In the final episode of this three part series on Demons, Ghosts, and Evil Spirits, I explore how different cultures and traditions view demons and spirits. I also examine alternative theories, like Carl Jung's concept of the shadow and how the collective consciousness carries forward myths and traditions.
In Part II of my series on Demons, Ghosts, and Evil Spirits, I discuss famous exorcisms, demonologists, and hauntings. This includes the story of the exorcisms of Anneliese Michel and Anna Ecklund. I also talk about famous demonologists Father Malachi Martin and Ed and Lorraine Warren. Finally, I'll cover two famous hauntings - The Enfield Poltergeist and the Smurl Haunting.
This is the first of three episodes covering demons, ghosts, and evil spirits. Do they exist? Can a person be possessed? How do our own fears shape our interpretation of events around us? Part I starts with The Exorcist and cultural impact it had on our beliefs in possession.
Dave Canfield, a former member of Jesus People USA, shares his journey from being a holiday Catholic to joining the Christian counterculture community. He discusses the vibrant music scene, the impact of Christian rock and roll, and his involvement in promoting concerts and working backstage. Dave also talks about his experience with Mike Warnke, a Christian comedian and author who claimed to be a former Satanist high priest, and the role he played in helping expose Warnke's fraudulent minist...
In this episode, I dive into fundamentalism and fear-based Christianity. This includes a revisit of the Satanic Panic of the 70s and 80s, Jack Chick, and movies like The Burning Hell and A Thief in the Night. What's it like to grow up in a church that uses the fear of Hell to convert lost souls? How does it impact people later in adulthood and what is the path to heal from it?
Hannah Smith shares her incredible journey from being trapped in an abusive cult to engaging in many self-destructive behaviors that nearly ended her life. She had a true Dark Night of the Soul experience that led to her finding her way back to spiritual health. She spent the last decade or more studying how God has wired us and has developed training programs for therapists. Last year, Hannah had an incident happen that really tore the veil from her eyes about the oppression that is happenin...
Steve is a multi-award winning composer, lyricist, pianist, and performer who believes in the healing power of music, crediting the writing of the score of his Off-Broadway hit musical The Last Session, as having saved his life. He shares his life story, a gay man who grew up in a very conservative, fundamentalist home and church who found his purpose after coming back from the brink of death in the 90s battling AIDS. Steve's story is both inspirational and spiritually engaging. Bonus: He's m...
Sheila Gregoire is an author, podcaster, and researcher into evangelicalism and sex. On this episode, she shares her research and observations about how evangelical Christianity has often taken a toxic and harmful approach to sexuality in marriage, especially when it comes to women. This is an important discussion, covering how the patriarchy often turns a blind eye to research and to those it harms in order to continue the status quo, often leading to unhealthy and unhappy relationships.
A conversation with Zach Lambert, Meg Wise, and Kevin Young - three very active and vocal voices of Christianity found on Twitter. Each share aspects of their spiritual journeys, observations about the state of the Christianity and the church, and provide unique insight into where they believe the Christian faith is headed. You don't want to miss this engaging discussion!
A conversation between me and another exvangelical and former seminarian who runs a parody account on Twitter knows as TheoBro Extraordinaire. We talk about Christianity and the process of deconstruction. We explore quite a few topics, such as Christian Twitter, TheoBros, and the modern evangelical movement and the impact it has on those around it.Note: Pardon some of the technical difficulties during the discussion.
My observations about ancient civilizations, the gods, aliens, UFOs, and all those mysterious supernatural things that fascinated me as a child and still do.
This was a fascinating conversation covering everything from reincarnation to the meaning of life to trying to figure out why those UFOs show up in our lives. Stephen had great insight, research, and stories to share.
My observations on the similarities of cults and fundamentalism and why people get trapped in them. Drawing from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, I walk through the five levels of his pyramid and talk about how these groups exploit and seem to fulfill those needs, but they are based on lies.
A follow up to my blog post about the church. I also talk about being a recovering fundamentalist and how that impacts my approach to religious discussion.
My observations on a group of Christians known as TheoBros, their theology, and how their behavior impacts those around them.
David Farrier, journalist and documentary filmmaker, shares insights about his life and career, including behind the scenes events while discussing his films "Tickled" and "Mister Organ" as well as his Netflix series, "Dark Tourist." He also talks about Webworm, his email newsletter and the community around it. Topics range from the importance of speaking up for marginalized people and taking on bullies to exploring the themes of religious abuse, including his coverage of ARISE church in New ...
What happens when your fairy tale story turns into a nightmare? Rebecca Craig talks about this very thing - how she, a female pastor, survived a relationship with a narcissistic, abusive man who had perfected gaslighting, lying, and manipulation. Her vulnerability and honesty make this a gripping true life tale as described in her upcoming book release, Once Upon a Nightmare: Through the Looking Glass of Narcissistic Abuse. Rebecca explores the connection between fairy tales and faith,...
In this episode, I interview Reverend Joanna Fontaine Crawford, lead minister for the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park, Texas. Joanna talks about her experience growing up a UU in Texas, how she came into the ministry, and the importance of building a spiritual community outside of traditional religions.
What are the Akashic Records and how do they work? I talk about them, another experience with Emily, and a surprising discovery about one of my past lives.
This is the second episode related to my daughter, Emily's, recent death. In it, I discuss a series of Tarot and Oracle card readings, a couple of dreams, and Emily's surprise drop in to send me a message a couple of weeks after her death. I have also posted a series of blog posts with pics of the drawings so you can see what they look like as you listen.