We interviewed Janice Selbie earlier this year, and we signed up to attend the Shameless Sexuality conference that she organizes. And we were pleasantly surprised to get an invite from Janice to speak at the conference, which was held virtually back in May. We brought our humor and insight to the event, shedding light on purity culture through our unique lenses. Hopefully, this conference will continue into the future. There were a lot of great presenters ranging from therapists, writers, and sex workers. Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
When one becomes indoctrinated into conservative christianity at a young age, that person usually does everything possible to adhere to the teachings and values that ultimately cause harm. Celeste Irwin did everything she could as a cis-het man, even joining a church plant for what she later learned was an insidious cult. But once she extricated herself from the cult and conservative christianity, she began the hard work of deconstructing faith and figuring out her identity as a "christian-ish" trans woman. Subscribe to Celeste's writing here.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
I always knew Joh Chase would be a guest on Chapel Probation. They were one of the most influential people to come out of APU, and they are exquisitely talented. As a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, for my money, Joh is one of the best I've ever seen. And there's a reason we are still friends after meeting in 2005 during their sophomore year. Lots of old Joh Chase music featured in this episode. And lots of memories, both good and bad. Check out Joh's latest music on Spotify.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
Content Warning for descriptions of assault and rape.This week we go to the "Harvard" of Evangelical schools, which is not really a thing. But we go to Wheaton and learn from semi-anonymous guest, Andrea, that the patriarchal systems in place protect men and harm women when it comes to harassment and assault. And at every instance, Christian women are there to defend the men and even find blame in the women who accuse them. Obviously Wheaton is not unique in this patriarchal nightmare, but Andrea went through it all both while there and in life after. Even her Christian therapist found ways to blame her for the horrible abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband. But Andrea fought back and eventually left, both evangelicalism and her abusive marriage. She got a real education, married and not has a loving family, and now educates people. A true hero today.Check out her new Substack, Bullies for Jesus.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
Despite leaving christianity years ago, Katie Malia has never needed to find community centered on deconstruction. She forged her own creative life without ExVangelical twitter, podcasts, or White influencers. Not even Brian Recker! Gasp. Nope. Katie found life and community in the arts, comedy, and music. You've seen her on tv commercials. She's opened for big comedians like Margaret Cho. And her dance videos are incredible. But until now, Katie has never publicly told her story of growing up and then getting out of her Calvary Chapel upbringing. And she brought her comedian's eye for the absurd along with her artistic depth and artful expression to this episode.Be sure to catch Katie's standup at the Improv Aug 31!Katie will be doing an artist residency creating an original dance piece in Oxnard, October 18 and 25.And find out more at KatieMalia.comChapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
3rd-generation Angeleno Mike Sonksen, aka Mike the PoeT, is an acclaimed poet, professor, journalist, historian and tour guide whose work has appeared in publications like the Academy of American Poets, Alta, PBS So Cal, Poetry Foundation and Westways. Sonksen’s read poetry at over 100 academic institutions, appeared on radio and television and hosted events at the Grand Performances and Getty Center. His latest book, Letters To My City is published by Writ Large Press.I can't wait for everyone to hear the ideas and perspectives of Mike Sonksen, aka Mike the Poet. He's a fixture in the Los Angeles poetry community, a teacher, and a journalist, and I always feel inspired and enlightened when I hear him read or just talk to him. It's people like this that everyone deconstructing faith need to know. We talk about how poetry and language can empower and inspire, and we share what we love about Los Angeles that is so different than what the world sees in tv and movies. You can buy Mike's book here. And check out other writing here.
With all the hell happening all around us, particularly in the LA area, it feels good to present this conversation that offers so much hope and mind-expanding ideas. Jess Grace Garcia is a badass who has made it their life mission to help queer people find healing and positive identity in life after fundamentalist faith. They've been all through the cultiest of christian faiths to all the stages of deconstruction, to a fulfilling life of polyamory and community development. As the founder of Queerfire, a support group that meets monthly in the LA area to support folks navigating life after christianity, Jess has taken their experience as a pastor and used it to help people on the outside of oppressive christian faith.Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media CollectiveJoin the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, Azeem Khan, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo ShacklefordJoin the Chapel Probation Patreon to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on Instagram, Bluesky, and SubstackYou can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com
Katie Hampton survived APU as a theater kid and pursued a life as a comedian, improviser, and now podcaster. Her deconstruction paved the way for finding humor as both a vocation and a tool for healing. Also a survivor of Scott's Introduction to Literature class, Katie has found a life outside of Christianity that has been so much fuller and, let's face it, funnier, than life inside evangelical culture. It's been an absolute privilege to stay in touch and watch Katie become such an amazing human. Tune into Katie's many projects:Napping Through Happy HourShows like Christian Cringe on GeekscapeInternet Supreme Court