Shows
Southeast Raleigh Table“Sacred Territories: Renewed Faith Over Fear,” with Rev. Lisa Yebuah and Brian ReckerIn today’s co-preaching conversation, Rev. Lisa Yebuah and Brian Recker, author of “Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Back Christians from a Spirituality of Love,” lean into Brian’s story and how Christian faith can be reclaimed – not lost – on a healing journey. Today’s message is coming from Deuteronomy 6:1-9 ( NRSV/NRSVUE).
2026-10-1800 min
Follow the LeighderWhy an Evangelical Pastor Walked Away | Brian ReckerThe conversation features Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has undergone significant deconstruction in his faith journey, discussing his upbringing, military service, and the impact of his beliefs on his spirituality, particularly regarding the theology of hell. The conversation explores Brian Recker's journey of leaving evangelicalism, his struggles with identity, and his evolving views on social justice, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. It highlights the emotional and relational challenges he faced during his transition and his current advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable society.TakeawaysDeconstruction shapes spiritualityMilitary service influences worldview Journey...
2026-10-0855 min
KFM On DemandThe Bible For Normal People - [Bible] Episode 338: The Brian Recker and Tamice Spencer-Helms TakeoverIn this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Brian Recker and Tamice Spencer-Helms celebrate the podcast’s 10th anniversary by talking with Pete Enns and Jared Byas about how their relationships with the Bible, faith, and certainty have evolved over the past decade. They reflect on the costs of questioning evangelicalism, the ways The Bible for Normal People has helped people hold onto a love for Scripture while letting go of rigid interpretations, and how lived experiences from people of color and LGBTQ+ communities have expanded their understanding of what it means to read the Bible. Toge...
2026-09-2846 minThe Bible For Normal People[Bible] Episode 338: The Brian Recker and Tamice Spencer-Helms TakeoverIn this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Brian Recker and Tamice Spencer-Helms celebrate the podcast’s 10th anniversary by talking with Pete Enns and Jared Byas about how their relationships with the Bible, faith, and certainty have evolved over the past decade. They reflect on the costs of questioning evangelicalism, the ways The Bible for Normal People has helped people hold onto a love for Scripture while letting go of rigid interpretations, and how lived experiences from people of color and LGBTQ+ communities have expanded their understanding of what it means to read the Bible. Toge...
2026-09-2846 min
The Audaci-TeaAn Ex-Pastor Exposes The Church’s Blueprint For Controlling Women (feat. Brian Recker)In this week’s episode of The Audaci-Tea Podcast, hosts Lisa and Sovereign are joined by former evangelical pastor turned author and advocate Brian Recker to unpack a question many women who grew up in religious spaces have been asking:
Was the church designed to control women?
Together, they explore how evangelical teachings around gender, marriage, sexuality, and obedience can reinforce patriarchal power structures and shape the way women understand themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world. Brian shares his own journey of deconstructing his faith, the loss of comm...
2026-06-221h 43
The A Better Way 2A PodcastFormer Marine Turned Progressive Christian on Guns, God, and Arming Trans People - Brian ReckerWe brought Brian Recker on the show because a ton of people were curious about his views on guns and the Second Amendment. Brian's a former Marine officer, a father, a self-described stubborn Christian, and the author of a book about why the concept of hell is a toxic doctrine. He also doesn't own a gun and favors common sense gun control. So we knew this one was going to be interesting.What we got was one of the best conversations we've had on this show. We got into the myth of redemptive violence and why Christians...
2026-05-181h 21
Exploring A Course in MiraclesChristianity Without Hell: A Conversation with Brian ReckerWhat if one of Christianity's core teachings is actually holding people back from love? In this episode of Exploring A Course in Miracles, Emily and Robert Perry sit down with Brian Recker, author of Hell Bent, to explore how the doctrine of hell shapes belief, behavior, and our image of God—and why it undermines a truly love-based spirituality. Brian shares his journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to becoming an evangelical pastor to ultimately questioning the fear-based theology he once preached. Together, they discuss the lingering impact of early religious conditioning, the hidden role hell still plays in modern Ch...
2026-04-0658 min
WholeMan PodcastGrowing Through Fear with Brian Recker (Ep 15)Keywordsdeconstruction, faith, spirituality, patriarchy, inclusion, authenticity, love, systemic oppression, mindfulness, personal growthSummaryThank you from the bottom of my heart to Brian Recker for taking time to have this incredible conversation with me on the WholeMan Podcast. It was truly inspiring and an honor to spend time witnessing the beauty that is this incredible human being. We discussed –Deconstructing faith–Embracing authenticity–Personal stories, spiritual practices, and insights on love, inclusion, and living fully as authentic humans.–The effect of fundamen...
2026-03-301h 15
Good Faith WeeklyGood Faith Weekly, 03/6/2026 - Hell Bent + Brian Recker A weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
This week: Mitch and Missy sat down with Brian Recker to discuss his book, Hell Bent.
A former Marine Officer, the son of a Baptist preacher, and an alum of the fundamentalist Bob Jones University, Brian Recker spent eight years as an evangelical pastor before deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality. He now speaks about following Jesus without fear of hell on his popular Instagram account and his Substack, Beloved.
"Good Faith Weekly" is...
2026-03-0654 min
12 Steps to Success: Navigating change, uncertainty, and what comes nextWhen Your Belief System Breaks: Identity, Fear, and the Way Back to Love (ft. Brian Recker)This conversation with Brian Recker centres on what happens when the belief system you built your life around no longer feels honest or humane. We talk about growing up inside fear based religion, the cost of belonging to high control systems, and what it means to start questioning ideas that once felt untouchable. Brian reflects on the quiet tension of knowing something is harmful while still being afraid to let it go, and the emotional fallout that can follow when identity, community, and certainty begin to unravel. There is a recurring thread throughout this episode...
2026-02-1051 min
Let's Give A DamnBrian Recker: Hell Isn't Real, God Is Love, and Radical Inclusivity🎉 It’s Brian Recker Week on the podcast! ❤️ Before I share more about my guest, consider supporting us on Patreon! We need your help to make this podcast happen. Thanks, friends.👉🏽 Brian Recker is a public theologian, speaker, and writer on Christian spirituality without exclusionary dogma. In October, Brian released his first book, Hell Bent. In this taboo-shattering book, Brian takes an honest look at the Bible and reveals what has been true all along: Hell isn’t a real place, and God’s universal love is radically inclusive, in this life and the next. By removing...
2025-12-301h 30
Right Side Up Podcast with Danielle StricklandHell Bent - How the fear of Hell holds Christians back from a Spirituality of Love with Brian ReckerSummaryIn this conversation, James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage with Brian Recker, author of ‘Hell Bent’, discussing his journey from fundamentalism to a more expansive understanding of faith. They explore themes of deconstruction, the implications of hell in Christianity, and the importance of justice over punishment. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in spirituality and the liberating experience of finding Jesus beyond traditional frameworks.‘I began, very strongly, to feel that who we were in Evangelicalism did not reflect the spirituality of Jesus’Takeaways* Brian Recker’s...
2025-12-2955 min
The Ron ShowA Re-Ron: Author, theologian Brian Recker on white nationalist evangelism + Joshua Doss piles onFirst, from June 19, 2025: Brian Recker, a former Marine, former evangelical pastor, current theologian, speaker and writer, has developed a healthy social media following and solid presence on Substack. His focus? Deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality - which often runs afoul of today's right-wing aligned American evangelical movement.He's just the kind of guest to discuss the 'Ted Cruz v. Tucker Carlson' dust-up over Cruz' limp grasp on scripture he believes commands him (and the U.S. apparently) to support Israel unequivocally.Recker and I discuss this at length, along with the use of...
2025-12-2444 min
Brother and WhatnotBrian Recker - "Hell Bent" - Interview Follow-Up and Book DiscussionThis is a follow up discussion about the interview we did with author, Brian Recker. In his new book, Hell Bent, Recker argues that the fear of hell is the "black hole" warping Christian spirituality. He re-examines scripture to assert that hell is not real and that God's universal love is radically inclusive, inviting readers to replace fear with a spirituality rooted in love. Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions...
2025-12-241h 31
Turek Books PodcastEscaping Punitive Christianity with Brian ReckerHost Joshua Turek is joined by guest Brian Recker, author of the new book "Hell Bent" (How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love). They discuss the books Brian read while researching his own, which details redefining his own spirituality and Christian beliefs. Discussing masculinity and softening the world, the two detail their own unique paths toward similar conclusions.to sign up for Josh’s next Zoom weekend poetry workshop on Jan 18&19 check joshuaturek.comBooks Talked About Include:Debt by David GraeberHell Be...
2025-12-2256 min
Don’t F*kn Shrink: Health for High-Achieving Women16: Deconstructing Faith and Letting Go of Fear with Brian ReckerSend us Fan MailWhat happens when staying “acceptable” costs you your integrity? In this episode, Daffney talks with public theologian and bestselling author of Hell Bent, Brian Recker, for an honest conversation about faith, fear, and the moment you stop contorting yourself to belong. Brian unpacks his journey from growing up as a fundamentalist pastor’s kid to walking away from the pulpit when curiosity, conscience, and love could no longer fit inside rigid religious systems. Together, they discuss how fear has been used to control belief, why politics and religion became dangerously intertwined, and what it rea...
2025-12-1936 min
BookwildWhen Faith Becomes Fear: Hell, Control, and the Loss of Love with Brian ReckerThis week, I talk with Brian Recker about his book Hell Bent, which examines how fear-based teachings about hell distort Christian spirituality, replacing love, connection, and moral discernment with control, shame, and punishment avoidance. Drawing from his upbringing in fundamentalism and later work as an evangelical pastor, he shares how early indoctrination around hell fractures relationships with God, self, and others, discourages intuition and questioning, all while propping up systems of domination—from abusive religious authority to political movements rooted in fear. Rather than abandoning spirituality altogether, he reclaimed Jesus from these systems, reframing faith as a practice of lo...
2025-12-161h 06
Clear & Loud with Josh HarrisBoycott Hell: Rejecting Fear and Choosing Love (with Brian Recker)Josh Harris sits down with author Brian Recker to talk honestly about hell, deconstruction, and what remains when fear-based religion falls apart. Together, they explore the grief of losing religious community, the courage it takes to rethink deeply held beliefs, and why so many people feel spiritually homeless after walking away from traditional evangelical structures.Brian and Josh unpack how the doctrine of hell has shaped Christian mission, identity, and urgency, often at the expense of love, justice, and inclusion. They revisit Jesus’ teachings on Gehenna, the “narrow gate,” and the cross, placing them back in the...
2025-12-161h 07
Mission: TexasEp. 9: Confronting Christian Nationalism in Texas (Brian Recker, author of Hell Bent)Texas is one of the most deeply churched states in America—67% of adults here identify as Christian. So understanding how to navigate the entrenched evangelical culture that shapes so much of Texas politics is at the heart of today’s episode.Kate and Alex sit down with Brian Recker—writer, creator, and former evangelical pastor—whose book Hell Bent is reshaping the national conversation about the intersection of faith, fear, and political power in America.Brian explains how teachings centered on fear, exclusion, and “in-group vs. out-group” thinking have fueled modern Christian nationalism—and how that dynamic s...
2025-12-041h 01Brother and WhatnotInterview with Brian Recker, author of "Hell Bent"Brian Recker joins us to discuss his new book, Hell Bent. Recker argues that the fear of hell is the "black hole" warping Christian spirituality. He re-examines scripture to assert that hell is not real and that God's universal love is radically inclusive, inviting readers to replace fear with a spirituality rooted in love. Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations...
2025-12-031h 17
Right There With YouHell, Whiteness, and the Myth of Punishment: A Conversation with Tamice Spencer-Helms & Brian ReckerWhat if God was never a punisher—and hell was never the point?In this powerful episode of Right There With You, hosts Cass Cooper and Ciarra Jones sit down with public theologians Tamice Spencer-Helms (Faith Unleavened) and Brian Recker (Hell Bent) to explore how fear, whiteness, and Christian supremacy have shaped American Christianity and the spiritual lives of millions.Together, they unpack:How hell theology produces fear, shame, and controlWhy a punitive view of God leads to a...
2025-12-0250 min
Spirituality AdventuresHell Bent - Spirituality Adventures feat. Brian ReckerIn this episode, Fred interviews Brian Recker - Author of Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love.
Learn more at: https://www.brianrecker.com/
Meet Brian Recker:
A former Marine Officer, the son of a Baptist preacher, and an alum of the fundamentalist Bob Jones University, Brian spent eight years as an evangelical pastor before deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality. He now speaks about following Jesus without fear of hell on his popular Instagram account and...
2025-12-011h 06
Shifting CultureEp. 367 Brian Recker - How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of LoveIn this episode, I talk with Brian Recker about his new book Hell Bent and the ways fear-based theology has shaped so many of our spiritual imaginations. Brian grew up learning about hell and God in the same breath, and he unpacks how that fusion created a system built on binary thinking, punishment, and spiritual insecurity. We explore his journey from fundamentalism to evangelical ministry to a reimagined faith centered on love, liberation, and a vision Jesus preached. We get into Gehenna, apocalyptic language, why evangelicals cling to certainty, how fear distorts our understanding of God, and what it...
2025-11-251h 02
Reconnect Pod14: Hell, Fear, and a Spirituality of Love with Brian ReckerSend us Fan MailDeedra and Megan sit down with public theologian and author Brian Recker to unpack his new book, Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Brian shares his journey from fundamentalism and eight years in the evangelical pastorate to a more inclusive way of following Jesus—one that replaces fear, punishment, and gatekeeping with curiosity, reclamation, and love. Together they explore how doctrines of eternal torment shape our image of God, our bodies, and our communities—and why removing hell from the center can actually deep...
2025-11-1352 min
Reconnect Pod14: Hell, Fear, and a Spirituality of Love with Brian ReckerDeedra and Megan sit down with public theologian and author Brian Recker to unpack his new book, Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Brian shares his journey from fundamentalism and eight years in the evangelical pastorate to a more inclusive way of following Jesus—one that replaces fear, punishment, and gatekeeping with curiosity, reclamation, and love. Together they explore how doctrines of eternal torment shape our image of God, our bodies, and our communities—and why removing hell from the center can actually deepen faith and free us to do t...
2025-11-1352 min
Christ Community Church Messages277 — Leaving Fundamentalism: Brian Recker’s StoryIn this episode, we sit down with Brian Recker to talk about his story of leaving the world of fundamental Christianity.Brian grew up deep in the culture of fundamentalism. He eventually became a full–time vocational pastor and gave his life to ministry. But over time… questions he wasn’t allowed to ask… pain he couldn’t ignore… and theological systems that could not stand up to honest scrutiny… led him down a long and winding journey of deconstruction.In this conversation, Brian shares honestly about what led him to step away from vocational ministry, how...
2025-11-071h 06
jonathan_fosterA Hell Bent Conversation with Brian ReckerLoved catching up with Brian Recker about both his work and his USA Today bestselling book, Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Subscribe to Brian’s substack publication and find him on Instagram (with a few hundred thousand other people!)Thanks everyone. This will likely be our last Substack Live of the year for Tori and I, but we’re already talking about 2026 plans.Hey, if you resonate with some of the stuff we were talking about today and you’re a faith leader, you should know a...
2025-11-0658 min
Healed-ish34. Were We Lied To About Hell? (Brian Recker's Story)Were we lied to about hell?This week, I am joined by Brian Recker, a pastor's kid, former minister, and author of Hell Bent. Brian asked the question most of us were taught to fear: Is the hell we grew up with actually biblical?Brian shares how studying Scripture and church history unraveled fear-based theology and led him into a deeper and more loving experience of God. We talk about the harm of "turn or burn" messaging, what Jesus really taught, and how letting go of hell did not destroy Brian's faith, it healed it.
2025-11-041h 23
And Also With YouAre we all Hell Bent? With Brian ReckerJust in time for Halloween, we're talking about the spookiest thing of all: HELL. Or better yet - a belief in hell. Christianity's obsession with hell has us missing out on love, freedom, connection, and justice without punishment. We're joined today by bestselling author Brian Recker to talk about hell, how we unravel its chokehold on our faith, and what life can look like free from this fear. Brian's book Hell Bent is here!Lizzie's book (which we also talk about in this episode) is here! We have one more fun seasonal episode ne...
2025-10-271h 04
Wellspring Message PodcastAlso Known As... Part 5 - The Men with the Issue of Blood: Brian ReckerContinuing our series on retitling stories in the Bible, guest speaker Brian Recker shares his perspective on Luke 8:42-48 and The Woman with the Issue of Blood, AKA the Men with the Issue of Blood. Originally preached October 5, 2025, this sermon follows a book launch party held at Wellspring the previous evening for Brian's book Hell Bent, and Joash Thomas' book The Justice of Jesus.
2025-10-1737 min
The Marianne Williamson PodcastA PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSE TO CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM: My interview with Brian ReckerWhen hate is loud, love cannot afford to whisper. When forces of oppression are on the move, lovers of freedom must respond. When those who seek to replace democracy with theocracy are gaining ground, those who are sworn to preserve and protect democracy must stand our ground. Jesus, of course, was neither oppressor nor hater nor promoter of theocracy. There are those who claim to speak for him at times, however, who are all of those things. One of the primary forces behind Project 2025 is a political movement called Christian Nationalism. Christian Nationalism speaks not of the t...
2025-10-1657 min
Grub & GraceHell Bent w Brian ReckerWhat comes to mind when the word “hell” is mentioned? Demons with pitchforks? Endless torment? Listening to ASMR of your grandparents eating sandwiches while they breathe through their nose?My guest today is Brian Recker, author of the new book Hellbent. Brian is a former evangelical pastor, public theologian, speaker, and writer on Christian spirituality without exclusionary dogma and he helps explain why we can stop worrying about hell and start focusing on love.You can find Brian on his website https://www.brianrecker.com/As well as Instagram @bereckerFind out...
2025-10-1352 min
Faithful PoliticsDeconstructing Hell: Brian Recker on Fear, Faith, and a Spirituality of LoveHave a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat happens to Christian faith when hell is no longer the centerpiece of the story? In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram talk with Brian Recker—public theologian, former evangelical pastor, and author of the upcoming book Hellbent—about how a fixation on hell distorts the Christian life.Brian shares his powerful journey from fundamentalist Baptist roots and Bob Jones University, through service as a Marine officer and years...
2025-09-301h 03
Honoring the JourneyBrian Recker is Back to Discuss "Hell Bent" on Honoring the Journey!In this episode, Leslie welcomes back Brian Recker to discuss his new book, "Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love." Together, they dive into Brian’s journey from a strict evangelical upbringing to a more open, love-focused faith, exploring how fear-based teachings—especially the concept of hell—shape personal beliefs, relationships, and community dynamics. The conversation is honest, empathetic, and often humorous, offering practical tools for deconstructing harmful beliefs and encouraging listeners to embrace a spirituality rooted in love rather than fear. Whether you’re questioning your faith or just curious about ne...
2025-09-2953 min
The Sacred Slope20. Brian Recker (Ex-Evangelical Pastor) – Hell Bent on Reclaiming LoveSend us Fan Mail🎙️ 20. Brian Recker (Ex-Evangelical Pastor) – Hell Bent on Reclaiming LoveAlexis Rice welcomes Brian Recker (@berecker) — former evangelical pastor, founding voice of Beloved on Substack, and author of Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love (out Sept 30)👉 Order on ThriftBooksWith honesty and pastoral clarity, Brian explores why hell-talk became the center of so many Christian upbringings—and how returning to Jesus’ core command to love can free our faith from fear, control, and gatekeeping.Alexis and...
2025-09-2952 min
Preacher Boys PodcastDoes the Fear of Hell Hold Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love? | Brian ReckerSupport the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️🔥 What if the fear of hell has been holding you back from experiencing true spirituality rooted in love?In this thought-provoking interview, Brian Recker (former evangelical pastor and author of Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love) shares his journey from Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) upbringing to progressive Christianity. Along the way, he unpacks how doctrines of eternal punishment warp faith, relationships, and even our definition of love.We ex...
2025-09-281h 02
Preacher Boys PodcastDoes the Fear of Hell Hold Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love? | Brian ReckerSupport the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️🔥 What if the fear of hell has been holding you back from experiencing true spirituality rooted in love?In this thought-provoking interview, Brian Recker (former evangelical pastor and author of Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love) shares his journey from Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) upbringing to progressive Christianity. Along the way, he unpacks how doctrines of eternal punishment warp faith, relationships, and even our definition of love.We ex...
2025-09-281h 02
Spiritual Misfits PodcastBrian Recker: Reframing Hell, Exchanging Fear for LoveBrian Recker used to be an evangelical pastor. Growing up fundamentalist, hell was always core to his experience of Christianity. But when he started questioning the doctrine as a pastor, it unraveled more than he expected. His new book 'Hell Bent' argues that fear of hell fundamentally distorts Christian spirituality, disconnecting us from God, ourselves, and others. We discuss the power of hell-based religion, how it shapes our politics and relationships, and what a love-centred spirituality looks like when you're no longer afraid of punishment.Check out the book, 'Hell Bent' here.Connect with more...
2025-09-271h 04
Christianity After Deconstruction: Cabernet and PrayHell Bent (with Brian Recker) | Ep. 56What happens when Christians start rethinking the very idea of hell? In this episode of Cabernet and Pray, we sit down with Brian Recker to ask the questions many of us were told we weren’t allowed to ask. Is hell really eternal conscious torment? What about annihilation? Could universalism actually be more faithful to Jesus? And how do history, culture, and scripture all play into the pictures we’ve inherited? We pour a glass of wine, get honest about our doubts, and wrestle with what kind of God we actually believe in. If good theology is theology that look...
2025-09-241h 23
The Local ChurchSermon: Baggage Claim | Week 3: Hell // Brian ReckerDateSeptember 21, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon from the "Baggage Claim" series, we confront one of Christianity's heaviest burdens: the doctrine of hell and divine punishment. Brian Recker reveals how fear-based theology creates devastating spiritual baggage in our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. Through fresh historical and biblical insights, he reframes Jesus's teachings about Gehenna not as threats of eternal torment, but as urgent calls to build loving communities in the present. Drawing from Matthew 7:12, Luke 19:10, and 1 John 4:18, Recker invites us to exchange our fear-laden baggage for the transformative truth of our belovedness.
2025-09-2139 min
The Substance185: Rethinking Hell, a Spirituality of Fear, and a God of Radical Love feat. Brian ReckerIt's been a crazy week, so the show notes will be short and sweet.Brian Recker is a public theologian, has a new book on Hell coming out at the end of the month, and I had a great time talking with him. In our conversation we cover:Our mutual love of movies (and solo theater visits)The extremely conservative colleges we attendedHell as a foundational principle Coercive, fear based spiritualityKeeping up relationships with family with whom we disagreeProgressive purity testsMen's Fall fashionAnd MORE!We hope you enjoy the...
2025-09-161h 16
The AkkeriReal Spirituality: A Conversation with Ex-Evangelical Pastor Brian ReckerBrian Recker is a former Marine Officer, the son of a Baptist preacher, and an alum of the fundamentalist Bob Jones University. Brian spent eight years as an evangelical pastor before deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality. He now speaks about following Jesus without the fear of hell, and has written about this in his new book, HellBent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love.We talk about why he deconstructed his faith and what spirituality looks like to him now. He shares why he believes that hell...
2025-09-141h 03
Tell Me More with Nicole WaltersAbout... Christian Nationalism (with Brian Recker)“The two things you're not supposed to talk about are politics and religion. But if you don't talk about those things, what are we even doing?”Former evangelical pastor Brian Recker is here to share his lived experience with modern Christianity, the Christian Nationalism movement, and why maybe Hell isn’t what we thought it was.Brian shares his experiences transitioning from a fundamentalist background to becoming an evangelical pastor, and the turning points he faced within the church, especially during the first election of Donald Trump.
2025-09-091h 12
Anazao PodcastsReckoning with Hell: A Journey Through Brian Recker's 'Hellbent'Brian Recker joins us to discuss his forthcoming book, "Hellbent," which critically examines the doctrine of Hell and its ramifications on Christian spirituality. At the forefront of our conversation is the assertion that the traditional understanding of Hell as eternal punishment has proven to be detrimental, fostering fear and alienation rather than love and reconciliation. Through thoughtful dialogue, we explore how these harmful beliefs distort our perception of God and our relationships with others. Brian's insights challenge listeners to reconsider the implications of Hell on their faith and to embrace a more inclusive spirituality that prioritizes connection and healing...
2025-09-031h 16The Whole Church PodcastReckoning with Hell: A Journey Through Brian Recker's 'Hellbent'Brian Recker joins us to discuss his forthcoming book, "Hellbent," which critically examines the doctrine of Hell and its ramifications on Christian spirituality. At the forefront of our conversation is the assertion that the traditional understanding of Hell as eternal punishment has proven to be detrimental, fostering fear and alienation rather than love and reconciliation. Through thoughtful dialogue, we explore how these harmful beliefs distort our perception of God and our relationships with others. Brian's insights challenge listeners to reconsider the implications of Hell on their faith and to embrace a more inclusive spirituality that prioritizes connection and healing...
2025-09-031h 16
Fresh Start Family ShowEp. 289: Is Fear the Foundation? Rethinking Indoctrination in Children with Brian ReckerWe’re kicking off Season 7 of the Fresh Start Family Show with a powerful, thought-provoking conversation! Wendy & Terry sit down with theologian, writer, and former evangelical pastor Brian Recker to explore how fear has been woven into the spiritual and parenting narratives of so many families—and what it looks like to begin breaking free.
Brian shares his personal journey from growing up in fundamentalism, to leading as a pastor, to courageously deconstructing fear-based theology and re-imagining faith through the lens of love. Together, we talk about how indoctrination in childhood shapes our view of G...
2025-09-031h 07
IndoctriNationHell Bent with Brian ReckerIn this episode, host Rachel Bernstein speaks with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has transitioned away from fundamentalist beliefs. Brian discusses his journey of self-discovery and deconstruction from the religion that defined his upbringing. The conversation covers his early life, the impact of fundamentalist teachings, and the transition to more inclusive spirituality. Brian shares the concepts from his book 'Hell Bent,' which examines the metaphor of hell and the importance of living a life rooted in love and connection instead of fear and punishment. Rachel and Brian also delve into the challenges of leaving a high-control...
2025-08-201h 10
Shadow Mike PodcastHell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love with Brian ReckerDescriptionIn this episode, Shadow Mike interviews Brian Recker about his highly anticipated book, Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Hell Bent s available for pre-order (link below), and hits the shelfs officially September 30th.LinksPre-order Hell Bent: https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Bent-Holds-Christians-Spirituality/dp/0593853199/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0Brian's Substack: https://brianrecker.substack.comBrian's website: https://www.brianrecker.comMike's Substack: https://substack.com/@shadowmikeMike's Website: https://www.shadowmike.com/
2025-08-131h 00
Spirit OutspokenEpisode 42 - Deconstructing Hell - Breaking Free from a Fear Based Faith w/ Brian Recker (Part 2)In this episode of Spirit Outspoken, we sit down with Brian Recker as he shares his personal reflections on hell and introduces his new book, Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love.We also discuss the harm caused by fear‑based theology, especially toward the LGBTQ community, and how re‑centering faith on love and inclusion can bring freedom and healing.Whether you’re questioning old beliefs, exploring faith deconstruction, or seeking a more compassionate and inclusive spirituality, this conver...
2025-08-0633 minSpirit OutspokenEpisode 41 - Deconstructing Evangelicalism - A Former Pastor’s Journey w/ Brian Recker (Part 1)What happens when an evangelical pastor starts asking the questions the Church avoids? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brian Recker—a former evangelical pastor who walked away from the pulpit to pursue a more honest, inclusive form of Christianity. Brian shares his personal journey through deconstruction, the inner tension of leaving behind deeply ingrained beliefs, and how he found a deeper connection to Jesus outside the constraints of his fundamentalist upbringing and the lens of evangelicalism.We talk about the cost of questioning long-held doctrines, the fear that comes with untangling your faith, and th...
2025-07-3048 min
Unconventional LeadersIs Hell Even Biblical? Brian Recker on Queer-Affirming, Fear-Free Faith | Brian ReckerBrian Recker is a former evangelical pastor turned public theologian who's challenging the very foundations of Christianity. In his viral content and new book Hell Bent, Brian unpacks why so many of us were handed a spirituality rooted in punishment and how that’s distorted our relationships with God, others, and even ourselves.In this conversation, Brian shares his personal story of deconstruction and what it means to rebuild a faith based on love, curiosity, and mutual respect. From publicly affirming LGBTQ+ people to questioning hell itself, Brian invites us to rethink everything we thought we knew ab...
2025-07-2947 min
Shift HappensBrian Recker: Healthy Masculinity and other stuffToday, we talk to Brian Recker about healthy masculinity and a ton of other things. Make sure to click the link below to preorder his upcoming book Hellbent. To follow Brian, check out his work, invite him to speak, preorder his book and much more, click HERE. To help support the ongoing work of Shift Happens, click HERE. Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Click the link to get all the info about this year's festival. Make sure to use the code A - MZN at check ou...
2025-07-091h 09
The Happily Never AfterS1E5: A New Kind of Faith, with Brian ReckerToday, Heather McG and Brian Recker explore their shared experiences growing up in fundamentalist Christianity and the journey of deconstructing their faith. While Heather became and atheist, Brian has forged the path to a kinder, more universal faith. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity, shame, and the impact of evangelicalism on their lives. Brian shares his personal journey of leaving the pastorate, the struggles of divorce, and the importance of finding a supportive community. They also delve into the intersection of spirituality and politics, emphasizing the need for love and compassion in faith practices.TAKEAWAYSEvangelicalism can rebrand fundamentalism...
2025-07-0141 min
Honoring the JourneyDeconstructing Dogma: Honoring the Journey of Brian ReckerToday we honor the journey of Brian Recker, an influential figure in the Deconstruction community. Leslie and Brian dive into a heartfelt and candid discussion about Brian's journey away from fundamentalism and evangelicalism, sharing personal and relatable stories and reflections on faith, spiritual growth, and empathy. They explore the challenges and revelations that come with deconstruction, the importance of authentic connections, and the liberating shift from certainty to curiosity. With a focus on mutual understanding and human unity, this episode offers introspective insights into evolving faith journeys.Learn more about Brian at his website! www.brianrecker.com
2025-06-3054 min
Flipping Tables21. Hell Bent - with Brian ReckerIf you're familiar with the online deconstruction space, you've probably encountered Brian Recker or @brecker on Instagram. As a former evangelical pastor, he's been very vocal about his deconstruction and transformation.In this episode, Brian and I talk about our growing up years, our faith and how thats evolved from narrow and rigid mindsets into who we became today.I wasn't going to release this podcast for a few more weeks but I felt that some people needed reminded today that people can change. I was an open and passionate Christian Nationalist. Brian was raised in the...
2025-06-241h 01
The Ron ShowThursday, June 19, 2025 - Brian Recker on Cruz, Carlson & 'Hell Bent' American EvangelicalsBrian Recker, a former Marine, former evangelical pastor, current theologian, speaker and writer, has developed a healthy social media following and solid presence on Substack. His focus? Deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality - which often runs afoul of today's right-wing aligned American evangelical movement.
He's just the kind of guest to discuss the 'Ted Cruz v. Tucker Carlson' dust-up over Cruz' limp grasp on scripture he believes commands him (and the U.S. apparently) to support Israel unequivocally.
Recker and I discuss this at length, along with the use of religion as a tool of manipulation by pols like Cru...
2025-06-2044 minThe Ron ShowBrian Recker on Cruz, Carlson & 'Hell Bent' American EvangelicalsBrian Recker, a former Marine, former evangelical pastor, current theologian, speaker and writer, has developed a healthy social media following and solid presence on Substack. His focus? Deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality - which often runs afoul of today's right-wing aligned American evangelical movement. He's just the kind of guest to discuss the 'Ted Cruz v. Tucker Carlson' dust-up over Cruz' limp grasp on scripture he believes commands him (and the U.S. apparently) to support Israel unequivocally. Recker and I discuss this at length, along with the use of religion...
2025-06-2044 min
MegaSymbol Boy with Brian ReckerAuthor and influencer Brian Recker takes Day and Gray to hell and back. @berecker
Pre-order Brian's new book Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-05-1852 min
Dance Dad With John CorellaEP 27: How to Help Our Dance Dads with Brian ReckerMasculinity built on dominance leaves men stuck in a cycle of insecurity and disconnection. John sat down with Brian Recker to unpack the false masculinity that keeps men trapped and explore how breaking free from patriarchy leads to something real.
Brian, a former evangelical pastor turned social media voice, shared his journey of challenging the outdated expectations placed on men. They talked about why traditional masculinity so often revolves around dominance and how that pressure keeps men from forming real connections. Patriarchy doesn’t just harm women and marginalized communities. It also forces men into rig...
2025-03-061h 10
Ministry Forum PodcastS2E8: Interview with Theologian, Writer and Influencer, Brian Recker
In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, guest host Rachel Kennedy-Proctor sits down with Brian Recker and Rev. John Borthwick to discuss faith, deconstruction, and what it means to follow Jesus outside of traditional evangelical spaces. Brian shares his journey from being a pastor to rethinking his beliefs, navigating shifts in theology, and building a platform that fosters inclusive conversations about faith. Together, they explore the challenges of evolving spiritually, the future of the church, and the importance of authenticity in ministry. Whether you're questioning, reconstructing, or simply curious, this conversation offers thought-provoking insights and encouragement for your...
2025-02-251h 03
Divorce HappensMessy Middles and New Beginnings: Finding Love After Divorce as a Single Parent with Brian Recker and Scarlett LongstreetIn this heartfelt and insightful episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Brian Recker and Scarlett Longstreet to explore the challenges and joys of dating as a single parent post-divorce. Brian, a former pastor, author, and father, and Scarlett, a writer and mother, share their personal journey of finding love after separation, from meeting on Instagram to navigating the complexities of long-distance relationships and blending families. Their candid stories and reflections offer hope, humor, and practical advice for anyone wondering if it’s possible to start fresh and build meaningful connections after divorce.Tune in...
2025-01-1725 min
Behind the SeenS4 Ep 2: Deconstructing Evangelicalism with Brian Recker
In this episode, Mark and Branden delve into the complex layers of identity with guest Brian Recker, who has critically reexamined the evangelical environment. Brian shares his personal journey of deconstructing deeply rooted beliefs, shedding light on biases related to race, religion, and identity. The conversation explores the need for environments that facilitate the exploration of biases, the courage to challenge ingrained beliefs, and the importance of belonging. They also discuss the impact of evolving perspectives on community, ministry, democracy, and the tension between holding onto traditional values and embracing progressive change.
L...
2024-12-261h 09Behind the SeenS4 Ep 2: Deconstructing Evangelicalism with Brian Recker
In this episode, Mark and Branden delve into the complex layers of identity with guest Brian Recker, who has critically reexamined the evangelical environment. Brian shares his personal journey of deconstructing deeply rooted beliefs, shedding light on biases related to race, religion, and identity. The conversation explores the need for environments that facilitate the exploration of biases, the courage to challenge ingrained beliefs, and the importance of belonging. They also discuss the impact of evolving perspectives on community, ministry, democracy, and the tension between holding onto traditional values and embracing progressive change.
2024-12-261h 09
Sacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 10: Star Spangled Jesus with April AjoyOn this episode of the pod, Brian and Meg speak with April Ajoy, author of the upcoming book, “Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding True Faith.” They discuss April’s wild journey out of Christian Nationalism, relationships with family who are still stuck, how April got the nickname ‘condom girl,’ and what faith looks like for her now.
Check our April’s book!
2024-11-2052 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 9: The Mystic Jesus with Marianne WilliamsonBrian interviews the one and only Marianne Williamson about her new book, The Mystic Jesus. Marianne is a best selling author, speaker, political activist and former presidential candidate. Marianne's background is not in Christianity, but in the Course in Miracles, which is not a religion exactly- Marianne describes it as "spiritual psychotherapy," and it informs her universal, mystical approach to Christ. In this wide ranging conversation, Brian and Marianne discuss how our spirituality should inform our political engagement, how to walk in love and forgiveness towards our enemies in a divisive political climate, what Jesus can still mean for tho...
2024-11-1351 min
The Connected Way™ PodcastEpisode 10: What would Jesus do? Deconstructing Christianity & Politics with Brian ReckerHow are so many Christians in this country voting Republican? How would Jesus vote and what did he really teach? When we remove the fear-tactics of the threat of Hell, what were the actual teachings of Jesus and how can we learn from them? In this episode, we connect with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has been deconstructing his own faith and understanding of Christianity (his departure was catalyzed by Donald Trump’s rise in politics). We discuss Heaven, Hell, Sin, Abortion, Taxes, Trans rights, Healthcare and lots in between. And Brian and...
2024-09-151h 10The Connected Way™ PodcastEpisode 10: What would Jesus do? Deconstructing Christianity & Politics with Brian ReckerHow are so many Christians in this country voting Republican? How would Jesus vote and what did he really teach? When we remove the fear-tactics of the threat of Hell, what were the actual teachings of Jesus and how can we learn from them? In this episode, we connect with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has been deconstructing his own faith and understanding of Christianity (his departure was catalyzed by Donald Trump’s rise in politics). We discuss Heaven, Hell, Sin, Abortion, Taxes, Trans rights, Healthcare and lots in between. And Brian and...
2024-09-151h 10
Parkside Church at Historic Saint Barnabas | Charleston, SC"What Is the Foundation of Your Spirituality?" Summer Hot Takes with Brian Recker 07/14/2024"What Is the Foundation of Your Spirituality?" Summer Hot Takes with Brian Recker 07/14/2024
2024-07-1528 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 8: There's Nothing Like FamilyBrian and Meg answer two listener letters, each discussing family dynamics. How do we care less about whether or not we are accepted by our parents? How do we help family members understand that they are making us feel rejected? Meg shares some very poignant advice born from her own experience. We also discuss the presidential debate and Brian gets excited about ranked choice voting.
2024-07-1038 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 7: PURE with Stephanie StalveyBrian and Meg dive into purity culture with Stephanie Stalvey, a graphic novelist who mines her own story and describes the intricacies of navigating purity culture, as well as showing a path towards reclaiming sexual autonomy on the other side. Her book shines a light on experiences many of us resonate with, and she is just as insightful in this brilliant conversation!
2024-06-2639 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 6: A Conversation With Sally OsborneBrian and Meg are joined by Sally Osborne, a former Mormon who left the church and came out as a lesbian. She now works to help people come out into their truest selves. We discuss her journey out of high control religion, and how we can support people in all kinds of coming out journeys.
2024-06-1953 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 5: Why Pride MattersIn this episode, Brian and Meg acknowledge and celebrate Meg’s first Pride since coming out, and reflect on what Pride means, and how we have each evolved in our relationship with Pride celebrations. We also discuss Trump’s indictment, the wasteland of the US political environment, and the dehumanization that allows a continuing genocide in Gaza.
2024-06-1233 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 4: Why Queer Churches Can't Be Mega Churches With Rev. Brandan RobertsonBrian and Meg are joined by Brandan Robertson, a queer pastor, to discuss his upcoming book on 'queering' the Bible! Brandan tells us his favorite queer Bible stories, and answers questions like; should queer people care about the Bible at all?
2024-06-0543 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 3: Trans Rights & Psychics/Mediums Brian and Meg dive into a listener letter about psychics and mediums, and have some fun discussion and disagreement about skepticism and spirituality. They also discuss trans rights, and why it's so important to let parents and doctors make decisions for children, rather than religious organizations enforcing their agendas.
2024-05-2938 min
Daring to DadBrian Recker on Navigating Fatherhood Amidst Shifting BeliefsHow do we navigate raising kids while experiencing shifts and evolution in our own understanding of the world? Brian Recker shares his upbringing in Christian fundamentalism and how it shaped his idea of masculinity and fatherhood, and how the authoritarian parenting style he experienced defined gender roles within his community. Brian reflects on his struggle to fit into the masculine stereotype and his desire to please his father and the challenges of stepping away from the church and the loss of community and purpose. He discusses the impact of these changes on his identity and how he navigates fatherhood...
2024-05-2849 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 2: What Christians Can Learn From Atheism & A Listener Letter About A Gay WeddingEpisode 2 of season 2 is a continuation of the first episode where Meg and Brian catch up and discuss what Meg believes Christians can learn from atheism. Brian and Meg also respond to a listener letter about a woman who's in a gay relationship and getting married (love!) who's struggling with family members not wanting to attend the wedding.
2024-05-0854 minSacred CounselSeason 2 Episode 1: Catching Up & How Hell Is Ruining ChristianityBrian and Meg return to the podcast after a 3-month hiatus to catch up and talk about their opinions on hell and how Meg has been getting so much ate on IG now that she's posting deconstruction videos.
2024-05-0841 minShift HappensBrian Recker: Instagram’s Ex-Evangelical PastorIn today’s episode, Joe talks to Brian Recker. You may know Brian from his gut punchingly honest IG reels and posts.They get into how Brian grew up in the IBC, his deconstruction into evangelicalism and what brought him to the work he does now.Click the links below to follow Brian and keep up with his work.BrianRecker.comInstagramTo help support the ongoing work of Shift Happens, click HERE. Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Click the li...
2024-05-081h 00
I Tried to Be StraightEvangelical Pastor Gives Up Everything to Accept LGBTQ - Brian ReckerSpeaker and ex evangelical pastor Brian Recker shares why he couldn't keep rejecting gay people in his church, and how he lost everything when he started accepting them.
2024-04-1859 min
Flip Your Lid with Kim HoneycuttFlipping Beliefs: Brian Recker's Spiritual TransformationIn this episode, Kim interviews former evangelical pastor Brian Recker and discusses his journey of self-discovery amid political shifts during Donald Trump's rise. Brian reflects on leaving his pastoral role during the COVID-19 pandemic, reevaluating his beliefs, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within Christianity. This episode emphasizes authenticity and embracing diversity in religious contexts. Here's a sneak peek into what they discuss:Brian's transformation and self-discovery journey Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights within Christianity and efforts to foster inclusivityImportance of creating inclusive spiritual environments where individuals can authentically express themselves without judgment or exclusionChallenges faced by Brian af...
2024-04-1159 min
The Reactionary Christian w/ Gabriel FinochioGeorge Janko Needs to Preach the Gospel! - Brian Recker, The View, and More!In this episode, we explore a plethora of insanity, including...
Not living a generous life
George Janko not Preaching the Gospel
Brian Recker coming after Gabe's brother
And what happens when Christians go on the View
2024-03-082h 19
A Third WayPeace in the Middle East: A Christian Perspective Episode 6 - Brian ReckerThis is Peace in the Middle East: A Christian Perspective in
which we dive into the conflict between Israel and Palestine through the lens of the subversive way of Jesus. Through curiosity and an openness to learn, we have conversations that provide a fresh perspective for a third way.
In this episode, we are joined by former evangelical pastor,
coach, deconstruction and reconstruction thinker Brian Recker. Brian shares his journey away from dispensationalist evangelicalism and how that has shaped his view on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Keri and Brian talk about the views of biblical prophecy they were...
2024-02-1237 minSacred CounselEpisode 12: What Makes You Bloom? With Kevin GarciaBrian and Meg interview Kevin Garcia, a mystic theologian, queer spiritual coach, and all-around amazing human being, and discuss picking your battles when going home for the holidays, and learning how to celebrate your whole self. We also answer a listener letter from a “validation addict” who wants to stop having to justify his sexuality to his family and himself. We also discuss Kevin’s amazing new book, “What makes you bloom,” coming out this January! This episode is filled with amazing nuggets of spiritual wisdom. Enjoy!
2024-01-0358 minSacred CounselEpisode 11: Christmas Grab Bag!In this special episode, Brian and Meg tackle 3 very different listener letters, packing in all sorts of juicy counsel, covering: 1. how to deal with conservative family members at Christmas-time, 2. how divorce impacts kids and some of our best advice on co-parenting, and 3. How to work through harmful religious programing, replacing old thoughts with new thoughts. Don’t forget to send listener letters to sacredcounselpod@gmail.com!
2023-12-2748 minSacred CounselEpisode 10: SOS – My Boyfriend Has a Feminine Side in Bed and I Don’t Know How I Feel About It!Brian and Meg discuss Meg’s horrible Thanksgiving, and answer a listener letter about someone navigating big news about their partner’s sexuality, and trying to figure out how to feel about it or what she should do. We discuss how evangelicals can falsely blame any non-heterosexual sexuality on trauma, and how kink and sexual exploration can be healthy.
2023-12-2032 minSacred CounselEpisode 9: Eve Was FramedTrigger warning- this episode mentions a rape. We interview Eve from @eve_wasframed about her background in Bethel and her journey out of evangelicalism into atheism. We talk about stereotypes of atheists, evangelical shame around virginity and divorce, and other various highly relatable traumas of American evangelicalism. Find Eve on instagram at @eve_wasframed
2023-12-0645 min2023-11-2950 minSacred CounselEpisode 7: I Will Never Betray Myself AgainJo Luehmann takes us to church in this episode!! She preaches about why she refuses to abandon herself, how each of us are called to be liberators, why she ultimately left Christianity, the possibilities for beauty inside of the idea of “church,” her advice to those who remain Chrisitan, and creating safety for people to listen to their intuition. Jo Luehmann is a Colombian born and raised (former) pastor with a masters degree in ministry and theology. Jo speaks and teaches about decolonizing church, theology, spirituality and faith, as well as the importance of dismantling white supremacy, patri...
2023-11-2252 minSacred CounselEpisode 6: Am I Making A Mockery of Marriage?Brian and meg answer a listener letter, and discuss open marriages, jealousy, putting off divorce for the sake of the kids, “God’s eternal plan for marriage,” and navigating the crushing shame that can come from getting divorced.
2023-11-1542 minSacred CounselEpisode 5: Getting Naked With Naked PastorDave Hayward, aka Naked Pastor, speaks with us about vulnerability in sex and spirituality, gives us wisdom on stepping out of sexual shame, and shares his most basic form of connection to the divine.
2023-11-0856 minSacred CounselEpisode 4: Should I Burn It All Down?On this episode, Meg and Brian answer a listener letter from someone wrestling with everything they would lose from stepping into their more authentic self. They discuss the way that we can fixate on what we *might* lose, and miss what we are *already losing* by living in a state of dishonesty and failing to bring our whole selves into our relationships, and give some practical advice for having honest, difficult conversations!
2023-11-0150 minSacred CounselEpisode 3: The Difference Between Acceptance And Affirmation With Mike Maeshiro This week Brian and Meg talk to Mike Maeshiro about his coming-out journey, his mission to affirm those who are not feeling validated for who they are, how deeply he desires to witness God coming out of the closet, and we get his take on the mega-church pastor Andy Stanley’s half-hearted gesture towards LGBT acceptance. We also answer a listener letter from someone dealing with judgmental family members and discuss why Brian loved the Sears catalogue as a kid.
2023-10-2548 minSacred CounselEpisode 2: Trusting Yourself & The Power Of The Word BelovedOn episode two of the pod, Brian & Meg, answer a letter about how to trust ourselves when we're deconstructing and leaving a high control religion. They also share why they love the word "beloved" and offer a few of their current favorite recommendations including Brian's current guilty pleasure.
2023-10-1841 minSacred CounselEpisode 1: Being A Married Virgin, Talking To Kids About Sex, And The Nonexistence Of HellIn episode one of the pod, Brian and Meg get to know each other (they just met online 3 weeks ago!) by sharing about their deconstruction journeys, christian sex, how dumb hell is, explaining boners to kids, and tattoos. We're off to a great start and good news: we had fun so we're doing it again.
2023-10-1242 minSacred CounselSacred Counsel Podcast TrailerMeg Holiday and Brian Recker, two pastor's kids with different paths to their religious deconstruction met a few weeks ago on IG and decided to start a podcast. They feel like they used to have all of the answers and now they just ask all the questions. Here weekly to discuss everything from religion to sex, Meg and Brian and your queer best friend and your favorite pastor. Ask us anything. Email: sacredcounselpod@gmail.com . . . Follow the podcast on Instagram @sacredcounsel, subscribe, and review to support our growth!
2023-10-0102 min
The New Evangelicals Podcast172. I'm an Ex-Pastor and Happier Than Ever // Brian ReckerEx pastor Brian Recker joins the live stream to talk about why he left his job as a pastor and what life is like after evangelicalism. Last Chance To Enter our Giveaway! Donate Now Watch this interview on Youtube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2023-09-281h 15
REVcoveryFrom the Pulpit to the Gram with Brian ReckerThis week we welcome former pastor and occasional bartender Brian Recker on the show! Brian has a fantastic story of involving faith transitions and a widening of his perspective leading to his eventual exit from ministry. But as you know on this show that is just where the story starts getting interesting. It's a fantastic story of faith lost, found, abandoned, and reclaimed; welcome to the REVcovery Room!We now have a Discord now for our Patrons! You can join here: Patreon.com/revcoveryThis podcast is edited by Elizabeth Nordenholt from Podcat Audio: https://el...
2023-09-161h 08
BCF ORG Podcast - The Business of Business#77 - Achievement, Fulfillment, & Burnout with Eric ReckerSend us Fan MailEpisode 77 discusses, Achievement, Fulfillment, & Burnout, our Guest, is Eric Recker, Founder of Win the Now.Eric spent the first half of his life doing what he thought he had to do. Putting his nose down and enduring the grind. But it was never quite enough. Through experiences with triathlon, mountain climbing, owning a dental practice with a team of 20, becoming a pilot, and extensive travel, he learned that what he was searching for wasn’t at the top of the mountain.In the second half of his life...
2023-08-1514 min
College Football with SamIowa Football Will Improve In 2023 In Spite Of Brian Ferentz | Iowa Football 2023Iowa and North Carolina were the two most toxic, intriguing, confusing, and insufferable programs to watch in the 2022 College Football season. Today, I want to talk about the Big Ten's No.1 defense and No.16 offense (Their offense will be worse than USC and UCLA) and how I view their program, and a sneak peek of what I think they will be in 2023. With several portal additions on offense, notably QB Cade McNamara, TE Erick All, and OT Daijon Parker, the Hawkeyes certainly have the potential to improve on offense regardless of Brian Ferentz. The defense and special teams will...
2023-01-3127 min
Advance Movement PodcastBrian Recker - Singleness, Celibacy, and HomosexualityConference sessions from the North American Eastern Hub Conference, 19-21 September 2019. Hosted at One Harbor Church, Eastern North Carolina.
Brian Recker (One Harbor) delivers a punchy session looking at the poignant issue of singleness, celibacy and LGBTQ people in our churches. He suggests three practical steps for churches, including:
- that we aim to unite, rather than waste time hand-wringing over the use of specific terms and language.
- the need for a posture of repentance by churches when engaging with gay members of the community
- the need for churches to honor and empower the single, celibate lifestyle in...
2019-09-1922 min