

You Have Permission
Dan Koch
So many of us have been given bad answers to good questions -- questions about God, suffering, prayer, fate, science, justice, and more -- often by people with pure intentions. But we needn't stop with those pat answers. You have permission to take both Christianity and the modern world very seriously, and this podcast will introduce you to people from across the Christian spectrum engaging these timeless and difficult questions in various ways.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 15min
God & Love in “Nobody Wants This” (YHP After Hours) (#293)
Join Dan Koch and Joy Vetterlein for another "After Hours" episode of You Have Permission as they dive into Netflix's hit series "Nobody Wants This." While a rom-com might seem like an unexpected choice for YHP, this show about an agnostic podcaster (Kristen Bell) falling for a progressive rabbi (Adam Brody) offers surprisingly rich material for exploring faith, doubt, and relationships. Dan and Joy unpack several fascinating themes from the first episode: the Jewish approach to wrestling with religious uncertainty, refreshingly honest relationship dynamics that buck typical rom-com tropes, the complex dynamics of religious authority and spiritual interpretation, and thoughtful discussion of how Jewish audiences are receiving the show's cultural portrayal. While lighter than our usual fare, this episode demonstrates how pop culture can open doors to deeper conversations about faith, psychology, and human connection. Let us know if you'd like to see more episodes in this casual evening format and/or more discussion of current shows and movies!Highlights15:05 Cultural Reflections on Judaism and Christianity19:58 Faith, Doubt, and Spirituality in Relationships30:12 Attachment Theory and Relationship Patterns52:47 Cultural Stereotypes in Relationships01:02:14 Near-Death Experiences and Life ChangesJoy's Website | joyvetterlein.comThe Attachment-Based Romance Video Dan Mentions | Why We Pick Difficult PartnersDan's New Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________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

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 28min
Creativity After Deconstruction (#291)
Musician Jayne Sugg joins the podcast to discuss her journey through faith deconstruction and its profound impact on her creative process. Raised in a charismatic, Pentecostal church where her family led worship, Jayne's faith and music were deeply intertwined from a young age. This deconstruction process resulted in a significant creative crisis as Jayne struggled to find authentic artistic expression outside the familiar framework of worship music. Her story illustrates the deep connection between belief systems and artistic expression, and how personal crises can catalyze artistic growth. Tune in to hear how Jayne ultimately rediscovered her musical voice by exploring new genres and perspectives.Jayne Sugg | SpotifyJayne's Website | jaynesugg.comChapters:05:21 Navigating Post-Evangelical Christian Artistry33:27 Deconstruction in Worship Music53:24 Nurturing Creativity in Religious Communities01:10:30 The Impact of Disillusionment on Musical Development01:31:05 Cultural Influences on Musical ExpressionDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Oct 10, 2024 • 34min
Purity Culture Regrets (YHP After Hours) (#290)
Lindsay Stranigan, a friend of Dan Koch and a frequent guest, dives into her experiences with the damaging effects of evangelical purity culture. They share cringeworthy memories of bizarre sex ed lessons and how being labeled as 'purity examples' affected their youth. The conversation highlights the unequal impact on women, addressing the lasting mental health consequences and the limitations of their understanding of sexuality. Lindsay and Dan confront the regrets they carry, making for a candid and thoughtful exploration of a topic still relevant today.

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 49min
Chat-GPT Enneagram Full Episode (Patreon Preview)
This is a Patreon Preview | *The exclusive half starts around the 53 min mark*In this special episode, Dan brings together his "Big Five" friends—Tripp Fuller, Myron Penner, Sarah Concepcion, and Sarah Lane Ritchie—to playfully mock and critically examine the Enneagram. Dan introduces the "Danneagram," an AI-generated personality system, sparking a lively discussion that oscillates between humorous riffs on personality typing and serious critiques. The group debates the value of such systems, even if not scientifically valid, and covers other topics like birth order, religious anthropology, and even "Lord of the Rings" characters. Join in for a thought-provoking and entertaining dive into the allure and limitations of personality assessments.Previous Enneagram Episodes:Ep #101 | Is the Enneagram Real?Ep #161 | The Enneagram Doesn't Hold UpDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 15min
The Psychology of… Reality TV?! (#289)
Dr. Kirk Honda of Psychology in Seattle returns to discuss the intersection of psychology and popular media. We explore the world of reality TV through a psychological lens, where Dr. Honda makes a compelling case for using these shows as tools for psychoeducation and cultural insight. According to him, even heavily edited content can serve as a springboard for discussing broader psychological concepts. From relationship dynamics in "Love is Blind" to personality assessments discussed during the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial, we examine how popular culture can be leveraged to increase psychological literacy among the public. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on the potential of reality TV as a vehicle for understanding human behavior and mental health, demonstrating how clinicians and educators can engage thoughtfully with popular media to foster greater psychological awareness.Highlights02:56 The Role of Movies in Personal Development11:55 The Intersection of Therapy and Media Representation23:52 The Ethics of Reality TV and TherapyPrevious Episode with Kirk:Episode 88 | Secular Therapy's Religion Blind Spothttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-have-permission/id1448000113?i=1000491974985Kirk's Past Episodes:Kirk's Podcast | Psychology In Seattle PodcastKirk's YouTube Channel | Psychology in Seattle Psychology In Seattle Website | psychologyinseattle.comDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Sep 30, 2024 • 56min
Dan Made His Own Enneagram (#288)
In this special episode, Dan brings together his "Big Five" friends—Tripp Fuller, Myron Penner, Sarah Concepcion, and Sarah Lane Ritchie—to playfully mock and critically examine the Enneagram. Dan introduces the "Danneagram," an AI-generated personality system, sparking a lively discussion that oscillates between humorous riffs on personality typing and serious critiques. The group debates the value of such systems, even if not scientifically valid, and covers other topics like birth order, religious anthropology, and even "Lord of the Rings" characters. Join in for a thought-provoking and entertaining dive into the allure and limitations of personality assessments.Previous Enneagram Episodes:Ep #101 | Is the Enneagram Real?Ep #161 | The Enneagram Doesn't Hold UpDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Sep 23, 2024 • 38min
The Still Christian Hosts Are… Still Christian (#287)
In this week's episode, I sit down with Katelyn Dixon and Sarah Almodovar, co-hosts of the Still Christian podcast, for another installment in my Still Christian series. We explore our diverse religious backgrounds and experiences questioning faith, from Katie's "dark night of the soul" to Sarah's period of rebellion in New York City. We also discussed the idea of "undeniable" spiritual experiences. Drawing from my philosophy background, I propose a more nuanced approach to these experiences, suggesting we treat them as important data points in our spiritual lives rather than irrefutable proof. While our approaches to faith differ — with Katie and Sarah emphasizing personal, subjective experiences and my leaning towards a more analytical view — this conversation showcases the presence of diversity within Christian spirituality and the value of open, engaging dialogue about faith.In the patron-only second half of the episode, we dive deeper into the role of suffering in faith, different approaches to religion, the interplay between art and faith, and our shared experience of hosting podcasts about Christianity in contemporary contexts. Join or log on to your Patreon account to hear the full, ad-free version of this episode.Highlights09:08 Dark Nights of the Soul11:57 Questioning Christian Identity14:49 Experiences of God's Presence17:53 Spiritual Experiences and Interpretation20:48 The Intersection of Faith and Modern LifeKatelyn and Sarah's Podcast | Still Christian
Still Christian Instagram | @stillchristianpodcast
Sarah's Yoga Page | sarahjoalmo.com
Katelyn's Website and Writing Page | katelynjdixon.comDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
Changing Minds about Women in Ministry (#286)
John and Linn Haralson discuss their journey from complementarianism to egalitarianism regarding women in ministry. As long-time members of their church community, I've witnessed their progression firsthand, making this behind-the-scenes look particularly interesting. We explore the complexities of changing deeply held beliefs within a marriage and church leadership context. Lynn shares how events like the Charleston massacre in 2016 catalyzed her shift in perspective, while John describes his more gradual journey, influenced by leaving the PCA and reading William Witt's "Icons of Christ." The couple candidly discussed their "don't ask, don't tell" period and the personal costs of their former beliefs. We also delve into the challenges of guiding a congregation through such a significant doctrinal change, including the anxiety preceding the church vote and the intentional process of education and discussion. Their story illuminates how changing one's mind on theological issues is a deeply personal process affecting relationships, community dynamics, and individual spiritual journeys.Highlights:05:14 Different Perspectives on Gender Roles19:42 The Cost of Changing Beliefs35:24 Living with Complementarianism within Marriage59:03 Validating Grief and Loss within Complementarian BeliefsJohn and Linn's Church | graceseattle.orgDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Sep 9, 2024 • 50min
The Six Facets of Spiritual Health (#285)
In this episode, I welcomed back Dr. Pam Ebstyne King to discuss her framework of six facets for spiritual health. We focused on "transcendence and spirituality," where Pam expanded on Dr. Lisa Miller's definition to include not just experiencing something beyond oneself, but also responding to it. This resonated deeply with me, prompting thoughts on evolving my two-item model of spirituality and religiosity into a three-item model including transcendence. Pam's research on "spiritual exemplars" illustrated how individuals allow transcendent experiences to shape their identity, beliefs, and actions. This conversation sparked ideas about a more holistic model of spiritual life, acknowledging the initial experience of transcendence, the personal spiritual journey, and the communal religious practices that often follow. Highlights09:13 Six Facets of Spiritual Health19:30 Transcendence and Spirituality23:13 Habits and Rhythms25:59 Relationships and Community30:45 Vocation and Purpose35:49 Identity and Narrative41:49 Ethics and VirtuesPam's Thrive Center | thethrivecenter.orgPam's Podcast | With & ForPast YHP Episode with Pam King:#129 | Religion, Virtue & Human ThrivingDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 7min
A Teen Witch with a Jesuit Dad (#284)
In the second episode of our series of conversations with comedians about religion and spirituality, comedian Maggie Lally joined me to share her genuinely unique religious experiences and how they inform her comedy and worldview. From a sheltered Catholic upbringing by a former Jesuit priest to becoming a “teen witch” in adolescence, Maggie was raised with a sense of spiritual openness that she still carries with her today. We discussed all the various therapeutic approaches she has experienced (including one who inspired a comedy bit about “overly empathetic white female therapists”) and connected on the practice of centering prayer.Highlights06:33 The Journey of Maggie's Father: From Jesuit to Family Man36:33 The Impact of Teenage Witchcraft43:38 The Role of Therapy and Spiritual Direction50:31 Cultivating a Meditation Practice01:00:23 Exploring Spirituality and ReligionMaggie's LinktreeDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________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