Down to Earth Conversations

Petra Zaleski is a chaplain at Auckland University, which we talk about a little in the kōrero. However, the main focus is on her own story of finding transformational love in the midst of pain. Complex PTSD leading to substance abuse threatened to ruin Petra's life but, instead, she found how powerful love is and began a journey towards wholeness. Her journey has filled her with compassion and shapes how she lives out her life as a priest. Content warning, we talk about substance abuse in the episode, and the subject of suicide comes up in passing, so look after yourself and take a break if you need to. ___Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@commoners_communion⁠

Having grown up in the Exclusive Brethren, Lindy Jacomb came to a crisis point where she no longer believed everything she was being asked to believe. Years later, having made a life outside the Exclusive Brethren, Lindy is now heading up efforts to offer support to anyone else who is looking to leave high demand religious groups. We talk about her own experience in the Exclusive Brethren Church and the challenges of leaving, what the Olive Leaf Network is and how it works to support those leaving high demand religious groups, and we talk about red flags and green flags when looking at the health of any group you may be part of. Check out Olive Leaf Network on their website, Facebook or Instagram. And check out the Cult Chat podcast wherever you get your podcasts.___Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@commoners_communion⁠

Benjamin Cremer is a pastor who spends his time these days in the online space in the intersection of Christianity and politics. Having grown up in white Christian nationalism in the U.S.A. Ben now gracefully explores how faith in Jesus offers a critique to policies and ideologies that many Christians actively support. We talk about his upbringing, the changes in his faith, the costs of those changes on relationships, and how his more open understanding of God has given him the ability to better love others. We also discuss how he interacts with people by challenging their beliefs and ideas, while still holding grace for them, even when he feels their beliefs are causing harm, which makes it an encouraging, but also very challenging, conversation. Check out Ben's weekly newsletter, Into the Gray, and find him on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky.___Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@commoners_communion⁠

Kate and Alex are the co-founders and co-directors of Common Grace Aotearoa. Common Grace is an organisation doing advocacy work and organising the church around key justice issues. While the Church is involved in much justice work at the coal face, there is also a need to work towards changing systems that oppress and marginalise, systems that cause some of the problems we then see. Common Grace Aotearoa is working at that systems level, striving for change.Kate and Alex and I talk about how they became passionate about this kind of advocacy and campaigning, what the focus of Common Grace Aotearoa is, and how they connect with the wider church to train and equip people for action. We also spend a bit of time talking about the upcoming referendums around Māori wards in local government, and why they see this as a matter of justice. Check out Common Grace Aotearoa at commongrace.nz or find them on Instagram or Facebook ___Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠@commoners_communion

Phillipa Hunt is a wife, mum, engineer, and the founder and chairperson of Satisfy Food Rescue. We talk about the environment, food poverty, Satisfy, working to our strengths, partnering with others, and where faith fits into all that for her. Check out Satisfy Food Rescue on their website, on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. ___Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠@commoners_communion

Cathy Marston and Steven Goulstone, the hosts of the Changes Ahead Podcast, a Baptist New Zealand podcast hosting conversations that discuss the changes the church needs to think about if it is to have a meaningful presence in the future. We talk about the unheard voices of our church communities, the desire to be faithful by keeping things the same, when perhaps faithfulness demands change, hearing people's stories rather than discussing theology abstractly, and why the church might be worth changing to save. If you like this conversation then make sure you check out the Changes Ahead podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Follow them on Facebook or Instagram. ___Connect with me at ⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠@commoners_communion

Sharon 'Rocky' Roggio has spent years in the film and television industry, working in a variety of roles on many well known shows (e.g. House of Cards, Parks and Recreation) and films. In this conversation we discuss her directorial debut film, '1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture'. The film has won over 25 awards at film festivals around the world. The film documents the first time the word homosexual was included in a Bible translation (as recently as 1946), the subsequent decision by that same committee to take the word out again in their next revision, looking at how and why the committee came to those decisions. The film features personal stories of the key characters which makes it compelling to watch. Rocky and I discuss her career, why and how the film came about, why she included a storyline of her own journey with her dad, who believes very differently to her, and what she is hoping for as people watch this film. Spoiler alert, we obviously discuss elements of the film in the episode, so if you want to see the film before listening, head to ⁠1946themovie.com⁠Find more from Rocky and the team on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok___Connect with me at ⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠ Instagram: ⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠Email: ⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠Strahan⁠Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠ or ⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠Instagram: ⁠@strahanmusic⁠ or ⁠@commoners_communion

Jaimee van Gemerden holds a PhD in theology but, unlike some academics, is great at connecting deep thought about God with real issues in and around the Christian faith in a way that the average person can connect with.  With her friend Andrew, she is the founder of Metanoia, a platform for hosting conversations about faith in public spaces that might otherwise be held behind closed doors, if they are had at all. We talk about how deliberately bringing her understandings and experiences as a woman into her theology has helped her see different angles on things, what Metanoia is and how it came about, the church's response, or lack of it, to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in care report that came out last year, and the idea that we aren't supposed to empty ourselves of who we are as Christians, but in fact to embrace all of who we are in partnership with God to live our fullest lives. We talk about what the church might need to be saved from, and indeed, whether it should be saved at all.Sign up to Metanoia's emails at metanoianz.com Or find them on Facebook or Instagram ___Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations Instagram: @downtoearth.conversationsEmail: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com Music by Strahan:Spotify: StrahanFacebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunionInstagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Dallas Harema is a social worker, counsellor, coach, husband, father, and so much more. My observation, having known Dallas for a while now, is that he has a really good grasp on what it means to love people well, in a way that gets through the clutter to make real connections.  We talk about how being Māori influences how he sees relationships, we talk about breaking down barriers for men to be vulnerable, for couples to connect better, the current political climate around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the need for us all to be better acquainted with our emotions.  Connect with Dallas at harema.co.nz ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Earlier this year I was a guest on Stephen Garton's podcast, Fresh Aesthetic. This episode is a rerelease of that episode in full. If you enjoy it, make sure you check out Stephen's other episodes of Fresh Aesthetic. Check out Fresh Aesthetic on Instagram, linktree, or wherever you get your podcasts.  ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com

Kylee Black is a social entrepreneur committed to cultivating strong connected community. Through her own experiences with disability and complex health challenges, Kylee has been able to create spaces for others and that help empower them in their own journey. Kylee is the CEO and founder of Kylee & Co, an online platform with accessible products by the disability community for everyone.  On this episode we talk about Kylee's journey with health and disability, her advocacy for people with disabilities, creating safe spaces for people with disabilities within faith communities and expressions, the power of connectedness, and we explore the idea that accessibility actually benefits us all.  Check out Kylee & Co on their website, Facebook, or Instagram. Check out Clipboard on their website, Facebook, or Instagram. ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

As I release this, today marks one full year since the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel, and the beginning of a horrendous campaign of genocide that Israel began in Gaza as a result. Violence that has, in the past week or so, spread into surrounding territories as the western world sits back and watches. Today's guest, Cole, is a visual journalist, capturing stories through photos and videos. While many of us were simply getting on with our lives, Cole left the safety of Aotearoa New Zealand for the land of Palestine, spending two months in and around the West Bank. Cole shares stories of the people he met, the resilience he saw, and the oppression that they face in everyday life. What Cole describes is both heart-warming and heart breaking. It gives some understanding as to why things exploded a year ago, and why this so far from Israel simply defending itself. Cole tells the stories of humans who are trying to keep their humanity and dignity in an environment that is dehumanising and oppressive. He also challenges us about what we are doing to help give hope to those for whom life has become quite hopeless. This is one of the most important conversations I feel like I've ever had on this podcast. And that is no slight on all the amazing conversation partners I've had so far. But this one just has a weight to it. For that reason, wanting to do this conversation some justice, I didn't stop us to fit my usual timings, and so this episode is much longer than my others. It felt like it needed to be. Feel free to listen in smaller chunks as you are able. Cole and I specifically discuss some of the stories behind some of his photographs and videos, so you may want to go check them out on his Instagram page before listening. See below for a range of resources to become educated on the situation, and to keep up with what is going in in real time. Check out the amazing list of resources at Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine and follow them on Instagram.Find Across the Divide Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Here is a 90min Course, "Deconstructing Israel's Apartheid Against Palestinians" from Amnesty InternationalAnd read this Open Letter from Palestinian Christians to Western Church Leaders and Theologians INSTAGRAM accounts to follow:@cole.in.a.box @christians4peaceaotearoa @christatthecheckpoint @youthofsumud @mohammadhureini @samihuraini @wizard_bisan1 @tariq.hathaleen @awdah.hathaleen @savealmakhrour___Connect with me at ⁠⁠downtoearthconversations.com⁠⁠ or at:Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@downtoearth.conversations⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com⁠⁠ Music by Strahan:Spotify: ⁠⁠Strahan⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠facebook.com/StrahanMusic⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠facebook.com/commonerscommunion⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@strahanmusic⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠@commoners_communion

Episode 100 is here! As I was thinking about what to do for this episode, I thought, why not interview someone who has featured more on the podcast than anyone else, yet who hasn't actually been a guest on the podcast? Every episode since episode 21, Strahan Coleman's music has been there.  And in this kōrero with Strahan we go deep, talking about the journey that led to him being an award winning musician who travelled the world, but then the way life all came crashing down, pulling his music career out from under him and changing everything about his life and his future. In that time of deep pain, Strahan began to learn a new way of seeing God, a new way of praying, a new way of being. We talk about the mountains and the valleys, the joys and the struggles, the unlearning, and the embodying of faith. We talk about unanswered prayers, undiagnosable conditions, and what it might mean that God is good, especially in those times when it doesn't seem to be true.   It is a conversation that is filled with life and hope. Connect with Strahan on his Website, Facebook, or Instagram Or check out Strahan's Music on Spotify ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com

Asif Mall works out of the UK in places like his homeland of Pakistan, helping to support persecuted Christians, but even more than that, using influence and strategy to help create change that prevents some of the persecution from happening to begin with. We talk about growing up in Pakistan as a Christian in a Muslim country, how he got involved in the work he is doing, and what he has learnt about himself and his faith along the way. We hear stories of how strategies Asif's organisation employed have saved hundreds of homes from being torched, and many people from being killed.  If you wish to get in touch with Asif regarding some of the invitations he gives in the episode, contact Andy through the platforms bellow and he can connect you with Asif.  I was put in touch with Asif by Voice of the Martyrs NZ. Check out VOMNZ on their website, Instagram, or Facebook.  ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Charlotte Cummings works in a number of ways to outwork an inner desire to help others, especially people who are finding life tough through mental health, parenting, or because they've been hurt in faith-based spaces.  We talk about her work as an investigator, counsellor, consultant and more. We hear about her experience of supporting those who have been hurt in Christian faith communities, and get her take on the recently released report from the Royal Commission of Enquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care. We also talk about her own podcast, Feel Better, and how she is offering her wealth of therapeutic knowledge to any who will listen.  Find Charlotte through her counselling website, her consultancy website, or Instagram.   And find her podcast, Feel Better, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Scott Gilmour is the chair and founder of the I Have A Dream Trust.  I Have a Dream is an organisation working to support children through building relationships that span years. It is a programme that, as you will hear, was a long time in the making for Scott, but he followed his intuition, used the resources he had, and now supports over 20 workers, or navigators as they call them, who are supporting students across 5 schools, from the day they start school until they are 20.  Scott comes from a business and technology background, so we talk a bit about that.  We also talk about his involvement in Angel Investing - something that was new to me that I think is brilliant. And then we dive into how I Have a Dream came about, how it works, and what results they are seeing over 20 years in.  Check out this summary video of I Have a Dream, or find them on their website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.  ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Back on episode 11 of Down to Earth Conversations I talked to Aaron about work he was doing with young people experiencing homelessness. Aaron is still fighting with and for our rangatahi (youth) but has left the larger, more generic services he worked for and, with his wife Summer, started Kick Back - an organisation dedicated to supporting some of our most vulnerable young people - particularly those experiencing homelessness.  We talk about the journey of starting something new, how it fills a void in the existing services, and how it will help the youth of Tāmaki (Auckland) moving forward. We talk about government, budgets, community responsibility, collaboration, and how the work Aaron is doing is already making a difference a year in.  Find Aaron on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn And check out Kick Back on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

I have released this episode out of my usual rhythm because the day of release is a significant day in Aotearoa New Zealand. On this day, July 24, 2024, the Royal Commission of inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care released their final report. This report, which took six years to compile, details the abuse of thousands of New Zealand children and other vulnerable people while in the care of the state or faith based organisations. The report estimates that between 1950 and 1999, over 200,000 people suffered abuse while in the care of these organisations.   Ken Clearwater, is himself a survivor of sexual abuse, and has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his 30 years of supporting other male survivors of abuse, and advocating for legislative change. He was one of those who regularly called for the government to launch a royal commission of inquiry, and we talk both about Ken's own journey, and the inquiry itself.  He has spoken at the United Nations about the work he is involved in in Aotearoa.  Obviously there are things in this conversation that may be challenging to listen to, including mention of rape, sexual assault, and suicide. Please take care of yourself and stop listening or take breaks if you need to. Please use your own support structures, and make use of the links in the show notes to seek help if you need to.  While there are some hard truths in this episode, it is ultimately an episode of hope. It is a conversation with a man who has grown something powerful from the evils he was put through. It is the story of how men have supported other men, and how goodness can thrive, even in the face of great evil.  Find Ken's Ted Talk here.    Please make use of the following services if you need them: Rape Crisis - 0800 88 33 00 (Will direct you to a nearby centre), follow link for information on local helplines Victim Support - 0800 842 846 (24hr service) The Harbour, online support and information for those affected by harmful sexual behaviour Women's Refuge (For women and children) - crisis line available on 0800 733 843 Safe to talk - 0800 044 334, text 4334 or web chat Male Survivors Aotearoa (For men) - follow link for regional helplines Safe to Talk(external link) sexual harm helpline: 0800 044334, text: 4334, email: support@safetotalk.nz Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00 Women's Refuge(external link): 0800 733 843 Shine domestic abuse services(external link) free call: 0508 744 633 (24/7, Live Webchat is also available) Hey Bro helpline(external link) - supporting men to be free from violence 0800 HeyBro (439 276) Family violence information line(external link) to find out about local services or how to help someone else: 0800 456 450 Oranga Tamariki line(external link) for concerns about children and young people: 0508 326 459, email: contact@ot.govt.nz1737, Need to talk?(external link) Free call or text: 1737 for mental health support from a trained counsellor Youthline(external link): 0800 376 633, free text: 234, email: talk@youthline.co.nz Shakti - for migrant and refugee women - 0800 742 584 - 24 hours Elder Abuse Helpline: 0800 32 668 65 - 24 hours, text: 5032, email: support@elderabuse.nz Wellington Help(external link) for individuals, whānau and communities affected by sexual abuse in the Wellington Region: 04 801 6655 & push 0 at the menu - 24 hours Aviva(external link) For free 24/7 support line, call 0800 AVIVA NOW (0800 28482 669) ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Daughter-father combo, Jemma and Shane Clifton, have both gone through large life transitions, Jemma's around gender, and Shane's around disability. Both have been long processes of change, and they have been a support for one another in their transitional journeys.  Jemma and Shane run a podcast called the Change podcast, which follows Jemma's gender affirmation transition, as she embraces who she is as a transgender woman. It is available on all podcasting platforms, and was the catalyst for my inviting them into conversation. We talk about their podcast, why they chose to take this journey public, and what sort of feedback they are getting. We talk about Shane's accident and how that has affected life as he lives with quadriplegia, and also what that was like for Jemma as a teenager seeing her dad on that life altering journey.  This is a powerful conversation with two beautiful humans.  Find the Change Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.  ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion

Tim Whitaker is the founder of The New Evangelicals (TNE), a non-profit challenging toxic Christianity and supporting those processing their faith. Tim started TNE as an Instagram account in order to pose questions about his Christian faith and share answers that he received. This has led to a connection with thousands of people around the world who have asked many of these same questions. TNE is now a non-profit, an online community, a podcast, and a group of people who amplify the voices of a range of perspectives on faith and life.  We talk about Tim's journey of starting something that went beyond what he ever expected, what prompted the shift in his faith, what it has cost him, including his faith community, and the beauty and life he's found on the other side.  Check out TNE at thenewevangelicals.com, or find them on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. You can also join the TNE Community on Facebook, or listen to the TNE podcast wherever you get your podcasts.  ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic or facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion