The Liturgists Podcast

Church Shopping Sep 30, 2023

Michael Gungor talks about how he's been church shopping and how the Internet has reacted to it as well as his thoughts and feelings around this unexpected burst of cultural conversation

Sally Kempton Sep 11, 2023

Sally Kempton (January 15, 1943 – July 10, 2023) was an American swami, author, and spiritual teacher. This interview with Michael Gungor from the final year of Sally's time on this planet covers a range of topics from the divine feminine to kundalini to trans-rational perspective. You can check out more of Sally's work at sallykempton.com

The Sedona Method Part 2 Feb 09, 2023

The Sedona Method has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the globe. In this sequel to our original Sedona Method podcast that we released last year, Michael Gungor speaks with Hale Dwoskin, author of the book "The Sedona Method" about blocks to releasing, the nine emotional states, how children know how to do this instinctively, and more.

Enough Jan 27, 2023

In this episode, Michael talks about his discovery about how the most destructive patterns in his history have been rooted in a story of not being enough. This realization has made him refocus his mission to the point that he is restructuring all of his life, work, and business.

Audrey Assad interviews Gungor Nov 21, 2022

Audrey Assad interviews Michael and Lisa Gungor about Gungor’s new record “Love Song to Life.” They talk about music, theology, and some unexpected musical instrumentation.

Nonviolent Forgiveness (I Forgive You) Sep 23, 2022

Can the idea of forgiveness actually be violent? In this episode, Michael talks about Gungor's new single "I Forgive You" and explores the idea of forgiveness looking through the different lenses presented in Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication".

A Million I's Sep 08, 2022

In this bonus episode from the Loving THIS podcast, Michael talks about the meaning and story behind Gungor's new single "A Million I's"

Church of the Wild Apr 21, 2022

Victoria Loorz, MDiv, is a "wild church pastor," an "eco-spiritual director" and co-founder of several transformation-focused organizations focused on the integration of nature and spirituality. She feels most alive when collaborating with Mystery and kindred spirits to create opportunities for people to re-member themselves back into intimate, sacred relationship with the rest of the living world.

After twenty years as a pastor of indoor churches, she launched the first Church of the Wild, in Ojai CA and began to meet others with the same sense of call to leave building and expand the Beloved Community beyond our own species. She then co-founded the ecumenical Wild Church Network.

Victoria is co-founder and director of Seminary of the Wild, which is focused on a deep-dive yearlong Eco-Ministry Certificate program for all those who feel called by Earth and Spirit to "restore the great conversation." (Thomas Berry)

Jennifer Dawn Watts Mar 17, 2022

In today's episode, Michael talks to Jennifer Dawn Watts, friend of the show and noted faith community leader and therapist, about the idea of The 12 Steps and how they relate to spirituality.

Praise Mar 11, 2022

Join us in this special episode where Michael discusses the concept of Praise: what it means to him, what it means in the world, and how you can practice it in your own life

John Philip Newell Feb 17, 2022

In today’s episode, Michael talks to John Philip Newell, a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of the earth and every human being. Together, they discuss Celtic Christianity and the modern-day application of its wisdom.

3:00- Michael asks what the scope of Celtic Christianity is

7:50- Michael asks why this wisdom is difficult to practice together

12:50: Michael reads some quotes and John Philip discusses the divine feminine

20:30: Michael and John Philip discuss the intersection between sexuality and spirituality

29:30: Michael asks John Philip what God isn’t

41:00: They discuss distinctions between ego and soul

47:00- Michael asks what the Celtic Christian view of Jesus Christ is

The Sedona Method Jan 27, 2022

In this episode, Michael speaks with Hale Dwoskin, author of "The Sedona Method: Your Key to Lasting Happiness, Success, Peace and Emotional Well-Being" to discuss his book and the Method as he sees it. The Sedona Method is described as "a simple, powerful, and easy-to-learn technique that shows you how to uncover your natural ability to let go of any painful or unwanted feeling in the moment."

Some helpful timestamps for this episode:

5:30- Hale describes the Sedona Method

10:00- Hale gives you an interactive analogy for letting go

12:00- Hale begins describing the basic questions of the Method

13:20- Hale begins describing the experience of it

18:30- Michael and Hale discuss the conscious permission to constrict

23:15- Michael discusses how these practices have affected his daily practices

26:00- Hale discusses one of the more shocking revelations of the method

28:00- Hale leads a process for embracing opposites

34:20- Michael allows some time for personal meditation

Derek Webb Jan 13, 2022

In the first episode of Season 8, Michael speaks to Derek Webb. Derek Webb is a musician who has always bravely asked the big questions in his music and invited others to do the same. In this episode, Derek and Michael Gungor chat about music, spirituality and why the two have been so intertwined for both of them.

Some helpful timestamps for this episode:

2:30- Derek Webb introduces himself

5:00- Michael and Derek discuss their similar music careers

9:00- Derek talks about meaning

13:00- Michael talks about ambiguity in Christian art

21:30- Michael asks how spirituality and music are intertwined in Derek’s music

31:00- Derek talks about the difficulties of moving between and beyond spirituality

40:30- Derek talks about limitations in art

46:00- Derek tells a story about limits in creation

50:15- Michael asks where Derek’s art is now

57:00- Michael begin interrogating the idea of “belief”

1:06:15- Derek talks about the utility of language without reverence

1:10:00- Derek talks about his philosophical position with his new album “The Jesus Hypothesis”

EVENT ALERT: "Mass" An Existential Meditiation Dec 31, 2021

Join the Liturgists for a conversation immediately following the January 1st, 3pm PST Youtube premiere of "Mass", an existential meditation by Stephen Proctor that features music from Michael Gungor's WEIWU album. You can find the information about "Mass" at massfilm.art, and find the zoom conversation at the usual link below:

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/3271876473

Room Code: 300300

We'll see you there!

Make Believe With Briana Lynn Dec 10, 2021

In this final episode of Season 7, Symposium member Briana Lynn and Michael Gungor have a fun, lighthearted conversation about the belief, play, and why we tried to do what we did in this last season of the podcast.

Let's Disagree Again Nov 04, 2021

Peter Rollins returns to the Liturgists podcast to disagree with Michael about reality being “One” and, of course, to have some good laughs while doing so.

Love More, Suffer Less Oct 08, 2021

As season 7 draws to a close, Michael talks about the mission of the Liturgists and where things are headed.

Let's Disagree Sep 30, 2021

We've lot a lot of listeners and patrons this season. Perhaps not surprisingly, reframing Christianity to be seen as nondual spiritual technologies is not everyone's cup of tea. (Neither is Michael Gungor) But we also want you to know that we hear you and that there's space for you and your disagreement here too. In this episode, Michael talks with an old Christian music buddy (and Liturgists podcast listener), Jimmy Needham, about why they disagree about the content of this season.

Salvation Sep 09, 2021

Does the concept of salvation have any use if we don’t see it as a ticket to some other worldly existence after we die? Does the progressive notion of “freedom” that is so related to morality, justice, money, and power imply that we should all be more like Bezos or Trump? What is enlightenment and does anybody actually get to be enlightened? These are a few of the questions we tackle in this raw and powerful conversation between Michael Gungor, Emily Capshaw, and Mason Smith.

Trinity Aug 26, 2021

The Liturgists forms its first faux ecumenical theological council as Rev. Brianna Lynn, Mason Smith, Emily Capshaw, Latifah Alattas, Chris Davies and Michael Gungor have a fun, lively discussion about the Trinity and what, if any, value it has as a spiritual technology beyond the oppressive patriarchal usages that are so common historically.

Fear No Evil Aug 12, 2021

Who or what is Satan? What is the nature of evil and what is the best way to interact with it in ourselves and in others? What is “existential kink”? These are just a few of the sorts of things we get into on this fun and wildly heretical episode featuring Caroline Elliot (author of the book “Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power; a Method for Getting What You Want by Getting Off on What You Don’t”), Mason Smith, Emily Capshaw, and Michael Gungor.

Bonus: Singing Together Jun 22, 2021

Singing together is not only a potentially powerful spiritual technology and form of spiritual community, but it’s good for you! Studies have shown singing to be linked to lower stress, better moods, more of a sense of connection, and many more benefits.

In this bonus podcast, we are announcing a last minute event (next Thursday, July 1) where you can come meet some like-minded spiritual people as well as be led by Michael Gungor in some simple chants, songs and musical experiences that are designed to draw one into deep presence and embodiment. No religious belief is necessary to enjoy and reap the benefits of this powerful spiritual practice.

Hell Jun 03, 2021

The story of a “hell” is present in many religious traditions, but how does that impact the way we experience the present moment? What really is hell? And what do we do about all of the fear and shame it causes, even if we don’t logically believe in it?

In this episode, Emily Capshaw, Michael Gungor, Jamie Lee Finch, and Audrey Assad all share how the story of hell has shifted for them.

Heaven May 20, 2021

Is Heaven a place? A metaphor? A state of mind? In this episode of the Liturgists Podcast, Michael Gungor and Emily Capshaw explore these questions by interviewing Catherine Wolff, author of the upcoming book “Beyond: How Humankind Thinks About Heaven.” You can find out more about Catherine and her work by visiting www.catherinewolff.com

Death and Resurrection May 06, 2021

Everything that takes form, dies. Religion can at times help us cope with Death, but are there any downsides to creating beliefs about death? What did Jesus really mean when he spoke of conquering death? In this Episode, Michael Gungor, Emily Capshaw, Rev. Briana Lynn, and Death Doulas Caroline Lee and Alua Arthur explore these questions to understand how we can relieve some of the fear, shame and suffering that exists around Death.

For more about Going With Grace and the work of Alua (@going_with_grace) and Caroline (@howcarolinecarolines), visit www.goingwithgrace.com

Josh, A Christ Apr 01, 2021

Yeshua, which is the original name of the appropriated “Jesus”, is without question the most influential character in human history, but who was he? Why was he so special? Should he actually matter as much as he does? And why is so much violence perpetuated in his name? In this episode of the Liturgists Podcast, Michael Gungor, Emily Capshaw, Mason Smith, Chris Davies, Rev. Kristina Marie Garnett, Richard Rohr (from the past) and others explore how when our view of Jesus shifts from a literal historical savior outside of us who we must believe in to be good, to a living example of the Christ consciousness within us, freedom becomes available NOW rather than after death.

A Wretch Like You Mar 11, 2021

Duality creates shame. As we try to rid ourselves of this shame, we find ourselves in a destructive shame/blame game that places us in the seat of the victim, the villain, or the victor. This episode explores the nature of this cycle as well as how we can be free from it. It was produced by Michael Gungor and Emily Capshaw, and it includes segments from Brianna Lynn, Latifah Allatas, Sonny Avatar, Magdalene, Raven, Elizabeth Capshaw, and Lizzie Goldsmith.

In The Beginning Feb 11, 2021

In beginning to think about reforming and reframing Christian technologies, we might as well begin with the creation narrative of Genesis that has given shape to so much western Christendom. How has this story shaped us, and is there any use to the story of creation/fall through a non-dual lens? You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Reformation Feb 04, 2021

In this episode of The Liturgists Podcast, we talk about the history of Christian reformation and make a case for what we think needs to continue to be reformed and reframed within Christendom. Also, as we discuss the future of The Liturgists, we introduce the idea of “The Symposium” and hear from a couple of its members (Emily Capshaw and Rev. Briana Lynn). You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Is Christianity Worth Saving? Jan 28, 2021

Is Christianity worth saving? This is a question that has been at the heart of The Liturgists since the beginning. In this first episode of Season 7, we explore this question as we begin to set the course for where we’d like to head together in this new season of the podcast and beyond. This episode includes conversations and thoughts from Mihee Kim-Kort, Peter Rollins, Hillary McBride, William Mathews, and Michael Gungor. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Advent 2020 Dec 17, 2020

2020 has been a year like no other. This holiday season we want to share something for advent. We also have more cooking for The Liturgists in 2021 which we are excited to share with you in January. Other Links Watch Immanuel by Morant The Holiday Thing event hosted by The Liturgists We have a holiday event coming up in December and we'd love to see you there! Find out more at theliturgists.com You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Fatphobia Dec 04, 2020

Dr. Joy Cox joins William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, and Michael Gungor to talk about fatness and fatphobia. Dr. Cox is the author of Fat Girls in Black Bodies: Creating Communites of Our Own and received her Ph.D. in Communication from Rutgers University. Most of her work has focused on matters of intersectionality addressing race, body size, accessibility, and "health" within the context of body acceptance and fat liberation. You can follow Dr. Cox on Twitter and find out more about her work on her website. We have a holiday event coming up in December and we'd love to see you there! Find out more at theliturgists.com You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Womanism Nov 19, 2020

Nikki Blak joins William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, and Michael Gungor to talk about womanism. Follow Nikki Blak on Instagram and Twitter. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Post-Election Check-In Nov 05, 2020

Jamie Lee Finch joins William Matthews and Michael Gungor to talk about the election in the United States, the limbo many people feel, and how we move forward together from here. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Should the Church Be Political? Oct 22, 2020

Jason Fileta and Michael Wear join William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, and Michael Gungor to talk about politics, the church, and how we can wade through the ways these interconnected spaces in our lives affect ourselves and those around us. Michael Wear is a leading strategist, speaker and practitioner at the intersection of faith, politics and public life. He advised President Obama, as well as some of the nation’s leading foundations, non-profits and public leaders, on some of the thorniest issues and exciting opportunities that define American life today. He has argued that the spiritual health and civic character of individuals is deeply tied to the state of our politics and public affairs. Jason Fileta grew up in Wheaton, IL the son of Egyptian immigrants. The plight of the persecuted church in Egypt compelled him to commit his life to fighting for a more just world. He was chosen as a delegate to the G8 Summit in Scotland. The delegates advocated to leaders for debt cancellation for impoverished nations, fair trade policies, and increased assistance to impoverished nations. This helped launch his long-term work in advocacy focused on ending extreme poverty. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Fredness Oct 08, 2020

Fred Davis is a powerful non-dual spiritual teacher who has been helping people wake up to their true nature in surprising numbers for over a decade. In this episode, Michael laughs (and occasionally speaks) with Fred about non-duality, enlightenment, and the inherent beauty and joy of this very moment. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Cancel Culture Sep 24, 2020

“Cancel Culture” is a relatively recent phrase that has entered the cultural milieu in a profound and divisive way. In this “mega episode” of the Liturgists podcast, Michael Gungor, William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, Jamie Lee Finch, Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, Chloé Valdary, and Peter Rollins engage in a series of conversations that deeply explore this potentially sensitive and polarizing topic through multiple lenses, identities, and experiences. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Arctic (Rewind) Sep 10, 2020

We have been working on a documentary for over a year about The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The full documentary will be released on September 22, 2020 and we will be hosting a live stream that same day with the people who produced it including William Matthews, Jamie Lee Finch, Christian Adkins, Anna Jane Joyner, Karlin Itchoak and others. To find out more visit https://theliturgists.com/arctic As we prep to launch the film, we wanted to re-release this episode from October 2019. In the last 3 weeks the refuge has come under even more severe threat as the Trump Administration takes steps to open it up for drilling. In August of 2019, Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Jamie Lee Finch embarked on a trip to the Arctic circle to experience some of the last untouched wilderness on the planet and hear from the Gwich'in people. The Gwich'in are Athabaskan-speaking Indigenous peoples who lives in the Arctic region of Alaska and Canada. Their sacred lands include areas within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In September 2019, the Trump Administration said it would "seek to open up the entire coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration, picking the most aggressive development option for an area long closed to drilling" to cite The Washington Post. The violence and destruction caused by the removal of long standing protections by the United States is difficult to overstate. This episode is the story of our trip to that area, and what we learned from the people there. We want to give a special shout out to The Wilderness Society for making this episode possible and to Dan Ritzman from Arctic Wild for his guidance in Alaska.

Can Art Help Us Heal? Aug 27, 2020

Arielle Estoria joins William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, and Michael Gungor to discuss art and our relationship to it. Whether art lives in our movement, prose, canvas, notebook, instrument, work, or play, it shapes us and pushes us towards something new. Many times we might feel like our art works as a calling out from within that seems beyond ourselves. However it takes shape, how can art help us process and work through struggle, pain, and trauma? Arielle is the co-author of two self-published collections of poetry: Vagabonds and Zealots (2014) and Write Bloody Spill Pretty (2017) which can both be found on Amazon. You can find out more on Instagram @arielleestoria. In 2016, released her EP of poetry and music titled Symphony of a Lioness which can be found on Apple Music and Spotify. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

What Now? Aug 13, 2020

Dr. Hillary McBride, William Matthews, and Michael Gungor discuss what happens after deconstruction - often called "reconstruction." They are joined by Kevin Garcia and work together through the different ways we change, build, form, or adapt what we believe and how we live when we want to find what is next. Kevin Garcia is a digital pastor, creative mystic, public theologian and intuitive soul coach based in Atlanta, GA. After coming out in the fall of 2015 as a queer Christian, Kevin has reached thousands of individuals across the globe with messages of God’s unending love for all people. regardless of who they are, what they profess, or what they actually believe. Kevin’s the author of Bad Theology Kills: undoing toxic beliefs and reclaiming your spiritual authority, published Janurary 2020. Kevin’s work also appears in several anthologies by queer people of faith. You can watch The Liturgists Podcast being recorded live each week (as well as The Alien Podcast) by joining The Liturgists. We love having everyone together where we can talk during the recordings. Check out theliturgists.com and find where it says "Join The Liturgists." Also, this Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Are You Perfect Yet? Jun 18, 2020

In this bonus episode from The Liturgists Network show Loving This, Michael Gungor discusses and demos his new solo album Are You Perfect Yet? which is by his new artist Weiwu. The album follows the flow of Five Rhythms dance, which is a movement meditation practice devised by Gabrielle Roth. It draws from indigenous and world traditions using tenets of shamanistic, ecstatic, mystical and eastern philosophy. It also draws from Gestalt therapy, the human potential movement and transpersonal psychology. This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Shēma May 28, 2020

A special preview of The Alien Podcast which is our private podcast for patrons. This week Michael (The Alien) and Jamie (The Sex Witch) talk about all manner of rabbit trails. Each week on The Alien Podcast Michael has open ended conversations with wonderful people like William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, Jamie Lee Finch, Peter Rollins, and more. Join The Liturgists at the $10 and get more episodes like this every single week: theliturgists.com/join This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Should Dissonance Be Avoided? May 21, 2020

William Matthews, Dr. Hillary McBride, and Michael Gungor discuss dissonance and how our minds work to make sense of things when we have two incongruent ideas occupy our minds at one time. How does our ability to survive affect how we approach those different ideas? What kind of new thing exists in the space of that dissonance? Michael describes the experience to be like that of a polychord from Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Is Disability Inherently Negative? May 14, 2020

Heather McCain talks with Dr. Hillary McBride to pull apart the story that disability is inherently negative. Heather McCain is Executive Director of Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods, a non-profit they founded in 2005. Heather’s experiences with multiple types of disabilities, inaccessibility, and ableism led them to become a well-known and respected speaker, advocate, educator, and activist, working with a variety of companies, cities, and non-profits to confront the issues that face disabled people. Recognizing that the disability community is comprised of people with many intersecting identities, Heather is committed to cross-movement organizing and working to ensure that the entire disabled person is considered. Heather facilitates Qmunity’s group Chronically Queer, a support group for queer folk who have chronic health conditions and is an organizer of Burnaby Pride and facilitates the Burnaby Pride Community Action Network. This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Does Fat = Bad? May 07, 2020

Christy Harrison talks with Dr. Hillary McBride and Michael Gungor about our culture's obsession with dieting and our views of our bodies. They dive into over one-hundred years of history to highlight how our modern day assumptions are often based on decades of social norms that have built up over time. Christy is an anti-diet registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, host of the podcast Food Psych, and author of Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating (2019). You are not alone! This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

I'll Be Happy If... Apr 30, 2020

Peter Rollins and Michael Gungor talk about happiness and the many ways we seek it out. We may use the tools of religion, belief, work, ideals, pleasure, or others to help us be happy. By breaking down the stories we tell ourselves using nondual thinking and philosophy they seek a deeper understanding of what makes us happy. Peter Rollins is an author, philosopher, storyteller, producer and public speaker. He is the author of The Divine Magician (2015) and The Idolatry of God (2013) among other books. Peter received his PhD in Post-Structural Thought from Queens University, Belfast. You are not alone! This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Grief Apr 23, 2020

We have all experienced or will experience grief at some point in our lives. Loss, whether unexpected or not, leaves us feeling alone. In this episode, Dr. Hillary McBride, William Matthews, and Michael Gungor talk about grief, how it affects us, and the toll COVID-19 is taking on the world by creating a large-scale sense of despair. We want to say a special thank you to the many liturgists who submitted their stories of working through grief. Your vulnerability helps us gain a deeper understanding of this complex experience. You are not alone! This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Eating and Body Positivity with Evelyn Tribole Apr 16, 2020

Evelyn Tribole talks with Dr. Hillary McBride and Michael Gungor about our relationship with eating and our view of our body. Evelyn is an award-winning registered dietitian with a nutrition counseling practice in Newport Beach, CA, specializing in eating disorders. In 1995, Evelyn published Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program that Works with her co-author Elyse Resch which has become the go-to book on rebuilding a healthy body image and making peace with food. This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Holy Week & Easter Apr 09, 2020

In this episode we want to share a liturgy we created for Holy Week called "Garden." This liturgy features Amena Brown, Rachel Held Evans, Rob Bell, Science Mike, and Gungor. If you are not a regular consumer of liturgies, it as a collection of related works of art that all cover a specific topic. As we are all social distancing, we want to offer this to you as a way to connect to the ideas of holy week and a way to connect with others while your normal Easter plans have been changed. This Sunday at 11am Pacific you are invited to join us for The Sunday Thing. Hundreds of liturgists from around the world get together via video. We break into smaller groups to talk and it is such a wonderful time. You are not alone in your doubts, questions, anger, sadness, atheism, theism, or any other thing you are going through. To find out more and to join us on Sunday, go to theliturgists.com

Journeying From Hopelessness to Healing with Ruthie Lindsey Apr 02, 2020

Ruthie Lindsey talks with Dr. Hillary McBride and Michael Gungor about her experience with pain and trauma. They also discuss some things we can do during the COVID-19 crisis. Ruthie's new book, There I Am: The Journey from Hopelessness to Healing, will be released on April 21, 2020. At seventeen years old, Ruthie Lindsey was hit by an ambulance near her home in rural Louisiana. She was given a five percent chance of survival and one percent chance of walking again. One month later after a spinal fusion surgery, Ruthie defied the odds, leaving the hospital on her own two feet. Just a few years later, newly married and living in Nashville, Ruthie began to experience debilitating pain. Her case confounds doctors and after numerous rounds of testing, imaging, and treatment, they prescribe narcotic painkillers—lots of them. Ruthie became bedridden, dependent on painkillers, and hopeless, when an X-ray reveals that the wire used to fuse her spine is piercing her brain stem. Without another staggeringly expensive experimental surgery, she could well become paralyzed, but in many ways, she already is. Ruthie goes into the hospital in chronic pain, dependent on prescription painkillers, and leaves that way. She can still walk, but has no idea where she’s going. As her life unravels, Ruthie returns home to Louisiana and sets out on a journey to learn joy again. She trades fentanyl for sunsets and morphine for wildflowers, weaning herself off of the drugs and beginning the process of healing—of coming home to her body. You are not alone! We have virtual rooms you can join 24/7 to talk with other liturgists from around the world. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com

Fighting Mar 26, 2020

Most of us are cooped up inside our homes and are social distancing in response to COVID-19. If we live with people, this marathon of close proximity may engage our feelings and heighten both the good and bad elements in our relationships. In this episode, Lisa Gungor joins Michael to talk about fighting, communication, and how they have grown over the years. To put your event on the calendar for one of the virtual rooms, go to theliturgists.com/community and follow the link that says schedule. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

COVID-19: The Science, How To Help, and Handling The Stress Mar 19, 2020

Dr. Hillary McBride, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Michael Gungor talk about COVID-19 and its impact on our health, culture, and economy. Many news sources are discussing the pandemic using the titles "Coronavirus" or "COVID-19." Here are some quick facts and terminology to help you understand what it all means: This virus is a "novel coronavirus," meaning it is a new coronavirus that humans have not experienced before The virus' name is SARS-CoV-2 The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is called COVID-19 which stands for Coronavirus Disease-2019 There are 3 strategies that health experts recommend: Hygienic measures like frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching your face, always covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and STAYING HOME when you exhibit any symptoms of illness. Sanitizing surfaces often, like light switches, door knobs, desks, and counter-tops. Social Distancing (more on this below) A primary way to aid in this crisis is the third point: social distancing. Here are the 3 elements of proper social distancing: Meet in-person with people less often. When you do meet with people, limit how many people are present. (As of mid-March 2020 that looks like less than 10 people at one time.) When you interact with people, keep a 6 foot bubble around yourself. Greet with a wave and show kindness with your words instead of handshakes, hugs, or other physical touch. Here are 6 ideas for how to cope with stress and isolation during this time: Be physically active in your home through yoga, push ups, stretching or our favorite: a dance party! Physical activity allows your body to release tension instead of storing it. Using movement and expression can help our nervous system get back to a state of rest. Strategically be active in open, outdoor spaces where few people are. Go for a walk in the woods, hike on a trail, or run in a large open park. Talk virtually with friends and family often. Here at The Liturgists, we are running The Sunday Thing every Sunday at 11am Pacific as a way to get connected with people — you are invited! Visit theliturgists.com and there is a big button to sign up. Practice meditation and mindfulness. Even for just a few moments a day notice what is happening with your thoughts and see if you can try to catch them if they are wandering into anxiety-laden territory Scan your body regularly for tension, if you notice it, try to take some breaths, soften your muscles, or practice progressive Muscle Relaxation (you can look lots of these audio tracks and scripts up online). Play, create, make, express, design, write. Move things through you existentially. Turning your inside stuff into something on the outside can be so empowering. You can transform your pain and uncertainty into something beautiful you can see. Plus, share what you are making by going to theliturgists.com/make You can also stay up-to-date with the CDC's COVID-19 Resource Guide. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Is Deconstruction Bad? Mar 12, 2020

Deconstruction is a common experience for people in The Liturgists Community. We all have stories of how we grew up, memories of what we were taught, and key ideas that still influence us. We may use many words to describe our deconstruction: freeing, scary, lonely, or exciting. The social cost of deconstruction can also be very high. We may feel like our social circles alienated us, or that our family abandoned us. In this episode, Dr. Hillary McBride and Michael Gungor talk about deconstruction and how it affects us. They explore the emotions that we feel, the narratives we tell ourselves, and how we can embrace healthy outlooks and overcome the difficult aspects of deconstruction. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Is Pleasure Sinful? Mar 05, 2020

While pleasure is usually positive and suffering usually negative, Christian culture often celebrates suffering while denigrating pleasure. Phrases like "dying to the flesh" highlight how we learn to internalize martyrdom in order to please God. Unfortunately, when we suppress our personal needs to conform to this social norm, the result can often lead to a loss of identity. In this episode, Linda Kay Klein, Dr. Hillary McBride, and Michael Gungor talk about the complexity of pleasure, and Linda shares how her fixation on suffering landed her in the hospital at one point in her life. They discuss different ways of understanding pleasure and suffering and how we can all develop a healthier perspective. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

On Art & Poetry with James Baldwin & Maya Angelou Feb 29, 2020

In this episode, we highlight two poets: James Baldwin and Maya Angelou. Both were best selling authors and world-renown poets. We highlight their words as they relate to art, the creative process, and the moral responsibility the artist carries to humanity and society. James Baldwin wrestles with that tension in his speech at the University of Chicago in 1963. Maya Angelou discusses her love for humanity and performs her poem "Still I Rise." Let's listen to James Baldwin and Maya Angelou. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Malcolm X Feb 28, 2020

In this episode, we focus on the words of two men who early on had two very different opinions, but at the end of their lives they were much closer together — closer than you may think. These two men were Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Pay attention and hear the nuance in their words. Envision yourself transported back to the 1960's and be mindful to really hear their perspectives. Let's listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Black Feminism & Womanism Feb 27, 2020

Womanism doesn't position itself in relation to masculinity, whereas black feminism and feminism specifically seek to elevate women to the status of men socially, politically, and economically; and also overcome patriarchy, sexism, and oppression. Black feminism asserts that the experience of black women places them in a unique position as they relate to patriarchy, sexism, and oppression. There is a distinct focus on class, gender expression, and sexual orientation as it relates to the distribution of power socially, politically, and economically. Womanism has been called "women loving other women." It doesn't position itself with masculinity which is a specific contrast with feminism. Let's talk about Womanism & Black Feminism. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Do Those People Need Jesus? Feb 27, 2020

There is a God shaped hole in your heart, or at least that's what a white Jesus texted his friend in the tract you read as a kid. We were told we need Jesus because total depravity — our inherent defect — has separated us from God. As well, the idea of hell is a strong incentive to share the story of Jesus with others, because if we don't share those people will be tormented forever. In many communities, Jesus was the way people cleaned up their lives, got off drugs or alcohol, and found stability. Being invited into a supportive community like a church is what some people needed to find a job and thrive. What do we do with the religious superiority that stems from seeing everyone else as inherently wrong? What do we do when we see everyone else as needing a life altering conversion? What do we do with the way colonialism has been paired with evangelism to ignore and scrub away people's culture and context? Often the way people teach others about Jesus misses the entire message of who Jesus was. In this episode, Dr. Hillary McBride, William Matthews, and Michael Gungor talk about these ideas of needing Jesus and sharing Jesus with others. We recorded live at The Solvang Folk School Talks in Solvang, California. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Bryan Stevenson Feb 26, 2020

An American lawyer, social justice activist, founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and a clinical professor at New York University School of Law. Based in Montgomery, Alabama, he has challenged bias against the poor and minorities in the criminal justice system, especially children. He has argued multiple cases in front of the Supreme Court and helped achieve decisions that prohibit sentencing children under 18 to death or to life imprisonment without parole. Stevenson has assisted in cases that have saved dozens of prisoners from the death penalty, advocated for the poor, and developed community-based reform litigation aimed at improving the administration of criminal justice. He initiated the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, which honors the names of each of the more than 4,000 African Americans lynched in the 12 states of the South from 1877 to 1950. He argues that the history of slavery and lynchings has influenced the subsequent high rate of death sentences in the South, where it has been disproportionately applied to minorities. Let's talk about Bryan Stevenson. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Angela Davis Feb 25, 2020

An American political activist, philosopher, academic, and author. Ideologically a Marxist, she was a member of Communist Party USA until 1991 after which she joined the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism. She is the author of over 10 books on class, feminism, and the US prison system. She involved herself in a range of leftist causes, including the second-wave feminist movement, the Black Panther Party, and the campaign against the Vietnam War. In 1991, she joined the feminist studies department at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she became department director before retiring in 2008. Since then she has continued to write and remained active in movements such as Occupy and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign. Praised by many Marxists and others on the far left, Davis has received various awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize. She has also sustained criticism for her support for political violence and her refusal to advocate for prisoners in Marxist-Leninist countries. Let's talk about Angela Davis. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Audre Lorde Feb 24, 2020

An American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist. As a poet, she is best known for technical mastery and emotional expression, as well as her poems that express anger and outrage at civil and social injustices she observed throughout her life. Her poems, and prose largely deal with civil rights, feminism, lesbianism, illness, disability, and the exploration of black female identity. Let's talk about Audre Lorde. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Muhammad Ali Feb 23, 2020

An African-American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. Born as Cassius Marcellus Clay, he changed his name in the early sixties after converting to Islam. He won the world heavyweight championship from Sonny Liston at a major upset in 1964 at age 22. He later refused to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, and was then arrested, found guilty of draft evasion, and stripped of his boxing titles. The ruling was later overruled during an appeal to the Supreme Court. His actions as a conscientious objector to the war made him an icon for the larger counter culture generation and the civil rights movement. Sports Illustrated has called him the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time and the greatest athlete of the 20th century. He also received two Grammy nominations. Let's talk about Muhammad Ali. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

James Cone Feb 22, 2020

An American theologian. Best known for his black theology and black liberation theology. His 1969 book Black Theology and Black Power provided a new way to comprehensively define the distinctiveness of theology in the black church. His message was that black power — defined as black people asserting the humanity that white supremacy denied — was the gospel in America. He argued that Jesus came to liberate the oppressed, and that white, American churches preached the gospel according to white supremacy. Let's talk about James Cone. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Fred Hampton & The Black Panthers Feb 21, 2020

An American activist and revolutionary socialist. He rose quickly in the Black Panthers based on his organizing skills, substantial oratorical gifts, and personal charisma. He took chairmanship of the Illinois state Black Panther Party after the party split. Because of his strong leadership, in 1967 the FBI identified him as a radical threat and began to subvert his activities in Chicago. In December of 1969, he was shot and killed in his bed during a pre-dawn raid of his apartment by Cook County State Attorney's office in conjunction with the the Chicago Police Department and the FBI. At the time, the homicide was considered justified, but in 1982, a settlement of $1.85 million was paid to 9 plaintiffs after a civil lawsuit was brought against the three law enforcement organizations responsible for his death. Scholars now widely consider Hampton's death an assassination initiated under the FBI. Let's talk about Fred Hampton & The Black Panthers. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Are Those People the Problem? Feb 20, 2020

Scapegoating is a common human response to difficult situations. We have a tendency to point to another group of people as the source of our world's woes. But is the solution simply saying "they" are the problem? What happens when "they" scapegoat "us" in response? In this episode, Peter Rollins and Michael Gungor talk about how we can engage in productive conflict in a world where technological advancements have only highlighted how much we disagree, and how we can see ourselves through other people's eyes to overcome social challenges together. Peter Rollins is a philosopher, storyteller, producer, public speaker, and author of numerous books, including Insurrection, The Idolatry of God, and The Divine Magician. Peter earned his PhD in Post-Structural Thought from Queens University. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out more, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Maya Angelou Feb 20, 2020

An American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights advocate. She published seven autobiographies, many books of essays, many books of poetry, and is credited with plays, movies, and television shows. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. In 1969, her first autobiography "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" brought her into national recognition. She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Let's talk about Maya Angelou. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

James Baldwin Feb 20, 2020

An American novelist, playwright, and activist. His essays explore intricacies of racial, sexual, and class distinctions in western societies. He frequently appeared on television and delivered speeches on college campuses. His church experience significantly shaped his worldview and his writing. He accused American Christianity of reinforcing the system of American slavery by lessening the pains of oppression and delaying salvation until a promised afterlife. Let's talk about James Baldwin. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Sidney Poitier Feb 18, 2020

An American actor, famous for his roles throughout the 50s and 60s. In 1958, he received the nomination for best actor for his role in "The Defiant Ones" which was the first time a black actor had received such a nomination. In 1964, he won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for best actor for his role in "Lillies of the Field." In 1967 he performed in several break out films like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "In the Heat of the Night," and "To Sir, with Love." In 1974, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and in 2009 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Let's talk about Sidney Poitier. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Malcolm X Feb 17, 2020

An American, Muslim minister and human rights activist. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925. He was sent to prison for 10 years in 1946 for larceny and breaking and entering. In prison, he joined the Nation of Islam and adopted the name "Malcolm X" because "Little" was the name of the white slave master. After being paroled, he became one of the most influential leaders in the Nation of Islam. He advocated black empowerment, the separation of black and white Americans, and rejected the civil rights movement for its emphasis racial integration. Later in his life, he regretted some of his work with the Nation of Islam and after a personal hajj — an islamic pilgrimage — began to advocate racial integration. He was assassinated in 1965 by three members of the Nation of Islam. Let's talk about Malcolm X. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Thurgood Marshall Feb 16, 2020

An American lawyer who served as associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1967 until 1991. He was the Supreme Court's first African-American justice. Before joining the court, Marshall successfully argued several cases before the Supreme Court including Brown v. Board of Education. In 1987, Marshall gave a controversial speech stating "The government [the Founding Fathers] devised was defective from the start. Requiring several amendments, a civil war, and major social transformations to attain the system of Constitutional government and its respect for the freedoms and individual rights we hold as fundamental today..." Let's talk about Thurgood Marshall. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Feb 15, 2020

An American, Christian minister and activist. He became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi. J. Edgar Hoover considered King a radical and made him an object of the FBI's counter intelligence program. In October 1964, King won the Nobel Peace Prize for combatting racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. He helped organize many public marches and protests including the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery marches. Let's talk about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Rosa Parks Feb 14, 2020

An American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. On December 1, 1955, she rejected an order to relinquish her seat in the colored section of a bus to a white passenger after the "whites only" section was full. Her act of defiance became an important symbol of the civil rights movement. Although widely honored for her act, she also was fired from her job and received death threats for years afterwards. Let's talk about Rosa Parks. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Emmett Till & Jim Crow Feb 13, 2020

In 1955, at only 14 years old, Emmett Till was abducted and lynched by two white men. Till was accused of offending Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, in her family's grocery store. Regardless, in September 1955 an all-white jury found the killers not guilty of Till's kidnapping and murder. A few months after the trial, the two killers spoke publicly with Look Magazine and admitted they had murdered Till. Later in 2008, Bryant admitted that she lied about important details of her testimony. Emmett Till's lynching was a catalyst for the civil rights movement and its impact reverberates forward to today. Let's talk about Emmett Till and Jim Crow. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Does Single = Unlovable? Feb 13, 2020

Many of us feel like something is wrong with us if we are single. Some times we don't feel loved or feel unlovable. But what does it mean to be "single?" And what does it mean to be "loved?" Those don't have to be related. The way we receive love or feel love for ourselves is often tied up in how other people view us and the cultural norms we experience everyday. What if we separated those? In this episode, Dr. Hillary McBride, Key Williams, Jamie Lee Finch, and Michael Gungor talk about the dynamics that affect how we live and experience love. We can tell ourselves a different story about being single — a positive story that we can experience love regardless of our relationship status. You are not alone! You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. It is one of the most meaningful things we do. To find out how to join The Liturgists, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Zora Neale Hurston Feb 12, 2020

An American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker. Her most popular novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" was published in 1937. She also wrote other novels and more than 50 short stories, plays, and essays. Her work concerned the African-American experience, racial struggles in the early 20th century, and her own viewpoint as an African-American woman. In 1975, Alice Walker published an article in the March issue of Miss Magazine which revitalized interest in Hurston's work. Let's talk about Zora Neale Hurston. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Jackie Robinson Feb 11, 2020

An American professional baseball player who became the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. He played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodgers 1955 World Series championship. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, and in 1997 his number, 42, was retired across all major league baseball teams. Let's talk about Jackie Robinson. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Madam C.J. Walker Feb 10, 2020

An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political activist. She created a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women. She was the wealthiest African-American businesswoman and wealthiest self-made woman at the time of her death in 1919. Her lavish estate, Villa Lewaro, in Irvington-on-Hudson New York was a major social gathering place for the African-American community. Let's talk about Madam C.J. Walker. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Ida B. Wells Feb 09, 2020

An African-American investigative journalist, educator, and an early leader in the civil rights movement. Born in 1862, she was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In the 1890s, she documented lynching in the United States through her indictment called "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in all its Phases." Let's talk about Ida B. Wells. If you like this podcast, join The Liturgists to receive even more content like this and talk with other liturgists via our weekly video chat.

Marcus Garvey Feb 08, 2020

A political activist, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, and orator. Born in 1887. He is seen as a national hero in Jamaica, and his ideas exerted a considerable influence on such movements as Rastafari, the Nation of Islam, and the Black Power Movement. His work spoke specifically to the belief that African-Americans needed to secure financial independence from white-dominant society. Let's talk about Marcus Garvey. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

Black Inventors Feb 07, 2020

From George Washington Carver to Dr. Shirley Jackson, from the pyramids to rock & roll, from rockets to the moon to home security systems, black inventors have discovered and created new ways to do things all throughout history. Culture can sometimes relegate these highly intelligent people to the footnotes of history, but we would be remiss not to celebrate these giants whose shoulders we stand on. Let's talk about black inventors. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

The Tuskegee Airmen Feb 06, 2020

A group of African-American military fighters and bomber pilots who fought in World War II. They formed the 332nd fighter group and 447th bombardment group of the United States Army Air Forces. Their sacrifice was often met with very little support when they came home as they were still subject to disrespect and Jim Crow laws across the United States. Let's talk about The Tuskegee Airmen. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

Does Being Good Mean My Beliefs Shouldn't Change? Feb 06, 2020

Feeling shame and guilt when our beliefs change can be overwhelming. Our relationships with family, friends, and partners can seem to pivot solely on a shared understanding of what we believe. When our beliefs change we may fear that if people find out, they will not approve, or worse, they might abandon us. We may also feel anxious about not knowing what we believe and uncertain about where we are headed. Is changing what we think bad, or is it just a natural part of growth? In this episode, Michael Gungor and Dr. Hillary McBride talk about belief, change, and why we should embrace healthy growth. You can also join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. We also talk online everyday. To find out how to join The Liturgists to be a part of that community, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Reconstruction Feb 05, 2020

The Reconstruction era lasted from 1865 to 1877 following The American Civil War. It represents the failed transformation of the eleven former states of The Confederate States of America. Three new constitutional amendments ostensibly guaranteed newly freed slaves citizenship with civil rights while aiming to end the remnants of Confederate secession. However, three visions of the war appeared: the reconciliationist vision, the white supremacist vision, and the emancipationist vision. Let's talk about Reconstruction. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

The American Civil War Feb 04, 2020

Took place from 1861 to 1865 and was the deadliest war in American history. The ware was fought between the northern United States which was loyal to the Union and the southern United States which seceded from the Union to form The Confederate States of America. The war began primarily because of a long-standing controversy over the enslavement of black people. Let's talk about The American Civil War. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

Sojourner Truth Feb 03, 2020

An American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. Let's talk about Sojourner Truth. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

Frederick Douglass Feb 02, 2020

An American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. Let's talk about Frederick Douglass. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

Harriet Tubman Feb 01, 2020

As an American activist, abolitionist, and the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, she rescued around 70 people from slavery. Let's talk about Harriet Tubman. To support this podcast and the other projects of The Liturgists head to https://theliturgists.com and find the button that says "Join The Liturgists." You'll join a group of amazing members who talk and get special content weekly.

Is All History White History? Jan 30, 2020

History is literally a story we tell ourselves about what happened in the past. The way we tell that story is usually influenced by the people who have cultural and political power. We heard from so many of you from around the world about how whiteness affects our perception of history. In this episode Andre Henry, Propaganda, and Nikki Blak join William Matthews to talk about those influential dynamics. They discuss how we can help others and ourselves by viewing history from several vantage points. We can look into our past to understand ourselves better and use empathy to see the richness other people's stories bring to the tapestry of history. During the month of February we will be releasing a very special project called "Black History Is American History" via daily episodes covering heroes, icons, and titans in American history. We will release them every day on a separate feed you can sign up for and to our members via the member feed. Find out more by going to theliturgists.com/blackhistory You can also join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. We also talk online everyday. To find out how to join The Liturgists to be a part of that community, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button.

Am I Impure? Jan 23, 2020

Purity culture represents the main narrative around sex education and relationships for many people. It taught us ideas about ourselves and about other people that we often feel like we can't leave behind. In today's episode, Hillary and Michael are joined by Linda Kay Klein as they discuss purity culture and pull apart a story we may tell ourselves: "I am impure." Linda is the author of the book Pure, which covers the sexual purity movement in the evangelical church and the "purity industry" that formed along with it. Her interviews and stories outline the resulting anxiety, fear, and experiences that trap people in a cycle of shame. Sexual shame is not confined to evangelical culture and Linda's book serves as a powerful wake-up call about our society’s subjugation of women. This episode does cover traumatic experiences. We want to offer a content warning as well as suggest some mental health resources for you to use. Speaking with a professional, licensed therapist is a way to work through trauma in a way that is safe and "become stronger at the broken places." You are not alone. You can join us each Sunday to talk with other liturgists around the world and meet in small groups. We also talk online everyday. To find out how to join The Liturgists to be a part of that community, visit theliturgists.com and look for the "Join The Liturgists" button. Resources: https://www.breakfreetogether.org https://aedpinstitute.org/find-an-aedp-institute-therapist/search/ https://directory.traumahealing.org https://www.emdria.org/search/ https://lifespanintegration.com/directory/ https://www.sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/directory.html https://sstarnet.org/find-a-therapist/

Swapping Fundamentalisms Dec 19, 2019

Sometimes we leave one set of problems only to find ourselves in a new situation with the same problems. In this episode, Michael and Hillary speak with Emily Capshaw about her experience of leaving Christianity only to find some of the same problems in other belief systems. They talk candidly about how to avoid swapping one fundamentalism for another. We’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas for topics of discussion or guests you would like us to talk with on The Liturgists Podcast, please let us know and vote here: https://theliturgists.com/vote

You Are Safe Nov 28, 2019

In this episode, we share one of our private meditations that our patrons get access to each week. Lisa Gungor leads the meditation and it is called "You Are Safe" We’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas for topics of discussion or guests you would like us to talk with on The Liturgists Podcast, please let us know and vote here: https://theliturgists.com/vote

Anti-Racism with Andre Henry Nov 21, 2019

Racism is a widespread issue in all spheres of society. People participate in racism knowingly or unknowingly and with or without intention to do so. While racism may not involve physical abuse or violent behaviors, it can be manifested through people's attitudes as well as their actions. But can something be done about it? Yes, we must call out racism. Each one of us can actively embrace anti-racism and help combat racial prejudice and bigotry. Today on the podcast, Andre joins William Matthews to chat about anti-racism. In the conversation, Andre talks about his experience speaking out against racial injustice as well as share solutions to fighting racism. Andre Henry is a writer, speaker, musician, and activist with a deep passion for racial justice and social change. We’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas for topics of discussion or guests you would like us to talk with on The Liturgists Podcast, please let us know and vote here: https://theliturgists.com/vote

Tabs & Wafers: Live in Los Angeles Nov 14, 2019

Michael Gungor and Science Mike talk about their experiences with church, God, science, scripture, theology, tradition, and more at the Los Angeles stop of the Tabs & Wafers Tour. The talk is an honest look at how some people experience Christianity and evangelicalism in the United States and how to find sincerity when it can be difficult to find a community. We’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas for topics of discussion or guests you would like us to talk with on The Liturgists Podcast, please let us know and vote here: https://theliturgists.com/vote

Finding Creative Flow Nov 07, 2019

Lauren Evans and Lisa Gungor talk about creative flow and how people who create art, music, and other creative work can make what is right for them. Finding her authentic voice served as an important life quest, because Lauren’s early work required her to be a creative chameleon. Lauren also talks about her life growing up, her spiritual experiences, and how the typical separation of “secular” and “christian/religious” did not mean as much to her in her journey. Lisa recounts how she had positive experiences within her church upbringing, but how she also found it difficult to write great music until she embraced what she is good at instead of following the typical path. We’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas for topics of discussion or guests you would like us to talk with on The Liturgists Podcast, please let us know and vote here: https://theliturgists.com/vote

Arctic Oct 24, 2019

In August of 2019, Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Jamie Lee Finch embarked on a trip to the Arctic circle to experience some of the last untouched wilderness on the planet and hear from the Gwich'in people. The Gwich'in are Athabaskan-speaking Indigenous peoples who lives in the Arctic region of Alaska and Canada. Their sacred lands include areas within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In September 2019, the Trump Administration said it would "seek to open up the entire coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration, picking the most aggressive development option for an area long closed to drilling" to cite The Washington Post. The violence and destruction caused by the removal of long standing protections by the United States is difficult to overstate. This episode is the story of our trip to that area, and what we learned from the people there. We want to give a special shout out to The Wilderness Society for making this episode possible and to Dan Ritzman from Arctic Wild for his guidance in Alaska. This episode is sponsored by our friends at the No Place Like Home podcast. No Place Like Home is a podcast that gets to the heart of climate change. Hosts Mary Anne Hitt and Anna Jane Joyner explore the biggest story of our time—climate change—from intimate, creative, and surprising angles. Find and subscribe to No Place Like Home at noplacelikehomepodcast.com or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

Change Oct 10, 2019

Some changes are normal and happen every day, while others are higher stakes and affect every area of our lives. Whether they took place in our childhood or occurred later in life, changes often make us feel scared or anxious because of the unknowns they bring with them.In this episode, William, Hillary, and Vishnu have a conversation about change, how we experience it, and how we can navigate change in our lives. This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of safe, private, affordable mental health counseling by visiting http://betterhelp.com/liturgists

Porn Oct 03, 2019

This week we're talking about porn: what it is, how we feel about it, and what roles is plays in our culture. Joining us in the conversation are the following people: Hillary McBrideMichael GungorWilliam MatthewsMike McHargueKey WilliamsCaroline LeeJenny McHargueKevin Garcia This episode was sponsored by Betterhelp. Get 10% your first month of safe, private, affordable mental health counseling by visiting http://betterhelp.com/liturgists.

Pete Holmes Returns Sep 19, 2019

Pete Holmes returns for a conversation with Michael Gungor and Science Mike to discuss his latest book, Comedy Sex God. This episode was sponsored by Betterhelp. Get 10% your first month of safe, private, affordable mental health counseling by visiting http://betterhelp.com/liturgists.

The 27 Subtypes of the Enneagram - The Head Center Sep 12, 2019

It's ENNEAGRAM MADNESS. We have not one, not two, but three episodes about the Enneagram featuring one of our favorite teachers: Annie Dimond. Annie Dimond is a teacher of the Enneagram Personality and a PhD Student of Practical Theology at The University of Aberdeen in Scotland. In this episode, Annie and Mike McHargue dive deeper into the Enneagram by exploring its 27 subtypes and how it can act as a map for healing and self-acceptance. To learn more about Enneagram Subtypes visit theliturgists.com/podcast/2019/9/12/the-27-subtypes-of-the-enneagram To learn more about Annie Dimond, visit her website visit enneagramforwholeness.com For more about Ryan O'Neal and his music visit visit sleepingatlast.com This episode was sponsored by Betterhelp. Get 10% your first month of safe, private, affordable mental health counseling by visiting betterhelp.com/liturgists

The 27 Subtypes of the Enneagram - The Heart Center Sep 12, 2019

It's ENNEAGRAM MADNESS. We have not one, not two, but three episodes about the Enneagram featuring one of our favorite teachers: Annie Dimond. Annie Dimond is a teacher of the Enneagram Personality and a PhD Student of Practical Theology at The University of Aberdeen in Scotland. In this episode, Annie and Mike McHargue dive deeper into the Enneagram by exploring its 27 subtypes and how it can act as a map for healing and self-acceptance. To learn more about Enneagram Subtypes visit theliturgists.com/podcast/2019/9/12/the-27-subtypes-of-the-enneagram To learn more about Annie Dimond, visit her website visit enneagramforwholeness.com For more about Ryan O'Neal and his music visit visit sleepingatlast.com This episode was sponsored by Betterhelp. Get 10% your first month of safe, private, affordable mental health counseling by visiting betterhelp.com/liturgists

The 27 Subtypes of the Enneagram - The Gut Center Sep 12, 2019

It's ENNEAGRAM MADNESS. We have not one, not two, but three episodes about the Enneagram featuring one of our favorite teachers: Annie Dimond. Annie Dimond is a teacher of the Enneagram Personality and a PhD Student of Practical Theology at The University of Aberdeen in Scotland. In this episode, Annie and Mike McHargue dive deeper into the Enneagram by exploring its 27 subtypes and how it can act as a map for healing and self-acceptance. To learn more about Enneagram Subtypes visit theliturgists.com/podcast/2019/9/12/the-27-subtypes-of-the-enneagram To learn more about Annie Dimond, visit her website visit enneagramforwholeness.com For more about Ryan O'Neal and his music visit visit sleepingatlast.com This episode was sponsored by Betterhelp. Get 10% your first month of safe, private, affordable mental health counseling by visiting betterhelp.com/liturgists

Liturgists (The Alien & The Robot) Sep 05, 2019

This is an episode of our other podcast, The Alien & The Robot. It's a show for our Patrons, but this episode has some announcements about new stuff coming to Patreon PLUS we found a way to describe the "mission" of The Liturgists out loud for the first time ever. Not bad for a show that started in 2014.

Scrupulosity Aug 22, 2019

Hillary McBride speaks with Audrey Assad about how fundamental religious cultures can foster, and even sometimes reward mental illnesses. In this episode Audrey shares about her experience battling Scrupulosity, or Religious OCD.

Jamie Lee Finch is a Sex Witch. Aug 08, 2019

Michael Gungor sits down with Jamie Lee Finch to talk about embodiment, sexuality, and religious trauma. Jamie is a sexuality and embodiment coach, author, and poet. Michael Gungor and Science Mike are on tour. Click here to see if they're coming to a city near you.

Dealing with Loneliness - Live from Wild Goose Jul 25, 2019

Science Mike, Michael Gungor, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride discuss the modern epidemic of loneliness, and how to respond to it in an episode recorded in front of a live audience at the Wild Goose Festival 2019. We've got HUGE NEWS about our Tabs & Wafers tour: We're offering FREE TICKETS in all remaining cities in order to make our events more economically accessible. Plus, we're finally telling you the event actually is. You can learn more here. See you soon, Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tempe, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

Prayer Jul 11, 2019

This episode is about prayer. What is prayer? What value, if any, does prayer have for people who don't believe in a theistic God anymore? Science Mike and Michael Gungor are on tour and headed to a city near you.

Pro-life, Pro-choice (Re-Release) with Rachel Held Evans Jun 20, 2019

Alabama recently approved a measure that would outlaw almost all abortions in the state, setting up a challenge to Roe v. Wade, the case that recognized a woman's constitutional right to end a pregnancy. Few issues are more divisive than abortion. Few topics push on our most fundamental ideas about life, personhood, and morality. Back in 2015, Rachel Held Evans, Science Mike, and Michael Gungor take a look a simple, controversial question: Are you pro-life or pro-choice? For more information on Rachel Held Evans’ work, and to learn how to support her family following her tragic passing, visit rachelheldevans.com You can get a free copy of one of Rachel’s audiobooks on Audible by signing up for a free trial Here.

Episode 100 May 21, 2019

In celebration of our 100th episode, we take a look at where the podcast has been while looking forward to what's next. Thank you to all of you who've listened and contributed over the years. Michael Gungor and Science Mike are going on tour in an event called Tabs & Wafers. Learn more.

The God Question May 02, 2019

In this episode, Michael Gungor asks leading theologians, scholars, teachers two questions: “Does God exist,” and “Who or what is God?”Guests on this episode include, Richard Rohr, Diana Butler Bass, Amy-Jill Levine, Sharon Salzberg, Reza Aslan, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride. Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Diana Butler Bass is an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Duke University and is the award-winning author of ten books, including Grounded: Finding God in the World —A Spiritual Revolution. Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies, and Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Science; she is also Affiliated Professor, Centre for the Study of Jewish-Christian Relations, Cambridge UK. Her books include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus; The Meaning of the Bible: What the Jewish Scriptures and the Christian Old Testament Can Teach Us (co-authored with Douglas Knight); The New Testament, Methods and Meanings (co-authored with Warren Carter), and the thirteen-volume edited Feminist Companions to the New Testament and Early Christian Writing. Sharon Salzberg is a central figure in the field of meditation, a world-renowned teacher and NY Times bestselling author. She has played a crucial role in bringing meditation and mindfulness practices to the West and into mainstream culture since 1974, when she first began teaching. She is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and the author of ten books including NY Times bestseller. Reza Aslan is an internationally renowned writer, commentator, professor, producer, and scholar of religions. His books, including his #1 New York Times Bestseller, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, have been translated into dozens of languages around the world. He is also a recipient of the prestigious James Joyce Award.

THIS Apr 16, 2019

Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride talk with Michael Gungor about his newest book, THIS. As Michael shares, letting go of the stories that defined his identity and value in the world led him and his family on a wild and painful journey through atheism, mysticism, betrayal, loss, medical issues, moving trucks, and thousands of online trolls. The deconstruction of his faith is one story. The transformation of it is another. As Michael lets us know, our stories are the seams of illusion that we sew into reality―in order to label this and that. But what you think of as you (or anything else for that matter) is simply movement within the ocean of Being―of THIS. Once you see that is it just a story, you can let go and be free. You can get your copy of THIS on Amazon.com or, if you prefer audio books, you can get THIS for free by signing up for an Audible trial using our affiliate link.

What I'm Learning Apr 04, 2019

Hillary McBride and Science Mike talk about learning to cope with change, growth, and intimacy.Want to see Michael Gungor and Science Mike this May? Tickets for their summer tour are on sale now.

Richard Rohr and The Universal Christ (Part 2) Mar 24, 2019

Hillary McBride, William Matthews, Science Mike, and Michael Gungor talk with Richard Rohr about The Universal Christ--Fr. Rohr’s latest book. You can learn more about the book here. You can get the audiobook for The Universal Christ for free using our Audible affiliate link. Learn more here.

Richard Rohr and The Universal Christ (Part 1) Mar 24, 2019

Hillary McBride, William Matthews, Science Mike, and Michael Gungor talk with Richard Rohr about The Universal Christ--Fr. Rohr’s latest book. You can learn more about the book here. You can get the audiobook for The Universal Christ for free using our Audible affiliate link. Learn more here.

Fear | Live in Nashville Mar 07, 2019

We’re discussing fear in an episode that was recorded live at The Liturgists Gathering in Nashville, TN. Special thanks to Jamie Lee Finch for joining us. We’re going on tour! Join Science Mike and Michael Gungor for Tabs & Wafers. Tickets are on sale now--visit our events page for more information.

Buddhist (Part 2) Feb 22, 2019

This week we're talking with Sharon Salzberg. Sharon is a central figure in the field of meditation, a world-renowned teacher and NY Times bestselling author. She has played a crucial role in bringing meditation and mindfulness practices to the West and into mainstream culture since 1974, when she first began teaching. She is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and the author of ten books including NY Times bestseller, Real Happiness, her seminal work, Lovingkindness and her forthcoming release by Flatiron Books, Real Love. Renowned for her down-to-earth teaching style, Sharon offers a secular, modern approach to Buddhist teachings, making them instantly accessible. She is a regular columnist for On Being, a contributor to Huffington Post, and the host of her own podcast: The Metta Hour. For more information, visit www.SharonSalzberg.com. We've got a handful of tickets left for our next kin retreat. If you're a man interested in confronting harmful cultural scripts around masculinity, we'd love for you to join us in Ojai this May.

Buddhist (Part 1) Feb 07, 2019

We're talking with Bushi Yamato Damashii this week to kick off a new series on Buddhism. Bushi is a Buddhist monk and lead resident teacher at Daishin Zen Buddhist Temple in Thomasville, North Carolina. Bushi is also the Vice-president and Zen monk at Still Water Farms Retreat Center in Franklinville, NC. A former Christian minister and pastor, Bushi now speaks of much deeper understanding of the love and compassion of the Historical Jesus and the Historical Buddha. Bushi is classically trained in Mahayana Buddhism and Daishin Zen.

BONUS - Transitions (The Alien & The Robot) Jan 31, 2019

We've got another podcast called The Alien & The Robot that's available exclusively to our Patrons. But, as we work on Season 5, we've got some big news to share on multiple fronts. So, please enjoy a "behind the scenes" look at what The Liturgists are up to. Here's some links you may want: End of the World Tour The Liturgists NEW SOCIAL PLATFORM

The End of The World Tour Jan 25, 2019

Propaganda, the Brilliance, and Gungor talk about their upcoming tour. Plus, Propaganda and Alma from the Red Couch Podcast tell us about their upcoming series on intersectionality, It's Complicated.

Season 4 Finale Dec 31, 2018

To close out Season 4 of The Liturgists Podcast, we look back at some of the highlights from The Liturgists Podcast so far (as selected by our community on Patreon). We're hiring an Associate Producer. You can learn more here.

Kosmos Nov 29, 2018

In this episode, we talk about the story behind Kosmos, the latest record by William Matthews.

(Not) Christian Nov 15, 2018

In the final episode of our Christian series, William Matthews tells Michael Gungor why he should be a Christian.

Christian (Part Fohr) Oct 18, 2018

This week, Fr. Richard Rohr joins William Matthews, Michael Gungor, and Hillary McBride to explore the question: What is a Christian?

Christian (Part 3) Oct 04, 2018

This week Michael Gungor and Science Mike talk with Lisa Gungor and Jenny McHargue about what Christianity is. We'd love to see you at The Liturgists Gathering in London, Minneapolos, or Nashville this year.

Christian (Part 2) Sep 27, 2018

This is the first in a weekly series where we explore two seemingly simple questions: "Do you identify as a Christian," and, "Why or why not."Our guest on this episode is Jennifer Knapp. We'll be in London, Minneapolis and Nashville for The Liturgists Gathering this fall. We'd love to see you there.

Christian (Part 1) Sep 20, 2018

This is the first in a weekly series where we explore two seemingly simple questions: "Do you identify as a Christian," and, "Why or why not."Our guest on this episode is Rachel Held Evans. Her new book about the Bible is called Inspired. We'll be in London, Minneapolis and Nashville for The Liturgists Gathering this fall. We'd love to see you there.

The Alien & The Robot - Earth Sep 06, 2018

Here's a sample of our latest project: a new weekly podcast for folks who support us on Patreon called The Alien & The Robot.

Man Jul 26, 2018

As a followup to Woman, this episode explores masculinity and male identity in a culture striving for equality.

Live in Austin, TX Jul 12, 2018

This podcast was recorded at The Liturgists Gathering in Austin, TX.If you're interested in hosting The Liturgists Gathering, let us know.

The Most Beautiful Thing I've Seen - Lisa Gungor Jun 25, 2018

In this episode, we're talking about Lisa Gungor's new book, called The Most Beautiful Thing I've Seen.

Social Media May 31, 2018

A look at how social media impacts advocacy, mental health, community building, and our view of the world.

BONUS - Twelve Questions May 18, 2018

As we gear up for The Liturgists Gathering in Austin, TX, here's a bonus episode from our Patreon podcast.

Mysticism May 03, 2018

Hillary, William, Michael, and Mike discuss spirtulity beyond the reach of language.

Tongues Apr 19, 2018

This episode is about the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, as explored through the perspectives of science, art, and faith.

The Ethics of F***ing (Part 2) Apr 05, 2018

TRIGGER WARNING: The interview with Christopher West in Part 2 could be triggering to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It's included so people with non-affiriming viewpoints on LGBTQIA+ on sexuality are prompted to examine the implications of that worldview, but we encourge our listners to use discretion before listening to that segment. In this episode, we’re talking about how to discern what is right and healthy for people in sexual activity. We’d like to thank our guests on this episode, and we encourage you to check out their work. Bromliegh McCleneghan, Author of Good Christian Sex Darren Calhoun, Artist and Speaker Christopher West, Author, Speaker, Teacher and Expert in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body Caroline Lee, Artist and Photographer Jamie Lee Finch, Relationship Guide, Intuitive Healer Lisa Gungor, Artist and Author

The Ethics of F***ing (Part 1) Apr 05, 2018

In this episode, we’re talking about how to discern what is right and healthy for people in sexual activity. We’d like to thank our guests on this episode, and we encourage you to check out their work. Bromliegh McCleneghan, Author of Good Christian Sex Darren Calhoun, Artist and Speaker Christopher West, Author, Speaker, Teacher and Expert in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body Caroline Lee, Artist and Photographer Jamie Lee Finch, Relationship Guide, Intuitive Healer Lisa Gungor, Artist and Author

Body Image Mar 22, 2018

In this episode, we’re discussing body image–how we view our bodies and the bodies of others. For more, check out Hillary’s book.

Embodiment Mar 08, 2018

Who are you? Is the body a transport vessel for the brain? This episode tackles the idea of emboidment, and our complex relationships with our own bodies.

Evangelical (Part 2) Feb 22, 2018

What does it mean to be an Evangelical today? We talk with Matthew Vines from The Reformation Project as well as author/speaker Jen Hatmaker about Evangelicalism in 2018.

Evangelical (Part 1) Feb 22, 2018

What does it mean to be an Evangelical today? We talk with Matthew Vines from The Reformation Project as well as author/speaker Jen Hatmaker about Evangelicalism in 2018.

Meet the New Hosts Feb 08, 2018

On this episode, we welcome two new hosts to the podast: William Matthews and Hillary McBride. Plus, we uncover the hottest new band in worship music, Abraham's Bosom.

Loving Kindness Meditation Jan 20, 2018

This is a bonus episode with a Loving Kindness meditation. May you find that it promotes healing in difficult times. If you'd like to try more meditations like these, join us on Patreon. If you'd like to learn more about meditation as a practice, consider our new online course about meditaiton.

Shame - Live from Seattle Dec 05, 2017

This is a special live episode recorded at The Liturgists Gathering in Seattle, WA on October 27, 2017. Thanks Hillary McBride for joining us on this episode. Her new book is available now. Special Announcement: We're starting something new next year for those of you who want to go deeper with topics we discuss on The Liturgists Podcast via video courses. If you'd like to get access to these first, you can preorder the first two for the price of one here.

Paranormal (Special Halloween Episode) Oct 31, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

God Our Mother - Live from Boston Oct 17, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Enemies - Live from Los Angeles Oct 03, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Names Aug 15, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

The Other Show Aug 01, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Rob Bell and the Bible Jul 11, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Pale Blue Dot Jun 20, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Christian Violence Jun 06, 2017

In this episode, Michael Gungor and Science Mike discuss the relationship between violence and Christianity with Shane Claiborne. Check out Shane’s new book, Executing Grace.

Spiritual Trauma May 16, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Palm Sunday Apr 09, 2017

A liturgy for the beginnging of Holy Week.If you'd like a daily resource for all of holy week, join us on Patreon.

Advocacy Mar 21, 2017

How can we engage in effective advocacy that creates change? And how can we do so without losing hope? We talked to two experts in the world of social justice and advocacy to find out. Christena Cleveland is a social psychologist, public theologian, author and professor. She is the first Associate Professor of the Practice of Reconciliation at Duke University’s Divinity School and the author of Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep Us Apart. You can learn more about her at http://www.christenacleveland.com Micky is a perpetual learner, “justice doula”, consultant, facilitator, mama/sister/friend, nonviolence practitioner and contemplative activist living just south of Nashville, TN. After 10 plus years as a mother-baby specialist, trainer and author, she decided to shift back to earlier interests: theology and community development. She is a member of the co-learning community of NAIITS (North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies) and graduated with a Masters of Arts in Intercultural Studies. Learn more about her at http://www.mickyscottbeyjones.com

Fake News & Media Literacy Mar 07, 2017

What’s fake news, and how can we spot it? This episode is about media literacy, and offers insights on how to spot fake news, as well as media bias, and skewed data. We talked with Clay Johnson, author of The Information Diet and the co-founder of Blue State Digital, the firm that built and managed Barack Obama’s online campaign for the presidency in 2008. Here’s a few resources to dig deeper: How to tell fake news from real news - TED Ed How to Spot Fake News - FactCheck.org

Bonus - Lent 2017 Mar 01, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

How Do We Know What We Know? (Epistemology) Feb 21, 2017

We're talking about epistemology on this episode–the study of truth, belief, and justification. Sound boring? In the age of "fake news," this may be the most important topic we can cover.

Ableism Feb 07, 2017

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Parenting and Deconstruction Jan 24, 2017

As a follow-up to Lost & Found and The Other Side of the Mattress, we respond to our most common request: an episode on how to talk to your kids during and after faith transitions.

A Christmas Story of Sorts Dec 20, 2016

A special Christmas episode featuring highlights from our friends The Brilliance.

Suffering (Part 3) Nov 29, 2016

This is the third episode of a three part series dealing with suffering: what is it, how do we cope with it, and how can we address it? Please consider joining with us to help provide clean drinking water to every person on this planet. Learn more at http://theliturgists.com/water

Suffering (Part 2) Nov 15, 2016

This is the second in a three part series dealing with suffering: what is it, how do we cope with it, and how can we address it? Please consider joining with us to help provide clean drinking water to every person on this planet. Learn more at http://theliturgists.com/water

Suffering (Part 1) Nov 01, 2016

This is the first in a three part series dealing with suffering: what is it, how do we cope with it, and how can we address it? Please consider joining with us to help provide clean drinking water to every person on this planet. Learn more at http://theliturgists.com/water

One Wild Life:Body (Part 5) Oct 07, 2016

We've got a special series of podcasts this week exploring the themes and sounds of Gungor's new record One Wild Life: Body. This is the final album in the One Wild Life trilogy of records, and is available everywhere music is sold. Learn more at gungormusic.com.

One Wild Life: Body (Part 4) Oct 06, 2016

We've got a special series of podcasts this week exploring the themes and sounds of Gungor's new record One Wild Life: Body. This is the final album in the One Wild Life trilogy of records, and is available everywhere music is sold. Learn more at gungormusic.com.

One Wild Life: Body (Part 3) Oct 05, 2016

We've got a special series of podcasts this week exploring the themes and sounds of Gungor's new record One Wild Life: Body. This is the final album in the One Wild Life trilogy of records, and is available everywhere music is sold. Learn more at gungormusic.com.

One Wild Life: Body (Part 2) Oct 04, 2016

We've got a special series of podcasts this week exploring the themes and sounds of Gungor's new record One Wild Life: Body. This is the final album in the One Wild Life trilogy of records, and is available everywhere music is sold. Learn more at gungormusic.com.

One Wild Life Body (Part 1) Oct 03, 2016

We've got a special series of podcasts this week exploring the themes and sounds of Gungor's new record One Wild Life: Body. This is the final album in the One Wild Life trilogy of records, and is available everywhere music is sold. Learn more at gungormusic.com.

Woman (Episode 40) Sep 27, 2016

In this episode, we explore the sexism in the context of culture and the church. Featuring Austin Channing Brown, Caroline Lee, Christine Chester, Emily Capshaw, Lisa Gungor, and Rev. Sarah Heath.

Finding God in the Waves (Episode 39) Sep 13, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Religious Art (Episode 38) Sep 06, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

The Enneagram (Episode 37) Aug 23, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 36 - Wild Goose 2016 Jul 19, 2016

While we work on Season 3, here's a special live episode of The Liturgists Podcast recorded at the Wild Goose Festival. It's a conversation between Science Mike, Michael Gungor, and a live audience. If you'd like to be part of a conversation like this, join us at The Liturgists Gathering.

Episode 35 - The Cosmic Christ with Richard Rohr Apr 12, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 34 - Black and White: Racism in America Mar 29, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 33 - One Wild Life Spirit Mar 08, 2016

Science Mike talks with Lisa and Michael Gungor about their new album, One Wild Life Soul. We'd love to see you at The Liturgists Gathering or the One Wild Life Tour.

Episode 32 - Storytelling at Sundance Feb 23, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 31 - The Voice of God Feb 09, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 30 - Prophet or Ass Jan 19, 2016

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 29 - Philosophy and Radical Theology Dec 15, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 28 - The Asymptotic Fidelity of Words Nov 24, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 27 - The Multiverse Nov 03, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 26 - Faith and Music with David Bazan Oct 20, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 25 - Sin Oct 06, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 24 - Christian Nationalism Sep 22, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 23 - Pro-life, Pro-choice Sep 08, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 22 - Who Am I? Aug 25, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 21 - One Wild Life Jun 30, 2015

Science Mike sat down with Michael Gungor and Lisa Gungor to talk about their new project One Wild Life: Soul following Belong. One Wild Life: Soul comes out in August, but you can get it now for a limited time as part of the One Wild Life Season Pass. One Wild Life is a trilogy of records being released this year, and the Season Pass gets you all three before anyone else–including One Wild Life: Soul immediately. See gungormusic.com for more details.

Episode 20 - LGBTQ May 19, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 19 - Searching For Sunday with Rachel Held Evans May 05, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 18 - Worship (Part 2) Apr 21, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 17 - Worship (Part 1) Apr 07, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 16 - The End (Eschatology) Mar 24, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 15 - Songwriting Mar 10, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 14 - Meditation Feb 24, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 13 - Humor with Pete Holmes Feb 10, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 12 - Marriage & Relationships with Kristen and Rob Bell Jan 27, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 11 - The Other Side of the Mattress Jan 13, 2015

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 10 - Christian Celebrity Dec 23, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 9 - Safe Church Nov 25, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 8 - Special Announcement & Interstellar Nov 11, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 7 - Lost and Found (Part 2) Oct 28, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 6 - Lost and Found (Part 1) Oct 14, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 5 - Spiral Dynamics Sep 23, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 4 - Church Unity Sep 09, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 3 - The Bible Aug 26, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 2 - Genesis & Evolution Aug 12, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

Episode 1 - Creativity Jul 29, 2014

Michael Gungor, Science Mike, William Matthews, and Hillary McBride host a culture-shaping, genre-bending conversation about the most relevant (or bizarre) topics facing people today.

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