The Amalgamation with Bruce Reyes-Chow

🧑🏽 Your Host, Bruce Reyes‑ChowRev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation Filipino/Chinese American and an active speaker, writer, coach, and podcaster on topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he also works with organizations on immigration, decarceration, and Palestinian liberation. He is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith with his next book, "Prophets, Priests, Pastors & Poets: Being and Becoming the Ressurected Christ," due out in Fall 2026. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA.✊🏽 About Our GuestRev. Casey Thornburgh Sigmon, MDiv, PhD, is the Associate Professor of Preaching & Worship and Director of the Pause/Play Center for Preachers (a Compelling Preaching Initiative of the Lilly Endowment) at Saint Paul School of Theology. She earned her MDiv from McCormick Theological Seminary and her PhD from Vanderbilt. Her latest book, Engaging the Gadfly: Reflective Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Preaching in a Digital Age, offers a practical theological framework for preachers discerning how to faithfully navigate technocultural shifts brought about by social media and Artificial Intelligence. In addition to being a member of the Academy of Homiletics, Sigmon is a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy. Her research in this area is on progressive modern and contemporary worship music on the margins of the CCM industry. At Saint Paul, she supervises the specialization in Modern Worship Music. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Sigmon has served churches in Tennessee, Kansas, and Missouri.🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Amalgamation, Bruce Reyes-Chow sits down with Professor, Pastor, and Podcaster Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon for a wide-ranging, delightfully nerdy conversation about digital ministry, preaching, and how technology is reshaping faith communities.Casey is the Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship and the Director of the Pause Play Center for Preachers at Saint Paul School of Theology. Together, Bruce and Casey explore the evolving landscape of online and hybrid worship, the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on preaching, and how different generations engage technology in faith spaces.The conversation moves fluidly between practical ministry challenges and big-picture cultural questions—especially around attention, embodiment, and what it means to genuinely connect in digital environments. Along the way, they reflect on younger generations, question assumptions about in-person worship, and share thoughtful (and humorous) observations about post-pandemic church life.Casey also discusses insights from her latest book, Engaging the Gadfly, and offers listeners a meaningful closing practice: noticing and naming “reverse pet peeves”—small things that unexpectedly bring joy or gratitude.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in preaching, digital ministry, or how faith adapts (and sometimes resists adapting) in a rapidly changing technological world.🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesCasey on IG

Here is the trailer for Episode 79 of The Amalgamation Podcast: Engaging the Gadfly: A Conversation with Casey SigmonThe full episode drops on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. To gain full access to today's and early releases of future episodes, become a paid subscriber today. You can purchase a copy of Engaging the Gadfly: Reflective Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Preaching in a Digital Age by Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon, as well as other past Amalgamation guests' books on The Amalgamation Bookstore on Bookshop.The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix, edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: theteam@reyes-chow.com.Thanks for listening!

🧑🏽 Your Host, Bruce Reyes‑ChowRev. Bruce Reyes‑Chow is a 3rd‑generation Filipino/Chinese American speaker, writer, and coachsultant exploring topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, surrounded by too many animals and houseplants.✊🏽 About Our GuestsGrace Ji-Sun Kim was born in Korea, educated in Canada and now teaches in the USA as Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion. She is the author or editor of 25 books, most recently, Earthbound, When God Became White, Invisible, and Spirit Life. Kim is the host of Madang podcast which is sponsored by Faith and Reason. She blogs on her Substack: Loving Life and has written for Huffington Post, The Nation, Sojourners, Baptist News Global, Faith and Leadership and TIME. Kim has appeared on MSNBC, PBS and C-Span. She has been a guest on BBC Radio, ABC Soul Search Radio, WBEZ Radio, and Keep Hope Alive Radio.She is a book series Co-Editor for Palgrave Macmillan Series, “Asian Christianity in the Diaspora,” and has served on the American Academy of Religion’s Board of Directors. Kim is honored to be included in the Englewood Review of Book‘s list of “Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading”.🎧 Episode SummaryIn this lively and deeply insightful conversation, host Bruce Reyes-Chow sits down with his longtime friend and self-proclaimed "PCUSA twin," Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Together, they explore Grace's journey from feeling embarrassed by her Korean heritage as a child to fully embracing her culture as essential to her identity and theological work.Grace opens up about her prolific writing life—including the origins of her latest book "Earthbound" and how her bestselling "When God Became White" helped her finish its conclusion. She shares why she writes without a strict schedule, often completes books before signing contracts, and resists pressure to write like others. Bruce challenges her to see how her unique process might actually be a strength and negotiation tool.From climate justice theology to juggling roles as parent, professor, public speaker, and theologian, they discuss the intersections of creativity, calling, and culture. They explore how books find their way into classrooms and communities longing for justice, and share the truth that their spouses make this demanding work possible.This is a conversation full of laughter, honesty, craft talk, and two friends reflecting on what it means to do public scholarship while staying true to yourself.🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesAsian Christianity in the Diaspora,Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading”.Substack: Loving LifeMadang podcasthttps://gracek.substack.com/li...

Here is the trailer for Episode 78 of The Amalgamation Podcast: Earthbound: God and the Intersection of Climate and Justice: A Conversation With Grace Ji-Sun Kim.The full episode drops on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. To gain full access to today's and early releases of future episodes, become a paid subscriber today. Thanks for listening!The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix, edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: theteam@reyes-chow.com.

E77 The Cross and the Olive Tree: A Conversation with John and Samuel Munayer🧑🏽 Your Host, Bruce Reyes‑ChowRev. Bruce Reyes‑Chow is a 3rd‑generation Filipino/Chinese American speaker, writer, and coachsultant exploring topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, surrounded by too many animals and houseplants.✊🏽 About Our GuestsJohn Munayer is a Palestinian theologian from Jerusalem and holds degrees from King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh, and VU University Amsterdam. John is currently involved in interreligious activism and the founder and editor of the Journal of Palestinian Christianity at the Bethlehem Bible College. He is also a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, researching the political theology of the Palestinian laity in relation to the Holy Fire ceremony.  Samuel Munayer is a Palestinian theologian from Jerusalem and holds degrees from Durham University and Exeter University. Samuel works as an advocacy and access officer for a humanitarian organisation that works in Gaza and the West Bank. He recently co-authored with John the article entitled, “Decolonising Palestinian Liberation Theology: New Methods, Sources, and Voices.”🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Amalgamation Podcast, Bruce Reyes-Chow sits down with Palestinian theologians John and Samuel Manay. Hailing from Jerusalem, both are accomplished in their respective academic journeys and have co-authored the article 'Decolonizing Palestinian Liberation Theology.' They discuss their latest book, 'The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology Amid Gaza,' and share insights on the importance of the olive tree, the concept of Nakba, and the unique nature of Palestinian theology. The episode also touches on their personal backgrounds, the influence of their diverse upbringing, and their joint efforts to contribute to their community’s theological discourse. Despite the challenges, including the ongoing violence in Gaza, they emphasize building a resilient and collaborative future.🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesThe Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology Amid Gaza, an article we co-wrote Decolonising Palestinian Liberation Theology: New Method, Sources, and Voices, and the Journal of Palestinian Christianity. 🎙Thanks for Listening!💌 The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good. It is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix,  and edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: theteam@reyes-chow.com.

Here is the trailer for Episode 77 of The Amalgamation Podcast: The Cross and the Olive Tree: A Conversation with John and Samuel Munayer.The full episode drops on Tuesday, December 9, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter gain early access to the full episode. Thanks for listening!The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix,  edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: theteam@reyes-chow.com.

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this powerful conversation, host Bruce Reyes-Chow sits down with Dr. Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar to discuss their new book We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Together, they explore how ritual, prayer, song, and community become vital tools in the fight against poverty and injustice. Despite the darkness of our current moment—from rising authoritarianism to devastating policy cuts—Liz and Sharon remind us that hope is not naive. It's real, attainable, and already blooming in grassroots movements across the country.From free dental clinics in churches to Jericho walks around detention centers, they share concrete examples of communities living into a vision of abundance and justice. They challenge us to move beyond performative allyship, to sing together, to take action together, and to remember: we get there together or we don't get there at all.This is a conversation about reclaiming faith traditions rooted in liberation, staying grounded in difficult times, and the radical possibility that poverty could actually end—if only we had the political will.🤝🏽 About Our GuestsDr. Liz Theoharis is a theologian, Presbyterian pastor, author, and anti-poverty activist. She serves as the executive director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice and co-chairs the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. A biblical scholar with decades of organizing experience, Liz has been working in poor and low-income communities for 30 years, fighting against Christian nationalism and advancing a vision of "everybody in, nobody out." She is co-editor of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Liz on InstagramCharon Hribar is a song leader, cultural organizer, and social ethicist who serves as the managing director of cultural strategies and communications for the Kairos Center and co-director of Theo Musicology and Movement Arts for the Poor People's Campaign. A PhD holder who grew up in a steel worker family in Western Pennsylvania, Sharon has spent over 20 years building movements that connect struggles across education, healthcare, and environmental justice—all grounded in culture, ritual, and song. She is co-editor of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Connect with Charon. Charon on Instagram✨ Episode HighlightsThe origin story of "We Pray Freedom" and why this collection of liturgies matters nowHope in action: Real examples of grassroots organizing transforming communitiesBeyond plug-and-play liturgy: How to engage authentically with ritual and avoid performative justiceThe reality of poverty in America: Why 140+ million people are poor or low-income, and why ending poverty is actually possibleThe power of song and ritual: How collective practices break isolation and reinforce shared humanityA dying mule kicks the hardest: Understanding our current moment as the birth pangs of a new worldPractical grounding: How to stay connected, take action, and avoid overwhelm in these times🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesWe Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor (Broadleaf Books)The Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justicea...

Here is the trailer for Episode 76 of The Amalgamation Podcast: We Pray Freedom: A Conversation with Charon Hribar and Liz TheoharisThe full episode drops on Tuesday, November 4th, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter gain early access to the full episode. Thanks for listening!The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix,  edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: theteam@reyes-chow.com.

✊ About Our GuestFlamy Grant is a shame‑slaying, hip‑swaying, chart‑topping drag performer and singer‑songwriter who blends folk, gospel, and roots music to tell stories of resilience, faith, and liberation. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Flamy’s work reimagines the intersections of queerness and spirituality — challenging religious trauma and reclaiming sacred belonging through art and performance.Her debut album Bible Belt Baby soared to #1 on the iTunes Christian chart and was named one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023. Her 2024 follow‑up CHURCH hit #8 on the iTunes Country chart, cementing her as a vital new voice in progressive spiritual music. A winner of the 2023 Kerrville New Folk contest and nominee for Artist of the Year at the 2025 International Folk Music Awards, Flamy uses her platform to advocate for inclusion, authenticity, and the divine within us all.(Her name is a nod to pop icon Amy Grant — a joyful act of reclamation and reverence.)🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode, host Bruce Reyes‑Chow sits down with Flamy Grant for a conversation that’s equal parts fabulous and faith‑filled. Together, they explore the intersections of drag, spirituality, and authenticity — and how art can become a sanctuary for the marginalized. From performing in churches to topping the Christian charts in full drag, Flamy shares her journey of reconciling queerness and faith while unlearning shame and embracing joy.This is a powerful, funny, and deeply human conversation about what it means to reclaim the sacred on your own terms.✨ Episode HighlightsHow drag became a spiritual practice and source of healing.What it means to find holiness in queerness.The story behind Bible Belt Baby and CHURCH.Navigating the backlash and beauty of being a drag artist in Christian spaces.How to build communities rooted in radical inclusion and joy.🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesFlamy Grant Official SiteEPK & Press InfoFlamy Grant on InstagramListen to Bible Belt BabyListen to CHURCH🎧 The Amalgamation PodcastBe sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen.The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merissa Magdael‑Lauron (Music)🎙 Your Host, Bruce Reyes‑ChowRev. Bruce Reyes‑Chow is a 3rd‑generation Filipino/Chinese American speaker, writer, and coachsultant exploring topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, surrounded by too many animals and houseplants.💌 Connect with BruceWebsite & NewsletterBookshop StorefrontBlueSkya...

Here is the trailer for Episode 75 of The Amalgamation Podcast: Unashamed: Drag, Deconstruction, and the Divine with Flamy Grant.The full episode drops on Tuesday, October 21st, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode. Thanks for listening!

🎙 The Amalgamation: Episode 74🔎 At-a-Glance SummaryIn this episode, host Bruce Reyes-Chow speaks with Musa al-Gharbi about his book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. The conversation dives into wokeness, race, education, and politics, challenging the gap between elite progressive rhetoric and the lack of material change for marginalized groups. Expect a balance of sobering insights and witty exchanges.✨ Episode HighlightsWhy the term "wokeness" often refers to the symbolic performance of activism rather than substantive policy reform.The function of cultural contradictions within elite institutions, and how they neutralize true social justice movements.A critical look at the role of politics and education in perpetuating the very systems they claim to be critiquing.Musa's perspective on what a truly "woke" or equitable society would actually prioritize.✊🏽 About Our Guest/sMusa al-Gharbi (Sociologist, Stony Brook University)Musa al-Gharbi is a sociologist in the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University. His first book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite, is out now with Princeton University Press. His second book, Those People, is scheduled for release in late 2026 with Princeton University Press. Musa's Substack, Symbolic Capital(ism), explores themes that cut across both books.In this episode, Musa joins Bruce to discuss the core arguments of We Have Never Been Woke, examining the gap between stated progressive ideals and their practical, often contradictory, outcomes within influential institutions.📬 Connect with the GuestsWebsite: https://musaalgharbi.com/Newsletter: https://musaalgharbi.substack.com/Bluesky: @musaalgharbi.bsky.social🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesMusa al-Gharbi's book: We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New EliteAnnouncement for Musa's second book: Those PeopleMusa al-Gharbi's Substack: Symbolic Capital(ism)The book's paperback release date is October 8th.Beyond the Easiest CasesAlienated America by Timothy Carney🏷️ Tags / Hashtags#TheAmalgamationPodcast #WeHaveNeverBeenWoke #Wokeness #MusaAlGharbi #CulturalContradictions #SocialJustice #Politics #PodcastLife🎧 The Amalgamation PodcastHosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, The Amalgamation is a podcast about people doing good in the world, exploring faith, justice, and the messy beauty of humanity. Be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merisssa Magdael-Lauron (Music). For all show inquiries, contact theteam@reyes-chow.com🎙️ Your Host, Bruce Reyes-ChowBruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation...

Here is the trailer for Episode 74 of The Amalgamation Podcast: We Have Never Been Woke: A Conversation with Musa al-Gharbi.The full episode drops on Tuesday, October 7th, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode. Thanks for listening!

✊🏽 About Our GuestsBrian Kaylor is a Baptist minister with a PhD in political communication. A former professor of political communication and advocacy studies, he now serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Word & Way, where he writes and speaks on issues of faith and public life. He previously served at churches and denominational organizations affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, American Baptist Churches USA, and Southern Baptist Convention. An award-winning writer, his pieces have been published by numerous outlets, including Boston Globe, CNN, Houston Chronicle, Kansas City Star, Nashville Tennessean, Sojourners, and Washington Post. Kaylor serves as board treasurer for Americans United for Separation of Church and State and on the board of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. He also chairs the Resolutions Committee for the Baptist World Alliance. He lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.Beau Underwood is the Senior Minister of Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also a contributing editor to Word & Way. He holds graduate degrees in both religion and public policy from the University of Chicago and is currently a doctoral candidate in public affairs at the University of Missouri. Underwood is the co-author of a book on Christian fatherhood called, Dear Son: Raising Faithful, Just, and Compassionate Men that is also published by Chalice Press. His writing has appeared in Religion News Service, Sojourners, The Christian Century, Religion & Politics (now ARC), Sightings, Religion Unplugged, and other places. In addition to pastoring and writing, Underwood has past ministry experience in faith-based advocacy and hospital chaplaincy. He has also held a variety of leadership roles within his denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).Together, Brian and Beau are the co-authors of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism, published by Chalice Press.🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Bruce sits down with Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood to explore the uncomfortable but necessary truths about how mainline Protestant churches have played a role in shaping Christian nationalism in America. With humor, insight, and deep historical context, the conversation covers faith’s role in public policy, the complicity of religious institutions, and what it means to reckon with our past in order to build a more just future.Expect to laugh, think, and—most importantly—leave smarter than when you started.🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesBaptizing America (Chalice Press)Christian Century Review of Baptizing AmericaThe Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power (Chalice Press)How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism (article that gave rise to the book)Civil Religion as a Gateway to Christian Nationalism Word & Waya...

Here is the trailer for Episode 73 of The Amalgamation Podcast: Faith, Power, and the Making of Christian Nationalism: A Conversation with Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood The full episode drops on Tuesday, September 23rd, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode. Thanks for listening.

✊🏽 About Our GuestsAlix Dick is an artist and storyteller living in Los Angeles. Her contributions as a producer and filmmaker have screened at film festivals across the globe. She co-edits the substack, La Cuenta, an online publication centering the voices and perspectives of individuals labeled undocumented in the US.Antero Garcia is a professor in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University and president-elect of the National Council of Teachers of English. He has authored or edited more than two dozen books about schooling in America. He co-edits the substack, La Cuenta.🎧 Episode SummaryIn this powerful episode, Bruce Reyes-Chow speaks with Alix Dick and Antero Garcia, the folks behind The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman’s Reckoning with America's Inhumane Math. The book explores the emotional, financial, and systemic burdens placed on undocumented immigrants—and the human stories that make those costs real.Bruce, Alix, and Antero dig into:📚 The origin story behind their collaborative nonfiction project💵 The hidden costs undocumented immigrants face in education, healthcare, housing, and safety🧮 Why “inhumane math” is more than just a metaphor💡 How storytelling and data can work together to inspire change👩🏽‍🏫 Antero’s personal lens as an educator and writer🧠 Alix’s process of transforming pain and policy into a compelling narrativeIt’s a heartfelt and thoughtful conversation about justice, narrative power, and reclaiming humanity in dehumanizing systems.🔗 Episode Links & Resources📘 The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman's Reckoning with America's Inhumane Math 🧑🏽‍💻 Alix Dick on Instagram🧑🏽‍🏫 Antero Garcia at Stanford💌 Subscribe to the La Cuenta Newsletter on Substack🎤And the singer that Alix mentioned, Debbie Dawson is at: www.debbiidawson.com🎧 The Amalgamation PodcastBe sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merisssa Magdael-Lauron (Music)🎙️ Your Host, Bruce Reyes-ChowBruce Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation Filipino/Chinese American and an active speaker, writer, and coachsultant on topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, with too many animals and houseplants.💌 BRC Website and Newsletter📚 BRC Bookshop Bookstore🔗 BRC on BlueSky🔗 BRC on Instagram🔗 BRC on Tiktok🔗

Here is the trailer for Episode 72 of The Amalgamation Podcast: The Cost of Being Undocumented: A Conversation with Alix Dick & Antero Garcia. The full episode drops on Tuesday, September 9th, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter have early access to the full episode. Thanks for listening!

In this pre-season special, Bruce Reyes-Chow chats with Pastor Jacob Buchholz, a contestant on the new Fox reality show The Snake. They dive into Jacob’s role as a progressive Christian pastor on national TV, the show’s unique social dynamics, and his roots in Deaf ministry. An inspiring, thoughtful, and fun conversation about faith, visibility, and what it means to be human — even on reality TV. Watch “The Snake”: Tuesdays on Fox and streaming the next on HuluConnect with Pastor Jacob🔗 on Instagram🔗 on TikTok🔗 at Claremont United Church of ChristStay Connected to Bruce 💌 Subscribe to the Newsletter📚 Buy all the Books🔗 on BlueSky🔗 on Instagram🔗 on Tiktok🔗 on YouTubeAnd be sure to find your listening platform and subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get podcasts for your earholes.

Teaser for the upcoming launch of The Amalgamation with Bruce Reyes-Chow coming May 2025My name is Bruce Reyes-Chow, and you’ve found The Almagamation Podcast.  Each episode, I chat with inspiring humans: activists, artists, academics, and adventurers as we joyfully and courageously co-conspire to make the world a more loving, compassionate, and just home for everyone. Welcome to The Amalgamation.

Well, I had not originally planned on adding more episodes to The Amalgamation Podcast until it was fully ready to go. Sometimes, the world requires us to respond outside of our plans. So here's a little preview of what I will be doing in the Fall, to offer some ideas about those of you who are preaching on any given Sunday.With the shooting and presumed assassination attempt of former President Trump, I think it would be irresponsible NOT to address this happening in worship tomorrow. I hope you have the courage and willingness to do so.Here are some thoughts as you enter this space.TRANSCRIPTHave we paid attention to everything in the same manner? Certainly not, but that doesn't mean that one, necessarily, should deserve more or less humanity than the other. And the thing I would really focus on, though, tomorrow, is that violent rhetoric, when it escalates, what do we expect to happen? When we use this in, and this is across the board now, I will say, I think conservative folks tend to use it more and there's been violence on, on their side that is much more, I, I would think directed towards those who sit in a more progressive space. Huge generalizations. But at the same time, I've seen everybody kind of ramp up. And when, when do we ramp up? Some people would say, well, if you take the high road, if you decide to play by the rules or you decide to be, to dignify people, then they're not going to reciprocate that. Well, my compassion and love isn't given in a transactional manner. And so somebody seen that foolish, but I think that if I were to come back at somebody with the same level and tone and tactics that were emotionally, spiritually, politically violent, then this is what's going to happen. We've already seen it with Palestinians being attacked on the streets and in their homes, and killed because of who they are. We've seen, you know, economic violence. on, people who just simply wear a Palestinian flag. We certainly have seen, folks who have been antisemitic, they have been, anti-Islamic. There's all, all the things that happen. And at some point, we have to see humanity in one another enough that we don't, we don't exacerbate that, that we don't accelerate and, that we don't escalate violence in our words and actions.Now that is not weak. That is not a weak position. That is a position I think of strength and of revolution because it goes against the way the world wants us to be. The world thrives on the economy of militarism and violence. And so the more we feed into that, the more that that part of humanity wins.And I simply. We'll not let that happen. So as you step into the pulpit tomorrow, I don't think you have to feel like you need to calm people that you need to, make people feel good or bad about any particular thing. But I do think it's important for us to use that space in a way that helps people see the larger scheme of humanity.And what about our current political situation benefits destruction and violence and evil, and how are we going to or not going to participate in that? Again, there is enough love and compassion to go around, and so we don't have to help evil and destruction win I pray for you all tomorrow that are stepping into that pulpit, let the spirit move, love your people, be transformed by your own words, and peace.Be sure to SUBSCRIBE TO, RATE, and REVIEW The Amalgamation Podcast, wherever you put podcasts into your ears.BUST THE ALGORITHMS by subscribing to my substack, The Amalgamation, my email list, The Communiqué, and my Youtube Channel.We can also STAY CONNECTED on the socials via

It seems only fitting to end on a nice round number with Episode 70 of BRC and Friends. Those who have been hanging out with me for the past decades have been through a few manifestations of this space, including its very beginning as a VodCast that began 10 years ago with my very first guest, Grace Ji-Sun Kim. [Watch Episode 1]Special thanks to Co-Hosts, Laura Mariko Cheifetz, Micky ScotBey Jones, Jorge Perry Bautista, and Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks. Also, thanks to Merissa Magdael-Lauron, who composed and edited the intro and outro vibes!If you are already subscribed to BRC & Friends, you need not do anything as I’ll use the same feed for the new podcast.Thanks again and I’ll see you in Fall with Episode 1 of The Amalgamation Podcast with Bruce Reyes-ChowBUST THE ALGORITHMS by subscribing to my substack, The Amalgamation, my email list, The Communiqué, and my Youtube Channel.We can also STAY CONNECTED on the socials via Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. I occasionally hang out on other platforms via @breyeschow on them all. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe