Best Jessica Wode Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 58: Who We Are Today 41:34

2y ago41:34

41:34

In this final episode, Jessica and Tyler discuss which parts of the third season they found most impactful, review the personal qualities each guest attributed to Christianity and feminism, and share what they're each taking away from three years of doing this podcast. For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us…

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Episode 57: A Conversation with Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus 50:31

2y ago50:31

50:31

We talk with preacher, author, and spiritual director Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus about ways to heal religious trauma, how to have an inclusive community that also has boundaries, and putting the lie to those who say they can’t find enough women to preach at their conferences. Connect with Kyndall online: Websites: Kindle Your Soul Fire and Neverthele…

1
Episode 56: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Jann Aldredge-Clanton 45:05

2y ago45:05

45:05

We talk with accomplished author, hymn writer, and minister Rev. Dr. Jann Aldredge-Clanton about her parents pushing the envelope on inclusion in 1960s Louisiana, the book that transformed her view on the equality of women, and why she turned to hymns as the way to bring more divine feminine language into church services. Connect with Jann online: …

1
Episode 55: A Conversation with Ruthie Olson 35:57

2+ y ago35:57

35:57

We talk with MDiv/MSW student Ruthie Olson about how theology and social work can work together, the difficult choice to walk away from a community that was important to her, and learning to how to dream of a future after a childhood with cancer. For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us on Instagram @holyfemi…

1
Episode 54: A Conversation with Rev. Jen Butler 49:19

2+ y ago49:19

49:19

We talk with Rev. Jen Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life and author of Who Stole My Bible?, about leading an interfaith network of religious leaders, watching community organizing in action in Belize, and how a group of Muslim women inspired her to finalize her ordination. Please note: This episode discusses an incident of stalking, 19:41-20:40. C…

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Episode 53: A Conversation with the Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford 38:06

2+ y ago38:06

38:06

We talk with the Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, civil rights attorney and Episcopal priest, about equipping progressive Christians to speak out in the political arena, how theology evolves both academically and personally, and growing up and coming out in the era of second-wave feminism. Connect with Marcia online: Website: Political Theology Matters Fac…

1
Episode 52: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber 45:59

2+ y ago45:59

45:59

We talk with author and non-profit director Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber about her new memoir, Queering the American Dream, engaging thoughtfully with stories and cultures that aren’t our own, and the unvarnished reality of life off the grid. Connect with Angela online: Website: Tehom Center Facebook: Tehom Center Twitter: @tehomcenter Instagram: @tehomc…

1
Episode 51: A Conversation with Alberta Giorgi 42:46

2+ y ago42:46

42:46

We talk with University of Bergamo assistant professor Alberta Giorgi about her research into religious feminism and podcasts, the many-layered reasons she left the Catholic Church, and the challenges of doing research in an area as personal and complex as religion. Connect with Alberta online: Twitter: @gi_albe Google Scholar: Alberta Giorgi For a…

1
Episode 50: A Conversation with Shanye Crawford 37:53

2+ y ago37:53

37:53

We talk with ultimate Frisbee player, coach, and equity consultant Shanye Crawford about navigating competition and pride as a Christian athlete, what she lost and gained during the pandemic, and why she identifies as a noiriste and not a feminist. Connect with Shanye online: Instagram: @shhh_knee (Personal) and @disc_diversity (Disc/Diversity) Twi…

1
Episode 49: A Conversation with Rev. Fanya Burford-Berry 30:31

2+ y ago30:31

30:31

We talk with Rev. Fanya Burford-Berry about the importance of life in community, combating teachers’ low expectations, and her practical suggestion for addressing the wage gap. For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us on Instagram @holyfeminists or Twitter @holyfeminists. Share your feedback via email at bles…

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Episode 48: Faith and Feminism After Divorce 27:38

2+ y ago27:38

27:38

Jessica shares a life update, and we talk about being a divorced person in the Catholic Church, cultural stereotypes of divorced women, and how purity culture affects dating after divorce. For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us on Instagram @holyfeminists or Twitter @holyfeminists. Share your feedback via e…

1
Episode 47: A Conversation with Kimberly Peeler-Ringer 42:16

2+ y ago42:16

42:16

We talk with Kimberly Peeler-Ringer (The Churched Feminist) about being reluctantly called to seminary, female representations of God in the Bible, and what a trauma-informed approach to Scripture looks like. Connect with Kimberly online: Facebook: The Churched Feminist Instagram: @thechurchedfeminist Twitter: @churchedfem Website: thechurchedfemin…

1
Episode 46: A Conversation with Dr. Grace Kao 45:35

2+ y ago45:35

45:35

We talk with Christian ethicist Dr. Grace Kao about her unexpected journey to being a surrogate mother, how gender roles have evolved from her parents' generation to her children's, and why her thought process around vaccinating her 11-year-old shocked some people. Connect with Grace online: Facebook: Grace Kao Twitter: @profgracekao Website: drgra…

1
Episode 45: A Conversation with Rachel Klein 37:41

3y ago37:41

37:41

We talk with software engineer and Bible nerd Rachel Klein about the implicit messages that steered her away from programming (and what brought her back), the meandering path that led to her intentional decision to become a Christian, and why she left her beloved Catholic church. Visit Rachel's website: Read with Love For a full transcript of this …

1
Episode 44: A Conversation with Kelly Walsh Holler and Aaron Walsh 42:19

3y ago42:19

42:19

We talk with siblings Kelly Walsh Holler and Aaron Walsh about how their childhood bickering evolved into a deep friendship, the ways they each reconciled Aaron's coming out with their Catholic faith, and their family's reaction to Kelly's engagement at age 21. Visit Aaron's website: Letters to a Young Gay Christian For a full transcript of this ep…

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Episode 43: A Conversation with Rev. Christine Haider-Winnett 37:36

3y ago37:36

37:36

We talk with Roman Catholic Womanpriest Christine Haider-Winnett about being both within and outside of her home tradition, doing Zoom church with little kids, and the surprising way her childhood priest reacted when she felt called to ordination at 13. Connect with Via Sophia Ministry online: Facebook: Via Sophia Ministry Instagram: @viasophiamini…

1
Episode 42: A Conversation with Kat Armas 43:09

3y ago43:09

43:09

We talk with author and podcaster Kat Armas about theology learned from our grandmothers' faith, recognizing holy moments in retrospect, and not expecting stories of trauma from those with traditionally marginalized identities. Connect with Kat online: Twitter: @kat_armas Instagram: @kat_armas Website: katarmas.com For a full transcript of this epi…

1
Episode 41: We're Back! 28:18

3y ago28:18

28:18

In the first episode of the newest season, Jessica and Tyler talk about what's changed since they launched the podcast two years ago, how they're thinking about returning to church (or not), and what qualities of who they are today come from their Christianity and their feminism. Who should we interview this season? Suggest a guest here! For a full…

1
Episode 40: Reflections on Season 2 37:29

3y ago37:29

37:29

In the final episode of the season, Jessica and Tyler discuss the themes they found most impactful from this season's interviews, from the church's thorny history with mental and physical health to the values children bring into adulthood, and recap the many different gifts of Christianity and feminism. Want a Season 3? Here are some ways to show y…

1
Episode 39: A Conversation with Nicole Lynn Lewis 41:27

3y ago41:27

41:27

We talk with author and nonprofit founder Nicole Lynn Lewis about getting through college as a teen mother, how others perceive a Black female leader, and why today's teen parents are giving her hope. Connect with Nicole and Generation Hope online: Instagram: @supportgenhope (Generation Hope) and @nicolelynnlewis (Personal) Twitter: @supportgenhope…

1
Episode 38: A Conversation with Heather Caliri 38:49

3y ago38:49

38:49

We talk with "awkward" writer Heather Caliri about bringing your whole self (anxiety and all) to church, why she didn't push back against gender roles in college, and how motherhood led her to embrace the label "feminist." Connect with Heather online: Instagram: @heathercaliri Website: heathercaliri.com 30 Days to Loving Dignity For a full transcri…

1
Episode 37: A Conversation with the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney 44:46

3+ y ago44:46

44:46

We talk with the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney about her journey to becoming a renowned scholar of the Hebrew Bible, how white men from two centuries ago are still affecting who is published in Biblical Studies today, and why she chose to be known as "Father Wil" in the Episcopal Church. Please note: There is a brief discussion of stories of sexual assault i…

1
Episode 36: A Conversation with Dr. Kendra Weddle 43:48

3+ y ago43:48

43:48

We talk with author and professor Dr. Kendra Weddle about working toward gender equity as a preteen on a farm, the power of meditation and mindfulness, and how outspoken you can be when teaching about feminism on a conservative Christian campus. Email: kweddle@txwes.edu For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find u…

1
Episode 35: A Conversation with Meghan Tschanz 45:14

3+ y ago45:14

45:14

We talk with author and podcaster Meghan Tschanz about how she connected the sexual violence she experienced with the effects of patriarchy worldwide (and finally realized it wasn't her fault), the difficulty of unlearning white saviorism as both a Christian and a feminist, and who inspires her to keep using her voice every day. Please note: This e…

1
Episode 34: A Conversation with Pastor Brenda Mitchell 44:01

3+ y ago44:01

44:01

We talk with Pastor Brenda Mitchell about how her son’s murder affected her faith, the power of women working together, and why more churches need ministers who can say, "I'm broken." Email: byeandbye@comcast.net For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us on Instagram @holyfeminists or Twitter @holyfeminists. S…

1
Episode 33: A Conversation with Elizabeth Corinth 45:28

3+ y ago45:28

45:28

We talk with Elizabeth Corinth about guiding kids' faith journeys (or not), why she put her wedding ring on herself, and at whom her younger self misdirected her rage at the patriarchy. YouTube: Sister Salad For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us on Instagram @holyfeminists or Twitter @holyfeminists. Share …

1
Episode 32: Bonus Recommendations from Past Guests 21:48

3+ y ago21:48

21:48

Before taking a hiatus until March, we list the books, podcasts, documentaries, and other resources that have been mentioned on our past 31 episodes, and we share voicemails from many past guests with additional recommendations! Mentioned in this episode: Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism by bell hooks Be Kind to Yourself: Releasing Frustra…

1
Episode 31: A Conversation with Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs 43:41

3+ y ago43:41

43:41

We talk with preacher, writer, and speaker Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs about her Instagram congregation, promoting pleasure advocacy in response to trauma, and how womanism saved her life. Please note that this episode mentions sexual violence (25:26-25:50 and 33:25-34:30). Connect with Lyvonne online: Twitter: @lyvonnep Instagram: @lyvonnep Website: l…

1
Episode 30: A Conversation with Ariel Chuang and Siân Evans 45:02

3+ y ago45:02

45:02

We talk with New Zealand couple Ariel Chuang and Siân Evans about their very different faith journeys, why even talking about going to church is stressful, their hopes for their future son, and the inherent feminism of breaking down barriers as a queer Asian woman in a sexist, racist, homophobic career field. Ariel's Instagram: @phoenix_rising303 F…

1
Episode 29: A Conversation with Corrie Hermans-Webster 45:13

3+ y ago45:13

45:13

We talk with minister and disability activist Corrie Hermans-Webster about practical ways to make church more accessible, what COVID has taught us about inclusive communities, and why consent is about more than asking for permission. Connect with Corrie online: Twitter: @OhCorrica Instagram: @OhCorrica Website: OhCorrica For a full transcript of th…

1
Episode 28: A Conversation with Elizabeth Reames 39:46

4y ago39:46

39:46

We talk with poet, fanfiction author, and aspiring lawyer Elizabeth Reames about how fanfiction is like Scripture, the power of angry, queer poetry, and the moment that cracked her faith in half. Connect with Elizabeth online: Twitter: @EAReames Tumblr: Fanfiction Is Legitimate For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com…

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Episode 27: A Conversation with Emelda De Coteau 41:00

4y ago41:00

41:00

We talk with writer, podcaster, and creative Emelda "E" De Coteau about finding God in nature and social media, rejecting purity pledges, and overcoming isolation through the power of community. Plus, E shares a poem for our listeners. Connect with E online: Instagram: @praywithourfeet and @womencreativeschat Twitter: @praywithourfeet Facebook: Wom…

1
Episode 26: A Conversation with Marcia Lane-McGee 38:54

4y ago38:54

38:54

We talk with writer, speaker, and professional parent Marcia Lane-McGee about teaching teenage boys to be feminists, being a Black woman in organizations built for white men, and how a giant metal statue played a pivotal role in her faith journey. Connect with Marcia online: Podcast: Plaid Skirts and Basic Black Instagram: @stylishlycia (Personal) …

1
Episode 25: A Conversation with Kate Mears 38:57

4y ago38:57

38:57

We talk with future seminarian Kate Mears about the church that saved her life, how a "secular Christian" experiences God, and what we each think about The Case for Christ. Learn more about Room for All For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us on Instagram @holyfeminists or Twitter @holyfeminists. Share your …

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Episode 24: A Conversation with Rev. Tuhina Verma Rasche 46:40

4y ago46:40

46:40

We talk with the Rev. Tuhina Verma Rasche about the power of the divine feminine in Hinduism and Christianity, rejecting a capitalist view of leadership, and why communal lament sometimes needs a few F-bombs. Connect with Tuhina online: Twitter: @tvrasche Instagram: @tvrasche Facebook: Tuhina Rasche For a full transcript of this episode, visit bles…

1
Episode 23: The Gifts of Christianity and Feminism 40:17

4y ago40:17

40:17

At the start of Season 2, Jessica and Tyler discuss how they’ve changed in the past year, what they learned, and what they’re looking forward to this season. Plus, they debut the new questions they’ll be asking every guest in Season 2! Who should we interview this season? Suggest a guest here! For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedare…

1
Episode 22: Reflections on Season 1 59:54

4y ago59:54

59:54

In the final episode of the season, Jessica and Tyler look back at the 20 interviews that made up Season 1 — what was surprising, what was encouraging, and what they learned from hearing a wider range of voices. Want a Season 2? Here are some ways to show your support! For a full transcript of this episode, visit blessedarethefeminists.com. Find us…

1
Episode 21: A Conversation with Mx WE King 56:32

4y ago56:32

56:32

We talk with researcher and college instructor Mx WE King about the minefield of dating as a queer Christian, religion as an escape from trauma and a source of oppression, and the power of books — both the books that tried to confine them into gender roles and the book that began to set them free. Please note that this episode includes mentions of …

1
Episode 20: A Conversation with Brenda Moss 41:56

4y ago41:56

41:56

We talk with national speaker, evangelist, and life coach Brenda Moss about bringing hope to others in a difficult time, Mary as an example for female preachers, and why no one's beliefs are going to silence her. Connect with Brenda online: Twitter: @BrendaDMoss Instagram: @godlycouncil Website: Very Necessary Coaching Facebook page: Brenda Moss Th…

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Episode 19: A Conversation with doreen dodgen-magee 49:43

4+ y ago49:43

49:43

We talk with author, psychologist, researcher, and speaker doreen dodgen-magee about how Bible stories can become to-do lists, why she doesn't call herself a Christian anymore, and the embarrassing statement she asked her husband to make during their wedding. Please note that this episode mentions domestic violence, homicide, and sexual assault (30…

1
Episode 18: A Conversation with Deirdra Reed 50:51

4+ y ago50:51

50:51

We talk with community organizing veteran Deirdra Reed, now the policy and advocacy partner at TNTP, about engaging faith communities in the fight for education equity, centering black women's voices and concerns, and how Colin Kaepernick is like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The Opportunity Myth For a full transcript of this episode, visit bles…

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Episode 17: A Conversation with Daneen Akers 52:16

4+ y ago52:16

52:16

We talk with author and filmmaker Daneen Akers about what inspired her to write a middle-grade book of progressive faith heroes, parenting during one's own deconstruction process, and why she views Eve as a heroine. Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints See Lily's painting of Mother God Holding the Universe What’s Really Holding Women Back? Fo…

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Episode 16: A Conversation with Rev. Paula Stone Williams 45:49

4+ y ago45:49

45:49

We talk with the Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams about how to get men to care about gender equity, why the concept of sexual sin is rooted in patriarchy, and how her gender transition changed her relationship to God. Connect with Paula online: Website: Paula Stone Williams Facebook: Paula Stone Williams Twitter: @paulaswilliams2 Paula's TEDxMileHigh …

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Episode 15: A Conversation with Ophelia Hu Kinney 42:40

4+ y ago42:40

42:40

We talk with Ophelia Hu Kinney, communications specialist at Reconciling Ministries Network, about the possible split in the United Methodist Church, going back into the closet (temporarily) after becoming a Christian, and how her mom re-interpreted the cultural expectations on the eldest son-in-law after Ophelia married a woman instead. Connect wi…

1
Episode 14: A Conversation with Melinda Melone 46:01

4+ y ago46:01

46:01

In this recording in front of a live audience at the January 2020 Q Christian Fellowship conference, we talk with Melinda Melone about how community living affects gender roles, feminist role models in the Catholic Church circa 1970, and what happens when you suddenly realize at age 34 that you’re gay. Please note that this episode briefly mentions…

1
Episode 13: A Conversation with Laura Walton 51:33

4+ y ago51:33

51:33

We talk with spiritual director and hospital chaplain-in-training Laura Walton about how a complementarian class at a conservative seminary made her a feminist, the challenges of being a natural servant leader, and the complex intersections of faith, gender, and cancel culture. Visit Laura’s website For a full transcript of this episode, visit bles…

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Episode 12: A Conversation with Mthr. Marie Tatro 44:27

4+ y ago44:27

44:27

We talk with Episcopal priest and Vicar for Community Justice Ministry Mthr. Marie A. Tatro about how her work as an attorney prepared her for the priesthood, the power of divine timing, and when complimenting a priest is a microaggression. Episcopal Diocese of Long Island Community Justice Ministry For a full transcript of this episode, visit bles…

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Episode 11: A Conversation with Sierra White 54:52

4+ y ago54:52

54:52

We talk with Ezer Rising founder Sierra White about empowering women in the church (not just talking about it), the human fallout of bad theology, and how she learned that she wasn't "too much." Connect with Sierra online: Twitter: @isierranichole Instagram: @isierranichole Website: Ezer Rising Facebook: Ezer Rising For a full transcript of this ep…

1
Episode 10: A Conversation with Boreta Singleton 52:55

4+ y ago52:55

52:55

We talk with Catholic educator and music lover Boreta Singleton about using your gifts as a woman in a male-dominated religion, how racial justice in the church has evolved over time, and why she attends a church 18 miles from home. Check out Boreta's singing groups: The Ignatian Schola Choral Chameleon For a full transcript of this episode, visit …

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Episode 9: A Conversation with Avery Smith 47:15

4+ y ago47:15

47:15

We talk with seminary grad and fellow podcaster Avery Smith about God as a binary breaker, why the internet is so valuable for trans Christians, and how (and how not) to ask marginalized groups to educate you. Connect with Avery online: Tumblr: Queerly Christian Website: TransChristianity Podcast: Blessed Are the Binary Breakers Instagram: @queerly…

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Jessica Wode Podcasts

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