I interviewed Judge Amy Eddy, who discusses her journey into law, her experiences as a district court judge, and her candidacy for the Montana Supreme Court. We discuss the importance of judicial independence, the Montana Constitution, and the challenges posed by campaign finance and corporate influence in elections. The conversation focuses on the importance of nonpartisan judicial elections in Montana, particularly in light of the upcoming Supreme Court race.

Midterms are Nov 3. Vote!

I interview Megan Glancy, a Navy veteran and political activist, discussing her journey from a patriotic upbringing in Texas to her experiences as a woman in the military. We explore themes of family dynamics, gender challenges in the military, and the supportive role of chaplains during difficult times. The conversation explores the intersection of military service, personal faith, climate advocacy, and patriotism, highlighting the transformative experiences of Megan as she navigates these complex themes.

Follow her @megan.glancey

I interview Amy K. Matsui, Vice President for Child Care and Economic Security at the National Women's Law Center about the critical issues surrounding childcare, women's workforce participation, and the economic challenges faced by families.

Author and historian Betsy Gaines Quammen chats about the exploration of cultural views of landscape, the spiritual relationship with the land, the impact of manifest destiny and godly claims to land, the concept of a haunted land, personal rituals, ancestral theology, hyper patriotism, whitewashing history, wolf slaughter and reintroduction, and concludes with book promotion and future plans.

Follow her on @betsygainesquammen.

The conversation features Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has undergone significant deconstruction in his faith journey, discussing his upbringing, military service, and the impact of his beliefs on his spirituality, particularly regarding the theology of hell. The conversation explores Brian Recker's journey of leaving evangelicalism, his struggles with identity, and his evolving views on social justice, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. It highlights the emotional and relational challenges he faced during his transition and his current advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Takeaways

• Deconstruction shapes spirituality
• Military service influences worldview Journey of self-discovery
• Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights

Chapters

• 00:00 From Fundamentalism to Evangelicalism
• 10:00 The Role of the Military in Identity
• 16:49 Understanding Hell and Its Impact
• 22:54 The Shift in Beliefs and Politics
• 26:31 Breaking Free from Evangelicalism
• 29:23 The Emotional Toll of Transition
• 30:10 Embracing Authenticity and Relationships
• 32:29 Reevaluating Beliefs and Values
• 38:54 The Political Implications of Faith
• 46:46 Finding Grounding in Advocacy
• 51:23 Joy in Resistance and Community

Alexis Rice and Carter Brown stop by to chat about the intersection of progressive Christianity, politics, and women's rights, exploring the impact of conservative Christian rhetoric and the need for a more inclusive and cohesive messaging approach. Reminder for progressive Christians: get to the ballot box! Register to vote!

Follow them @thesacredslope and @thisiscarterbrown on IG.

Dr. Bradley Melle discusses the entangled history of Christianity, colonialism, and indigenous peoples, exploring the church's present dysfunctions and cruelties through the lens of trauma. He shares his personal journey from a Christian upbringing to his pursuit of Christianity from the lens of harm and trauma, shedding light on the emergence of secularism and the impact of science on religious beliefs. Follow him on IG @freestyletheology.

Chelsea Kim Long shares her journey of deconstruction and reconstruction within Christianity, exploring the impact on her identity, marriage, and the concept of domestic equity. She discusses the challenges of redefining Christian womanhood and reclaiming her faith in a more expansive and inclusive way. The conversation explores the reimagining of Christian tradition, spirituality, and connection, as well as the practices and rituals of gathering and community.

Follow her @chelseakimlong.