Shows
Growing Up ChristianEp. 236. – "Christian Company" or "Christians in a Company?" w/ Success Coach Mitch MatthewsThis week Casey is joined by keynote speaker, success coach, best-selling author, and host of the Dream Think Do Podcast, Mitch Matthews! Mitch works with a wide variety of clients with the goal of “helping them remember who they are, what they’re capable of, and what’s possible when you build something on purpose.” We discuss his early life in church, the life-altering brush with tragedy that prompted him to reevaluate his faith, and what being a Christian in the workplace should look like. It was a fun conversation and I really appreciate Mitch’s willingness to guest on our sho...
2025-07-101h 12Growing Up ChristianEp. 231 – The Hickman Diaries: Honey Bunchkins of ScrotesThis week we’re catching up and diving into the dark, mysterious, and sticky world of the only man on Earth with both a bowl cut AND the Holy Ghost baptism, Bob Hickman! Truck driver by day and internet prophet by night, Bob is a fascinating character that you may recognize by his opening line “God entered my body, like a body my same size. Like me floating into you, or you floating into me…” Recently Bob’s content has taken an unexpected turn, and we just had to talk about it. If you want to follow him on IG, his pr...
2025-05-231h 25
Growing Up ChristianEp. 195 – The Jacob Marley of Christian Crypto Claps Back w/ Jesse H.This week we’re joined by Casey’s best friend Jesse to talk about his 10 year hiatus from and return to church, the fact that Howard Stern is a lame old pervert, moments that are flagged in your brain as eternally embarrassing, and then we catch up with Eli and Kaitlyn Regalado, the couple who made headlines earlier this year when their Christ-focused cryptocurrency and exchange went belly up. Earlier in the year, Eli was taking a more penitent approach to dealing with his legal issues. That has changed a bit… Enjoy the episode, and if you love old school...
2024-08-231h 49Growing Up ChristianEp. 167 – Kingdom Wealth Exchange(INDXcoin): The Crypto Preacher the Lord Tricked into FraudThis week we’re taking a look at Eli and Kaitlyn Regalado, an online pastor and his wife who’s recent legal troubles surrounding their spirit-filled cryptocurrency debacle has gone viral in a big way. The Regalados are making headlines are being charged with fraud for selling a worthless cryptocurrency to their congregants using all the tried and true prosperity Gospel word vomit. They fleeced their followers for over $3m, and are accused of squandering at least $1.2m of that on their lavish lifestyle and, you know, a quarter of a million dollar home renovation that “the Lord told them t...
2024-01-301h 41Growing Up ChristianEp. 166 – Warning: Chef Ron Jeremy's Ambrosia Salad May Contain Nut w/ Comedian ImaniThis week we’re joined by an absolutely hilarious comedian, Imani (interview begins at 33:30)! Imani spent her early years in Fort Hood, TX, where her family attended what you might classify as a typical Evangelical mega church. However, when they moved back to Oregon and joined here grandfather’s more traditional, conservative, predominantly-black church, her home life took a drastic turn that no one could have predicted (I’ll leave it at that so as not to spoil the story)… We were really excited to talk to Imani after sharing so many of her comedy clips back and forth! Follow h...
2024-01-232h 10Growing Up ChristianEp. 160 – The Justice League Presents: The Plum Pudding Riots Christmas PageantThis week our beloved Jeremiah and GUC alumnus April Gloria (Casey’s wife) join us to discuss Christian nationalist Andrew Torba’s shocking revelation about the origins of many popular Christmas songs and the Puritans’ War on Christmas. Finally, we are proud to present a theatrical performance of “A Super Christmas,” a heart-warming original play by Vanessa Unti, the past/maybe current(?) youth minister at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham, WA. If you want to follow along at home, you can find a copy of the script here: Free "Super Christmas" Printable Script. Follow April on Instagram and X (@_a...
2023-12-121h 33
Growing Up ChristianEp. 148 – Apocrypha Now: Susanna Gets Excused & Boebert Gets Her Beetle JuicedThis week we’re continuing our exploration of the Apocrypha with the story of Susanna, which is like an ancient Law & Order SVU episode written by a moron. BUT FIRST: we have to talk about our favorite pocket constitution-toting, gun-slinging, crotch-groping barfly of senator, Loren Boebert! Centennial State spitfire made headlines over the weekend after causing a ruckus at a Denver theater, and it’s a story too funny to gloss over… Enjoy the show, and be sure to check out Casey’s guest appearance on Childlike at Best with Mike Valdes, streaming now!
2023-09-191h 39
Childlike At Best with Mike ValdesMaking Soap w/ Casey Greseth 🧼🙌Prepare for divine intervention...and cereal! In this chuckle-inducing episode of "Childlike at Best with Mike Valdes," Mike sits down with Casey Greseth of the Growing Up Christian podcast. They dive into the evangelical rabbit hole, dish out fun conspiracy theories, and serve up a side of awkwardness that'll have you thanking the heavens for puberty. 🙌 Mike also shares one of the most facepalm-worthy stories of his life. Grab your Bibles and your cereal spoons, folks! This is one confessional you don't want to miss. 🥄Ready to confess your own cringy church camp stories or cereal l...
2023-09-181h 19
Growing Up ChristianEp. 146 – Apocrypha Now: Magd-aileen Wuornos Gets Fishy with the Cooch GhostWe just can’t get enough of the Apocrypha, right now, so this week we’re diving into the Book of Tobit! This is a very strange story that none of us had ever heard of, but there’s a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from it. We’ll be covering practical topics such as the medicinal and spiritual properties of aquatic offal, strange women and how to avoid them, the dangers of avian excrement, cadaver handling, and… alms? Yes, alms. There is so much to glean from this fascinating story! Someday when you’ve pieced your career, marriage, fa...
2023-09-051h 38Growing Up ChristianEp. 145 – The Consummate Catholic's Vacuum Cleaner Wiener w/ A Couple of N3rdsThis week we’re joined by comedy duo Casey Grim and Adam McLaughlin, who cohost the A Couple of N3rds podcast! This conversation was one of the funniest we’ve ever had on this show, and it goes in every direction. Topics of discussion include hallmarks of a grandma house, scootering under the influence, teenage caloric intake journals, and a Catholic buyer’s guide to feline indulgences. We did a lot of giggling, and you will, too! Follow Adam and Casey on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook (@acoupleofn3rds), stream their show on all podcast platforms, and if you’re in th...
2023-08-291h 48
Mammoth Training PodcastEP.18 Casey GresethIn this episode I interview Casey Greseth from Kansas BG, who is the GSM and has been at the company for about 6 years. After all of his experience in sales with BG Products, Casey clarifies the difference between those that perform at a high level, and those that don't.
2023-08-071h 07Growing Up ChristianEp. 133 – Bold Cut Trio: The Dixie Chicks, Jared From Subway, and Clickbait Crockumentaries w/ April GloriaThis week we welcome back South Jersey seamstress, shapeshifter, and sassy spouse to Casey, April Gloria! Continuing our conversation from last week, we’re jumping back into the early 2000’s controversy surrounding the Dixie Chicks, who voiced their opposition to the impending Iraq War, as well as their distaste for then-President George W. Bush. By today’s standards their comments seem extremely mild, but they caused an absolute uproar among conservative Americans that can still be felt today. We also discuss the recent Discovery Plus documentary, Jared From Subway: Catching a Monster. Let’s just say the quality of document...
2023-06-061h 37Growing Up ChristianEp. 128 – The Mid-Michigan Baptist Puppet Ministry Presents: Cannibal PentecostThis week, we’re joined once again by our good friend Jesse to discuss two absolutely wild historical tales of Manifest Destiny despair: the Donner Party and the Mormon Handcart Tragedy! The Ric Burns documentary about the Donner Party begins with this quote from Alexis de Tocqueville: “It is odd to watch with what feverish ardor the Americans pursue prosperity and how they are ever tormented by the shadowy suspicion that they may not have chosen the shortest route to get it. Americans cleave to the things of this world as if assured that they will never die, and yet...
2023-05-021h 20Growing Up ChristianEp. 127 – Latter Day Saints VS. Modern-Day Angst w/ Comedian Skyler HigleyOur guest this week is comedian and writer for The Onion, Skyler Higley! Skyler was adopted into a Mormon family as a baby and grew up in Salt Lake City. Although he reveled in his faith as a youngster, being one of the few black kids in the church came with all sorts of challenges. Tokenism, racism, and old bigoted theology were just a few of the things that made Skyler wonder if the LDS church was the place for him. Nowadays, he’s a Chicago-based standup and comedy writer, and we absolutely love his work! Follow Skyler on In...
2023-04-252h 12Growing Up ChristianEp. 126 – Friends? Nope… Sex Life? Nope… Nintendo 64? You Betcha! w/ Jennifer KnappThis week we’re joined by singer-songwriter, author, LGBTQ advocate, and contemporary Christian music legend, Jennifer Knapp (interview begins at 35:00)! Jennifer grew up Christian-adjacent with a more tangential relationship to church. However, that all changed in her college years. In spite of her passion for spirituality, Jennifer found herself uncomfortable with many of the modern church’s teachings. That rift only grew as she took the CCM world by storm as a young touring musician, and the pressure of being a public figure within Christianity were tough on her. After stepping away from music for several years, Jennifer made a bi...
2023-04-182h 13Growing Up ChristianEp. 125 – The Heir Abhorrent Earns Himself a Stabbin'This week, we’re taking a look at a truly horrific story from the book of 2 Samuel, and we should probably issue a trigger warning: this story revolves around sexual assault. King David’s house is a mess, and he’s raised a group of self-centered, psychotic brats. The first of his spawn’s name is Amnon, and, uh… he sucks. It becomes a real problem when he sets his sights on his half-sister, Tamar. Join us as we discuss this extremely dark story of hatred, callous cruelty, and sweet, sweet revenge on this week’s episode of Growing Up Christian
2023-04-111h 25Growing Up ChristianEp. 124 – Discos: A No-Go for Super Spiros w/ Andrew Corfield of MelioristOur guest this week is vocalist Andrew Corfield of Meliorist, a great metal band from Brisbane, Australia! Andrew started life in an extremely conservative Christian sect known as The Brethren, but his family eventually joined a more traditional Evangelical church. It was there that Andrew became deeply entrenched in Christianity. However, life and loss would challenge his beliefs, and he has channeled his changing perspective into his music. Meliorist is a fantastic band with a sound all their own, and their new album “Cascade” is on that you absolutely have to check out. Follow Meliorist on Instagram (@melioristau), visit thei...
2023-04-042h 20Growing Up ChristianEp. 123 – Spawn of Bibleman: The Codpiece of Condemnation w/ Harleigh EllsworthThis week we’re joined by Harleigh Ellsworth, who’s father is the legendary Christian kids show hero, Bibleman! Harleigh’s family has been involved in film and media throughout her life, and Bibleman was one of many projects that they worked on together. They wrote scripts, designed and built props, played multiple characters, appeared at events, and Harleigh also appeared in several of their productions. In fact, there’s a fun episode of Bibleman featuring young Harleigh as Riley Watson, a student who was tempted back into her old lifestyle thanks to a naughty hypnotic website created by the evil...
2023-03-282h 02Growing Up ChristianEp. 122 – FDIC Chairman Uday Hussein & King Gay-vid's Foreskin DowryThis week’s episode is LUSTY! First, we discuss Tennessee’s thirstiest Lieutenant Governor, Randy McNally, who’s taste for young male Instagram models has engulfed him in a very embarrassing scandal. Then we parse through the sordid story of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and fantasize about spanking some naughty bankers for potentially knocking the global banking system off of it’s axis. Lastly, we take a long, hard look at the super manly, not at all gay bromance between David and Jonathan. Now’s a good time to check your smoke alarms, because this story gets spicy… and bloody...
2023-03-211h 48Growing Up ChristianEp. 121 – Mosh Pit Exorcisms & Sheepish Dad-vangelicals w/ Chris Mojan of Fireworks Part 2Part 2 of our conversation with guitarist Chris Mojan of Fireworks. Be sure to check out the new Fireworks album “Higher Lonely Power,” and follow them on Instagram (@fireworksmi), Twitter (@WeAreFireworks), and Facebook (facebook.com/wearefireworks)!
2023-03-1756 minGrowing Up ChristianEp. 120 – Mosh Pit Exorcisms & Sheepish Dad-vangelicals w/ Chris Mojan of Fireworks Part 1Our guest this week is guitarist Chris Mojan of Fireworks! Chris grew up in a Macedonian Orthodox community in Detroit, but family and friends eventually brought him into contact with Evangelicalism. The awkward interactions that followed left him with lasting impressions about faith, community, sincerity, and ritual, and shaped his views of the Christian community for years to come. We had a great time talking to Chris; so much so that we decided to break this episode up into two parts! You can catch part 2 of our conversation later this week. Be sure to check out the new Fireworks...
2023-03-141h 49Growing Up ChristianEp. 119 – So Should I Preach to the Choir or Just Drink? w/ Comedian Sadra SumnerOur guest this week is comedian Sadra Sumner! As a kid, Sadra thrived in her rural Pennsylvania church, but grew further away from the community. After moving to France, she developed a passion for standup. Sadra is a very funny comedian and she had us laughing throughout the whole episode! Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @sadrasumner!
2023-03-071h 50Growing Up ChristianEp. 118 – A Spurt in the Dirt Demands Divine DisciplineThis week, Jeremiah joins us as we dive into the strangest Gospel tract we’ve ever seen, as well as the story of Judah and Tamar! I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve sat through some very uncomfortable sermons about sex, marriage, and the roles of men and women thanks to the Evangelical interpretation of this story. Come along with us as we peel back the warm, sticky, pungent layers of this odd story sandwiched between chapters about Joseph. It’s going to be fun! And if you want to jump in on the conversation, join our Discord (Linktree...
2023-02-281h 52Growing Up ChristianEp. 117 – Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Their Christian Remixes w/ Two For ChristOur guests this week are Nick and Haley Gaglione of Two For Christ, a husband and wife ministry team (interview starts at 29:00)! We learned about Nick and Haley thanks to you fine folks, because many of you sent us a recent viral video where they performed a Christian version of Eye of the Tiger. Nick is a Christian motivational speaker and fitness influencer that runs a page called @liftwithchrist. Haley (@haleygaglione) is a musician and performer who is half of the conservative musical duo, Camille & Haley. They’ve released many albums over the years and have drawn national attention fo...
2023-02-211h 43Growing Up ChristianEp. 116 – The Scourge of Front Range Baptist w/ Josh Wagg of American Ninja WarriorOur guest this week is The Death Metal Ninja, Josh Wagg! Long before he was a contestant on American Ninja Warrior, Josh was a Florida pastor’s kid on his way to the mission field. After spending a number of years in Venezuela, Josh’s family moved back to the states where his dad took a position with a Baptist church in Fort Collins, CO. Little did they know that it wouldn’t last… Josh is a great dude with an interesting story, and he just got confirmation that he’ll be back as a contestant on this season of America...
2023-02-142h 08Growing Up ChristianEp. 115 – Reich Crispy Treats & the Hammer of VoreThis week, Jeremiah joins us to talk about your friend’s denim vest-wearing uncle who opened an exotic bird/fudge shop in the Wisconsin Dells, the Sandusky Neo-Nazi homeschool co-op and the Fuhrer’s favorite birthday baked goods, and the recent allegations made by silver spoon sucker, actor, and all-around prick, Armie Dahmer (Hammer) against his former youth pastor. This one was a lot of fun, but we do crack into a few controversial topics. So, if you want to jump in on the conversation, join our Discord (Linktree in our Instagram bio). Thanks for listening, and if you coul...
2023-02-071h 46Growing Up ChristianEp. 114 – In Heaven, We'll All Be Pumpin' P.O.D. in Plymouth Prowlers w/ Andy Prince of Manchester OrchestraOur guest this week is musician Andy Prince of the phenomenal band, Manchester Orchestra! Andy Grew up in the Florida panhandle, and spent his early years immersed in an Evangelical movement known as the Brownsville Revival. He cut his teeth as a musician in the church praise band. However, as he grew older, he found himself yearning for a little more out of life, and a little less out of the big church. We had a blast chatting with Andy and hearing his story! Follow Andy (@andyprince) and Manchester Orchestra (@manchesterorchestra) on Instagram, and stream their latest single “No Ru...
2023-01-312h 07Growing Up ChristianEp. 113 – I Soaked My Trousers at Prince Albert FallsThis week, Jeremiah joins us to talk about the man, the myth, the controversial legend: Dr. David Livingstone! Livingstone was a Victorian-era Scottish missionary and explorer who is best known for expeditions across Africa. He has long been regarded as a hero in Britain and Scotland, but cultural values have changed a lot in the last few decades. More and more people are reexamining his legacy and finding that Dr. Livingstone was a flawed human being. Join us as we discuss the good, bad, and ugly parts of Livingstone’s life, and as always, you can jump into the co...
2023-01-241h 40Growing Up ChristianEp. 112 - "I'll Give Ya 30 Blood-Soaked Cardigans for Your Nameless Daughter" w/ Mike ValdesJoining us once again is comedian and musician, Mike Valdes! This time, we're taking a trip into the Old Testament as Sam recounts the story of Samson: a guy with wooly blue balls and red, slippery hands. He lifts doors, tells jokes, beats people to death, and is just an all around sweetheart of a guy. Mike is a ton of fun, and always gets us cackling! Follow him on Instagram (@mikevaldes), Tiktok (@officialmikevaldes), and check out his new merch at www.bonfire.com/store/mikevaldes!
2023-01-172h 15Growing Up ChristianEp. 111 – Jesus Freaks: A Book of Many Martyrs & Few FootnotesThis week, Jeremiah joins us to talk about Avatar: The Way of Water, movie morality, dyed-in-the-wool idealogues and extremists, and then we’re cracking open my high school copy of “Jesus Freaks” coauthored by the immortal CCM trio DC Talk, and Voice of the Martyrs! I’ll bet more than a few of you got a copy of “Jesus Freaks” in your Christmas stocking, back in the day. I know that when I was a kid, I had to put it down because I found it too disturbing. We’re going to take a look at a few of the stories fr...
2023-01-101h 58Growing Up ChristianEp. 110 – Let There Be Gaslight w/ Brady "Phanatik" Goodwin of The Cross MovementOur guest this week is recording artist, author, and podcaster Brady Goodwin Jr., otherwise known as Phanatik! Brady was a member of one of the best Christian hip hop groups ever, The Cross Movement. Brady made headlines last year when he publicly stated that he was no longer a Christian. His new book, “Let There Be Gaslight: Does the Bible Tell the Truth About Our Creation, Fall, and Redemption?” caused quite a stir, and has prompted a big response from the Christian community (just take a look at the response videos on YouTube). We were thrilled to talk with Brad...
2023-01-032h 09Growing Up ChristianEp. 109 - Mormon Columbus and the Great Skinsuit Caper w/ The Existential GingerThis week, we’re excited to welcome back ex-Mormon podcaster and our friend, The Existential Ginger! It’s been a little while since we’ve sat down with Charisse, and what better way to reconnect with old pals than a good old fashioned potluck Bible study? Each of us brought a story that we found inspirational, heart-warming, and full of practical life lessons to share with each other (although I do want to specify that the Book of Mormon is NOT a part of the divinely ordained King James Version, and I refuse to recognize it or learn anything from i...
2022-12-291h 47Growing Up ChristianEp. 108 - They're Either Begging for Credibility, or Trying to Ruin the Fun w/ Podcaster Matt PhillpOur guest this week is Matt Phillp, who cohosts a fantastic podcast called “Tell Me About Your Father” (along with Erin Hosier, who we talked to on Ep. 60)! Matt grew up between Australia and the US, and was exposed to Christianity as a boy after his father passed away. He attended a prestigious catholic school, where as a young gay kid interested in the arts, he faced more than a little pushback. Matt joins us to discuss the similarities and differences between Christian culture in the US and Australia, how he made his way through school and out of the...
2022-12-202h 33Growing Up ChristianEp. 107 – Teacher Says: Every Time a Bell Rings, a Yule Lad Swipes Someone's CreamFace it: your family’s Christmas traditions are a little bland. You exchange Bed, Bath & Beyond gift cards, eat a turkey that’s so dry it might as well be insulation, and then lay around in the living room listening to your grandpa snore-fart while watching an inflatable Bart Simpson headbang in the gail force NYC wind… Why not spice it up, this year?? There are innumerable fascinating, strange, and disturbing Christmas traditions around the globe, and it’s high time we start joining in the rituals! So this week we’re looking at some lesser known holiday lore! Plus, Sam...
2022-12-131h 31Growing Up ChristianEp. 106 - Spirit-Filled Laughter = Abject Horror w/ Musician Tori "Uncle T" JohnsonOur guest this week is musician and seasoning salt tycoon Tori Johnson, aka Uncle T! Tori joins us to discuss her upbringing in a charismatic mega church, the accident that changed her life, grappling with sexuality, and how any responsible parent would sooner see their kid become a juggalo than a raver. It was a fun conversation, and you should go check out her website (www.hellounclet.com), and her music page (@your.uncle.t) on Instagram! Side Hustle Salts can be found on Instagram (@sidehustlesalt) and at the official website (sidehustlesalt.com).
2022-12-062h 15Growing Up ChristianEp. 105 - The Devil Wears Balenciaga & Mordecai: Pole-to-Hole in PersiaThis week Sam, Casey, and Jeremiah take a hard look at the recent Balenciaga scandal involving kids with S&M teddy bears, unsettling court documents used as photo props, and the resulting backlash and its effects. It’s a lot of weird. Some would argue it’s too much weird.
Of course, we wouldn’t feel right without spending some time in the Word with you folks, so we’re going back to the book of Mordecai… Oops I mean the book of Esther! Maybe you remember the parts of this story that they covered in Sunday s...
2022-11-292h 07Growing Up ChristianEp. 104 - Erotic Stomach Sleeping and the 9/11-Pringles Connection w/ Musician Ian McConnellOur guest this week is the fantastically-talented singer, songwriter, and creator, Ian McConnell! Months ago, we stumbled across a video of Ian performing a song called “Important,” and we knew from the lyrics that we had to talk to him. Ian spent a lot of time in church, as a kid, and really enjoyed it. However, life experience led him to question the validity of his faith. We think Ian may be one of the most positive and enjoyable people we’ve talked to, and we had a blast discussing everything from worship music, to psychedelics, to god’s righteou...
2022-11-222h 14Growing Up ChristianEp. 103 – Eunuch-ly Qualified to be Persia's Next Top Concubine w/ April GloriaThis week we’re joined once again by the fabulous April Gloria (Casey’s wife), and we’re jumping back in the Word, folks! Grab a pad and pen, because we’re studying the heavenly sex offenders known as the Nephilim, and the story of Esther. I’m telling you, these Bible stories just keep getting better with distance… Follow April on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (@_aprilgloria)!
2022-11-151h 45Growing Up ChristianEp. 102 – Let's Just Pray That She Repents and Immediately Croaks... w/ Casey Parks of The Washington PostThis week we’re joined by author and journalist Casey Parks! Casey is a Washington Post reporter who covers gender and family issues. She spent a decade at The Oregonian, where she wrote about race and LGBTQ+ issues and was a finalist for the Livingston Award. Her articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Oxford American, ESPN, USA Today, and The Nation. In this episode, Casey recounts her childhood as a charismatic youth, winning a trip to Alabama for leading so many people to the Lord (that’s right, soul-winning champion!), coming to grips with...
2022-11-081h 55Growing Up ChristianEp. 101 – The Greatest Trick the Devil Ever Pulled Was Probably Church Trunk-or-TreatsHappy Halloween, friends! This week, we’re reviewing some very important warnings about this, the most evil of all holidays, from the totally sane and rational prophets of Christian TikTok. But first, Sam has some very exciting news to share… If you’re enjoying the show, we’d sure appreciate it if you’d share it with a friend or two and leave us a review wherever you listen. As always, we’d love to hear from you! Find a link to our Discord server in our Instagram bio.
2022-11-011h 49Growing Up ChristianEp. 100 - Born in the Trenches of the Info War w/ Actor and Author Barrett D. CarrollThis week, we’re joined by author and actor Barrett Carroll! Barrett grew up in unusual circumstances, to say the least… His father was a preacher, conspiracy theorist, and right wing political activist that kept the family moving off the grid for decades. On top of that, he was physically and emotionally abusive. Barrett found purpose and hope in the one thing he was allowed to do – acting. In this episode, he tells the story of his upbringing, his escape from his father, and the course of his fascinating career in and out of Hollywood! Follow Barrett TikTok and Instag...
2022-10-252h 04Growing Up ChristianFriday Fellowship Ep. 6 - Promise Keepers, Nunchuck Felonies, and King Eglon's Ruptured BowelsOn our first Friday Fellowship episode in quite some time, I (Casey) got to hang out with my old Michigan buddies, Ian and The Jowl! We spent an evening cackling about attending Promise Keepers rallies as kids, getting arrested for possessing various flea market weaponry, Ian’s reservations about the Heavenly streets of gold, and finally, the heartwarming Biblical account of Ehud and King Eglon from Judges 3. This is a fun episode with two of my favorite people on the planet, and I hope you enjoy it!
2022-10-211h 17Growing Up ChristianEp. 99 - Buzzword Salad: The Courtney RetortLast week, we aired an interview with Jeremy Courtney, who along with his wife Jessica, founded the charitable organization Preemptive Love. We had a lot to say about the controversy surrounding the Courtney’s dismissal from the charity that they had spent well over a decade building, but we thought it best to let people hear from Jeremy, first. This week, we got together with Jeremiah to discuss the accusations made against them, the tone and inflection of the articles written by two former employees, the preemptive critiques of Humanite (a new project that has only just launched and is...
2022-10-182h 35Growing Up ChristianEp. 98 - From Frontlines to Headlines w/ Jeremy Courtney of HumaniteThis week, we got the opportunity to sit down with humanitarian and author, Jeremy Courtney, who comes to you from his home in northern Iraq! In 2008, Jeremy and his wife Jessica founded an incredible organization called Preemptive Love, who’s mission includes providing aid in the form of food, shelter, and medical care to people caught in the midst of global conflict, as well as launching local businesses in war-torn parts of the world to bring jobs, revenue, and stability back to their communities. For over a decade, Jeremy and Jessica worked side-by-side with local partners all over the Mi...
2022-10-112h 17Growing Up ChristianEp. 97 - 3 Bros, a Van, and a Non-Christian Family Rock Band w/ Dawson Scholtz of The Ongoing ConceptThis week, we’re joined by musician and vocalist, Dawson Scholtz! The Ongoing Concept is one of the most interesting bands on Solid State Records, and a personal favorite of Sam’s. In this episode, Dawson talks life in a family gospel band, writing music and touring with his brothers in TOC while they were still very young, and some of the weird things about being perceived as a Christian band. The Ongoing Concept is currently working on a new album, and they’re gearing up for a west coast tour in November! For more information, follow them on Instag...
2022-10-042h 10Growing Up ChristianEp. 96 - "History's a Funny Thing:" Christian Antisemitism & the Holocaust w/ Dr. Lucas Wilson, PhDThis week, we are once again joined by our good friend, Dr. Luke Wilson (that’s right, he’s a freakin’ doctor, now)! This time, Luke was kind enough to tell us a little bit about his two fields of focus - Holocaust studies and Critical Evangelicalism. Spoiler alert: there’s some overlap… Historically, the Christian community has played a large role in the persecution of their Jewish neighbors, and like so many other examples of persecution by a religious group, their spiritual beliefs are bent, stretched, and all together ignored in order to justify their actions. Was it the only f...
2022-09-272h 23Growing Up ChristianEp. 95 - tAx ThE cHuRcHeSThis week, we’re debating one of the more controversial and frequently mentioned ideas in ex-Christendom: should churches be tax exempt? Many former church kids shout a sudden and emphatic “NO!!!,” but I’m not so sure… Join us as we discuss a number of obstacles that must be factored in, as well as the safeguards protecting our political system that are currently under attack. Let us know what you think! You can jump in on the conversation by joining our Discord server: https://discord.gg/2rq2hk5M
Here are a few resources we found infor...
2022-09-201h 59Growing Up ChristianEp. 94 - Furries: Come for the Anthro Porn, Stay For the Unbridled Self-Expression w/ Jonathan Vair DuncanThis week, we’re joined by artist, educator, and furry, Jonathan Vair Duncan! Over the past few weeks, there have been several articles about the plight of Christian in the furry fandom – which we now know is a rich, diverse subculture of people interested in anthropomorphic characters. Some of the Christians referenced in these articles expressed concerns about being “persecuted” for their faith if others within the furry community, which is largely composed of queer and trans people, found out about their homophobic and transphobic beliefs. Jonathan joins us to discuss how he went from growing up as an Evangeli...
2022-09-132h 26Growing Up ChristianEp. 93 – Skatheist America's Darkslide to Hell w/ Christians Against Skaters MinistriesThis week, we have the pleasure of speaking with a true prayer warrior who is tirelessly fighting for the souls of America’s youth: the esteemed director of Christians Against Skaters Ministries! He outlines his upbringing in the Evangelical church, his brush with doom as a young man interested in skateboarding, and how, through the grace of God, he triumphed over the wiles of Skatan. We had a fantastic time talking with him, and highly encourage you to support the ministry by following them on Instagram (@christians_against_skaters_)!
But first, we got a chance to catch up...
2022-09-062h 10Growing Up ChristianEp. 92 - Testicles for Supper, Josh McDowell for DessertThis week, we’re face-to-face for the first time in like 6 years! Sam came down to Kansas for a visit, and we had lots of fun! So, we spend the first part of the episode talking about our many adventures, including giant spider safaris, skeetin’ all over my back yard (with shotguns, that is), and dining on Rocky Mountain oysters in my local MAGA meth den honkey-tonk straight out of The Hills Have Eyes. Then, we get into a very insightful piece of Sunday School programming, entitled “Children Demand a Verdict: Answering Questions About What We Believe and Why We Bel...
2022-08-301h 32Growing Up ChristianEp. 91 - Br00tal Fruits: The Heyday of Christian Metalcore w/ @xripped_girl_jeansxThis week, we’re joined by our new friend Paul, who runs one of our absolute favorite meme pages, @xripped_girl_jeansx! Like us, many of you sowed some wild oats in a mosh pit at a church basement show, two-stepping with 14 other people in a rented out American Legion, or just loitering around a Hot Topic talking about the band tee you were saving up for because your mom wanted you to buy school clothes at Aeropostale like the normal kids. If you spent time around “the scene” in any of its many forms, you know that there is a v...
2022-08-232h 20Growing Up ChristianEp. 90 - Pastor Jeff Dallen Is a Dork... and a Child Molester w/ Comedian Amy MillerThis week, we’re joined by an absolutely fantastic comedian, Amy Miller! Amy basically lived at her Free Will Baptist Church in California from an early age. However, things were less picturesque than they appeared (see title above^). We discuss her slow drift away from the faith, her pastors’ worries about attending a “secular” university, and some of the things that led her to pursue a career in entertainment. We can’t recommend Amy’s comedy enough! She has a Comedy Central special called “Ham Mouth” that you can watch in full on YouTube, a brand new album called “California King” s...
2022-08-162h 09Growing Up ChristianEp. 89 - A Rough Week in the Infowar & Grinding on Grassroots Gumption w/ Activist Amber ViolaThis week, we’re happy to welcome back our good friend, Amber Viola! Amber is the Human Resources Director and mayoral cabinet member for the city of Scranton, and she’s the first black director in the city’s history. She’s also a Navy veteran, social worker, and the first black commander of the Gouldsboro American Legion. We spent the vast majority of our first episode with Amber discussing her upbringing in conservative Christianity, and here eventual break with the church. However, we wanted to hear more about her social and political work in Pennsylvania. Amber’s a go-getter...
2022-08-092h 23Growing Up ChristianEp. 88 - Y'all Qaeda: A Multilevel Marketing Opportunity w/ Comedian Spencer BlandOur guest this week is comedian, podcaster, and writer, Spencer McRay Bland! Spencer is the cohost of Bop or Flop, a music-comedy podcast that revisits the Billboard Top Ten songs from a specific date in history, and determines whether they bop or flop. Spencer was steeped in Christianity, as a young man, but circumstances (including working for a very strange Evangelical organization) eventually led him to rethink his faith. Spencer is a great comedian with some fantastic stories, and we really enjoyed meeting him! Follow him on Instagram (@spencerspicy), check out his upcoming comedy dates at www.iambadatcomedy.com...
2022-08-022h 27Growing Up ChristianEp. 87 - Ale 'em, Kale 'em, Tooth & Nail 'em w/ Musician & Chef Josh KembleThis week we’re joined by podcaster, chef, and vocalist for Christian punk band, Dogwood, Josh Kemble! Josh joins us to discuss his upbringing in Catholicism and Evangelicalism, his days of touring in Dogwood, and his glowing passion for food and music, in general. He hosts a phenomenal podcast called “The Family? Cast: Punk Chef Pairings with Chef Josh Kemble,” which you can check out on your favorite streaming app!
We also want to let you know about a really cool project involving our friend Phil Wilmont from Ep. 49 – From Awana to Uganda: Seeking Warmer Weather...
2022-07-261h 47Growing Up ChristianEp. 86 - Jesse Lee Peterson Sucks (Allegedly) & D.O.R.K. - Disciples of a Risen King w/ Comedian John RossOur guest this week is Sacramento-based comedian, John Morris Ross IV! John joins us to discuss Bible camp, traveling Evangelical grifters, his foray into Christian music, and much more. We had a great time talking to him, and you will enjoy the conversation! You can follow John on Instagram (@johnmorrisrossiv) and Twitter (@xjohnrossx), and check out his upcoming comedy dates at www.johnrossatstab.eventbrite.com!
But first, we absolutely HAD to talk about conservative firebrand hack, Jesse Lee Peterson. If you don't know who he is, well... we apologize in advance for bringing him to y...
2022-07-192h 13Growing Up ChristianEp. 85 - Think Blasphemy = Liberty? You Bapho-Might Be a Satanist w/ Chalice & Dex from the Satanic TempleThis week we're joined by Chalice and Dex, two ordained Ministers of Satan from the Satanic Temple! You've probably heard about the Satanic Temple's activism through things like erecting Baphomet statues in contrast to Christian statues in that area, or maybe through their "After School Satan" program meant to contrast the many Christian after school programs. We were fascinated by some of the things they are doing to fight for the separation of church and state, reproductive and sexual rights, and what it means to be a secular Satanist. Spoiler alert - cable news and youth pastors don't exactly...
2022-07-122h 10Growing Up ChristianEp. 84 - All the Best Advice Begins & Ends With Bootstraps w/ Ben SooyThis week we're joined by an musician, humanitarian, and old friend of Sam's, Ben Sooy! Ben split his time between progressive churches and his fundamentalist school, while also grappling with some tough realities at home. He ended up attending Liberty University, intent on becoming a youth pastor. However, his ideas about God would undergo many changes that ultimately led him in a different direction. We had a great time talking with Ben, and we think you're going to enjoy this conversation, too. Check out his band, A Place for Owls, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter (@aplaceforowls)!
2022-07-051h 54Growing Up ChristianEp. 83 - Pro-Life: A History of Strife & "Do I Stay Christian?" w/ Author Brian McLarenThis week we’re joined by author, speaker, and Emergent Church pastor, Brian McLaren (the interview starts at 1:27:00)! His most recent book is entitled “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned,” and in it, he attempts to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity by asking some of the toughest and most common questions about their faith. Follow Brian on Twitter (@brianmclaren), visit www.brianmclaren.net for more resources and information, and pick up a copy of “Do I Stay Christian?” wherever books are sold!
…but...
2022-06-282h 24Growing Up ChristianEp.82 - Arkan-ska & the Church Culture Dumpster Fire w/ Aaron Lunsford of As Cities BurnThis week, we're joined by musician and author, Aaron Lunsford! Aaron is a veteran of the Christian heavy music scene, and his band As Cities Burn was and is a favorite among people like us. He joins us to discuss his entry into the church as a teen, the ark of his career in music, and some of the weird and funny things he saw while touring the country and playing music. We had a lot of fun talking to Aaron, and would encourage you to follow him on Instagram and Twitter (@darrenstains), check out his Substack (aaronlunsford.substack...
2022-06-212h 09Growing Up ChristianEp. 81 - Growing Weary of Righteous Fury: Finding a Place Between the PolesI think we can all agree that the online discourse around most issues has gotten pretty contentious, and it has a tendency to push us into two groups: the righteous, and the wicked. Both sides view themselves as the former, and we tend to turn every debate into a kind of litmus test for the participants. “Christians who are Christ-focused are pro-life, pro-gun, anti-big government, and they vote accordingly.” Invert those stances, and you have the typical talking points for the other side. I don’t know about you, but the pressure to fit neatly into one of two sets o...
2022-06-141h 52Growing Up ChristianEp. 80 - A Midwestern Furlough: Life Amongst the White People w/ Missionary Kid IanThis week, we’re joined by missionary kid and lifelong Hong Kong resident, Ian! Ian’s family moved to Hong Kong when he was only two years old, and he’s spent most of his life there. Many of us that grew up in the church remember missionary families visiting periodically to raise support. Ian has lived on the other side of that equation, and he shares some hilarious stories about visiting small town America as a kid!
But first, we’re excited to welcome back creator and Casey’s wife April Gloria, who joins us to discuss an...
2022-06-072h 18Growing Up ChristianEp. 79 – 6 Weeks in Ukraine w/ Charles McBrydeThis week, we welcome back activist, influencer, and humanitarian Charles McBryde (@charlesmcbryde on IG & TikTok)! Charles spent a month and a half in Ukraine working with Mission Kharkiv, a vital NGO that is focused on providing life-saving medical treatment to those affected by the ongoing Russian invasion. Healthcare needs in places like Kharkiv go far beyond battlefield aid for soldiers. Think about this: close to 12,000,000 people have been displaced by the war. Supply chains are in disarray, medication is in short supply, and for people with chronic ailments, these disruptions represent a daily threat to their lives and wellbeing...
2022-05-311h 45Growing Up ChristianEp. 78 - Watch Me Make This Quarter Disappear w/ Kevin Klein of ValleyheartOur guest this week is musician and songwriter Kevin Klein of the alternative rock trio, Valleyheart! Kevin is a former Christian school kid whose relationship to faith has changed a lot, over the years. On June 3, Valleyheart is releasing a brand new, highly-anticipated album on Tooth & Nail records entitled “Heal My Head,” and we can’t wait to hear it! You can follow Valleyheart on Twitter and Instagram (@valleyheartma), and stream their most recent single, “Miracle,” wherever you listen to music!
2022-05-242h 11Growing Up ChristianEp. 77 - Testimovies: The Gilded Age of Christian Cinema w/ Ash & Scott of Boys' Bible StudyOur guests this week are Ash and Scott of the fantastic podcast, Boys' Bible Study! Each week, they join their cohost Julian to discuss and critique the "best contemporary Christian movies." We talk about their upbringing in very different church environments, along with some of the best, worst, and most interesting faith-based films in existence. We had a great time with them, and we now have a long list of bizarre movies that we have to track down! Follow Boys' Bible Study on Twitter and Instagram (@boysbiblestudy), visit www.boysbiblestudy.com, and listen to their podcast each week on...
2022-05-172h 10Growing Up ChristianEp. 76 - Rebels Against Discipline (R.A.D.) vs. Paddlin' Daddy Gary w/ Artist Jason BrammerThis week, we’re joined by visual artist Jason Brammer! Jason is known for his murals, site-specific installations, distinctive paintings, and mixed media hand-painted assemblages, and over the years, he’s been commissioned by the likes of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Hulu, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Jimmy Chamberlain of The Smashing Pumpkins. Jason grew up in a Christian environment, but from an early age, he had a strong aversion to the message and atmosphere in his church and Christian school. As you might expect, not everyone was thrilled about the pushback… Jason has had a fascinating career in art and mu...
2022-05-101h 59Growing Up ChristianEp. 75 - Going Astray as a Gay PK w/ Podcaster Matt MolinaroOur guest this week is podcaster Matt Molinaro! Matt grew up the son of a strict, fundamentalist preacher, and struggled to fit in both at school, and at church. After decades of feeling different and out-of-place, he came to grips with the fact that he is a gay man, much to the dismay of his father. Matt was kind enough to share his great perspective on being true to yourself in the face of resistance from loved ones, creating boundaries for those relationships that preserve your own dignity and happiness. It was a truly insightful conversation that's bound to...
2022-05-032h 29Growing Up ChristianEp. 74 - My Spiritual Gift Is Narcissism w/ Comedian Mike ValdesOur guest this week is comedian, podcaster, musician, and actor, Mike Valdes! Mike grew up in a Christian home in Miami, and got involved in the ministry at an early age. We discuss his missionary work translating Christian music into sign language, being a central part of a praise team at a dying church, and his eventual drift away church and into standup comedy. We had an absolute blast talking with Mike, and we can’t recommend his podcast or his standup enough! Follow Mike on Twitter (@iammikevaldes) and Instagram (@mikevaldes), and stream his show Childlike At Best wherever yo...
2022-04-262h 26Growing Up ChristianEp. 73 - Pure Flix Presents "Caviezel Dead: The Seventh Trumpet" w/ Filmmaker Tyler EatonOur guest this week is comedy writer, director, and filmmaker, Tyler Eaton! Tyler and his team are working on a comedy/horror film called “Mysterious Ways,” starring recent GUC guest, comedian/podcaster/actress Alyssa Sabo! Here’s a brief synapsis:
Two sibling youth pastors come toe-to-toe with demonic forces when a member of their young flock is possessed during an anti-Halloween slumber party. With the church’s reputation and the end of days on the line, they’ll have to pull out all the stops if they stand any chance of stopping her All Hallows’ Eve rampage!
Tyler...
2022-04-192h 00Growing Up ChristianEp. 72 - Building Better Bridges w/ Jay BakkerOur guest this week is author, speaker, and cofounder of Revolution Church, Jay Bakker! Jay is the son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, who were two of the most successful televangelists of all time, and founders of the Praise the Lord Network. They inspired the recent biopic “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” for which Jessica Chastain won an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her portrayal of Tammy Faye. Jay grew up in the shadow of the scandal that engulfed his family, but he has strived to forge his own path, beliefs, and accomplishments apart from...
2022-04-122h 19Growing Up ChristianEp. 71 - It's Like a Paint Roller, but With Spikes: The Upside of the InquisitionOver the years, events like the Inquisition and the Crusades have gotten a bit of a bad rap. You whiney 21st century moralists would have people believing that it was all torture and genocide, but some leaders in the modern church believe that's sort of a glass-half-empty mentality. What about all the good things that they neglect to mention? For instance, we now have a Walmart in Constantinople, and that's something you wouldn't have gotten pre-Crusades. Plus, the lines at Chick-Fil-A in medieval Spain stretched on forever, until the Inquisition sort of encouraged Muslims and Jews to move elsewhere...
2022-04-051h 57Growing Up ChristianEp. 70 - 90 Day Fiancé: My Present Day Ska w/ Sam KiefferOur guest this week is Sam Kieffer, sound engineer and production specialist for Team Coco and the Earwolf Podcast Network! Sam was drawn into the Evangelical community as a young man, but without the persistent urging of his family. It’s one of many ways that his story differs from that of so many Christian kids, and it further illustrates the fact that there is no clean, easy, pain-free way out of the church. We had a great time with Sam, and you can follow him on Instagram @mostfunsam and Twitter @samkieffer!
But first, we’re join...
2022-03-291h 58Growing Up ChristianEp. 69 - YOU'RE the One Who Sniffs Panties! w/ Comedian & Actress Alyssa SaboThis week, we’re joined by comedian, actor, and podcaster, Alyssa Sabo! We first found Alyssa through her podcast Totally Rad!, an improv comedy show which she hosts alongside comedian and actor, Ben Cassil. She also has some hilarious original characters, including Midwestern fuddy duddy and Purity Ball organizer, Kathy Sanders, and Mike Pence’s angsty teen daughter, Peggy (who TikTok has taken very seriously)! In the episode, Alyssa discusses her upbringing, her stint as an RA at a Christian college, her struggle to stay connected to the Christian community, and her career in comedy and entertainment. This was such...
2022-03-222h 17Growing Up ChristianEp. 68 - Himalayan Salt Lamps as Bath Toys w/ Blake & Eric of Back in the Cool DayThis week we’re joined by Blake and Eric, hosts of Back in the Cool Day, a fantastic podcast about 2000’s emo/pop punk/indie/hardcore music and culture! It’s a little tough to summarize how much ground was covered in this episode, but we touched on the butt rock/punk origin paradigm, the megachurch overlords, the fact that we don’t want to read your theology book, and our unwavering fondness for mentor, statesman, and accomplished painter George W. Bush. We had an absolute blast talking to Blake and Eric! You can follow Back in the Cool Day on I...
2022-03-152h 40Growing Up ChristianEp. 67 - Kingdom Hall Kids Refuse to Transfuse w/ Comedian Doug SmithOur guest this week is comedian and former Jehovah's Witness, Doug Smith! He has appeared on CONAN, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, and This Is Not Happening on Comedy Central. Doug's family became Jehovah's Witnesses after his mom was converted by those pesky door-to-door missionaries. As you might imagine, there are all sorts of fun little things that come with being a JW kid - things like being the only kid in class that sits during the Pledge of Allegiance, having to leave the room during just about any sort of celebration, an...
2022-03-082h 11Growing Up ChristianEp. 66 - Gender Identity, Faith, & the Scars of War w/ Natalie Grace DrewOur guest this week is trans woman, blogger, and Army combat veteran Natalie Drew! Natalie was kind enough to share the story of her arduous, yet triumphant journey towards self-actualization and fulfilment. She also shares the hard details of her deployment in Iraq, and some of the lingering effects of violence. At a time when war seems to be hanging over our collective heads, Natalie’s story is a powerful reminder of the individual cost of conflict, and that peace is priceless. Be sure to follow Natalie on Twitter @natgrace79, and follow her journey at www.nataliegracedrew.wixsite.com/fi...
2022-03-012h 12Growing Up ChristianEp. 65 - Censored Breasts, Secret NuMetal, & the Meth-to-Jesus Pipeline w/ Comedian Walker GlennThis week, we’re joined by comedian Walker Glenn! We discuss his upbringing in a small, conservative Christian community in rural California, parental lyric screening anxiety, and the distinctive “out-of-place” feeling that accompanies a person’s slow movement away from the beliefs of those around them. We had a great time talking with Walker, and we can’t recommend his standup enough! Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @WalkerJFGlenn, and check out www.walkerglenn.com for live dates and clips!
Before we begin our discussion with Walker, however, we simply had to talk about our old pal Joh...
2022-02-222h 26Growing Up ChristianEp. 64 - How Do I Quit This Unpaid Ministry Job? w/ Musicians Ash & EricOur guests this week are musicians Ash and Eric! Although the two of them grew up in very different church environments, they both found their place in the worship team at a kind of white collar church plant. As the church began to fray at the edges, they grew closer together, earning them the scorn of their fellow parishioners. The church was disintegrating around them, but getting out was not going to be easy… You’re going to love this story! Follow them on Instagram @ashandericmusic , check out www.ashanderic.com for updates, merch, and upcoming shows, and stream thei...
2022-02-152h 49Growing Up ChristianEp. 63 - Ballad of a Bare-Chested Stumbling Block w/ Comedian Nick ThuneOur guest this week is comedian, actor, writer, and producer, Nick Thune! As a young man, Nick was very involved in a large Seattle church. He held a leadership position within the youth program, but an appearance on a reality tv show lead to his ouster from the youth group, and prompted his move to Hollywood.
Nick’s story is one of a kind, and we were absolutely thrilled to talk to him! Find his most recent comedy special “Good Guy” on YouTube or Amazon Prime, follow him on Twitter @nickthune, and check out upcoming dates f...
2022-02-082h 04Growing Up ChristianEp. 62 - From Hot-Wifin' to Simple Lifin': The Falwell Saga Snyder CutThis week, Sam and Casey discuss the recent Vanity Fair interview with former Liberty University president and Baptist edgelord idiot failure, Jerry Falwell Jr. At last, Jerry and his wife Becky are telling “their side” of the seedy story, and needless to say, it differs slightly from the established narrative… Poor ol’ Jerry is ready to torch the whole family in order to provide some context for his behavior, and Becky is with him all the way! Read the full article here: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/01/inside-jerry-falwell-jr-unlikely-rise-and-precipitous-fall/amp
Later, friend of the show and discord r...
2022-02-012h 07Growing Up ChristianEp. 61 - No Offense, But I'm Not Allowed in Girl's Houses w/ Musician & Tiktoker Seth DavidThis week we're joined by musician and TikToker, Seth David. Seth is a former home schooler and Liberty University student turned composer, producer, pianist and absurdist. Follow Seth on TikTok @ivorytowercontent, and enjoy the episode!
Check out our first merch! You can pre-order the "Born Again Virgin" t-shirt at www.growing-up-christian.storenvy.com
If you're a coffee lover, you owe it to yourself to check out our beloved sponsor, Captain Cecil's Coffee! They have an all new selection of single source artisan roasts for 2022, and they are offering our listeners 20% off whe...
2022-01-252h 14Growing Up ChristianEp. 60 - A Weekend of Beatings From the Real-Life Bev Keane w/ Author & Podcaster Erin HosierThis week we’re joined by author and podcaster, Erin Hosier! Erin’s memoir, “Don’t Let Me Down,” delves into her experiences navigating complex family relationships, and her eventual escape from the small town where she grew up. She also hosts a podcast called “Tell Me About Your Father,” which is an ongoing discussion about dads and father figures. One of her recent guests is our buddy Christian Nightmares, and it’s definitely worth checking out! For more information about Erin’s work, visit www.erinhosier.com.
Check out our first merch! You can pre-order the "Born...
2022-01-182h 19Growing Up ChristianEp. 59 - The Private Prayer Language of Introspective Con Artists w/ Bonnie and Karen of Deconversion TherapyThis week we’re joined by our friends Bonnie & Karen, hosts of the hilarious podcast, Deconversion Therapy! We tackled some fun topics, and explored some theories about Joel Osteen’s toilet fund. If you’re not following them on social media, you’re missing out! Find them on Instagram and TikTok @deconversiontherapy, and enjoy their fantastic show wherever you listen to podcasts!
Check out our first merch! You can pre-order the "Born Again Virgin" t-shirt at www.growing-up-christian.storenvy.com
If you're a coffee lover, you owe it to yourself to check out...
2022-01-112h 07Growing Up ChristianBIG Announcement: Let Us Add Some Tension to Your Next Family Get Together...Our first merch item is available for preorder, and it's a doozy... Get yours at https://growing-up-christian.storenvy.com/
Who among us hasn’t spent a Wednesday evening listening to a dopey youth pastor in carpenter jeans and witty t-shirt (‘Let’s taco bout Jesus’ or ‘iPray’) preach a sermon on “the dangers of giving your heart away?” The subsequent object lesson usually involved chewed gum, a beat up car, or our favorite - a paper heart. The 30-something adolescent development expert would then instruct you to tear off a piece for every girlfriend/boyfriend you had, every crush...
2022-01-0606 minGrowing Up ChristianEp. 58 - Holy Rollers, Gloryholers, & Backslidden Baddies w/ George Azar of @mygaychurchdaysThis week we're joined by author, CPA, and podcaster, George Azar! George was heavily involved in the church as a young man, all while struggling to understand and overcome his sexuality. He went so far as to get involved with Exodus International (the organization covered in "Pray Away"), undergo conversion therapy, become a pastor, and even cooperate with church leadership as they attempted to arrange a straight relationship for him. We barely scratched the surface of George's story, but you're in luck! His autobiography "My Gay Church Days" will be available February 14, and you're going to love it! For...
2022-01-042h 15Growing Up ChristianEp. 57 - 2022: The Year to Give Your Inner Gatekeeper Food PoisoningHappy holidays, everyone! We're taking a break from interviews, this week, and discussing important subjects like sustainable octopus(octopi?) farming, racist food humor, and the music we wanted people to think that we liked. Enjoy this laid-back episode, and join us next week for a very exciting guest: former pastor and author of My Gay Church Days, George Azar!
Don't forget to check out our sponsor, Captain Cecil's Coffee, for excellent single-source blends that are sure to brighten your holiday season! For our listeners, Captain Cecil's is offering 20% off when you enter the promo code "g...
2021-12-281h 23Growing Up ChristianEp. 56 - Interracial Dating Rules, Zig Ziglar Ministries, and the Shoney's Shellfish Plague w/ Amber ViolaOur guest this week is a fascinating person who’s been a supporter of the show since the very beginning, Amber Viola! Amber is the Human Resources Director and mayoral cabinet member for the city of Scranton, and she’s also the first black director in the city’s history. She’s also a Navy veteran, social worker, and the first black commander of the Gouldsboro American Legion. But that’s not all… Amber also has an evangelical resume a mile long – A.C.E., AWANA, True Love Waits, Masters Commission, and the list goes on! Over the years, Amber found he...
2021-12-212h 10Growing Up ChristianAnniversary Special: 1 Year of Growing Up Christian!What a year it's been! Since posting our first episode on December 17, 2020, we've met so many cool people, had a ton of great conversations, and published a total of 59 episodes. This is a long-winded thank you to everyone who has downloaded the show, and all of the great guests who took time out of their schedule to talk to us! We truly didn't expect for the show to take off the way it has, and we're really excited to show you some of the things we've got planned for next year. Sam and I want to wish all of...
2021-12-171h 08Growing Up ChristianEp. 55 - The Podcast That Ruined My Career w/ Musician & Producer Aaron SprinkleOur guest this week is musician, producer, and podcaster, Aaron Sprinkle! If you grew up listening to Christian rock, metal, or hip hop, chances are good that Aaron worked on some of your favorite albums. He was an important member of the Tooth & Nail Records team, and has production, engineering, and many other credits on albums from artists like Relient K, Anberlin, Emery, Demon Hunter, New Found Glory, Zao, and Project 86, just to name a few. He was also a member of Poor Old Lu and Fair, in addition to a huge catalog of solo releases. Aaron’s a gu...
2021-12-142h 27Growing Up ChristianEp. 54 - Babies, Bathwater, and Being the Change You Want to See w/ Musician Jeremy SpringOur guest this week is musician Jeremy Spring, who you might know from bands like Abandon Kansas, Crusoe, and his newest project, Glass Age! Jeremy is a pastor's kid that fell in love with music through church. He went on to become an accomplished musician, and toured the country extensively with many of the Christian rock bands you probably listened to as a kid. We got to talk with Jeremy about his upbringing, time in the music industry, how his faith has changed, over the years, and the ways in which he finds fulfilment within an institution that he...
2021-12-071h 56Growing Up ChristianEp. 53 - Lucky Boy Boo-Boo Man Goes Bunny Spottin' w/ Artist and Influencer Jesse CaleThis week we’re joined by a guy who wears a lot of hats, both literally and figuratively… Jesse Cale is a pastor’s kid, singer, musician, artist, composer, YouTuber, AND OnlyFans model! Jesse grew up in church and Christian school, and was very involved in things like the worship program. His love of music drove him towards a career in the industry, but he found that Christianity resonated less and less with him. His spiritual journey is very unique, and we had a great time talking to him! Check out Jesse’s Linktree (linktr.ee/Jessecale) for links to his s...
2021-11-302h 17Growing Up ChristianEp. 52 - The Best/Worst Nightmares of 2021 w/ @christian_nightmaresThe consummate king of Christian cringe is back, and he's curated a list of his favorite nightmare clips of 2021! Almost all of our guests have mentioned that their favorite Instagram/Twitter account is Christian Nightmares, and for good reason. He continually shines a light on the funniest, scariest, and most shocking actions, proclamations, and admissions from a colorful cast of religious leaders. Whether they're pastoring a megachurch, holding public office, or simply berating bikini-clad teens at the beach, Christian Nightmares documents the insanity that is the American church. On top of that, he has a fun music project called "...
2021-11-232h 10Growing Up ChristianEp. 51 - Boomer Manifesto in the Bumblyburg GazetteHave you ever looked at the "Rants and Raves" section on Craigslist? It's about what you'd expect: a handful of eccentric lunatics screaming into the void about potholes, potheads, and the luciferian globalist cabal that wants to teach your toddler how to put condoms on bananas. Well, Sam's local paper hosts a similar discussion in print, and this week, we're taking a look at two of it's most accomplished civilian authors. Take your thinking caps off, and stow them under the seat in front of you, friends. We're not going to need them on this trip...
2021-11-161h 25Growing Up ChristianEp. 50 - I'm Just Going to Say It: Heaven Sounds Boring w/ Tori Williams DouglassThis week, we're joined by anti-racist educator, writer, podcaster, and Twitter warrior, Tori Williams Douglass! She hosts two amazing podcasts called "White Homework" and "Go Home Bible, You're Drunk." Growing up in a conservative Christian household in Portland, Oregon, Tori was met face to face with the with the blaring contradictions between the church's spoken message of compassion and empathy, and the actions and attitudes it practiced towards underprivileged communities in their backyard. We had a great time talking about her upbringing, and her work as an educator and community organizer! Visit www.toriglass.com to learn more about...
2021-11-092h 05Growing Up ChristianEp. 49 - Jimmy Barclay's Misadventures in Odyssey w/ Actor & Activist David GriffinWhat Christian kid from the 90’s/00’s hasn’t listened to, or at the very least, known about Adventures in Odyssey? For all you badies who missed it, Adventures in Odyssey is an Evangelical radio drama/comedy created and produced by Focus on the Family. To date, over 900 episodes of Odyssey have aired across the globe, and spin-off products include books, cartoons, computer games, music albums, and of course, TONS of merchandise. At one point, Chic-Fil-A even included Adventures in Odyssey cassette tapes in their kids meals. To say it’s a popular program is… an understatement, to say the least...
2021-11-022h 26Growing Up ChristianFriday Fellowship Ep. 4 - The Septic Avenger w/ Davis ShinnOn this edition of Friday Fellowship, we're joined by one of Casey's favorite people in the world, Davis Shinn! I'll go ahead and say it - this episode probably isn't for everyone... If you came here looking for an intellectual discussion, maybe try again next week. If you were hoping for bourbon-fueled nonsensical banter, then you're in luck! You'll hear about how Davis and Casey became friends through Craigslist, weed stories, and the legendary Dave Matthews Band tour bus catastrophe. We had a ton of fun with this episode, and we hope you do, too!
2021-07-301h 32Growing Up ChristianFriday Fellowship Ep. 3 - From Worship Bands to OnlyFans w/ April GloriaOn this episode of Friday Fellowship, we're hanging out with professional cosplayer, OnlyFans extraordinaire, and Casey's wife of 11 years, April Gloria! We cover some fun topics like purity culture object lessons (you know, like how a girl who's kissed a boy is like chewed gum), "crossing the line" in Christian relationships, the all-consuming inferno of teenage jealousy, coming to terms with and embracing your sexuality, and the never-ending cringe factory that is an E-girl's inbox. We had a blast hanging out with April, and definitely suggest checking out her work on Instagram (@_aprilgloria), Facebook (www.facebook.com/aprilgloriacosplay), Twitch...
2021-06-251h 53Growing Up ChristianFriday Fellowship Ep. 1 - Name It & Claim It w/ Jesse O'NeilWelcome to the inaugural episode of a brand new series called Friday Fellowship! These shows will be a little less focused, and a little more light-hearted, and a chance for you to meet some of our old friends like this week's guest, Jess O'Neil! Jesse is an old friend of Sam's, a former roommate/bandmate of Casey's, and guitarist for melodic hardcore band Servants. We spent an evening talking about prosperity gospel, Acquire the Fire, and feeling like an imposter in church.
Enjoy this extra episode, and may the good Lord grant you health, wealth, a...
2021-04-231h 23Growing Up ChristianEp. 2 - Casey Goes to CollegeIdentity is an important part of growing up, regardless of your background. Sooner or later, everyone has to make some choices about who and what they want to be. On this episode, Casey recounts the story of how a miserable first year of college finally pushed him out of his comfort zone, and facilitated his transition from awkward, self-loathing youth group tween to self-righteous, straight edge, scene douche!
2020-12-221h 00Growing Up ChristianEp. 1 - Hello There! I'm Sheltered.Welcome to Growing Up Christian - a podcast for wayward Awana kids, homeschoolers, and youth center loiterers who spent the 90's/2000's listening to Christian rock and practicing their sword drills! Whether you forsook your purity ring long ago, or you're still guarding your heart for your future spouse, this podcast is for you. So dust off your WWJD bracelet and throw on your "Real Fear" t-shirt while Sam and Casey give a little context to the show by explaining their childhood (let's be honest: all of our childhoods). Subscribe to Growing Up Christian on Podbean, or copy and...
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