Best Anna Dimmel Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 33: Christ's Supernatural Vacuum Cleaner! 46:52

3y ago46:52

46:52

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) take a look back on the entire We Were Christian Kids journey since beginning the podcast in December. They reflect on why they started, what they've learned and where they are now. And they also have an announcement to make. We love you all!…

1
Ep. 32: Ralph Lauren Not Frankincense! (with Mark Manning) 1:14:32

3y ago1:14:32

1:14:32

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by Mark Manning (@wednesday_midday_medley)! Mark is a radio DJ and producer for KKFI 90.1 FM, queer advocate, theatre artist and performer. He also leads a community garden program for schools in Kansas City, Kansas. They discuss both growing up in and leaving the chur…

1
Ep 31: Miracle Cannibalism! (with Marley Allenbrand and Anna Dimmel) 1:00:17

3y ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by amazing guests Marley Allenbrand (@marleyann) and Anna Dimmel (@annadimmel). We talk about -- naturally -- Christian upbringings, both evangelical and Catholic. We also discuss coming out, doing it safely, and working toward healing internalized homophobia. Best of …

1
Ep 30: Gayvangelical! 56:26

3y ago56:26

56:26

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) discuss being "gayvangelical," a term Calvin coined (we think, we didn't Google it). How is the coming out process, the finding of new community and the attempt to bring others into your understanding similar to the conversion experience for evangelicals? And can we be PROUD gayv…

1
Ep 29: Cringey Christian Facebook Posts from 2008! 28:51

3y ago28:51

28:51

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) do the cringiest thing ever: they dive back into their super-Christian Facebook statuses from 2008, when they were seniors in high school and deeply brainwashed. This episode is hilarious if you like hearing what two nerds sound like!! They also dig into the background around eac…

1
Ep 28: What Was The Question? (with Max Crumm) 1:07:48

3y ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by the hilarious Max Crumm (@maxcrumm) in this delightful interview. They hear a new perspective: being a Christian kid but knowing it wasn't a good fit all along. Also! Worship leading, coming out, and what the church needs to do right now. This is fun!!!…

1
Ep 27: It's Pretty Cool To Be Queer! (with Helmut Domagalski) 1:15:26

3y ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) sit down with host of The Gayly Dose podcast, Helmut Domagalski (@helmut_smile)! They talk about his youth in the Church of Christ, his journey to coming out, and what it's like being a gay dad in 2021. We also discuss the beauty of being queer and the unique gift it affords us!!…

1
Ep 26: Coming Out Stories! (Happy Pride) 47:18

3y ago47:18

47:18

It's Pride month!!! So Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are sharing their coming out stories in all their Christian-kid detail! They also discuss what "pride" means to them and how being their authentic selves has changed how they see the world. They are glad to be gay, baby!!!…

1
Ep 25: Trauma Porn! (with Anna Joy Walker) 1:08:04

3y ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by Anna Joy Walker, who grew up in a number of charismatic churches and went on to be a leader in ministry at an internationally-known 24/7 house of prayer and worship. She discusses trauma - largely religious - and the journey to recovering from traumatic experiences.…

1
Ep 24: Forbidden Pleasures! 1:01:16

3y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about allll the things they were forbidden to do as Christian kids. Some were self-imposed (in Calvin's case) and some were off-limits by parental mandate. Harry Potter, Aladdin, Halloween, all non-Christian music and of course anything SEX related... we go down the list. Se…

1
Ep 23: We React to "Jesus Camp"! 1:00:30

3y ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) react to the 2006 documentary, "Jesus Camp," which focuses on a charismatic Christian summer camp for kids. It's, uh... triggering, because they identify with so much in the film. From teaching kids to evangelize, leading them in worship and speaking in tongues, and compelling th…

1
Ep 22: The Bible Doesn't Say Anything About Being Gay! (with Brandan Robertson) 1:04:08

3y ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Well, this episode is amazing. Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk with author, minister and activist Brandan Robertson (@brandanrobertson), and boy do they learn a lot. They discuss the Bible and homosexuality (and how it's not actually mentioned!), progressive Christianity, and being willing to embrace uncer…

1
Ep 21: Bibleman's Daughter! (with Harleigh Ellsworth) 1:01:44

3y ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by long-time pal and amazing human Harleigh Ellsworth (@dearharleigh)! They talk about coming out, purity rings, spiritual experiences (gold dust!) and what it was like to grow up in the spotlight of church ministry. They also, OBVIOUSLY, discuss what it was like being…

1
Ep 20: Crazy Sh*t Our Pastors Said! 49:56

3y ago49:56

49:56

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) go through an actual LIST of crazy shit their pastors said in the past. From talking about Brokeback Mountain mid-sermon to telling crowds of millennials they are the "chosen generation," things got weird. Let's review! Also, write in and tell us crazy shit YOUR pastors have said…

1
Ep 19: Family Stuff! 57:06

3y ago57:06

57:06

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about family stuff! Relating to still-Christian family members and friends, maintaining relationships when you fundamentally disagree, creating art and content that your loved ones don't approve of, and staying sane through it all. All that and more! Follow us at @christiank…

1
Ep 18: Listening to Our Listeners! Pt 2 51:10

3y ago51:10

51:10

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) read emails and listen to voicemails from their beloved listeners once again! They discuss growing up gay in the church and unwiring the teachings that were instilled at a young age. This is a particularly heartfelt episode. We are a community! We love you guys. Please write in a…

1
Ep 17: I Don't Believe in Jesus Saves! 1:00:20

3y ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk with Enrique Chi and Diego Chi (@iamdiego) from the band Making Movies (@mkngmvs). They discuss leaving the church, creating music and connecting with audiences, as well as the harm Christianity has wrought on humanity. Stream their new single, "Listening Wind" now!!…

1
Ep 16: Missionary Style! 56:37

3y ago56:37

56:37

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) talk about sex positions! Wait, no, they talking about actually BEING a missionary. Youth group mission trips, extended stays as a missionary, and just generally trying to convert people around the world. They also discuss how problematic that is! Yikes! We know more now! Follow …

1
Ep 15: The Pelican Flies to the Moon! (with Zach Zimmerman) 1:13:45

3y ago1:13:45

1:13:45

Comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman (@zzdoublezz) joins Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) to talk about devouring the Bible as a youth, the vast idea of eternity, and he even does a MAGIC TRICK. This is a fun one!!! Find Zach's comedy album "Clean Comedy" on iTunes and Spotify!…

1
Ep 14: Fear Tactics! 58:23

3y ago58:23

58:23

When the pastor says your eternity hangs in the balance, that it's heaven or hell, and to come down to the stage if you want to get saved -- that's what we're talking about! Altar calls, man. The fear tactics they employ and how the effects of them can linger years later. Calvin also discusses a "salvation play" he saw as a child, and how it scared…

1
Ep 13: High-Key Psychological Warfare! (with JJ Bozeman) 1:05:57

3y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Actor and Renaissance man JJ Bozeman (@jjbozeman) joins Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) to talk about his journey as a Christian Kid. They get into psychological warfare in the church, being both gay and Christian -- and gay and NOT Christian, and how being queer led them to more deeply examine and question the…

1
Ep 12: Listening to Our Listeners! 53:03

3y ago53:03

53:03

This episode is alllllll about the listeners. Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) tune into listener voicemails and emails and it is an amazing time. They talk about being a kid in church, gay marriage and original sin, just to name a few things. If you're a listener, call in or write us!! We love hearing from you!…

1
Ep 11: A Better Place for Our Younger Selves! (with Grace Semler Baldridge) 1:00:04

3y ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by Grace Semler Baldridge (@gracebaldridge) who recently spent four days at the top of the iTunes Christian music chart with her new EP "Preacher's Kid." They talk about Grace's upbringing in the church, an emergence of queer music in the Christian music industry, and …

1
Ep 10: Worship Music! 1:01:07

3y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) reminisce on times of singing worship music in church. They chat about different music styles, raising hands while singing (or not), and also -- Calvin sings for us! Like four different songs! If worship music ever got you in your FEELINGS, this episode is for you. Follow us! @ch…

1
Ep 9: I Can Be Completely Who I Am! (with Brian Falduto) 59:37

3y ago59:37

59:37

Justin Randall (@imjustinrandall) and Calvin Arsenia (@calvinarsenia) are joined by actor, singer-songwriter and life coach Brian Falduto (@brianfalduto)! They discuss questioning religion in college, searching for who you really are, and developing your own spirituality in adulthood. Brian also shares the inspiration behind his song "God Loves Me …

1
Ep 8: “Sexual Purity!” 56:43

3+ y ago56:43

56:43

Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia go deep in this episode. They discuss what "purity culture" was to them, how sex was often presented as an entirely "bad" and sinful thing, and whether they still feel the lasting effects of that conditioning. Plus Calvin tells the tale of his purity ring. And the episode is funny too, don't worry!…

1
Ep 7: Three Best Friends! (with Kasey Hammeke) 1:14:02

3+ y ago1:14:02

1:14:02

Best friend of the pod, Kasey Hammeke, joins Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia to talk about their high school days together (largely spent in prayer). She shares her story of deconversion, having children, and how a church program she gave years of her life to turned out to be manipulative and destructive in many ways. They also talk about how BOT…

1
Ep 6: The End Times! 50:57

3+ y ago50:57

50:57

Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia explore the end of the world! They discuss the "Left Behind" series (both hilarious and terrifying), praying for Jesus to return and how the rapture was taught to them since they were tiny children. They also listen to a caller's experience with End Times teachings. Also: Jesus in space!…

1
Ep 5: Sober from Jesus! (with Aaron Goldenberg) 59:29

3+ y ago59:29

59:29

Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia have their first guest! Aaron Goldenberg is an actor, comedian, content creator and TikTok star and he comes on the pod to talk about his history with the church. They discuss the stigma of switching churches/denominations, coming out of the closet, and what life is like after the structure and security of religion…

1
Ep 4: We Were The Worst! 1:04:13

3+ y ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia get REAL in this one, and open up about their high school evangelism, telling people they were going to hell, a disastrous morning at Bible study, and other things they regret. They also take a call from a listener in their first "Testimony Time!" segment and discuss their experience with the coming out process. Li…

1
Ep 3: Happy Birthday, Jesus! 53:15

3+ y ago53:15

53:15

It's a Christmas episode of We Were Christian Kids! Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia talk about MARIAH CAREY, childhood Christmas traditions, Santa Claus (and more importantly "Santa Daddy"), and having to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. They also discuss how their family Christmas dynamic shifted as they grew up and came out, and how they feel abou…

1
Ep 2: Church Camp! 59:12

3+ y ago59:12

59:12

Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia get INTO their church camp experiences, from "naked night" (see: homoerotic) and falling victim to pranks, to prayer and worship and spiritual experiences. They also discuss hell (fun!) and the fear of going there, as well as prayer lists filled with the names of their peers. As always, they talk about sexual confu…

1
Ep 1: Goin’ to Heaven, B*tch! 58:27

3+ y ago58:27

58:27

Justin Randall and Calvin Arsenia talk speaking in tongues, fasting, getting saved, family dynamics, being sheltered, trying to *pray the gay away* and much more in this week’s (very first!) episode of We Were Christian Kids.

1
The journey of the soul - the spiritual awakening of being born again 32:53

4y ago32:53

32:53

By Anna Dimmel

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Trauma bonding - a spiritual act 25:37

4y ago25:37

25:37

By Anna Dimmel

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A new wave of spirituality - get ready for 2020 29:52

4y ago29:52

29:52

By Anna Dimmel

1
Happy Holidays? 3 Things I'm doing differently this year 29:43

4+ y ago29:43

29:43

There is magic this time of year that is often overlooked by commitments, obligations, sadness, grief and anxiety. But, in this episode, I share how I'm changing the way this season feels for me - and most importantly, how I am learning to honor my soul and the divine magic of Christmas. Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com Anna's Holiday Gift Guide: ht…

1
Evangelize? Post deconstruction thoughts 39:06

4+ y ago39:06

39:06

This is such an awkward topic! It was awkward back when I was trying to "save" and witness to my friends. And now it feels super awkward as I can't remember the last time I said even that word. lol Like many Christians, years ago, I was desperately trying to do the right thing and keep those I loved from going to hell. After going through deconstru…

1
How my relationship with the Bible changed (and why it needed to) - post deconstruction thoughts 47:14

4+ y ago47:14

47:14

In middle school, reading the Bible became my outlet and central point of connection with Spirit. It was a tender place that I held onto through adulthood. The studying of scripture became a passion and led me to eventually become a pastor. But, there was a point when my relationship shifted with the Bible. In this episode, I talk about when my rel…

1
Why being desperate and hungry for God isn't always healthy - how my prayer life changed 46:40

4+ y ago46:40

46:40

Before deconstructing, my life involved loads of prayer. Since I was a kid, prayer was a huge part of my life. I literally have nearly 50 journals filled with tear-stained pages, pleading and begging for God's comfort, peace and direction. In this episode, I discuss the damaging cycle so many find themselves in when God is their only safe place, on…

1
I want what they have! A confession of jealousy 42:44

4+ y ago42:44

42:44

Every single person deals with jealousy on some level. But, it's one of those hush-hush topics that no one talks about. Whether it's jealousy over someone's relationship, career, good opportunity, house or lot in life, just know that these thoughts are soooo common. In this episode, I unravel the patterns of jealousy and how it's merely just an obs…

1
How to survive toxic relationships (and finally have peace) 44:22

4+ y ago44:22

44:22

For years, I believed it was my job to fix the toxic relationships in my life. I believed by doing everything "right", eventually good would win out and all would be well. But my fear of being disliked, rejected and misunderstood blinded my ability to see just how toxic some of these relationships were. I became a slave to these relationships and t…

1
Feel a shift happening? You're right on time 36:11

4+ y ago36:11

36:11

This week marks the Autumn equinox which often brings a significant amount of change. As many of us are leaving a season of loss, heartache, grief and wilderness wandering, this shift offers an invitation to step into the next chapter. This season, in particular, is all about harvest, abundance and the preparation for new things. A season of celebr…

1
When life gets lonely - finding hope in the wilderness 32:19

4+ y ago32:19

32:19

The path to authenticity can often feel lonely. When we leave the status quo to run after something real, an empty space is created. Whether it's a deconstruction of faith, community, marriage or friendship, the voids left behind can be a lonely place. In this episode I talk about my personal journey: from having viral blogs, speaking engagements, …

1
The culture we come from - how it affects us and those around us 35:56

4+ y ago35:56

35:56

One thing I'm beginning to learn is how much we see the world through our own cultural lens. And when I say culture, I don't mean our demographics - I mean what our background is, what we have been taught to believe about the world and those around us. How we view the world has everything to do with our own personal culture. In this episode, I expl…

1
Embracing the FEELS - rage, power, sadness, tenderness - ALL of them have a purpose 38:53

4+ y ago38:53

38:53

We all have tender, soft parts of us. We equally have strong, powerful parts of us. For a long time, these dynamics were out of balance for me. Not because I didn't have them, but because I thought I needed permission to access them. Which left me in this kind of numb space. When you feel like all you can be is gentle, you end up full of rage - bec…

1
Talking about body - self-acceptance, sexuality and being present in your skin 41:46

4+ y ago41:46

41:46

We are made of three equal parts: mind, body and spirit. But, for many of us, mind and spirit are seen as the focus while our bodies are the afterthought. The body is often viewed as the flesh; the part that needs to be contained, managed and taught to submit. In this episode, I explore the idea of body being equally as valuable (and good) as spiri…

1
Every choice has value - letting go of regret 29:07

5y ago29:07

29:07

Living with regret is something many of us struggle with. From our career, parenting, love life, marriage and relationships, the desire to do everything "right" is a high standard to achieve. But, because of the pressure to be "perfect", we can we get entangled in the fear of making mistakes, so we get stuck...unable to move forward. Or we feel suc…

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Religious Trauma Syndrome - with Dr. Marlene Winell 50:05

5y ago50:05

50:05

Dr. Winell is a human development consultant, educator, and writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her background includes 28 years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and is the author of Leaving the Fold: A Guide f…

1
Pain does not have to define you 30:00

5y ago30:00

30:00

Before I sat down to record this episode, I asked myself: if I could only say one thing what would it be? My answer to that question was immediate: you don't have to be defined by pain. THIS is the core of my message. This one sentence is everything. Because every single one of us has experienced pain. But, how we handle pain depends greatly on our…

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