Behind The Mirror

Latest Episodes:

Religious Trauma Syndrome - with Dr. Marlene Winell Jul 07, 2019

Show notes

Dr. Winell is a human development consultant, educator, and writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her background includes 28 years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and is the author of Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their Religion. We discuss the symptoms of RTS, the cycle of abuse that occurs in many churches and how the trauma of betrayal from former friends of loved ones in your faith community can leave damaging effects.

If you enjoy our conversation and would like to talk with Dr. Winell personally, look for the free 20 min session link on her website and mention the podcast when contacting her.

Dr. Marlene Winell: https://journeyfree.org/

Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Homosexuality and the Christian Faith - with Robert Arnau Mar 07, 2019

Show notes

I invite seminary graduate Robert Arnau, to talk about homosexuality inside the Christian faith. This is one of my favorite conversations this season. Having preached at many churches, Robert is invited to speak on panels regarding the LGBTQ+faith topics. We discuss his personal journey of trauma in conversion therapy, demonic exorcisms and how he wrestled with the commonly known anti-homosexuality passages in scripture. Robert explains these passages including context and varying interpretations. Our conversation is full of warmth, encouragement and clarity for those wresting on both sides of this subject.

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Robert Arnau: www.thelatinogaychristian.com

Re-thinking the Bible and Our Authenticity with Pete Enns, Jim Lee and Tim Rymel Sep 12, 2018

Show notes

In part 2 of the best of season 1, I explore the best of my conversations with Pete Enns (The Bible for Normal People), Jim Lee (Energy healing with the Splankna Institute) and Tim Rymel (author of Re-Thinking Everything).

In these candid, honest conversastions we discuss topics like:

Re-thinking our relationship with the Bible and how we read it
How to be authentic
Spiritual abuse
Inclusion and LGBTQ issues
Deconstruction

Show Notes:

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Re-imagining God with William Paul Young, Carlos Rodriguez and Micah J. Murray Sep 05, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I compile the highlights of some this season's best guests (part 1). You'll hear the best of my conversation with WP Young (The Shack), Carlos Rodriguez (Happy Sonship) and Micah J Murray as we explore different ways of imagining God, Christianity and our faith as a whole. We discuss thoughts on hell, inclusion, the history of American Christianity, how we've misunderstood God, "judgement" and what Jesus was really all about.

Show Notes:

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Pete Enns - Deconstructing and Re-constructing the Bible Aug 02, 2018

Show notes

I am honored to invite one of my favorite teachers and thought-leaders onto the podcast in this thought-provoking episode with Pete Enns. Host of the podcast, The Bible for Normal People, Pete is the professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University, has his PHD from Harvard and is a contributor to numerous publications and written works. Pete is candid and honest in our conversation as we dig into tough questions like:

What about those conflicting stories in the Bible?
How should we read the Old and New Testaments?
How do we handle confrontations with friends and family who demand we take the Bible literally?
What do we do when we fear our faith is collapsing?

This conversation is rich with wisdom and insight, delivered with a wit and humor that only Pete can offer. If you don't know Pete Enns yet, you will definitely be a fan by the end of this episode.

Show Notes:

Pete Enns: https://peteenns.com/

The Bible for Normal People Podcast: https://peteenns.com/podcast/

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

William Paul Young - Lies we believe about God Jul 18, 2018

Show notes

Oh my goodness. This episode is hands down one of my favorite conversations we’ve have on the show. I talk with New York Times best selling author, William Paul Young (The Shack). He offers candid perspectives on the (often misrepresented) nature and character of God. He answers questions like what do we do with things like judgement? Is hell real? What do we when do when we are in conflict with our theology? How do we overcome shame and embrace who we are? I am a huge fan and was honored to share in such an unfiltered discussion about life, God and the beauty of humanity.

William Paul Young: http://wmpaulyoung.com/

Lies We Believe About God: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501101390

Carlos Rodriguez of Happy Sonship - Why Deconstruction is a Good Thing May 16, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I talk with pastor, author and blogger Carlos Rodriguez of happysonship.com. This has to be one of my favorite conversations this season. We candidly discuss the state of American Christianity and the current tension between Christians. He offers a unique perspective on how to make sense of the condemning God of the Old Testament versus the redemptive God of the New Testament and offers empathy and understanding for those who feel like they need a break from church. He shares insight as to what we can learn from this new up-and-coming-generation and why he believes deconstruction for Americans is not only needed but is a good thing.

Show Notes:

Carlos Rodriguez: www.happysonship.com

Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

The power of safe relationships - the science of energy healing with Jim Lee Apr 26, 2018

Show notes

Whether you experienced trauma as a child or adult, according to Jim Lee, we all carry the effects of trauma. In this episode I talk with Jim Lee who currently serves as a trainer for the Splankna Therapy Institute which focuses on Christian mind-body protocol for energy psychology. We explore the topics of emotional pain, trauma, faith deconstruction, anger with God and relationship issues. He discusses how traumatic events can unknowingly affect our everyday life. Jim offers insight into ways we can identify our trauma triggers and understand our body’s natural responses to situations. He gives tools on how to transition out of unhealthy communities and cultivate new healthy, safe relationships.

Show Notes:

Jim Lee info:

jlee@leeinnerfitness.com

www.splankna.com