In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Emma Mcilroy—queer feminist, immigrant, entrepreneur, and CEO of Wildfang—for a conversation that dives deep into faith, identity, capitalism, and surviving life's darkest valleys. Emma shares her journey of reconciling her sexuality with her faith, the near-death experience surrounding the birth of her son, and how a private, hard-won relationship with God became her unshakable bridge. We explore what it means to wrestle with faith, lead with integrity, and hold onto Spirit in a world that often demands compromise.

Episode Highlights

[00:03:35] Coming Out, Falling Apart, and Finding the Bridge

• Emma reflects on immigrating to the US, falling in love with a woman and coming out, and feeling her world fall down all around her. She turns inward and begins a one-on-one wrestling match with God. Her image of faith as a fragile-seeming rope bridge that somehow holds despite appearances becomes a central metaphor of the episode.

• Emma recounts her traumatic childbirth story—HELLP syndrome, a near-stroke, and a harrowing return to the hospital just days after giving birth. Faith, Emma concludes, isn’t about having answers. It’s about being open, vulnerable, and present in the moment when everything falls apart—and trusting that something or someone will meet you there.

• Emma explores how her faith shapes her work as a CEO in a profit-driven world. From donating over a million dollars to fostering authentic workplace relationships, she strives to let her values guide her leadership. Still, she confesses the tension between her ethics and the demands of the system she operates within.

• As a new mom, Emma wrestles with how to raise her son with openness and integrity while still holding onto the faith that has carried her through. She speaks candidly about wanting to deepen her life of service and how vulnerability—not certainty—opens the door to transformation, connection, and peace.

Two Special Events—Join Us!

We’re four months into The Gospel of Direct Experience podcast, and we’re so grateful for your support—thank you for listening, reviewing, and reaching out. It means the world to us.

This podcast isn’t just about sharing our thoughts—it’s about building community. So, we’re launching two live events to connect more deeply with you.

Event #1: Live AMA (Ask Me Anything) Thursday, June 12th at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET

Join us live on Zoom for a laid-back Q&A session. Ask Michael, me, or both of us anything—about the podcast, spirituality, your own journey, or whatever’s on your heart.

RSVP by emailing us at [email protected].

Can’t make it? Email us your question by Wednesday, June 11th, and we might include it when we release the AMA as an episode later in June.

Event #2: Gnostic Town Hall Thursday, July 10th at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET

This is your time to share. We want to hear your stories, experiences, and spiritual desires. What are you seeking? What does authentic spiritual practice mean to you?

RSVP the same way: [email protected].

This is just the beginning—we hope to see you soon.

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