Kinda Religious

Death scholar Dr. Candi Cann joins Kinda Religious for a wide-ranging, often funny conversation about how we deal with death. We cover why COVID didn't change how we talk about dying, DIY versus traditional funerals, and what food means in death rituals. We also get into why "the dead will return to haunt us," how grief theory has changed, the corporatization of funeral homes, and mourning through apps, VR and AI.Dr. Cann’s Website: https://www.candikcann.com Topic Timestamps0:27 – Intro and guest bio1:16 – Did COVID change how we talk about death? (Not much. Will-writing is still around 50%.)5:00 – Comparing COVID with the 1920s flu epidemic, and "trauma fatigue"8:39 – DIY and personalized funerals versus traditional ritual11:35 – Arlington burials and the comfort of ritual15:35 – Food in death rituals across cultures16:17 – Dying to Eat, Peter Brown and feeding tubes at early Christian graves17:36 – Sin eaters in the Middle Ages18:55 – Offerings in China, Buddhism, and Jewish and Muslim round foods (bagels, couscous)22:18 – Recipes as a connection to the dead: grandma's recipe box, a family cookbook, recipes on headstones, "XXX" in rum balls31:08 – "The dead will return to haunt us," The Body Keeps the Score, and ghosts and Geist35:06 – 9/11 versus COVID: why we memorialize one and not the other41:53 – How American mourning has changed over fifty years42:21 – Kübler-Ross and stage models versus the dual process model and continuing bonds46:18 – Corporatization of the funeral industry (the "McDonald's of funeral homes," funeral homes owned by hospitals in Korea, and the funeral home that bakes cookies)51:06 – Funeral food, and grief as physical work52:57 – Social media and grief55:00 – Technology and mourning: candle apps, Chinese tomb-sweeping apps, Singapore columbarium livestreams, virtual grave tending57:33 – AI replicas, chatbots and the VR reunion in the Korean show Missing You1:02:30 – What makes a good death (hospice, death doulas, agency)1:04:06 – Closing question

In this episode, Stephen Long shares his journey from Satanism to a broader understanding of spirituality, exploring the history of Satanism, its cultural perceptions, and personal practices that foster transcendence and community. Discover how religious identities evolve and the importance of pluralism in modern spiritual life.Links:Stephen Bradford Long's Website: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/Stephen's Sacred Tension Substack: https://sacredtension.substack.com/Sacred Tension Podcast: https://sacredtension.substack.com/podcastSacred Tension Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KR4hS0sBuYSrkzWgO5Cq8Topic Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Stephen Long's Journey and Background02:01 The Crumbling of Christian Faith and Search for Non-Theistic Religion03:52 The Appeal of Satanism and Its Cultural Expressions07:14 Literary and Cultural Influences on Satanic Identity10:07 The Different Traditions of Satanism and Their Inspirations14:54 The Evolution of Satanic Symbols and Rituals20:01 The Relationship Between Satanism and Social Justice24:59 The Impact of the Satanic Panic and Cultural Myths29:55 Personal Transition Away from Satanism and Search for Transcendence39:52 The Power of Rituals in Healing Religious Trauma50:01 The Role of Pluralism and Religious Freedom Today59:59 Practices and Beliefs in Modern Spirituality and Personal Rituals01:09:49 The Practice of the Headless Way and Non-Duality

In this episode, atheist and ex-Christian content creator Ruth Reck shares her journey through religious spaces, her deconstruction of faith, and her insights into how religion influences culture and politics. She discusses her visits to religious sites, her views on spirituality, and the importance of understanding different faith communities.Links:https://www.ruthreckmedia.com/https://www.instagram.com/diaryofruthreck/https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofruthreckhttps://diary-of-ruth-reck-shop.fourthwall.com/Topic Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Ruth Reck and her journey01:53 Visit to the Ark Encounter and creationist beliefs03:53 Experiences at the Creation Museum and its displays06:47 Debate over evidence and scientific validity of creationism09:59 The emotional impact of religious displays and their insensitivity14:59 Ruth's personal religious background and deconstruction20:01 The influence of religion on politics and society25:00 Comparison of mega church experiences and their atmosphere30:14 The beauty and awe of religious architecture like mosques34:59 The commercialization and grift within religious institutions39:46 Ruth's journey through Egypt and her reflections on religious sites44:48 The role of religion in community service and social good49:49 Spirituality, personal beliefs, and the search for meaning54:57 The impact of religious indoctrination and deconstruction59:59 The importance of understanding diverse faith communities

This episode explores the controversy surrounding the Texas State Board of Education's new K-12 reading list, which heavily features Protestant Christian texts and biblical stories. Blake Ziegler, Field Organizer for Texas and National Campaigns at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, discusses the implications for religious freedom, diversity, and education in public schools.Resources:https://rac.org/blog/texas-public-schools-will-require-bible-readings-students-take-action-nowhttps://www.texastribune.org/2026/06/25/texas-education-board-judeo-christian-required-reading-list/Topic Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Texas reading list controversy04:03 Public transparency and community response07:55 Religious representation and translation issues12:11 Concerns about teaching religion in public schools16:00 The role of Judeo-Christian rhetoric and its implications20:11 Balancing religious diversity and constitutional principles24:01 The significance of the George Washington letter27:48 The impact of translation choices on religious understanding31:56 The future of religious education in Texas35:48 Critiques of specific texts and interpretations40:03 The misuse of Judeo-Christian rhetoric and its effects42:06 The erasure of other faiths and the importance of inclusivity44:02 The role of religious studies and respectful education45:58 The importance of diverse perspectives in religious education47:50 Partnerships with faith communities and advocacy groups49:47 Teaching about religion versus teaching religion51:50 The significance of multiple translations and interpretations53:57 Creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment56:09 Personal spiritual practices and community connection57:49 Final thoughts and future outlook

Pastor and professor Michael Grayston talks about what artificial intelligence may be doing to our relationships, our work, and even our spiritual lives. His concern is what happens when a helpful tool begins to function as a friend, counselor, romantic partner, or spiritual authority. We discuss AI companionship, loneliness, job displacement, prayer, creativity, and what Michael calls “counterfeit intimacy”—as well as his hope that, in a world increasingly filled with artificial voices, people will begin to crave something real.Topic Timestamps:00:00 The Influence of AI on Human Relationships04:32 The Dangers of Dependence on AI and Technology33:43 The Impact of AI on Writing and Creativity37:19 The Dangers of Counterfeit Relationships41:45 The Role of Faith Leaders in Addressing AI Challenges43:49 The Importance of Human Connection and Authenticity47:47 The Use of AI in Churches and Faith Communities58:06 Navigating AI and Spiritual/Moral Advice01:02:04 The Significance of Knowledge and Love