
This Is Not Church Podcast
This Is Not Church podcast offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the intersections between deconstruction, activism, spirituality, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as vital issues like Black Lives Matter and First Nations' rights. Hosted by passionate individuals who are dedicated to fostering open and inclusive conversations, this podcast delves into the complex journey of deconstructing one's faith, while simultaneously embracing and advocating for the rights and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the fight for racial justice within the Black Lives Matter movement and the preservation of First Nations' cultures and rights. With a focus on examining the evolving landscapes of faith and identity, "This Is Not Church" provides a safe and informative space for listeners to engage with narratives of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation, ultimately encouraging a more empathetic and understanding society.
Latest episodes

Nov 8, 2021 • 1h 28min
When Everything Is On Fire - A Conversation With Brian Zahnd
In this episode we talk with Brian Zahnd.
Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word Of Life Church, a non-denominational Christian congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian and his wife, Peri, founded the church in 1981. Brian is also the author of several books, including, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, Water to Wine, A Farewell To Mars, Beauty Will Save the World, Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness, and his latest book that will release on November 9th, When Everything Is On Fire: Faith Forged From The Ashes.
You can follow Brian on:
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You can catch up on all things Brian Zahnd on his website
Check out Word of Life Church website
All of Brian's books can be purchased from Amazon.com
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Nov 1, 2021 • 60min
Reconstructing Your Mind With Todd Vick
In this episode we talk with Todd Vick.
Todd is a husband, father, grandfather, bestselling author, award-winning writer, podcaster, and conference speaker. His first book, The Renewing of Your Mind, debuted as #1 New Release and #1 Bestseller on Amazon. His next book, The Reconstructing of Your Mind, is available NOW. His podcast, The Reconstruction Rebel, is available wherever you stream your podcasts.
For 30 years, Todd was a pastor in the Southern Baptist denomination. He left local church ministry in 2016 after a nervous breakdown fueled by severe anxiety, depression, addiction, and a crisis of belief which led to intense spiritual deconstruction for 3 years. During this time, he became fascinated with the role of the human brain in creating a belief system.
You can follow Todd on:
Facebook Twitter Instagram
You can catch up with all things Todd Vick at his website
You can purchase his books on Amazon.com
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Oct 25, 2021 • 59min
Eternal Relationships With Wm. Paul Young
In this episode we get the honor to once again chat with Wm Paul Young.
Wm Paul Young, is a Canadian author. He wrote the novels The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve , and the non-fiction book Lies We Believe About God. Paul also co-authored the recent release The Pastor: A Crisis With Brad Jersak.
You can connect With Paul Young on:
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You can order all of Paul's books on Amazon.com
You can check out his website here.
Please follow us on the following social media platforms
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Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!
If you enjoy our show, could you take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. This will help new listeners find us.
Voiceover clip in intro used with permission by C. Baxter Kruger

Oct 18, 2021 • 59min
Only Love: How Everything Was. Is. And Will Be With Niq Ruud
In this episode we talk with Niq Ruud.
Niq's bio in his own words:
The funky spelling is my dad’s fault, but it’s just pronounced like your favorite Christmas saint. I grew up in the good ole Pacific Northwest which means I like doing stuff outside—alpine climbing, sailing, surfing, skiing, cycling, et cetera.
I studied religion in college (Walla Walla University), worked as a pastor while I went to seminary (Grand Canyon Theological Seminary), and now I’m a postgrad studying the intersectionality between philosophy, science, and religion (University of Edinburgh). I’m interested in lots of things, including religious pluralism, philosophy of science and religion, eschatology, diversity, and ethics, which all gravitate around the human perception of God.
I wrote a book about God too, it’s called Only Love: How Everything Was, Is, and Will Be. It basically advocates for a more open-minded view of God and, subsequently, a more inclusive view of each other. I like it. You might too.
You can follow Niq on:
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You can catch up with all things Niq Ruud at his website
Check out his TedTalk HERE
Niq's book Only Love will be released soon by Quoir Publishing
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Oct 11, 2021 • 53min
Love Matters More with Jared Byas
In this episode we talk with Jared Byas.
Jared Byas is cohost of the popular podcast The Bible for Normal People and coauthor of the book Genesis for Normal People. Jared is the author of the book Love Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps Us from Loving Like Jesus
He has served as a teaching pastor and a professor of philosophy and biblical studies.
Jared’s passion is to explore new ways of being Christian, and helping people translate all of life’s big questions into a life full of meaning and connection.
He lives outside of Philadelphia with his wife and four kids.
You can follow Jared on:
Facebook Twitter Instagram
You can catch up on all things Jared Byas at his website
Jared's books are available on Amazon.com
Check out The Bible for Normal People Podcast
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Oct 4, 2021 • 60min
Theosis And The Four Paths With Alexander John Shaia
In this episode we talk with Alexander John Shaia.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander John was part of a large extended family that had emigrated from Lebanon a generation previously. He grew up immersed in the ancient traditions of Middle Eastern Christianity (Maronite Catholicism) and was expected to become a priest, a family tradition since the year 1300. He was led otherwise.
Alexander John attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Next came a brief time in seminary followed by a Master’s in Counseling Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a graduate certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
His extensive psychological training across many modalities finally led him to Switzerland where he studied with the Jungian Analyst and founder of Sandplay Psychotherapy, Dora Maria Kalff. Alexander John became the first US man admitted to the International Society for Sandplay Therapy and continues to serve as a senior Certified Teaching Member of the organization.
Returning to the United States, he undertook years of private practice, teaching, parish and retreat ministry and further study. Integrating his life-long practice of prayer with many cross-disciplines—anthropology, psychology, spirituality, and ritual work—has shaped him into a unique thought-leader and a widely sought consultant, trainer, and inspiring keynote speaker.
Then in 2000, Alexander John’s professional life expanded from being primarily a speaker to also that of an author, now with some eight books and more in the works.
He lives in the high Rocky Mountains in Northern New Mexico and the wild Atlantic coast of Northwest Spain. A perfect day finds him in the presence of ancient trees, massive stones, his dog and a book of poetry.
You can Follow Alexander John Shaia on:
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Check out his website
You can purchase his book on Amazon.com
You can check out his partnership with Quoir Publishing here
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Sep 27, 2021 • 1h 13min
Complementarianism: Different Word, Same Story – A Conversation With Beth Allison Barr
In this episode we talk with Beth Allison Barr
Beth Allison Barr received her B.A. from Baylor University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on women and religion in medieval and early modern England, especially in how they are viewed and portrayed in sermon literature. How the advent of Protestantism affected women’s roles in the church has carried her research beyond medieval Catholicism into the world of early modern Baptists.
You can follow Beth on:
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Check out her website & her page at Baylor University
Beth's books can be purchased on Amazon.com
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Sep 23, 2021 • 1h 13min
Bonus Episode Catching Up With Keith
In this bonus episode we catch up with Keith Giles and all his goings on.
Keith is the author of several books, including: "Jesus Unbound: Liberating the Word of God from the Bible" and "Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics To Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb." Keith is the co-host of the Heretic Happy Hour Podcast. Keith also teaches several online courses including "Square 1: From Deconstruction to Reconstruction" and other courses based on his many books.
You can connect With Keith Giles on:
Facebook Twitter Instagram Patheos
Check out the classes Keith offers on his website.
All of Keith's books are available on Amazon.com
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!
If you enjoy our show, could you take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. This will help new listeners find us.
Voiceover clip in intro used with permission by C. Baxter Kruger

Sep 20, 2021 • 1h 6min
Delving Into Spiritual Intimacy With Wayne Jacobsen
In this episode we talk with Wayne Jacobsen
Wayne served as a pastor for twenty years and was also a contributing editor to Leadership Journal. As the director of Lifestream Ministries, he now travels the world helping people learn to live deeply in the life of Jesus and share it freely with others. He has written and worked with others on many books about spiritual intimacy and relational community, including He Loves Me, So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore, A Man Like No Other, and The Shack. You can find his writings at Lifestream.org and hear his podcast at TheGodJourney.com. He lives in Newbury Park, California with his wife of forty years and enjoys his children and grandchildren.
You can follow Wayne on:
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Check out the Lifestream webpage. You can find quite a few good resources including Waynes Blog.
Waynes book can be purchased on Amazon.com
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Sep 13, 2021 • 1h 9min
F**k Off God: A Brutally Honest Conversation with PK Langley
In this episode we talk with PK Langley.
PK Langley is married to her wife and best friend of 22 years, Ashley. They have a son and daughter in love and a lovely grandson. PK is an ordained pastor who spent 30 years in church ministry and as a senior pastor. She has travelled internationally, preaching and teaching conferences to crowds in the thousands. She is an author and is currently pursuing her licensure as a mental health clinician. PK is passionate about seeing people find their distinction in life. PK is also a healer and functions in gifts that help dislodge those things that prevent people from finding their true selves.
You can follow PK on: Facebook Twitter Instagram
You can find PK's blog posts on Patheos
You can Purchase PK's book on Amazon.com
You can connect with us on Facebook Instagram Twitter
Want to help us with our future episodes of This Is Not Church Podcast? Join us on Patreon where you will get access to exclusive patron content such as early access to episode, videos of upcoming episodes, and live Q&A sessions.
Also check out our website for upcoming interviews and blog posts
Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!