Tom Sugimura, expert on faith deconstruction, discusses topics such as the various interpretations of deconstruction, the complex relationship between faith, doubt, and suffering, the process of deconstruction and its contributing factors, recognizing sin and finding hope in the gospel, struggles with doubts and the way back to Jesus, caring for those in faith deconstruction, and expressing gratitude for wisdom and encouragement.

Heath Lambert, an expert on how the Gospel speaks to same-sex attraction, joins Scott Mehl to discuss various topics. They explore the significance of empathy in counseling, the value of kind conversations, understanding labels, the cycle of temptation and suffering, the cultural shift in perception of homosexuality, finding hope and redemption in the gospel, and the importance of trust and speaking truth.

Scott Mehl interviews Paul Tautges, an expert on anxiety and its complexities. They discuss the prevalence and causes of anxiety today, the rise of anxiety and parenting in the age of social media, anxiety in the Bible, the role of anxiety in drawing us towards God, the power of hope and practical love in the midst of anxiety, creating an atmosphere of grace and vulnerability in the church, and managing anxiety and growing in Christ through practical steps and resources.

Dave and Krista Dunham, counseling experts for eating disorders, discuss the prevalence of eating disorders in the church and the misconceptions surrounding following rules in relation to faith. They emphasize the importance of addressing eating disorders within the church, understanding the impact and patterns of eating disorders, and addressing suffering and sin with compassion. They also explore the role of Scripture and testimonies in overcoming eating disorders and the significance of listening and empathy in counseling sessions.

Jonathan Holmes, author of Counsel for Couples, discusses the importance of addressing conflict within marriage and the detrimental effects of avoiding it. They emphasize the need for both spouses to engage in counseling for true improvement and highlight the significance of understanding the underlying dynamics of conflict. The podcast also explores creating a safe space for sharing, addressing underlying issues, and maintaining unity in the midst of sin.

Author and speaker Elyse Fitzpatrick joins the host to discuss the complexity of doubt, its connection to questioning and deconstruction experiences, and the importance of empathy and individualized understanding. They explore the limitations of human understanding and the role of questioning and doubting in relation to faith. They also emphasize finding hope in Jesus during times of doubt and uncertainty.

In this episode of The Messy Podcast, Scott Mehl interviews Fawn Kemble on the blessings and struggles of being single. Sponsored by Eternity Bible College: https://www.eternity.edu Resources: 7 Myths About Singleness by Sam Allberry, https://www.amazon.com/Myths-about-Singleness-Sam-Allberry/dp/1433561522 Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Henri J.M. Nouwen, https://www.amazon.com/Life-Beloved-Spiritual-Living-Secular/dp/0824519868 Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World by Bronwyn Lea, https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Awkward-Side-Hugs-Sex-Crazed/dp/1400215005 Party of One: Truth, Longing, and the Subtle Art of Singleness by Joy Beth Smith, https://www.amazon.com/Party-One-Longing-Subtle-Singleness/dp/0718094050 The Awkward Spinster: Life as an accidentally single, Christian, geek girl (blog by Fawn Kemble), https://awkwardspinster.com/ For the Perpetually Single Christian (blog article) by Fawn Kemble, https://cornerstonewla.org/blog/2016/07/11/for-the-perpetually-single-christian Singleness and COVID-19 (Pastors’ Podcast with Fawn Kemble), https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/29-singleness-and-covid-19/id1499919920?i=1000489142138 Follow The Messy Podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lRJWiGZfCStBnme6xbnmk?si=qez0LslXQ462CfN73xZiYA&dl_branch=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-messy-podcast/id1587365184 More info at: https://lovingmessypeople.com

Expert on racial prejudice, Bobby Scott, discusses the complexity and significance of racism. They explore different types of racism, the ongoing effects of racial trauma, and the importance of recognizing and addressing it. They also examine the impact of media portrayal, reflect on black history and education, and discuss bridging the racial divide in the church.

Mike Emlet, an expert on living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, discusses the prevalence, misconceptions, and key features of OCD. He explores the connection between compulsions and obsessive anxiety, the goal of becoming more like Christ while relieving suffering, and effective ways to care for individuals with OCD. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of understanding, patient listening, and applying scripture to suffering. Helpful resources for OCD strugglers are also discussed.

Steve Viars, an author and expert on overcoming bitterness, joins Scott Mehl on The Messy Podcast. They discuss the theology of Christian counseling, the power of spiritual candor, the importance of lamentation, and the connection between bitterness and idolatry. They also provide resources for ministering to bitterness.