Clear & Loud with Josh Harris

Josh Harris sits down with author Brian Recker to talk honestly about hell, deconstruction, and what remains when fear-based religion falls apart. Together, they explore the grief of losing religious community, the courage it takes to rethink deeply held beliefs, and why so many people feel spiritually homeless after walking away from traditional evangelical structures.Brian and Josh unpack how the doctrine of hell has shaped Christian mission, identity, and urgency, often at the expense of love, justice, and inclusion. They revisit Jesus’ teachings on Gehenna, the “narrow gate,” and the cross, placing them back in their historical context and asking what they actually reveal about God, power, and resistance.About Brian ReckerBrian Recker is a former Marine officer, the son of a Baptist preacher, and a graduate of Bob Jones University. He spent eight years as an evangelical pastor before undergoing a profound deconstruction of his faith and moving toward a more inclusive, love-centered spirituality.Today, Brian speaks openly about following Jesus without fear of hell through his writing and social platforms, including his Substack, Beloved. His book, Hell Bent, challenges one of Christianity’s most deeply embedded doctrines and argues that fear has distorted the heart of the gospel. Released on September 30, Hell Bent quickly became a USA Today best-seller.Brian lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a father of four.Connect with BrianSubstack – Beloved: https://brianrecker.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berecker/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@berecker87His book "Hell Bent": ⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771172/hell-bent-by-brian-recker/

What if the goal isn’t to break a strong-willed child but to nurture that untamed will into something beautiful?That’s the question parenting coach Amy Hughes keeps asking—and it has taken her far beyond the “strong-willed child” playbook popularized by Dr. James Dobson. In this conversation Amy and Josh explore a gentler, truly Christian vision of authority, discipline, and discipleship—one that treats kids as whole people made in God’s image.How “conscious parenting” reframes discipline as connection first, correction secondWhy words like “good” or “bad” can warp a child’s sense of God and themselvesThe hidden damage of fear-based obedience inside church culturePractical ways to coach (not crush) a strong-willed kidRepairing relationships with older children through humble apologiesTrusting God’s sovereignty over your child’s spiritual journey instead of micromanaging itAmy is a certified conscious-parenting coach who helps moms and dads move from control and coercion to curiosity and connection. Drawing on her faith and years of mentoring families, she equips parents to raise confident, compassionate kids and to enjoy the process along the way.Connect with Amy:Instagram: @simplelittleamyWebsite & coaching resources

Ben Crawford, an author and former leader in a tight-knit church network, shares his journey of escaping high-control communities and embracing vulnerability. He contrasts preaching with genuine sharing, revealing how performative accountability blocks real connections. Crawford discusses the eye-opening honesty he found at 12-step meetings and the personal costs of dissenting from his community. His love story with Cammie highlights how vulnerability transformed their marriage, presenting honesty as essential to intimacy.

In a captivating conversation, Sarah Wildeman, a leadership coach and founder of Our Common, discusses the essence of community beyond church settings. She explores the deep longing for connections and the distinction between friendships and true community. Reflecting on her background in ecology, she draws parallels between nurturing relationships and growing a garden. Sarah emphasizes shared values, rituals, and the emotional journey of rebuilding community, offering practical advice for those seeking intentional relationships in today's disconnected world.

What does it take to unlearn the shame of purity culture and begin to feel safe in your own body again?In this episode, Josh Harris talks with writer, content creator, and podcast host Jubilee Dawn, a woman passionate about helping others heal out loud. Through her platforms Healed-ish and The Overshare Hour, Jubilee shares survivor stories ranging from domestic violence to religious trauma, with honesty, vulnerability, and humor.This conversation centers around a deeply personal post Jubilee shared about how her relationship with her husband helped her heal from purity culture. In the interview we walk through it line by line, reflecting on what healing can look like when we’re met with tenderness instead of judgment.In the original post Jubilee writes:He comforted me when I had a panic attack the first time we were intimateAs I cried, I kept saying “I am a whore”He repeated over and over: “You are not a whore”We talked about our past relationships without shameHe told me it was okay to disappoint others by going on a trip before marriageHe told me God was not mad at meHe helped me explore my sexualityHe told me my ex was wrong about me(And we went back and got the burger that gave me freedom)He said these things over and over until… I believed him.This is a tender, courageous conversation about shame, love, and what’s possible when we begin to write a new story.Connect with Jubilee Dawn: - @Jubileedawns on Tiktok, Instagram, & Youtube- The Healed-ish Podcast on Spotify

In this episode, I talk with psychologist and author Hillary McBride about her powerful book Holy Hurt. We explore what spiritual trauma really is, how it shows up in our bodies and beliefs, and what healing can look like. We also talk openly about my own past as a pastor—how I once taught things that caused harm—and why I believe it’s so important to have these honest, healing conversations now.Topics We CoverWhat makes something “spiritual trauma”Why it’s so hard to name trauma that’s systemic, not just event-basedThe cost of being told you're broken at the coreHow our bodies remember what our minds try to forgetThe difference between real healing and spiritual bypassingWhat leaders and former leaders can do when they realize they’ve hurt othersHope for anyone starting to rebuild after religious painAbout Hillary McBrideDr. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, and author who specializes in trauma, spirituality, and the mind-body connection. Her book Holy Hurt helps readers name and heal from the spiritual wounds many carry but struggle to describe. WebsiteInstagramSpecial EventJosh and Hillary are doing a live event on June 26, 2025 in Abbotsford, BC, called Healing After Spiritual Trauma. Get tickets to this unique conversation and gathering. All proceeds will be donated to Fresh Bread, a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers in access to qualified caring therapists. About Clear & LoudClear & Loud is hosted by Josh Harris—a writer, former pastor, and brand strategist. Through honest conversations and creative coaching, Josh helps people find clarity in the messiness of change. Learn more at clearandloud.com.

Freeman Voyles is a young Catholic writer, podcaster, and creator of Kneutrality, a platform where she blends traditional Catholic beliefs with fresh, sometimes provocative, cultural commentary. With her signature blend of sex appeal, sacred conviction, and aesthetic honesty, Freeman is reimagining what modesty, sensuality, and spirituality can look like, especially for Gen Z.Conversation highlights: - Why she named her platform Kneutrality and what it actually means- Her journey out of MAGA and why she dumped Trump- How she uses Instagram to challenge both purity culture and performative modesty- The tension between sensuality and lust, and why she believes there’s a sacred space for one and not the other- Her vision for a world of “more sensuality, less sex”About Freeman Voyles:Freeman is a Catholic writer, podcaster, and creator of Kneutrality — a space for faith, culture, and sexuality rooted in honesty, beauty, and bold devotion. Through content, liturgical journals, and her podcast, she’s helping young adults live boldly for God and think critically about the messages they’ve inherited.Connect with Freeman: Kneutrality websiteInstagram @kneutralityLiturgical PlannerAbout Clear & LoudClear & Loud is the coaching and creative consultancy of Josh Harris. Through one-on-one coaching and brand strategy work, Josh helps individuals and organizations find clarity in the messiness: clarity of message, purpose, and direction. Whether you’re navigating a major life shift or building a brand that reflects your evolving story, Clear & Loud offers practical tools, thoughtful guidance, and engaging storytelling. Learn more at www.clearandloud.com.

In this episode, Britt Hartley shares her journey from a deeply religious upbringing to becoming an atheist spiritual director, exploring what it means to find purpose, meaning, and inner peace outside of traditional faith. With a background in theology, Britt brings a unique perspective on how to navigate life’s biggest questions without relying on religious frameworks. Together, we dive into her approach to secular spirituality, where she guides others through deconstructing old beliefs and building lives rooted in authenticity and personal values. Join us as we unpack her transformative insights on rethinking spirituality, free from dogma.Topics Covered:Britt’s journey from religion to secular spirituality and how it shaped her approach to spiritual directionUnderstanding the three main paths for interpreting life—Religion, Occult, and Science—and exploring the strengths and pitfalls of eachThe impact of cognitive biases on our beliefs and why we’re often so certain of our personal “truths”Practical steps for crafting a life of meaning and purpose beyond religious structuresTools and rituals for navigating existential crises, building identity, and cultivating a grounded, secular sense of spiritualityAbout Britt Hartley:Britt Hartley is an atheist spiritual director with a master’s degree in theology and a focus on the future of American religion. She is the author of No Nonsense Spirituality, a bestselling Amazon book that brings a clear, grounded approach to finding meaning and purpose beyond religious belief. Britt’s work centers on secular spirituality and tools for navigating existential crises.Connect with BrittWebsite: nononsensespirituality.comTikTokInstagramAbout Clear & LoudClear & Loud is the coaching and creative consultancy of Josh Harris. Through one-on-one coaching and brand strategy work, Josh helps individuals and organizations find clarity in the messiness—clarity of message, purpose, and direction. Whether you’re navigating a major life shift or building a brand that reflects your evolving story, Clear & Loud offers practical tools, thoughtful guidance, and impactful storytelling. Learn more at www.clearandloud.com.

In this episode of Clear & Loud, we dive into the extraordinary story behind the documentary "Mom & Dad's Nipple Factory" with Emmy-winning filmmaker Justinsuperstar. This isn't just a tale about an unusual family business – it's a powerful love story that spans four decades and touches on faith, identity, and the impact of breast cancer on families and communities. Interview Highlights: The genesis of the nipple factory: How Brian's devotion to his wife Randi led to an unexpected innovation Growing up in a conservative Christian household and Justin's journey of faith The challenges and revelations of filming deeply personal family moments How the nipple business transformed family dynamics and sparked important conversations about body image and sexuality About Justinsuperstar: Justinsuperstar is an Emmy-winning filmmaker with over two decades of experience creating popular web content. His work has been featured on major television networks and viewed hundreds of millions of times online. With "Mom & Dad's Nipple Factory," Justin beautifully captures his parents' love story while exploring the broader impact of breast cancer on family, community, and society at large. Watch the Film: Visit www.nipplefactoryfilm.com for links to Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, and more. Don't forget to leave a review and share this powerful documentary with others!

In this episode, we dive into the world of reinvention with Lisa McGuire, a reinvention strategist. Lisa shares her journey from corporate life to helping people align their purpose with their paycheck. If you've ever felt stuck in a job that doesn't resonate with who you are, or you're curious about how to align your work with your true self, this conversation is for you. Tune in to explore the challenges of shifting from corporate to entrepreneurship, and learn how to build a fulfilling career that reflects your unique gifts and talents. Interview Highlights: Lisa’s journey from the corporate world to becoming a reinvention strategist The concept of aligning your purpose with your paycheck Challenges of shifting from corporate life to entrepreneurship How to discover and align your true self with your work Bio: Lisa McGuire is a fractional CMO and reinvention strategist who helps individuals and businesses discover their true selves and align their purpose with their paycheck. With a background in corporate and education, Lisa now focuses on helping others build fulfilling careers that reflect their unique gifts and talents. She is passionate about identity, human design, and navigating the challenges of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship. Connect with her at: Website LinkedIN Instagram