Shows
Couch Communion30. Christian Homeschooling Part 1: Pangea Is Globalist Propaganda!Topic: Christian HomeschoolingThis week we have a shorter (than usual) episode for you - we just had a whole lot to say! In this episode, we discuss different Christian-based homeschool curriculum, the origins of homeschooling, and why we probably should have payed more attention to learning memory verses... This part one covers the BJU Press and Abeka Academy curriculum, while part two will cover the A.C.E. program. We hope you enjoy! 2022-04-0155 minCouch Communion29: Breakfast and Church In The MetaverseTopic: Online/Virtual Church ServicesIn today's episode, Sara and Jordyn discuss the growth in the amount of virtual church services that are available to people now, especially since the pandemic began. How do these services differ from in-person church, and is one better than the other? They also discuss the importance of biscuits, sponsorships, and John Cooper's "war on deconstruction".2022-03-181h 19Couch Communion28: Why, What...Salvation?! (Some Thoughts On The Afterlife)Topic: Salvation philosophies, the nature of sin, what happens when you die, and…you know…the point of it all? Jordyn and Sara take a dive into some theological standpoints on salvation and the afterlife and stumble their way through the ideas of universalism, annihilationism, and other theories that deconstructing TikTok creators have thrown their way. You know, just a casual, lighthearted episode… 2022-03-041h 28Couch Communion27: Dinosaur Blankets and Purity Balls: Reading Christian AITAsWe're back, and it's officially season 2! We wanted to ease back into the couch cushions by hanging out and browsing Reddit. We read through some Christian-related dilemmas, including sisters who don't believe in dinosaurs, petty email feuds, and offensive D&D characters. And ultimately, we will judge who is really the a*hole. Also included in this episode is the story of Ellie's Christmas Eve ER visit and Jordyn's family tradition of bird related violence.Hope you enjoy!2022-02-181h 19
Reclaiming the Garden2021 Year-In-Review with Couch CommunionWe’re ending this year with a lovely conversation with our pals from the Couch Communion Podcast, Sara Kaufmann and Jordyn Manczyk! We also have an episode we did with them over on their podcast where we played Bible and Christmas Jeopardy, so go check that out!
In this episode, we reflect on what happened in the Christian faith/religion and the exvangelical/deconstruction spheres this year. We actually start off by discussing how those two words–exvangelical and deconstruction–are becoming more mainstream, how the stories of exvangelicals are gaining attention from media outlets and more preval...2021-12-281h 48Couch Communion26. Bible Jeopardy With Podcast Pals! (feat. Reclaiming The Garden)Since it's our last episode before we take a break for the holidays, we wanted to do something chill and fun. And who better to do chill fun things with than friends? So we invited our podcast pals Anna and April from the podcast Reclaiming The Garden to come chill on the couch and show off their Bible knowledge with us! You can listen to their pod, check out their merch, ad follow them on all their social media with the links below:https://anchor.fm/reclaimingthegarden linktr.ee/reclaimingthegardenBDE MERCH! - h...2021-12-241h 23Couch Communion25: Call Outs and Cancelling Pt. 2: War on ChristmasIn a continuation of last week’s episode, Jordyn and Sara talk about the history of Christian cancelling, the "War on Christmas" and why One Million Moms thinks Twix is attempting to destroy all of western society by destroying gender norms. And so is Avocado Mattresses. And Credit Karma. And Sonic. The list goes on and on.2021-12-101h 20Couch Communion24. Call Outs and Cancelling Pt. 1: The GroundworkTopic: Cancel CultureIn this episode, Jordyn and Sara begin a 2-part discussion on cancel culture and its place in Christian circles. This episode lays the groundwork of what cancel culture is, how we have seen it appear in popular culture and in society, and what the Christian response to cancelling should be. 2021-12-031h 29Couch Communion23. Merry Chrysler! Welcome Sinterklaas!Topic: Christmas Traditions and Their OriginsGrab your cozy slippers, eat a gingerbread cookie, and brace yourselves for a long one! In this episode, Sara and Jordyn discuss the holidays to come, mainly Christmas, the traditions they hold dear, and where our western traditions surrounding Christmas originate. They also spend a long time discussing Kenny G, Reba, and Alan Jackson's late 90's Christmas albums and that one time Jordyn's dad strangled an ostrich. No big deal. 2021-11-191h 21Couch Communion22. Gaslight, Girlboss, Gospel Pt. 2Topic: Multi-Level MarketingHey y'all, it's time for a part 2! This week, Sara dives further into the world of MLMs, specifically Amway and Young Living. These two companies have a strong Christian following, and we want to understand why. It's bananas. It's infuriating. It's a good time. Listen and enjoy! And don't join an MLM.2021-11-121h 21Couch Communion21. Gaslight, Girlboss, GospelTopic: Multi-Level MarketingHey Girlie!! I was taking a look at your podcast feed, and it looks like we might have a lot of the same interests! I wanted to share more about this wonderful, amazing, podcast opportunity! Today on the show, Sara and Jordyn dive into the world of Multi-Level Marketing, aka MLMs, aka legal pyramid schemes. What are they? Why do people buy into them? And how does faith play a role? Listen to find out!2021-11-051h 11Couch Communion20: Tract Or Treat!Topic: HalloweenHAPPY HALLOWEEN! We're celebrating the end of spooky season by talking all about Halloween, and why (or why not) Christians still celebrate it. In this episode we discuss the history of Halloween, the best and worst kinds of candy, and how Sara and Jordyn both accidentally over-sexualized their costumes at the 7th grade Halloween party. Yes, you read that right.Hope you all have a safe and happy spooky weekend, however you celebrate!2021-10-291h 08Couch Communion19. Never Going Back to Bobby Mackey'sTopic: Exorcisms - It's a spooky one![TW: discussions of spiritual warfare, and some depictions of ritualistic sacrifice and the effects of demonic possession]In this, our first-ever "spooky-sode," we prepare for the last weeks of the Halloween season with the height of spiritual spookiness: exorcisms and demonic possession. Specifically, we discuss some of the major teachings about exorcisms from different faith traditions (leaning heavily on Roman Catholic tradition) and our takes on whether or not Christians should be weary of being "inflicted by a diabolical." 2021-10-221h 18Couch Communion18. Cult Communion: Youth With A Mission (YWAM)It's the first episode of CULT Communion! We'll talk about definite cults, possible cults, and what makes things culty or not. For today's episode, we'll be talking about Youth With A Mission AKA YWAM. It's hard to say whether or not this organization can be called a cult or not, but we dive into the history, influence and practices in the group to see what we can determine. Join us!2021-10-151h 06Couch Communion17. Brawl Like Bibleman, Love Like LarryTopic: Christian Kids ShowsIn this episode, Jordyn and Sara discuss the wonders of a few beloved (and maybe notorious?) Christian shows for kids. Let's be honest, it's mostly about Veggie Tales, but Bibleman, 321 Penguins, and Adventures in Odyssey also make an appearance--as well as a mid-episode vegetable salvation crisis that Jordyn and Sara will never get over...2021-10-091h 21Couch Communion16. Calling Out "Christianese"Guys, we're just feeling led by the spirit to share our testimony with all of you, especially in this season where the abiding presence of God is moving us to fellowship and to grow in our mission opportunities and.....um... kinda lost where we were going with that.Anyway, we're talking about "Christianese", the lingo that many Christians use every day. Is it always a bad thing? Of course not! But we need to remember to be genuine when we talk about our faith. Also, there are definitely a few words and phrases that we could probably...2021-09-241h 10Couch Communion15. Breaking the Echo ChamberTopic: Diverse FriendshipsIn this episode, we discuss the importance (and the benefits) of having genuine, unconditionally loving friendships and relationships with people who look, think, and believe differently than you. We dive into some of the interpersonal and cognitive benefits to being friends--even when common ground might be hard to find. 2021-09-171h 05Couch Communion14: It's Mental Illness, Innit?TW: Discussions of mental health, suicide/suicidal ideationSo, we can all admit the church isn't always a great place to talk about mental health, right? But hopefully one day it will get better! In this episode, Sara and Jordyn discuss myths surrounding mental health, the difference between mental illness and possession, and why you can't just cure depression with a bible verse and a positive attitude, Deborah!! 2021-09-101h 18Couch Communion13. A Meal of Chance: Jordyn and Sara Talk About FoodTopic: Potlucks, food, and the spirituality of a meal togetherIn this episode, Jordyn and Sara talk about the many ways food connects with their spiritual lives. They discuss the importance of making and sharing meals with those you love--and they share some KFC in the process. Warning: this episode may make you hungry!2021-09-031h 04
Couch Communion12. Couch Corrections, Confessions, and Clarifications (The Minisode!)Hiya, babes! It's our first minisode! We read some of the stories you sent to us, clarify some points, tie up loose ends, and try out our Love Island accents. Hope you enjoy!2021-08-2928 minCouch Communion11. Let's Go Ladies, Let's Go!Topic: Biblical Womanhood and Gender RolesIn this episode, we discuss a little bit about the women who have inspired us, women's roles in church, and some of the biblical ladies who didn't wait around for men to tell them what to do. If Yael wanted to drive a tent stake through a man's head to save Israel, then she was gonna do it, okay?2021-08-201h 08Couch Communion10. Hippity Hop - Do The Church HopTopic: Church HoppingIn this episode, we discuss some of the difficulties (and sometimes serendipity) surrounding hopping from one church to the next. We also discuss why it is so difficult and important to find community as young adults today. 2021-08-131h 14Couch Communion9. About DoubtTopic: Questions and DoubtHave you ever wondered why there is suffering in the world if God is loving? Have you ever read your bible and wondered how it could possibly all be true? Have questions about your faith ever made you feel scared and alone? US TOO! So let's talk about it! Having questions and doubts isn't just normal - it's straight up biblical. God can handle our doubts and questions, so lets just get them all out on the table. 2021-08-061h 12Couch Communion8. Modest Ain't Hottest: The Purity Problem (Part 2)Topic: Purity Culture[TW: sexual assault and sexual abuse---At the end of this episode we have provided some information and resources if you or someone you love has been impacted by these difficult topics. For those resources, skip to 1:06:50.]Our second of two episodes concerning purity culture, sexual ethics, and the perception and placement of women in the church. We discuss how different sexualities are perceived in purity culture, racism and fetishization of POC, and what we can take away from the purity movement.2021-07-231h 09Couch Communion7. Modest Ain't Hottest: The Purity Problem (Part 1)Topic: Purity Culture[TW: sexual assault and sexual abuse---At the end of this episode we have provided some information and resources if you or someone you love has been impacted by these difficult topics. For those resources, skip to 1:06:37.]Our first of two episodes concerning purity culture, sexual ethics, and the perception and placement of women in the church. We discuss the recent history of the purity culture movement and start to dig into the reasons why the toxic focus on how women are perceived is harmful to not only women, but everyone. 2021-07-161h 09Couch Communion6. Juked for JesusTopic: Stuff Christians Like! (by Jon Acuff)In this episode, Jordyn and Sara record until almost 1 am, get really slap-happy, and talk about some of the weird things that Christians like to do, including "improving" worship songs with bad sign language, rubbing people's necks, and making cringey covers of pop songs. It's a good time all around! Take a listen!2021-07-091h 06Couch Communion5. Don't Panic! It's Not Satanic!TW: Discussion of child sexual abuse cases. Although the cases discussed in this episode have been debunked or overturned, we recognize the sensitivity of this topic overall. Topic: The Satanic PanicIn this episode we discuss the history and continued impacts of the American cultural and religious phenomenon dubbed the "Satanic Panic," that led faith communities everywhere to deem various topics and activities (like rock music, Dungeons and Dragons, and Harry Potter) as satanic or dangerous for children to interact with due to perceived connections to occult practices. 2021-07-021h 06Couch Communion4. Prophets and ProfitsTopic: The Prosperity Gospel [TW: discussions of terminal illness, death, and spiritual abuse]We've got an extra long, extra spicy episode for you today! You know what we really hate? Bad theology, spiritual manipulation, and rich people who profit off of those who are less fortunate. And unfortunately, this episode involves all those things. We're discussing the prosperity gospel and all the toxicity of the Word of Faith movement. Come rage with us!2021-06-251h 22Couch Communion3. Cry Night at the Church CampTopic: Church Youth Groups, Church Camp, & the "Cry Night"In this episode we talk about youth group culture in our early years, the manipulation of young people in the church, and how "Cry Night" is really not the best way to prepare young Christians to have a strong, ever-evolving faith. 2021-06-181h 04
Couch Communion2. Bizarro RoadTopic: Conspiracy theories in Christian communitiesTW: Discussions of gun violence In this episode, we discuss some prevalent conspiracy theories that circulate in Christian communities, how they started, and why we think people cling to bizarre (and often damaging) stories despite widespread evidence to the contrary. 2021-06-121h 03
Couch Communion1. Weird is Different From WrongTopic: Weird things Christians believeIn this episode, we talk about some of the weirder main beliefs of the Christian faith, including the bodily resurrection and the Virgin birth. We discuss how sometimes believing (or not believing) some things can cause tension in the Christian community, but ultimately, what we learn about God through weird beliefs is what matters. 2021-06-1258 min
Couch Communion0. Who Are We? What Is This Podcast?Want to know what this podcast is and who these wonderful ladies are? This is the place to start. In this trailer, we talk a little bit about ourselves, our backgrounds, and what our hopes are for Couch Communion the podcast. 2021-06-1226 min