In this episode, I talk with Stephen Keech, frontman of metalcore band Haste the Day, about maintaining Christian faith in a scene where many have moved away from religious identification. Stephen shares his journey from rigid evangelical beliefs to a more nuanced, "malleable" faith that has allowed him to adapt while keeping his core convictions. We explore why Christian bands thrived in heavy music (the natural synergy between spiritual warfare themes and metal's intensity), the market forces that initially pushed bands to identify as "Christian," and the judgmental culture that drove many artists away. Stephen discusses his transformative encounters that challenged his inherited viewpoints, his shift toward Eastern Orthodox theology, and how fatherhood redefined his purpose after leaving the "ministry platform" of being in a Christian band. Throughout, we examine what it means to be "Christ-like" in today's polarized world while acknowledging the complexity of maintaining faith in creative spaces increasingly skeptical of Christianity.Stephen's Website | Stephenkeech.comStephen on Instagram | @stephenkeechEpisode Mentioned:Episode #118 | I Don't Believe in that God: Joey Holman Episode #139 | Christian Heavy Music: Theology, Attachment, PowerHighlights:02:58 The Evolution of Christian Metalcore11:52 The Tension Between Faith and Performance23:57 The Malleability of Faith51:00 Experiential Faith: Tent Poles vs. Picket Fences01:09:48 The Moral Dilemma of Modern Christianity___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian Jenny Zigrino joins me to discuss comedy and mystical spirituality. Drawing from her background in Reform Judaism and early exposure to yoga, Jenny articulated how she combines traditional religious practices with what she calls "woo" elements like moon rituals and meditation. We discussed the relationship between scientific and spiritual frameworks, with Jenny making interesting arguments about celestial influences on human behavior and challenging my skepticism about astrology with observations about the moon's documented effects on Earth. The conversation took a more personal turn when she shared about her sister's passing, leading to thoughtful reflections on how people use spiritual frameworks to process loss and find meaning in tragedy.The Patron-only second half of our conversation centered on a detailed exploration of tarot cards, including a live reading for my podcast's future, as well as a broader philosophical discussion about consciousness, death, and the limits of human knowledge.Highlights:08:48 Exploring Reform Judaism and Spiritual Practices14:45 Understanding Tarot and Its Therapeutic Value19:02 The Influence of Religion on Personal Beliefs26:13 The Nature of God and SufferingJenny's Website | Jennyzigrino.com___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Terry Shoemaker, a Professor of Religious Studies at Arizona State University, explores the fascinating parallels between religion and sports. He discusses how rituals, devotions, identities, and communities intertwine in both realms. From the spirited gatherings of Arsenal fans to family connections through college football, Terry reveals how sports fulfill social needs similar to those of religion, forging bonds and creating transcendent experiences. This conversation challenges listeners to reflect on the shared rituals and identities that define their lives.

Philosopher Michelle Panchuk, an expert in the philosophy of religion and feminist philosophy, joins the discussion on the troubling 'just world hypothesis.' She uncovers how this belief can distort spiritual teachings, implying that those who feel abandoned by God must be spiritually inadequate. Michelle highlights the impact of this idea on survivors of spiritual abuse and examines historical narratives like Job's, which challenge notions of deserved suffering. The conversation also touches on the neurobiology of spiritual experiences and the commercialization of spirituality.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Chuck DeGroat, an expert on narcissism in church contexts, sheds light on the complex dynamics of narcissism within religious communities. He differentiates between narcissistic traits and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, emphasizing the impact of trauma on behavior. The conversation delves into how narcissistic leadership thrives across the theological spectrum and the resulting collective defensive postures within congregations. Using Mars Hill Church as a case study, Chuck highlights the dangers of a combative cultural mentality that undermines empathy and authentic connections.

It’s time for another Generation Gap Culture Hour where I sit down with Josh Gilbert and Tony Jones to talk about current culture from across our 20-year age perspectives.In today’s episode we talk about: How bands I toured with on the Warped Tour are now featuring at venues reserved for “legacy acts.” 👀 Band merchandise etiquette, including one very cringe story from Tony Current events including Trump’s presidency and the TikTok ban The absurdity of long URLs in podcast advertising Institutions and outdated social media practices Our favorite media of 2024: books about burnout culture, Korean War fighter pilots, and the fall of the Roman Empire In the patron-only second half, we get more in-depth discussing Joe Rogan's recent interactions with Christian figures, and examining the intersection of apologetics, early Christian history, and religious experience.Highlights:05:45 Political Concerns and TikTok Ban Discussions14:47 Dude Lit, Books, Movies & TV Shows of the Year23:53 Joe Rogan's Cultural Impact and ChristianityBest of Book:Byung-Chul Han: A Critical Introduction (Josh) The Hunters by James Salter (Dan) We Were Soldiers Once... and Young (Tony)Best of Series/TV Show:Ripley (Dan)Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (Tony)Presumed Innocent (Josh)Best of Movie: A Complete Unknown (Dan) Dune 2 (Tony) We Live in Time (Josh) Dan's Year End Mixes:Rock - SpotifyRock - Apple MusicPop - SpotifyPop- Apple Music___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Micha Boyett, author of Blessed Are the Rest of Us and host of The Slow Way podcast, to explore the tension between millennial evangelical dreams and the realities of modern parenthood. We dove into how our generation's almost cinematic vision of "changing the world" manifested through movements like Invisible Children, Shane Claiborne's work, and TOMS Shoes – a fascinating confluence of entrepreneurship and world-saving ambitions. Micha shared her journey from being a 13-year-old Southern Baptist girl with limited ministry options to navigating suburban motherhood and raising a child with both Down syndrome and autism. We discussed how her experience has transformed her understanding of meaning, purpose, and what it means to live a life of impact. In the Patron-only second half, our conversation deepens into questions of disability, human value, and finding new meaning in the Beatitudes.Micha's Instagram | @michaboyettAce's Instagram | @acefaceismyfriendHighlights:04:54 Generational Expectations and Identity20:13 The Complexity of Disability in Society30:04 Anxiety and Parenting Challenges___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this timely conversation with returning guest Bonnie Kristian, we explore libertarianism and its evolving role in today's political landscape. Moving beyond the dated "socially liberal, fiscally conservative" cliché, we discuss how true libertarianism centers on skepticism of government power, while distinguishing it from a newer "folk libertarianism" emerging among younger Americans. Bonnie helps clarify how traditional libertarians focus specifically on limiting state power and coercion, whereas this new wave represents more of a cultural backlash against elite institutions. Through our discussion of government intervention, institutional trust, and policy, we explore the challenge of maintaining necessary social structures while remaining appropriately skeptical of institutional overreach. This conversation illuminates why different forms of libertarian thinking are resonating with many Americans today, while helping me better understand my own evolving thoughts on these complex issues.Highlights03:28 Understanding Libertarian Identity09:59 Election Results and Libertarian Impulses18:43 Therapy, Psychology, and Libertarianism25:18 Resource Distribution and the Veil of Ignorance35:30 Trust in Institutions vs. Individual ThinkersBonnie's Substack | Bonniekristian.substack.comPrevious YHP Episodes with Bonnie:Episode 21 | To Consider Inerrancy, Infallibility & Inspiration___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turn your brains on for a fascinating conversation with scholar and author Tara Isabella Burton (Self Made, Strange Rites, Social Creature) about one of the core tensions in modern spirituality: does it matter more if a religious or spiritual practice works, or if it's true? Drawing from my experience as a therapist and Tara's background in theology, we explore how this plays out in everything from manifesting culture to ancient religious practices. I share my more pragmatic perspective, focused on what actually helps people in therapeutic settings, while Tara makes a compelling case for why we can't separate spiritual practices from their truth claims. We dig into the placebo effect, positive thinking, the limits of pure pragmatism, and whether spiritual practices might "work" precisely because they align with deeper truths about reality. It's a nuanced discussion that challenges both pure pragmatism and rigid orthodoxy, suggesting these seemingly opposing views might actually complement each other in surprising ways.Tara's New Book | Here in AvalonTara's Website | Taraisabellaburton.comHighlights12:10 Modern Spirituality and Individualism21:05 The Intersection of Faith and Truth30:12 Pragmatism in Therapy and Spirituality45:03 The Pursuit of Happiness and Material Success01:07:10 Exploring the Tension Between Ancient and Modern Wisdom___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spencer Bland joins me to discuss his journey through various Christian denominations as a southern-based comedian who now takes a more open-ended approach to spirituality. We explore how he uses his religious background as source material for his comedy, including a hilarious story about a demon named Kyle, while maintaining a thoughtful and nuanced perspective that honors personal experience rather than broad critique. Our discussion brings up the parallels between comedy and therapy as tools for processing religious experiences and how humor can help acknowledge both the absurdity and significance of our past. Spencer's Instagram | @spencerspicyHighlights08:57 The Role of Humor in Religion17:49 The Intersection of Comedy and Religion31:02 From Pastor to Comedian54:54 Healing from Religious Trauma01:10:07 Reflections on Mission Trips and Cultural Christianity___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices