Best Spectatorship Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 113 - Church Spectatorship with Taylor Brown 1:00:21

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8d ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Many evangelical churches are known for their savvy marketing photographs of congregants worshipping and praying. Taylor stops by to discuss how this is not church.

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Episode 112 - Byrnese Craig 54:35

29d ago54:35

54:35

Byrnese stops by to discuss her time at an evangelical, young adult leadership program(think YWAM or Teen Mania), what led her to the Moravian Church, and why is the self-proclaimed Moravian Bread Lady!

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Episode 111 - Taylor Brown 53:43

2M ago53:43

53:43

Taylor and I discuss his time in youth ministry, his divorce, firing from a job in ministry, addiction, and ultimate healing through authentic relationships!

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Re-release - Do I Stay Christian with Brian McLaren 1:01:21

2M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Author of books “A New Kind of Christian” and “Faith After Doubt”, stops by, along with friend of the pod Mike Petrow, to chat about Brian’s book “Do I Stay Christian?”. https://www.amazon.com/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A676B9AKNZG6&keywords=do+i+stay+christian+by+brian+mclaren&qid=1652990282&sprefix…

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Episode 110 - Believe with Steve 1:03:10

2M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Frequent collaborator and returning guest, Dr. Steve Simmons and I discuss the "bare minimum" beliefs to be a considered Christian. We also discuss the problems with "right belief".

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Episode 109 - Tucker Hibbs 1:33:02

3M ago1:33:02

1:33:02

Tucker stops by to discuss his experiences in youth and worship ministry, and how after the 2016 election he felt he was unable to be his authentic self and how it ultimately led to him leaving ministry.

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Episode 108 - Mikayla Sauerbrey 1:06:13

4M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Mikayla and I discuss the etimology of our surnames, her desire to pastor while being in a denomination that does not ordain women to be pastors, and her eventual transition in to the Moravian denomination!

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Episode 107 - Cristabelle Braden 46:05

4M ago46:05

46:05

Cristabelle discuss how a traumatic brain injury shaped and continues to shape her spirituality and theology.

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Episode 106 - Susan Bradley 1:05:19

5M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

My old friend stops by to discuss her unique journey in finding Christ through a campus ministry which may have been a cult.

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Episode 105 - Geoffrey Roche 48:59

5M ago48:59

48:59

Geoffrey and I discuss his roles in higher education and hospital administration in order to bring solutions and global change. Geoffrey also gets candid in sharing his coming out journey and how his faith continues to inform his story.

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Episode 103 - Salvation with Dr. Steve Simmons 1:11:15

5M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

If Christianity is essentially a branch of Judaism, which does not have a notion of Heaven, Hell, or Salvation, how did we to a place whether you're in or you're out? That's what frequent guest Dr. Steve Simmons and I discuss in today's episode!

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Episode 103 - The Boys are Back Pt. 2 1:12:18

6M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Ryan, Mike, and I discuss what community looks like whether you're in the church or have left it.

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Episode 102 - The Boys are Back! 54:07

6M ago54:07

54:07

For the first time in almost 4 years Ryan Keller, Mike Petrow, and I are back together! Listen in for a great conversation about what community looks like when you're in and have left the church.

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Episode 101 - Regan Caruthers 51:15

7M ago51:15

51:15

Regan and I discuss how Yogaic spirituality informs her Christianity!

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Episode 100 - Brian McLaren Returns! 39:09

7M ago39:09

39:09

Author and speaker, Brian McLaren returns to discuss the future of the church in the light of recent cotroversies and the political climate.

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Episode 99 - Marc Richter 1:05:29

8M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Old friend and fellow nerd, Marc and I discuss everything from Broadway week to his conversion back to Catholicism from Evangelicalism.

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Ryan Keller Re-Release 1:19:24

8M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

Even though I absolutely love every episode, I thought I would share one of my favorite conversations!

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Episode 98 - Alaina Hannah 1:09:57

9M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

A special, mystery guest, but IYKYK!

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Episode 97 - "Shame-Sex Attraction" with Lucas Wilson, PhD 1:19:24

9M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

Lucas Wilson and I discuss his new book "Shame-Sex Attraction" which chronicles various painful stories of conversion therapy. Below is more info about the book. "We are survivors. We were subjected to dehumanizing practices by people who sought our erasure. We believe telling our stories is both powerful and political. This edited collection bring…

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Episode 96 - Author Liz Charlotte Grant 1:22:10

10M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

Author Liz Charlotte Grant stops by to discuss her new book "Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible" amongst other evangelically stuff. Purchase the book below or from your favorite local book store! Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible…

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Episode 95 - "Cognitive Dissonance" with Austin Snover 1:22:01

10M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

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Episode 94 - Hope Found with Nate Smith 56:04

11M ago56:04

56:04

My good friend Nate Smith, who you met on Episode 24, returns with a life update. He and I once again toy around with idea of starting a point/counterpoint about the merits and qualities of the Fast and the Furious franchise!

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Episode 93 - Heather Gorman and Mark Nelson 1:05:51

11M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

In this episode Heather, Mark, and I discuss how golden retrievers are like Ted Lasso and more importantly their new book Lunchroom Theology. "In a world fraught with polarization and division—where we form separate tables based on political beliefs, skin color, economic status, theological ideas, and personal preferences—can we find a way to live …

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Episode 92 - Jessica Morris Returns Pt. 2! 25:57

11M ago25:57

25:57

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Episode 91 - Jessica Morris Returns! 1:11:14

12M ago1:11:14

1:11:14

My good friend Jessica Morris shares some life updates specifically her perspective on church.

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Ep. 90 - "What the Hell?!" with Sue Pizor-Yoder 54:26

1y ago54:26

54:26

Sue returns to discuss one of the issues that leads to deconstruction and how we can practically interpret the doctrine of Hell.

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Episode 89 - Flux Pt. 2 58:53

1y ago58:53

58:53

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Episode 88 - Flux Part 1 1:31:29

1y ago1:31:29

1:31:29

In this week's episode, my guest Flux and I discuss how his mental health has impacted his perception of reality and where spirituality, neuroscience, and philosophy have helped him develop a model and framework for his life.

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Episode 87 - Riddick Weber Returns 1:21:41

1y ago1:21:41

1:21:41

In light of the Robert Morris scandal, Dr. Riddick Weber is back, to discuss how denominational churches differ from non-denominational in their approach to accountability for their pastors.

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Episode 86 - Dr. Riddick Weber 1:23:02

1y ago1:23:02

1:23:02

Dr. Riddick Weber, Moravian professor extraordinaire, stops by to discuss an observation he's made about deconstruction journeys, and how they are less about theology and more about soteriology(doctrine of salvation).

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Episode 85 - James Powers 1:32:32

1y ago1:32:32

1:32:32

James and I discuss banana slugs, his time in the Orthodox Church, and his coming out after being in a straight marriage.

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Episode 84 - Pastor Robert Morris Scandal with Dr. Heather Evans 1:35:15

1+ y ago1:35:15

1:35:15

Dr. Heather and I discuss the recent developments in the Robert Morris abuse scandal. Below is a link to a very helpful interview, which we referenced, with Bob Hamp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWawzm11P74

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Episode 83 - Jim Masessa 1:33:18

1+ y ago1:33:18

1:33:18

Start this one off with a bang...actually a whisper. Jim and I make it through a recording snafu and finally discuss his history growing in mainline christianity, to his time in youth group with yours truly, and ultimately to a place of atheism.

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Episode 82 - Rick Dobrowolski 1:05:28

1+ y ago1:05:28

1:05:28

My good friend Rick Dobrowlski and I discuss the pros and cons of the megachurch movement.

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Episode 81 - Dr. Heather Evans & Catherine Wallace 1:23:24

1+ y ago1:23:24

1:23:24

My good friends, Dr. Heather Evans and Catherine Wallace discuss where the church has gone wrong in addressing mental health and how it can do it better.

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Episode 80 - Johnny Walsh Returns! 1:19:09

1+ y ago1:19:09

1:19:09

The man that started it all, Johnny Walsh returns to chat where he is on his spiritual journey since we recorded the very first episode of Evancynical.

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Episode 79 - Josh Scott 1:07:43

1+ y ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Nashville pastor, Josh Scott and I discuss why people are afraid of faith shifts, why he still pastors, and his recently released book "Context". https://www.amazon.com/Context-Putting-Scripture-Its-Place/dp/1791032095/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3APUSJKE6JFJV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cMGkDRh3U8TDajze0gano7cb8Tby8GhSpnqj5KOf683wQY0UMGNx9Tw0DrYLBapiKw9HfjAm__F9L85qDdtj…

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Episode 78 22:04

1+ y ago22:04

22:04

In this episode I chat with you about Matthew 18:20 and why Jesus is only present when there are two or three of you!

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Episode 77 - Why Did Jesus Die? 1:21:55

1+ y ago1:21:55

1:21:55

Theologian in residence, Dr. Steve Simmons guides us through the muddy waters of different atonement theories.

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Episode 76 - Minisode - Am I a Cynic? 12:34

1+ y ago12:34

12:34

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Episode 75 - Ryan Keller and Mystery Guest 1:21:43

1+ y ago1:21:43

1:21:43

We discuss everything from empanadas, Voltron, and modern praise and worship culture.

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Episode 74 - Cynthia Simmons 54:57

1+ y ago54:57

54:57

What does a good church look like? That's what Cindy and I discuss, among other myriad of topics from a bit of purity culture to complementarianism(the idea women can't be pastors).

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Episode 73 - Adam Fox 1:17:19

1+ y ago1:17:19

1:17:19

Adam and I discuss our favorite Friends characters, speaking in tongues, mystery, and his journey of being in heterosexual marriage while struggling with his sexuality.

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Episode 72 - Maria Greco and Rachel Grindle 58:05

2y ago58:05

58:05

Maria, Rachel, and I continue our conversation about purity culture.

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Episode 71 - Purity Culture with Maria Greco and Rachel Grindle 59:19

2y ago59:19

59:19

The purity culture series continues as we discuss what is purity culture, their experiences, and its impact on young people.

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Episode 70 - Jeremy Lau Returns 50:30

2y ago50:30

50:30

Jeremy and I discuss purity culture, its spiritual ramifications, and his experience with it as he struggled with his sexuality.

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Episode 69 - Megan Krueger 1:12:39

2y ago1:12:39

1:12:39

Megan and I discuss purity culture and her experience of being in a marriage with a partner who was struggling with their sexuality.

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Episode 68 - Naomi Quinones 1:26:59

2y ago1:26:59

1:26:59

Naomi and I discuss growing up in the church, purity culture, her time in a toxic relationship, and how she finally escaped.

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Episode 67 - Austin Greco 1:30:16

2y ago1:30:16

1:30:16

My good friend Austin stops by(finally!) and we discuss his life as a pastor's kid, his time as a youth pastor working in an unhealthy environment, and being the lesser halves in our marriages.

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Episode 66 - Sue Pizor Yoder and Steve Simmons 1:27:24

2y ago1:27:24

1:27:24

Sue and Steve return to discuss their important book about religious "nones" and "dones", Hear Us Out. https://www.amazon.com/Hear-Us-Out-Questions-Belonging/dp/1506489192/ref=sr_1_1?crid=268QOKUK8PN56&keywords=hear+us+out+six+questions+on+belonging+and+belief&qid=1694095975&sprefix=hear+us+out%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1…