Shows
Story CafeNavigating Life Transitions: Letting Go and Moving OnAdriana McKenzie and Brian Braganza discuss some deep thoughts relating to transitions in life and our natural resistance to letting go. They dive into the role identity and relationships play in this process, tackling challenging topics like imposter syndrome, the fear of the unknown, and the concept of radical acceptance.2025-01-2051 min
Story CafeAcceptanceIn this episode, the host reflects on the journey of Story Cafe from a memoir-writing project to a podcast. The host shares their struggles, including the technical aspects of podcasting, finding time, and running out of stories to share. Jumping into 2025 this episode talks about the hosts theme for the year: Acceptance. Adrianna shares what that means and why that theme seems to be bubbling to the surface.2025-01-2026 min
Story CafeAcceptanceIn this episode, the host reflects on the journey of Story Cafe from a memoir-writing project to a podcast. The host shares their struggles, including the technical aspects of podcasting, finding time, and running out of stories to share. Jumping into 2025 this episode talks about the hosts theme for the year: Acceptance. Adrianna shares what that means and why that theme seems to be bubbling to the surface.2025-01-2026 min
Story CafeHopeThis episode is about how we hold onto hope in times of overwhelm, through connection and action we can help ourselves stay emotionally afloat even when times are tough.2024-11-0329 min
Story CafeNostalgiaThe Nostalgia episode takes a fun look back at back to school week. Looking back at those early year school memories is a fun way to recognize back to school and explore nostalgia in our lives. 2024-09-1929 min
Story CafeBeing Present in the MomentThis episode is all about focusing your time and energy into the present moment. It is easy to get pulled into ruminating on the past or over planning the future but our best moments are in the present. The present is all we have and we can choose how we want to live in it. 2024-08-2931 min
Story CafeGrief and LossToday Story Cafe dives into the complicated nature of grief and loss. Adrianna talks about the messiness of grief and some ideas on how to hold those feelings instead of trying to bottle them up.2024-08-0929 min
Story CafeFriendships In your 40'sI welcome guest Nicole Landry to talk about how friendships change over time and in particular we explore how friendships in your 40s really do start to feel free and authentic in new ways. Enjoy this exploration into friendships in your 40's.2024-07-2252 min
Story CafePerfectionismThis is this first part of a two part episode on perfectionism. Part one takes time to look at what is perfectionism and how does it impact a persons life. By nature I am not a perfectionist so I do my best to represent the perfectionist experience from an outside view. 2024-07-0730 min
Story CafeBeing EnoughThis episode has been five weeks in the making! Being enough is about exactly that, recognizing that we cannot be everything to everyone all the time. Sometimes we have to let go, surrender and just be enough as we are in that moment. Its also about making sure we are filtering the things we take in so we don't become consumed by not feeling like we are enough. Enjoy the episode. 2024-06-2332 min
Story CafeThe Mothers Day EpisodeIn this episode Adrianna takes a dive into the complex nature of mothering and being mothered. Full of feelings and some laughs, Adrianna shares about her relationship with her mom and the many woman that helped raise her. 2024-05-1231 min
Below the Upper RoomA Very Special Taylor EpisodeOn this very special episode the gals weigh in on Taylor Swift’s new album: The Tortured Poets Department. Adrianna and Mackenzie give their overall thoughts of the album, reflect on Taylor’s career, and break down each song.2024-04-291h 22
Story CafeAccepting ComplimentsAdrianna explores the idea of accepting compliments, love and care. Adrianna shares her story of removing her protective armour and moving away from having to do everything by yourself. 2024-04-2826 minBelow the Upper RoomWhy Are There So Many Scary Nun Movies?Welcome to another episode of BTUR! Where Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss the latest happenings in music, tv, and movies. And the gals dare ask the question: why are there so many scary nun movies?
2024-04-261h 32
Story CafeBraveryThis episode is all about bravery. Adrianna talks about her brave experiences, moments when she wasn't brave and the importance of learning through all those experiences.2024-04-1431 min
Story CafeTeenagerThis episode is a throwback to being a teenager. I talk about how weird I was and the struggle to figure out where I belong. Its a fun episode that is sure to inspire you to dig out that old album.2024-03-3126 min
Story CafePerspectiveEpisode 2 is all about our perspective, how it can impact the way we see and experience things and how much power we have to change our perspective. 2024-03-1728 min
Story CafeRiskThe first episode of Story Cafe Podcast is about taking risks. The episode digs into the challenge of stretching your comfort zone, the impact on our life when we get stuck in one place and also why its so important to our personal growth.2024-03-0648 minBelow the Upper RoomA Very Valentines EpisodeHey baby angels we have very special episode of BTUR for you! Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss the epidemic that is unhinged Instagram reels. The gals then reflect their most memorable Valentine’s Days, learn of the influence of paganism and Christianity on the holiday, and answer love based read submitted questions. Shout out to all the lovers and yearners!2024-02-091h 40Below the Upper RoomThe Many Mega Churches of TulsaAdrianna and Mackenzie discuss which of their 2024 predictions cam true. The gals then discuss the similarities and differences between their many home town mega churches. The gals ask the tough questions: Why are there so many mega churches in Tulsa? How did these mega churches come to be? And how accurate is The Righteous Gemstones?
Sources:
https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entryname=RELIGION
https://www.life.church/who-we-are/?utm_source=life.church&utm_medium=website&utm_content=MoreMenu-WhoWeAre&utm_campaign=Life.Church
http://hirr.hartsem.edu/cgi-bin/mega/db.pl?db=defa...2024-01-221h 46Below the Upper RoomNew Year, New Me: Why I Left the ChurchHappy New Year everyone! Adrianna and Mackenzie sit down and discuss NYT opinion pieces, modest wedding dresses, and their 2024 predictions. The gals then have an exclusive interview where truths are are spoken and secrets are revealed.
2024-01-071h 18Below the Upper Room2nd Annual Christmas SpectacularAdrianna and Mackenzie discuss the latest Taylor Swift news, A new decree by the Pope, and differing opinions surrounding the song Oh Mary Did You Know? The gals then review two films by Rankin/Bass that have...unique takes on the nativity story.2023-12-231h 04Below the Upper RoomLooking Camp Right in the EyeChurch Camp! What is it? Where did it come from? Why do we do it? The gals answer these questions and more in this episode. Utilizing Their own experience and listener submissions, Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss the epic highs and lows of summer church camp.2023-08-141h 19Below the Upper RoomA Very Special Episode: Pride EditionOn this very special episode of Below the Upper Room the gals highlight stories of LGBTQ+ Christians. Mackenzie discusses how the story of Saints Sergius and Baccus inspired gay academics and artists. Adrianna talks about the first openly affirming denomination in the USA and how the gay community in New Orleans triumphed in the face of tragedy. Pride month may be over but here at Below the Upper Room we celebrate and uplift year round! Click the link in our bio to listen!2023-07-0757 minBelow the Upper RoomMy Parents Are Getting Divorced: An Explanation of the UMC SpiltThe gals are back and better than ever! Adrianna recounts her recent Mamma Mia escapade, the new Duggar doc, the Taylor Swift/Matty Healy situation, and growing up in an affirming denomination. Mackenzie gives a crash course in Methodist history and the run down on the ongoing fracturing of the United Methodist Church. The table is open, pull up a seat while the gals dish, gab, and discuss!2023-06-191h 47Below the Upper RoomCasual FridayToday's episode is extremally relaxed. Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss a variety of topics such as Carl Lentz's move to Tulsa, Taylor Swift's break up, Millie Bobbie Brown's engagement, Fill the Stadium, early 2000s worship music, and more!2023-04-211h 14Below the Upper RoomWe Need An American Girl Doll That Got Measles at the 2023 Asbury RevivalThe gals discuss the real villain of the Hailey-Selena drama and pledge to go see the movie Jesus Revolution. Adrianna and Mackenzie then dive into their main topic: revivals. What are they? How do they happen? And what is their purpose? The gals give a timeline of the 2023 revival at Asbury and explain why some are celebrating it, some are decrying it, but most are cautiously hopeful.
Nadia Boltz-Weber's On longing and the Asbury Revival: https://thecorners.substack.com/p/on-longing-and-the-asbury-revival
Check out The New Evangelical's on the ground coverage of the 2023...2023-03-101h 29Below the Upper RoomPurity CultureAdrianna and Mackenzie discuss Maddie Prewit’s wedding, purity rings, youth pastor wives, christian dating culture, fundie purity balls, and their first hand encounter with the “sex educator” Shelly Donahue. The gals also read some listener submitted stories!2023-02-171h 10Below the Upper RoomLiberation TheologyThe gals are back! Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss the lack of positive Christian male influences and how many churches still do not understand what therapy is. The gals then dive into a the topic of Liberation theology and the works of Gustavo Gutiérrez. This episode is dedicated to Dr. John Starkey who demonstrated what it meant to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Sources:
A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation
God of Life
2023-02-031h 09Below the Upper RoomBefore Christians were Christian: Christian History Pt. 1Have you ever thought about how Christianity went from a religion of the oppressed to a dominating force in just a short time period? Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss how intensely dramatic first 300 years of Christianity and what early controversies shaped Christianity identity. The gals also talk about the Taylor Swift Ticket Master fiasco, Thanksgiving plans, and podcast recommendations.
Podcast recommendation: The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill by Christianity Today https://open.spotify.com/show/5rJtwcRM7WNYs0LNTrlP5N?si=y4ElsrbiTc2ZrU_hyA-ONg
Sources:
Justo Gonzalez, The Story of Christianity, Volume 1, 2ndedition, 2010....2022-11-231h 09Below the Upper RoomState School vs Liberal Arts: College Ministry ShowdownAdrianna and Mackenzie had VERY different college experiences. Which means they had very different relationships with college ministry. In the latest episode of BTUR the gals go head to head and talked about their alma maters’ religious life cultures.
Sources:
BETTER TOGETHER WEEK’ PROMOTES INCLUSION, TOLERANCE by Eliana Moon MediaOCU https://mediaocu.com/2016/04/05/better-together-week-promotes-inclusion-tolerance/
‘Fertile Soil For Abuse’: A Reckoning At Covenant Fellowship Church By Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, Susie An
https://www.wbez.org/stories/a-reckoning-at-covenant-fellowship-church/7e19a80b-92bd-4ad8-a6f9-61edb114b46f
Documentary recommendations: “God Forbid” on Hulu & “Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed” on Amazon2022-11-111h 18Below the Upper RoomHell Houses***CONTENT WARNING*** this episode mentions gun violence, sexual assault, and suicide. We do not go into explicit detail about these topics but we understand that these things can be triggering.
Happy Halloween! Adrianna and Mackenzie follow up on the Egg Church and investigated the VeggieTales Twitter discourse. The gals the discuss the concept of hell houses and read listener submitted stories about these haunted attractions with a religious twist.
Sources
Hell House (2001) George Ratfliff
“Hell House” True Crime Obsessed Podcast
“Evangelical Hell Houses Are Waking Nightmares” by Josiah Hesse Vice
“4 Ex-Evangelical Woman on Their Memories of hell Houses” by Melissa Dahl The Cut
...2022-10-2656 minBelow the Upper RoomThe Good BookThe Bible is often referred “The Good Book” but it can also be a confusing book. Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss their relationships with scripture and attempt to answer the questions: What is the Bible? How did it come to be? Why are there contradictions in the Bible? Why are there so many different versions? How should we read the Bible?2022-10-121h 07
Below the Upper RoomAmerica's Next Top Christian InfluencerIn their inaugural episodes, besties and Sunday school teachers Adrianna and Mackenzie discuss hipster evangelicals and Catholic trads. The gals also talk about their own faith journeys, and how they're basically the Call Her Daddy: Christian Edition of the podcasting world.2022-09-2946 min
Adrianna Dane, Author of Sensual and Erotic RomanceEsmerelda's Secret (contemporary erotic romance excerpt)Esmerelda's Secret by Adrianna Dane. Now available at Amber Heat (www.amberheat.com). Esmerelda, Massachusetts, a community built on tradition, held secrets and painful memories. John William (J.W.) Dalton and Willow MacKenzie had once been passionate lovers, two halves of one soul, torn apart by greed and misunderstanding. Now, ten years later, J.W. is sheriff and Willow has returned to Esmerelda to finally lay to rest the tormenting ghosts that continue to haunt her. Her love for J.W. has never died. Willow's return will open old wounds. Can J.W. protect her from the destructive truth...2008-01-1807 min
Adrianna Dane, Author of Sensual and Erotic RomanceSmooth Finish (an excerpt, contemporary erotic romance)Smooth Finish by Adrianna Dane. A contemporary erotic romance. Now available from Amber Heat (www.amberheat.com). Cody Marx had dated Jared Creed for a short time back in high school and she'd never forgotten him. But when Jared's stepfather died and his half brother, Kenny, got into trouble, they drifted apart. Years later they both are now professional subcontractors working on the same remodeling project--the old MacKenzie Homestead just outside Esmerelda, Massachusetts. For information about other stories, visit www.adriannadane.com.2008-01-0414 min