Honoring the Journey

Today we welcome Reverend Joseph Yoo for an open conversation about faith, deconstruction, and creating inclusive spiritual communities. Joseph shares his personal journey as a pastor’s kid in a multi-generational ministry family, his experiences with conservative and evangelical traditions, and his evolution toward a more inclusive, affirming approach to faith. Together, we discuss the challenges and rewards of questioning long-held beliefs, the loneliness and courage involved in deconstructing faith, and the importance of building spaces where everyone—especially those on the margins—can belong and be loved.Bullet Points of Interest:Joseph’s upbringing in a family deeply rooted in ministry across generations.The impact of purity culture, fundamentalism, and immigrant experiences on his faith journey.Joseph’s transition from conservative theology to a more inclusive, affirming ministry.Honest reflections on deconstruction, including the pain, loneliness, and social consequences.The importance of creating safe spaces for those questioning or leaving traditional faith communities.Insights on tokenism versus true diversity in church leadership and congregations.Leslie’s personal story of leaving the church to pursue love and authenticity, including her experience on "Survivor."The role of neuroplasticity in changing beliefs and the difficulty of reprogramming long-held ideas.Encouragement for those deconstructing to seek community and not go through the process alone.A focus on love, acceptance, and supporting people wherever they are on their spiritual journey.Find Joseph online:Mosaic Episcopal ChurchInstagramFacebook Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Today we honor the journey of David Hayward, known as the "Naked Pastor", who shares his profound journey of deconstructing faith. David discusses his background as a pastor, the origins of his Naked Pastor persona, his educational and theological journey, and the critical moments that led to his deconstruction. Together, we explore themes of authenticity, questioning beliefs, losing and finding community, and the evolving understanding of faith. This candid and thought-provoking conversation delves into personal transformation and the very human quest for spiritual freedom and truth.Here are the main points of interest in this episode:Origin of "Naked Pastor"David explains the meaning behind his moniker, emphasizing transparency and authenticity in ministry.David's Spiritual JourneyHe shares his background: growing up in various denominations, extensive theological education, and his path through different church traditions.Deconstruction BeginningsDavid describes the pivotal moment that started his deconstruction—reading "The Silence of Jesus" and questioning the inspiration of scripture.The Emotional Impact of DeconstructionBoth David and Leslie discuss the trauma, fear, and loneliness that can accompany questioning long-held beliefs.Community and BelongingThe conversation explores the loss of community after leaving church, the challenge of finding new support systems, and the unique intensity of church-based relationships.The Role of Empathy and SensitivityThey note that people who deconstruct often have high empathy and a deep sense of responsibility for others' spiritual well-being.Navigating Binary ThinkingThe episode highlights the difficulty of moving beyond black-and-white thinking, especially when faced with questions about faith, truth, and identity.Art as a BridgeDavid’s cartoons are discussed as a gentle, creative way to challenge the church and support those in deconstruction.Building New CommunityBoth hosts share their efforts to create or find new forms of community outside traditional church settings.Personal Growth and AcceptanceDavid talks about honoring his roots while continuing to grow, and the importance of accepting the full journey, not erasing the past.Oneness and ConnectionDavid describes a transformative experience of perceiving the oneness of all people, which brought him peace and shaped his outlook.Looking ForwardDavid hints at a new phase or mission beyond deconstruction, suggesting ongoing evolution in his work and message. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

In this episode of "Honoring the Journey," Leslie welcomes author and theologian Keith Giles to discuss rapture theology and its impact on those raised in fear-based religious traditions. Building on feedback from a previous episode, they explore the origins of rapture theology, its scriptural interpretations, and the psychological effects it has had on believers. Keith offers a historical and theological critique, challenging common interpretations and encouraging listeners to consider alternative perspectives rooted in scripture, history, and a more inclusive understanding of faith. The conversation aims to diffuse fear, promote critical thinking, and highlight the importance of love, grace, and personal spiritual growth.Find Keith's books here!Topics of Interest:The trauma and fear caused by rapture theology in evangelical upbringingsThe origins of rapture theology and its invention by John Nelson Darby in the 1850sThe role of dispensationalism in shaping modern end-times beliefsScriptural analysis of Daniel 9 and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24)The use of apocalyptic hyperbole in biblical prophecyMisinterpretations of scripture regarding the rapture and end timesThe historical context and coded language of the Book of RevelationThe difference between the "end of the age" and the "end of the world"The inclusive message of Christ and the idea that the kingdom of God is within everyoneThe psychological burden of certainty versus the freedom of faith and trustThe importance of questioning, critical thinking, and exploring multiple theological perspectivesThe invitation to embrace love, grace, and spiritual connection over fear-based doctrine Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

In this Special Episode of Honoring the Journey, Leslie invites her sister (and bestie) Marie to join her and they discuss growing up in fundamentalism, rapture trauma, deconstruction and how they now see God today. This is a special episode because Marie is probably the only person Leslie had to talk to during her deconstruction journey before going public. They have been through a lot together, and have remained close through it all!Topics of Interest:Leslie and her sister Marie, discuss their experiences growing up with "rapture anxiety" in a fundamentalist Christian environment.They describe the strict religious upbringing, including legalistic rules and the constant fear of the rapture.The conversation covers the origins and theology of the rapture, including its biblical roots and how it became popular in modern American Christianity.Both hosts reflect on the psychological and emotional impact of rapture teachings, including anxiety, fear, and trauma that persisted into adulthood.They discuss the influence of rapture-themed movies and media, such as "A Thief in the Night," and the song "I Wish We’d All Been Ready," on their beliefs and fears.Marie recounts a personal story of panic and fear during a rapture prediction, highlighting the real-life effects of this doctrine.The episode includes listener voicemails sharing similar experiences of rapture trauma and anxiety.The hosts critique the use of fear and indoctrination in religious teaching, emphasizing the difference between reverence and terror.They discuss their journeys of deconstruction, moving away from fear-based beliefs toward a more loving, inclusive, and less anxious spirituality.The conversation touches on the challenges of changing beliefs, the reactions of family and community, and the importance of self-worth and unconditional love.The episode ends with encouragement to question fear-based doctrines, embrace change, and focus on love and acceptance. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Today we honor the journey of Mary B. Safrit, a writer, podcaster, and content creator, to explore her story of growing up in the Bible Belt, navigating faith, queerness, and deconstruction. Mary B. shares candid reflections on her upbringing, spiritual journey, and the challenges and growth that come with embracing her identity and leaving behind people-pleasing tendencies. Together, MaryB & Leslie discuss the complexities of church culture, relationships, and finding authentic community.Topics of Interest:Childhood memories growing up on a farm and in the SouthNavigating multiple church traditions (Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic school, Southern Baptist)Experiences with evangelicalism, purity culture, and people-pleasingComing out as queer and the impact on faith and relationshipsThe challenges of deconstruction and leaving church communitiesThe importance of authentic friendships and making peace with lossBuilding community, healthy relationships, and embracing personal agencyMary B.’s work as a podcaster and writer, and where to find her onlineCheck out MaryB's podcast, Found Family HERE.Find out more about MaryB on her WEBSITE. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Preorder John's new book HERE!Key Ideas from this episode:* John Fugelsang’s background: son of former nun and Franciscan brother, raised in a progressive Catholic household.* Discussion of his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate," which critiques the weaponization of Christianity by right-wing fundamentalists.* Exploration of how fundamentalism distorts the teachings of Jesus and promotes exclusion, fear, and political power.* Personal stories of questioning and deconstructing faith, both from John and Leslie.* The difference between following Jesus’ teachings and adhering to organized religion or literal interpretations of scripture.* The role of empathy, love, and humility in true Christian practice.* The challenge of engaging with family and community members who hold rigid or exclusionary beliefs.* Encouragement to use scripture thoughtfully in discussions, focusing on compassion rather than condemnation.* The importance of modeling kindness and understanding, even when disagreeing with others.* A call to reclaim faith from those who use it to justify hate or political agendas. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Today we engage in a profound conversation with guest Amanda Darrow, who shares her experiences growing up in Utah as a queer, Jewish/Catholic woman in a predominantly LDS community. We also discuss the emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the journey of self-acceptance Amanda faced, including her struggles with internalized homophobia and coming out. Together, we explore themes of inclusivity, the impact of religious beliefs on LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the importance of creating safe spaces. Amanda also highlights her work with Included United, an organization aiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through education. This heartfelt dialogue underscores the power of understanding, empathy, and celebrating diverse journeys without judgment.Find out more about Amanda and what she does at www.includedunited.org!Interested in taking Parvati and Kallie's coaching class "How Villains are Made"? Just click here to find out more! Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Today we honor the journey of Brian Recker, an influential figure in the Deconstruction community. Leslie and Brian dive into a heartfelt and candid discussion about Brian's journey away from fundamentalism and evangelicalism, sharing personal and relatable stories and reflections on faith, spiritual growth, and empathy. They explore the challenges and revelations that come with deconstruction, the importance of authentic connections, and the liberating shift from certainty to curiosity. With a focus on mutual understanding and human unity, this episode offers introspective insights into evolving faith journeys.Learn more about Brian at his website! www.brianrecker.com  Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Today we have a powerful and heartfelt conversation with guest Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, a filmmaker known for her impactful work on the documentary "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture." We delve into Sharon's journey of navigating her identity as a lesbian within an evangelical Christian upbringing, her inspiration behind creating the documentary, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Sharon shares personal stories about her relationship with her non-affirming father, the love and support from chosen family, and the ongoing mission to bring awareness and inclusivity to LGBTQIA+ communities within religious contexts. The episode underscores the importance of open dialogue, empathy, and the courage to challenge long-held beliefs. A perfect way to end Pride Month!Watch 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture HERE!Learn more about the documentary, Sharon and find resources on their website: www.1946themovie.com Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! 

Today we get to chat again with author Keith Giles! We talk about his latest book, "The Quantum Gospel of Mary." Keith delves deep into the intriguing intersection of spirituality and quantum physics, explaining complex concepts in an easy to understand way. We also discuss the misunderstood figure of Mary Magdalene, her significant, often overlooked role within early Christianity, and how her portrayal was historically altered. The conversation illuminates how embracing an interconnected, mystical spirituality can offer profound insights and transform one's worldview. This rich discussion challenges traditional religious perspectives, encouraging listeners to explore and expand their spiritual understanding. If you've ever wondered what the Quantum Field means, or why this incredible Gospel was left out of the Bible as we know it today, this is the episode for you!Get your copy of The Quantum Gospel of Mary HERE!Also, pick up Keith's other book, The Quantum Sayings of Jesus HERE!Keith highly recommends THIS BOOK by Elaine Pagels. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!