Queerology: A Podcast On Belief And Being

In January 2020, Netflix released a reality show titled, The Circle. One of the contestants was Chris Sapphire, a gay guy with a huge personality who talked about his faith in the first five minutes of the show. Chris wasn’t playing a character. He is just as quirky and enthusiastic in real life. In this episode, Chris openly talks about depression and suicide using spirited language. He also describes neuroplasticity—within scripture, our minds can be renewed and that’s a promise from God.  Therapy is a recommended and important part of the renewal of our minds. If only spiritual means doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Topics Discussed: Faith Forms Identity: Christianity is fiber of Chris’s existenceDepressive State of Mind: Discovering God was saving grace from suicide Bible vs. Bullying: School bus stop proves God’s preventionGod and the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would want to be treatedImperfectly Perfect: Sinner or saint? Surrender to Savior Taking Notes:

Blake Mundell wanted to be a worship songwriter, but quickly became disillusioned and transitioned to pop music. He now writes and records songs under the name, COURIER. Blake is recording a new album and his new single, Conversion, releases July 17.Also, Blake is a sports massage therapist and on the medical staff for the Tennessee Titans. He’s an instructor of ethics, anatomy, and physiology at Mind Body Institute and is happiest when on a beach volleyball court. Blake lives with his partner, Tim, and dog, Jesse.Topics Discussed: How Blake identifies in relationships and religion How conversion therapy reates abusive and damaging sense of camaraderie COURIER: Concept artist humanizes people and writes about life experiencesWords of Wisdom: Mess up, know it’s ok, but do what’s possible to not mess upWhite Tears: Identity comes from community; give up power, give up what bindsEmotional Labor: Hard but necessary; white people need to become whole againTheological Walls: Barrier from experiencing empathy due to

How are you celebrating the first-ever national Queer Youth of Faith (QYF) Day on June 30, 2020?On this episode of Queerology, a panel celebrates the life, creativity, and gifts of queer youth of faith. The panel includes Ameera, a trans Bengali-American Muslim; Taline, a bisexual Armenian Christian; Daniel, a gay Jew; and Sebastian, a trans Christian.Happy QYF Day! Topics Discussed: QYF Panel: How each identifies and how faith formed their identityHonor, Celebrate, Center: Importance and meaning of QYF Day to each panelistAffirming Theology: Spread awareness that God doesn’t hate youQueer Realization: Born this way and continual struggle to find hope and supportAdvice: Nobody’s perfect, don’t change, you’re not alone, find your peopleLinks and Resources: QYF DayBeloved AriseJewish Queer YouthKeshetMuslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender DiversityRebel & DivineKevin Garcia on YouTubeBeyond Shame by Matthias RobertsMatthias Roberts on PatreonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Op

Are you afraid to walk in your own neighborhood? Tired of being blocked by white people who think they own the sidewalk? Are you an ally or accomplice?  Kashif Andrew Graham steps in as guest host for Matthias Roberts to talk to Rev. Broderick Greer about moving from allyship to accompliceship. As a priest-on-staff at St. John’s Cathedral in Denver, Broderick directs liturgy and oversees ministry for people in their 20s and 30s.  Occasionally, Broderick offers lectures and facilitates conversations related to the interplay of culture, theology, and justice.  Broderick’s work has been in The Guardian, Teen Vogue, On Being, and The Washington Post. Topics Discussed:  Current Events: Things are breaking everywhere—in a necessary way  Allyship or Accompliceship: Walk with Shawn or white saviorism on Nextdoor?  Ally Framework: Difference between support and privilege; charity and justice Unfriended Friends: What is sustainable—ally or accomplice framework?  Toxic Positivity: Unveiling black/white relations and un

Join Broderick Greer, Brit Barron, Robin DiAngelo, Darren Calhoun, Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, and Kenji Kuramitsu for this special compilation episode about liberation and justice. Links & Resources Care by and for Black and Brown folks (white folks, give these orgs money): The Mystic Soul Project The Nap Ministry Sweet Rest Other Links and Resources: Google (learn how to use it) National Bail Fund Network Donate to Black Lives Matter Anti-racism Resources for White People 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice White Homework by Torri Williams Douglass AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez A Booklet of Uncommon Prayer Nordstrom Corporate Statement White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Race Darren Calhoun Dr. Robyn Henderson Espinoza Activist Theology Brit Barron Worth It: Overcome Your Fears and Embrace the Life You Were Made For Broderick Greer  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

James Alison is a Catholic theologian, priest, and author, who has studied, lived, and worked in Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Spain, America, and England. Known for his firm but patient insistence on truthfulness regarding gay matters as an ordinary part of basic Christianity, James is dedicated to pastoral outreach.James has written eight books. His latest is titled, Jesus the Forgiving Victim: Listening for the Unheard Voice. James earned a doctorate in theology and serves as a Fellow and Chair of the Education Committee at IMITATIO, an organization that focuses on René Girard’s insights into human behavior and culture.Topics Discussed:James’s faith journeyRené Girard and mimetic theoryThe scapegoat mechanismSacred (or Holy) vs. Mysticism (or Mythification) of Divine as churches crumbleIntelligence of victimGrace and growth Links and Resources: James AlisonBooks by James AlisonJesus the Forgiving Victim: Listening for the Unheard VoiceIMITATIORené Girard and Mimetic TheoryNadia Bolz-WeberLeap of Faith M

Nadia Bolz-Weber is an ordained Lutheran Pastor, founder of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver, and New York Times best-selling author.Nadia’s three memoirs are Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint; Accidental Saints: Finding God In All The Wrong People; and SHAMELESS: A Sexual Reformation.Also, Nadia has an online publication, newsletter, and community called, The Corners. Recently, she started her own podcast, The Confessional.Nadia writes and speaks about personal failings, recovery, grace, faith, and whatever else is on her mind. You can usually find her sitting in the corner with the other weirdos. Topics Discussed:The confines of labelsNadia's faith journeySpiritual authority and gender biasThe dualism of idealism and devaluationThe path to maturity and compassionFree willScapegoating and calloutsWhere do we find hope? Links and Resources: Nadia Bolz-WeberNadia Bolz-Weber on InstagramNadia Bolz-Weber on TwitterHouse for All Sinners and SaintsThe CornersThe Confessi

Jeff Chu is a writer, reporter, and editor. He’s the author of Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian’s Pilgrimage in Search of God in America. Currently, Jeff lives in Michigan with his husband and serves as a teacher-in-residence at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. Also, Jeff co-hosts Evolving Faith with Sarah Bessey, a yearly conference for those exploring faith and answers related to sexuality, justice, church, and life.Jeff graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS). He was a farmhand at PTS’s Farminary, where theological education focuses on small-scale regenerative agriculture.Topics Discussed: Faith and identityExploring sexuality to reconcile faithLearning about loveJeff’s Book: Does Jesus Really Love Me?God’s invitations for usSeasons and Seeds: Invitation to resurrect, regenerate, restore, and renourishChasing and Capturing Struggle: Core need is to know that you matter to God Links and Resources: Jeff ChuJeff Chu on InstagramJeff Chu on TwitterDoes Jesus Really Love Me?Evolvin

Cameron Esposito is a Los Angeles-based standup comic, actor, and writer. She’s the host of the Queery podcast, which features interviews with LGBTQ luminaries.  Recently, Cameron released her first book, Save Yourself, a memoir that addresses sexuality, gender, and equality. It describes how her Catholic upbringing prepared her for a career as an outspoken lesbian comedian.   Also, Cameron is the co-creator and co-star of the TV series, Take My Wife. Her recent comedy special, Rape Jokes, raised nearly $100,000 for RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.  All systems have hypocrisy and flaws. Nobody is perfect. Comedy can be a relief.  Cameron is endlessly curious about other people’s past and present experiences. What will happen next? Topics Discussed: Her Catholic upbringing Gender equality and queer theory Social justice, support, and safe places Liberation theology What was missing in the Catholic message she was taught Fear of abandonment The connection between being a comic a

Kalen Allen is a YouTuber known for his Kalen Reacts videos featuring colorful and witty commentary on culinary concoctions. Kalen’s videos captured Ellen DeGeneres’s interest and was offered the opportunity to collaborate and produce content for her digital platforms. Now, Kalen has a regular guest spot on The Ellen Show and weekly news series called, OMKalen. Kalen’s videos boast more than 487 million views thanks to his infectious personality and wide-brimmed red hat. As Kalen continues to entertain in the digital space, he will make his acting debut in Seth Rogen’s Untitled Pickle Comedy.  Kalen is originally from Kansas City, Kansas, and now lives in Hollywood, California. He describes how he continues to experience internalized homophobia.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark your calendars, because Queerology is returning on March 24 for an all new season!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Kevin Garcia and Matthias as they celebrate the release of his new book Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms, out everywhere TODAY! Recorded live from QCF Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida! Purchase Beyond Shame wherever you buy books: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBoundAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Linda Kay Klein has spent her career working at the cross section of faith, gender, sexuality, and social change. She’s the author of “Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free” — a book that shares her 15+ years of research on sexual shame, fear, anxiety, and PTSD-like experiences among individuals raised in purity culture. For access to the full masterclass, head to beyondshamebook.com Linda can be found at lindakaykelin.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listen to my brand new Patreon Exclusive podcast over at patreon.com/matthiasroberts Vivian Gietz is a 23-year-old bisexual Catholic woman, writer, feminist, and activist. A communications and administrative professional, she graduated from the University of British Columbia,  with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Gender and Womens' Studies. Vivian is primarily interested in exploring positive queer and feminist intersections with Catholicism and Christianity through her blogging, poetry, and everyday life. Her creative perspective allows her to navigate both personal and professional situations with an emphasis on diversity, inspiration, and spirituality. She currently resides in Vancouver, BC with her beloved cat, Baby, and blogs at www.viviangietz.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  (This episode originally aired November 12, 2018) Alyson Stoner is an accomplished actress, dancer and recording artist who is known from her performances in blockbuster franchises Step Up and Cheaper by the Dozen; to her voiceover work in the Emmy award-winning series Phineas and Ferb; to dancing in music videos for the likes of Missy Elliot and Eminem; and most recently her new music. Earlier this year, Alyson came out publicly via her single “When It’s Right” and an essay in Teen Vogue, sharing her journey of falling in love with a woman for the first time. In this episode Alyson shares about wrestling with her faith and sexuality, coming out, and how she's learned to embrace mystery. Alyson can be found on Twitter and Instagram, @alysonstoner. She's also on YouTube, youtube.com/therealalysonstoner. Queerology is on Twitter and Instagram, @queerologypod  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Robyn is back for their third appearance on Queerology, this time to celebrate the publication of their new book Activist Theology which is out everywhere today! Robyn Henderson-Espinoza is a theologian and ethicist based in Nashville, TN. They work in the hybrid spaces of the church, the academy, and movements for justice. They were named 1 of 10 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2018 by the Center for American Progress. Robyn is the founder of the Activist Theology Project, a collaborative project that uses media, art, advocacy, and story-telling as the primary forms of public theology and ethics. Find out more about Dr. Robyn's work at www.irobyn.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Emily Joy is a spoken word poet, yoga teacher and author living and working in Nashville. Her advocacy takes place at the intersection of faith, sexuality and healing, and her work has been featured in Time, Cosmopolitan, Jezebel, Mother Jones, The Huffington Post and more. Emily is the co-creator of the #ChurchToo hashtag, a #MeToo spinoff exposing sexual violence in Christian churches and other faith communities. In this episode, she talks with Matthias about purity culture, #ChurchToo, and her new book project. Emily can be found at emilyjoypoetry.com. She's on Instagram and Twitter @emilyjoypoetry. Queerology is on Twitter and Instagram, @queerologypodAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Rev. Dr. Yvette A. Flunder is an unapologetic disciple and proponent of the radically inclusive love of Jesus, who has raised her voice for justice from the church house to the White House and steps of the Supreme Court. During the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 80s, Bishop Flunder worked on the ground providing life-saving care, and today continues her work for intersectional justice around the world. In this episode, she shares about being a justice warrior, how she has sustained her work for many years, and about the heretical nature of Jesus.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last week, Bethel Church posted a message on their Instagram asking "Can a person leave homosexuality behind?" promoting their "Changed Movement" which shares stories of people who have "experienced freedom" from being LGBTQ+. 90 Seconds of Truth is our response. Kevin Garcia and I joined forces and asked people on our social media channels to share 90-second stories with us of what their lives have been like since leaving toxic theology behind. We had so many responses that we needed to break things up into two episodes! Listen in today and again tomorrow on Kevin's Podcast, A Tiny Revolution to hear all these incredible stories! Together, we can fight the resurgence of ex-gay theology. A theology that is responsible for the deaths of LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Join us and tell your story using the hashtag #90SecondsOfTruthAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join in as panelists Trey Pearson, Matthew Wigmore, Rev. Leenane Shiels, and Mary Ann Saunders discuss the future of the LGBTQ+ movement with Matthias in front of a live audience. This episode was recorded during SpiritPride 2019 at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver, BC.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy