Hi. My name is Mike Maeshiro. I'm a gay, deconstructed former Christian minister. I wanted a place where I wasn't teaching and more inviting my audience on the journey with me in a candid and exploratory way. So I started this podcast. I hope my journey is helpful for you. With curiosity and a critical mind, let's dive in. Music by Alex_MakeMusic
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Church scandals, conmen, cults and charlatans. Deconversion "Therapy" Podcast is your place to laugh about shady televangelists to Christian rock concerts where no one is allowed to dance.
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Leaving the Church to Find God delves into the shadows of organized religion, guiding you past indoctrination and towards authentic spirituality. Join solo reflections, insightful interviews, and a supportive community on this transformative journey beyond the pews.
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#WeNeedToTalk is hosted by singer and activist Malynda Hale. Leading with the motto that everything begins with a conversation, #WeNeedToTalk is centered around heartfelt one on one conversations, with an emphasis on social justice, politics, religion, society, and culture. Listeners will enjoy meaningful discussions with Malynda and a variety of special guests.
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In The Refined Collective podcast, host and author of Sexless in the City, Kat Harris creates a safe space to have honest conversations around faith, sexuality, relationships, politics, identity, Christian culture, deconstruction, and more. *What does the Bible really say about sex? *How does our faith impact our politics? *Is Christianity at odds with science? *Is the Bible still relevant? From purity culture, to deconstruction, dating apps, and LGTBQ+ issues—there’s no topic that’s off the ...
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PRIDE is over. But that doesn't mean we're done listening to people who survived evangelicalism and are now thriving as out LGBT people. Listen in on Karen's conversation with Mike Maeshiro, a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry and his journey to being an out gay man. Find out more about him at https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/…
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Season 4: Episode 25 In this episode, Mike interviews his friend Mya who is navigating her sexual orientation discovery and coming out within a straight marriage.
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Emotionally Immature Parents: Chapters 9 and 10
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Season 4: Episode 24 In this series Mike shares his process as he reads the most suggested book to him by his followers: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Today's episode covers insights from chapters 9 and 10.
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Sorry about the technical delay. I promise, it's worth it! Here is the rest of the conversation with LGBT advocate, Jennifer Knapp. Find her at JenniferKnapp.com. Keep in Touch or support us with our free and paid versions of our newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. We…
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Season 4: Episode 23 In this series Mike shares his process as he reads the most suggested book to him by his followers: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Today's episode covers insights from chapters 7 and 8.
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Embracing Intuition: How Soul-Led Living Transforms Your Life
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What if you could reshape your life by simply listening to the whispers of your soul? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of soul-led living, delving into the essence of embodiment and mindfulness. We emphasize the importance of being fully present, tuning into our emotions and senses without judgment. Discover how mindful practices such…
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What an amazing conversation Karen had with Jennifer Knapp. Once the star of Christian music, she now finds her place in LGBT advocacy. Watch for the second part tomorrow, and the YouTube on Sunday! Her new re-release of KANSAS is out now. You've got to check it out. Keep in Touch or support us with our free and paid versions of our newsletter. Epi…
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Emotionally Immature Parents: Internalizer vs Externalizer
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Season 4: Episode 22 In this series Mike shares his process as he reads the most suggested book to him by his followers: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Today's episode covers insights from chapter 6.
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It's the second week of PRIDE and we've got your 2nd favorite redhead--April Ajoy--and her non-binary spouse Beecher. We hear their story from Christian fundamentalists to Beecher coming to terms with being non-binary--all while April realizes she is bi-sexual. And their marriage works! Caution little ears (why are you here anyway?), we discuss sex…
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Mindfulness: The Practice of Being Present
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Can you imagine transforming your daily routine into a series of mindful moments that bring peace and clarity? This episode dives into the heart of mindfulness and authentic living, beginning with an exploration of what it means to be present and aware in every moment. I share my unique perspective as a professional photographer specializing in new…
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Emotionally Immature Parents: Daddy Issues
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Season 4: Episode 21 In this series Mike shares his process as he reads the most suggested book to him by his followers: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Today's episode covers insights from chapters 3, 4 and 5.
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Embodiment: What is it? and How to be it?
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What if your body, mind, and spirit could unite in perfect harmony? Discover how the ancient principles of yoga can guide you to this profound state of embodiment, where being fully present in your physical form meets mindfulness and soulful awareness. Imagine source energy as gold, and learn how each of us is a unique expression of this divine ess…
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We're celebrating our LGBT followers the whole month of June. Whether you are part of the community or an ally like myself, listening to people's voices is an act of resistance in a time like this. Drag Queen Flamy Grant hit national news when their song "Good Day" surged to the top of the Christian music charts. We hear how they grew up and what i…
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Emotionally Immature Parents: Chapter Two
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Season 4: Episode 20 In this series Mike shares his process as he reads the most suggested book to him by his followers: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Today's episode covers insights from Chapter Two.
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We're back. Just in time for PRIDE. Mystery guests will be revealed soon! And we'll also be on YouTube (episodes released here first then YouTube a few days later). https://www.youtube.com/@deconversiontherapyBy deconversiontherapy
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Emotionally Immature Parents: Chapter One
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Season 4: Episode 19 In this series Mike shares his process as he reads the most suggested book to him by his followers: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Today's episode covers insights from the Introduction and Chapter One.
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Descending from Mormonism's Founder: Lynn Smith Gregory finds Balance in Faith and Family Legacy
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Embark with us on a journey that challenges the very core of belief and identity, as Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, shares her profound transition from the Mormon Church to atheism. Our conversation reveals Lynn's confrontation with historical facts and the deep-seated questions that arose from her encounter with an atheis…
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Season 4: Episode 18 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay
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Janai Auman Speaks Out About Spiritual Abuse and the Disparity Between the Church's Public Teachings and Private Actions
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When the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, …
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Stories that Represent: Call Me by Your Name
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Season 4: Episode 17 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay
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Discovering community can be an unexpected journey—one that leads us far from the steepled silhouettes of our familiar churches. I found myself enveloped by the 'ohana' spirit in Maui, where traditions are reshaped, and bonds are forged on the foundation of shared values, not just shared pews. In this heartfelt episode, I peel back the layers of my…
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Stories that Represent: Little Fires Everywhere
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Season 4: Episode 16 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay
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From Trad Wife to Bad Ass: Marla Taviano Redeems her Past by Writing a New Story
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Marla's courageous tale of departing from the church and deconstructing her faith is a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of spiritual uncertainty. Her voice resonates with raw authenticity as she peels back the layers of dogma to reveal the systemic issues that plague organized religion. Through her eyes, we witness the personal cost of…
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Stories that Represent: The Happiest Season
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Season 4: Episode 15 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay
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Unlocking Authentic Success Through the Joy of Play: My 90-Day Journey to Rediscover Fun
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Sometimes, the key to unlocking true happiness and well-being is as simple as recalling the unbridled joy of childhood play. On my latest podcast adventure, I reveal the magic that unfolded over my personal 90 Days of Play project, where I embraced my inner child with everything from dancing in my living room to building forts with my neighbor's da…
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Stories that Represent: Buffy The Vampire Slayer
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Season 4: Episode 14 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. In this episode, Mike talks about the impact of powerful women in shows he watched as a kid. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay - Substack
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Season 4: Episode 13 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. In this episode, Mike shares the impact of the real life stories of Elton John and Freddie Mercury. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay - Substack…
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Bonnie brings you ANGLES the story behind the great band that never sounded like they sprung from church. Hear how they almost never were, and how we all knew someone like Bono in youth group. Keep in Touch or support us with our free and paid versions of our newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. I…
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Finding Sanctuary in Progressive Theology with Liz Coolidge Jenkins
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Have you ever felt the ground shift beneath your feet as your beliefs and the world you knew began to unravel? Liz Coolidge Jenkins, a powerhouse of thought on faith and feminism, joins us to recount her extraordinary evolution from conservative evangelicalism to a champion of LGBTQ affirming theology. Her book "Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming …
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Season 4: Episode 12 Movies and shows were a significant part of Mike's coming out journey. In this series, Mike will talk about some of those stories and how and why they impacted him the way they did. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay - Substack…
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Ok, maybe it'll be bi-annual, we're not sure yet. We've taken your questions, both goofy and cerebral and done our doggone best. We love to connect to you all, so hope you enjoy it. Go check out the newly released exvangelical books! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review.…
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Embracing Your Truth: Mike Maeshiro's Courageous Journey from Religious Conflict to LGBTQ+ Affirmation
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Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads between the identity you were raised to believe in and the one that resonates with who you truly are? Mike Maeshiro knows that tension all too well, and in our latest episode, he invites us into his courageous journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of his faith. As a guiding light for the LGBTQ+ c…
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Season 4: Episode 11 In this episode, Mike interviews Musician, Derek Webb. Derek began his career in the 1990's as part of the Contemporary Christian Music band, Caedmon's Call. After 10 years in that world, he stepped out to follow his own way and to take the risk to speak and sing his truth. He continues to pursue authenticity in his music today…
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It doesn't matter if you're an evangelical Christian, Catholic, Agnostic, deconstructing Christian, atheist, exChristian, Jewish, Muslim or hundreds of other beliefs and labels; we are ready to laugh at you. Send us more stories in our links below. Go check out the newly released exvangelical books! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode t…
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Is God Actually a Black Woman? Dr. Christena Cleveland on Faith, Shame, and Embracing Liberation
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Dr. Christena Cleveland, a beacon of insight in the realms of social psychology, theology, and activism joins us in this episode. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the complex intersections of faith, gender, and justice, unraveling the tapestry of institutional Christianity and the exclusive 'white Jesus' narrative. Dr. Cleveland shares her raw …
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Journal Entry #2: Racism in the Algorithm
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Season 4: Episode 10 Journal Entries: Reflections Around Politics. It's an election year and that means some crazy stuff is about to happen! This series will show up, as needed, to pull apart, poke at, and examine political adjacent happenings. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay - Substack…
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Church Bulletin: Cults and Comedy Clubs
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If you want to know more about Voices and Faces, check out the website and contact Karen. Go check out the newly released exvangelical books! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. Book and other recs here. We have a P.O. Box! Deconversion The…
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A Really Honest Conversation about Deconstructing Perfectionism and Breaking My Own Heart
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Remember that art project you worked so hard on, only to deem it unworthy and hide it away? I too have felt the crushing weight of perfectionism, especially within the realm of faith. Our latest episode tackles this silent struggle, opening with a story from my high school days—a sculpture, a symbol of the perfection we often chase, and its unexpec…
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Season 4: Episode 9 In this episode, Mika Perrin, Mike's sister and the host of Numa's Decunstruction Group, Ashes, joins Mike to discuss what it means to deconstruct Jesus and to share some of their own processes and pain around this topic. Everything Numa Ashes Deconstruction Group Ashes Book Club A…
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The Masturbation Taboo with Dr. Eric Sprankle
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This was a breakthrough moment for me, Karen. Turn your shame into the mundane. Get Dr. Sprankle’s book, DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation, now! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. Book and other recs here. We h…
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Season 4: Episode 8 Journal Entries: Reflections Around Politics. It's an election year and that means some crazy stuff is about to happen! This series will show up, as needed, to pull apart, poke at, and examine political adjacent happenings. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay - Substack…
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Christian Music Festivals and the Losers Who Went
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Night of Joy, Kingdom Bound, Fish Fest, Explo '72, Creation Festival, Cornerstone, Soulfest. So many. And so many acts from Larry Norman and Johnny Cash to Jars of Clay, Crystal Lewis, DeGarmo and Key, Jennifer Knapp... You all sent us hilarious and heartwarming stories. Such a fun episode to record. Don't forget to follow I Was A Teenage Fundament…
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Bridging Earth and Spirit: Derek Jensen's Evolution from Faith to Environmental Activism
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When I sat down with environmental activist Derek Jensen, it felt like we were perched on the precipice of a new understanding, one that bridges the gap between the spiritual and the ecological. This episode takes you through Derek's personal metamorphosis from a faithful Seventh Day Adventist to a tenacious defender of our Earth. Our conversation …
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The Real Lives of Gay Men: Colton Underwood
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Season 4: Episode 7 Mike wraps up this series with special guest, reality star, Colton Underwood (The Bachelor, Coming Out Colton). Get ready to learn, to be uncomfortable and to laugh your head off as these men talk about life, love, sex and being gay. Everything Numa God Made Me Gay - Substack Da…
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Listen to I was a Teenage Fundamentalist, anywhere you listen to podcasts. It's another batch of your small "t" trauma letters. There is singing in this one, plus Muppet Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. Book and other recs here. We have …
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From Doctrine to Liberation: Redefining Spiritual Identity with Britney Winland
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Growing up as a pastor's kid, Britney Winland has danced along the delicate edge where faith meets personal identity, often finding herself entangled in the expectations wrought by rigid religious doctrine. Her journey, mirrored by the narratives shared in this episode, weaves through the tapestry of spiritual discovery, challenging the boundaries …
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Season 4: Episode 6 In this series, Mike hosts short conversations with gay men in order to hold space for their stories to be told; stories of being gay in a straight man’s world. Get ready to learn, to be uncomfortable and to laugh your head off as these men talk about life, love, sex and being gay. Everything Numa…
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Bonnie covers an Australian cult called Universal Medicine, also known as UniMed. We also ramble about a lot of things. But bottom line, be wary of doctors who brand themselves and suggest carrots. Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. Book a…
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Part 2- Rich Ralston on Embracing Spirituality and the Power of Energy Work
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Embark on a spiritual odyssey with our inspiring guest, Rich Rolston, as we defy the traditional boundaries of the church and delve into the rejuvenating practices of chakra balancing and past life clearing. Discover how to harness your inner energy and confront the ego's quest for validation, finding solace in your inherent worth that transcends t…
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Part 1- Rich Ralston's Journey from Evangelist to Medium, and the Power of Unconditional Love
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You can contact Rich Ralston at www.subtleenergyhealing.com. Have you ever witnessed the metamorphosis of belief, where deep-seated convictions are shed in the light of new truths? Our latest episode features Rich Rostin, an individual who traversed from the role of a Pentecostal evangelist to that of a spiritual medium and healer. His narrative ta…
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