Honoring the Journey

Today we welcome back Keith Giles, who previously shared his powerful faith and deconstruction journey in episode five. Keith recently wrote a book with his friend and co-owner of Quoir Publishing, Matthew Distefano, called “Reading Romans Right.” Leslie asks Keith, “Why would you write a book by that name? Are people actually reading Romans wrong?” Apparently, the answer is yes. Keith shares their groundbreaking work in theology that challenges traditional interpretations of the book of Romans. Leslie and Keith delve into the importance of questioning and re-examining long-held beliefs, offering fresh perspectives on spirituality and biblical texts. This insightful discussion encourages listeners to embrace a more loving and inclusive understanding of faith.Pick up your copy of Reading Romans Right HERE! 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 we welcome the acclaimed singer-songwriter Derek Webb. The conversation delves into Derek's musical beginnings, his experiences as a member of Caedmon's Call, and his transition to a solo career marked by songs that challenge the status quo of Christian music. Derek shares personal stories about his relationship with faith, highlighting his journey of deconstruction and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. The episode concludes with an inspirational discussion on Derek's latest tour and album "Survival Songs," emphasizing themes of bravery, affirmation, and unconditional love, particularly for marginalized groups. The episode evokes a sense of understanding and compassion, aimed at fostering open dialogue and emotional healing.Find out more about Derek at www.derekwebb.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! 

In this episode, we honor the journey of Kevin Sweeney, who has a fascinating and unconventional spiritual journey. Once a pastor and now a hospice chaplain and author, Kevin shared his profound experiences, including a life-changing moment while taking mushrooms at the age of 18 that led him to what he believes was a direct encounter with God. We delved into his background, his transition from indifference towards religion to becoming deeply rooted in spirituality, and how his unique experiences informed his approach to faith and pastoring. Kevin also discussed his new book, "The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus," which synthesizes his mystical experiences and the influence of the black prophetic tradition, illustrating why he still identifies as a Christian despite his unorthodox path. Our conversation was enriching and insightful, revealing the depths of spiritual awakening and the power of love and compassion in our journeys.Get Kevin's Book HERE! 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! 

This episode underscores the transformative power of pain and adversity. Lauren Cibene, author of Tiger in a Lifeboat, openly and vulnerably shares her life journey and how a seemingly insurmountable crisis and emotional turmoil can eventually lead to profound personal growth and self-realization. Through her experience of deep pain, questioning, and despair, Lauren experienced a metamorphosis, emerging as the person she was always destined to become. Her story is a testament to the idea that from great struggle and suffering, a new and stronger self can bloom when we allow it. Her insights are beautiful and profound and I know you will learn from her incredible journey!Lauren's SubstackLauren's book: Tiger in a Lifeboat 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! 

Join us as we honor the journey of Joe Boyd, a former pastor turned actor, movie producer, and deconstruction advocate, who shares his remarkable journey from traditional ministry to questioning foundational beliefs. Joe recounts how his discovery of deconstruction led him to leave the pulpit and explore his passion for performance and storytelling, eventually establishing a career in the creative industry. He candidly discusses the emotional and intellectual challenges of deconstructing faith, the stigma associated with it, and the new ways he found to honor his spirituality while helping others navigate similar journeys. Get ready for a deeply personal and insightful look into the complex process of deconstruction, drawing on Joe's unique experiences and perspectives.Find Joe on TikTok, Instagram & Substack! 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 today’s episode, Leslie welcomes back Jim Palmer, a former evangelical mega church pastor turned advocate for religious deconstruction and non-religious spirituality. They delve into Jim's transformative journey from his early religious experiences to his crisis of faith and subsequent shift towards helping others navigate religious trauma and existential health. Jim shares insights from his recent sabbatical on a secluded island in British Columbia, discussing the importance of community, critical thinking, and self-trust in the deconstruction process. The conversation touches on the evolution of religious beliefs, the impact of societal structures on personal well-being, and the broader implications of moving towards a more inclusive, meta-modern understanding of spirituality rooted in personal meaning and love.Learn more about what Jim does on his website: https://nonreligiousspirituality.com https://growx.podkite.com/https/PKricy1col/ 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,"we welcome guest Jay Aedo, an author of children's books and a teacher of practical philosophy. The conversation delves into Jay’s unique and thought-provoking perspectives on storytelling, particularly how he reinterprets conventional Bible stories to teach children about personal responsibility. Jay discusses the impact of his religious upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness and his journey towards questioning and understanding faith, ultimately leading him to create stories that offer new ways of thinking. The episode touches on themes of love, authenticity, making courageous choices, and the importance of self-discovery, all illustrated through Jay's personal experiences and his new role as a father.Learn more about Jay at www.consciousbiblestories.com!Read his favorite book: Outwitting the Devil 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 Plumb, the recording artist who Leslie used to play on the air when she was in Christian Radio. The conversation unveils Plumb’s transformative journey from her evangelical roots to becoming a fierce advocate for authenticity, kindness, and marginalized communities. Plumb shares her struggles with conformity, her evolution in beliefs about love and religion, and the impact of her divorce on her career and personal growth. The episode is a rich tapestry of vulnerability, resilience, and unwavering commitment to living truthfully and loving unconditionally, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace their paths with courage and compassion. The ladies also talk about Plumb’s new single, “Free”, a song that Leslie says is “her new anthem”! You can hear this song HERE!Follow Plumb on InstagramPick up merchandise on Plumb's online store  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! 

Gary Mai, an inspiring podcaster and member of the LGBTQIA community, is our guest today on Honoring the Journey. Gary shares his compelling life story, marked by early childhood trauma, struggles with identity, and a long, arduous journey towards self-acceptance. The discussion delves into Gary's experiences growing up in a conservative religious environment, grappling with his sexuality, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through faith and the creation of his podcast. Leslie and Gary explore the deep impact of deconstructing religious beliefs, the transformative power of storytelling, and the importance of finding a supportive community. This conversation is a testament to resilience and the beauty that can emerge from overcoming life’s most challenging moments.Hear Gary's Podcast HERE.  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 on Honoring the Journey, we have a deep conversation with Mike Maeshiro, a former ministry leader at Bethel and founder of the NUMA Foundation. We discussed his extraordinary journey of leaving evangelicalism, coming to terms with his sexuality, and navigating the complexities of his faith and identity within a conservative Christian framework. Mike shared deeply personal stories about his traumatic experiences with conversion therapy, the struggle of living a double life, and the eventual liberation he found in embracing his true self. Our dialogue touched on the importance of authenticity, the misinterpretation of biblical texts surrounding homosexuality, and the hope for a more inclusive and understanding religious community. Mike's story is a testament to the courage it takes to walk away from oppressive systems and to advocate for a more loving, accepting society.Learn more about Mike on his website: www.Mikemaeshiro.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!