Identity is never just academic—it's lived, felt, and fought over. Imer traces questions of race, belonging, and deconstruction through conversations across generations, including a candid dialogue with a former student, Shaina LaRoche. With voices like Harvey Kwiyani, Brian Stanley, and Neil Shenvi in the background, the episode probes a tension that won't go away: how do we name the past honestly without losing the gospel itself?

People featured in this episode

Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida.

Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission.

Neil Shenvi — Writer and speaker known for apologetics and engagement with questions of faith, philosophy, and culture. Holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry (UC Berkeley) and studied at Princeton.

Shaina LaRoche — Former student of Imer's, featured in a candid conversation about identity, faith, and deconstruction.

Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history.

Sarah Breuel — Christian leader originally from Brazil and based in Rome. Founder/director of Revive Europe; has served with IFES and the Lausanne Movement.

Music

• Tubby Isiah / Arnos Vale / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• Out To The World / Theories / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• Shuta Yasukochi / Komorebi / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• Cuba Quartet / Caminando / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• Additional music by Imer Santiago

Credits

Host: Imer Santiago

Produced by: Arrival Creative

Presented by: Missio Nexus