Pastor With No Answers

Here's a quick synopsis of my thought process in shutting the podcast down, bringing that thing back and how things have changed for the better.Included also is a little tribute to the rest of the PWNA crew.  Get The Bear Feed (exclusive podcast for patrons of the show)Joey Svendsen / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / E-mailThanks / Joel Hamilton / Joel Hamilton + friends, Robbie Madison and Stoy Prioleau for music in this episode.[alternate description]Founded in 2014, Charleston's PWNA Podcast was poised to be an influential, undeniable force in the genre of mega goofy podcasts—that is until its spiraling collapse in 2023. The podcast and its charismatic founder, Joey Svendsen, had a promising start. But the perils of power, conflict, and Christian celebrity eroded and eventually shipwrecked both the podcaster and his [multi-10 dollar bills] platform.[a podcast by Christianity Tomorrow]

THE FINAL EPISODE The public podcast is gone.  The private podcast feed/community (what I enjoy the most these days) continues here. let's hang!February's Monthly Hang Out

[We'll continue this conversation LIVE on 2/2.  You are welcome to join us. ]Bekah McNeel joins to talk about her book, "Bringing Up Kids When Church Lets You Down: A Guide for Parents Questioning Their Faith."   Joey recounts the angst of feeling ill-equipped to guide his kids spiritually through recent years and the peaceful place he and his kids have landed.  Bekah outlines a correlation between the doctrine of hell and unhealthy parenting,  shares the power of repentance and apology with our kids, and gives a snapshot of her book that covers all the bases of parenting amidst deconstruction and questioning of faith.How do we teach our kids reverence for God without  instilling the "stern and stoic being" narrative we were taught?  How do we guide our kids in their interactions with pop culture without being legalistic?   Why can all parents take a deep breath and not parent out of fear?Bekah McNeel / Website / Twitter /  BookJoey Svendsen / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / E-mailTh

Why is it not this simple?  Why is "not knowing any better"  a legitimate excuse?  Or is it?  Is the "absentee father" even a black problem?  Joey discusses these questions with three black friends (regulars on the show) and hears two of their stories of not being cut out for drug dealing, one of them losing an incredible career opportunity due to his color, and one heart-breaking story of divorce, child support and jail time.  The three also reflect on  the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and what he means to them personally.  We also talk about when white people try to talk "black things" to black people, including Joey trying to talk basketball to black men he's meeting for the first time.  Get The Bear Feed (exclusive podcast for patrons of the show)Robbie Madison / Web / InstagramStoy Prioleau / FB / Music (Riggy Roc - where ever you stream your music)Antonio Seabrook / FBJoey Svendsen / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / E-mailPodcast SocialsPWNA Discussion Fac

[chapter markers are listed at bottom & inserted in audio for your listening convenience]As the topic of conversation centers around a specific instagram post by a specific person, this is a general conversation about “spitfire social media Christians," why their words don’t resemble love, and if a militant tone is the most loving approach when one believes vehemently that opposing positions are not only wrong but also endangering the health and/or rights of a whole demographic of people by the billions (babies, women, etc). We get into some abortion talk, dissect how evangelicals typically view the theology behind "homosexuality being a sin," but the main topic at hand?  Where is the fine-line between speaking boldly from convictions and letting anger compromise the beauty of Jesus' teachings to "love our neighbor," and to "bless those who curse me."Get The Bear Feed (exclusive podcast for patrons of the show) Liz Miller / Instagram / MemoirsAmy Alderman / Faceboo

Maybe the best New Year's Resolution one can make: Get good friendships.Elizabeth Gillespie, licensed therapist of 11 years, focusses her practices on helping people find healing for trauma, through healthy human connection. She did a Tedx Talks (2022) that outlines the scientific data behind this bold statement she made in this episode: “You are probably going to die sooner, faster, and be far less healthy if you don’t have close relationships.”  You heard her.  It’s a matter of survival, folks.We talk through this innate need and discuss why finding healthy relationships is so challenging for people. She outlines the ingredients of life-giving relationships, explains why giving someone their space is usually not a good thing,  and differentiates between having a healthy need for people and being co-dependent.  So, eat better, exercise, keep track of that cholesterol, get regular mammograms and maintain good relationships with people. Your life literally depends on it. Love the show?  We would love your

[Continuing a tradition that goes back to Christmas 2019 in episode 208 and continues in episode 272 and episode 329, Pastor With No Answers Podcast remembers those who are grieving this Christmas because of great loss]Shonte Jones, family of this podcast suffered great loss at the beginning of the year when her 40-year old brother, "Rico" Jones, passed away due to lung complications as a result of COVID-19.   She discusses what her grief looks like not even a year later and shares the contributions therapy has made to her survival, whether she's mad at God, and the profound impact of having close connections with people who truly care.  The three also talk the puzzlement they share at those who want to rush others through the grieving process that actually never ends.    Love the show?  We would love your support as a patron.*All patrons have optional access to the Bear W/ Community.About / Video / JoinOn Today's episode:Shonte Jones / FacebookAmy Alderman, host / Facebook Joey Svendsen,

Twenty-seven years since the last time they hung as friends (and classmates) at James Island High, Stoy Prioleau, Antonio "Hype" Seabrook and Joey Svendsen caught up on episode 361 - My Childhood Friends [the Black ones].  As kids, they never processed together things like racism, privilege, systemic racism, what it's like to be black, and what it's like to be white.  As adults, they reflect on their childhoods with a lot more insight and life experience.  In this episode, the conversation continues as they reflect on being a kid at Christmas as a middle class white kid with dad at home and as a black kid growing up with a single mother trying to keep food on the table.   Joey rakes it in annually while Stoy and "Hype" tell some "Christmas morning heartbreak" stories.  It was pretty common in the black community for their peers to get no gifts at all on Christmas.  What was it like as a black kid, when all the best toys (G.I. Joe, He-Man) you play with are depictions of

Becoming a Christian as a 15-year old, KJ-52's career started when the music industry was nothing like it is now.  From the early days of opening up for acts like Tribe Called Quest and appearing on a radio show of Dj Khaled's (before he was DJ Khaled) to finding some unexpected traction in the Christian music industry with his letter to Eminem in the song "Dear Slim," Joey and KJ-52 not only reminisce about the old school Christian Rap and Tooth and Nail Records days, they talk a little faith and mental health.  KJ-52 (real name, Jonah Sorrentino) is also now a full-time Pastor.  Go support his newest album, "Still Standing" (Kickstarter), inspired by the havoc Hurricane Ian has had on him and his people in Florida.Love the show?  We would love your support as a patron.*All patrons have optional access to the Bear W/ Community.About / Video / JoinOn Today's episode:KJ-52 / Kickstarter / Instagram / WebsiteJoey Svendsen (host) / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / E-mailPodcast

[this episode originally aired on 10/10/20]John Mark McMillan and Joey Svendsen enjoy their time with Pastor and Author Brian Zahnd, asking him a little about everything. What does Brian Zahnd think of the POTUS (Donald Trump) and if asked, would he serve on his spiritual advisement board? Brian Zahnd believes strongly in the church. He points out the problems with both the "Christian right" and "Christian left," highlighting how Jesus wouldn’t serve either of their agendas; because frankly, He has his own. The church, he says, is a part of the world that's “already changed by Christ.” Until we let this sink in, Zahnd concludes that Christians will continue to seek hope in what their political party can accomplish, none of this having anything to do with the more important Kingdom work we are to value above all. Brian and John Mark also have an interesting take on why many artists are disinterested in politics. And of course, we get into some theology: atonement theories, Christian un

Josh Porter (formerly known as Josh Dies of the band Showbread), author of the new book "Death to Deconstruction," shares his story of christian fundamentalist upbringing and deconstruction of faith. Full of bitterness towards the church, he later discovered deep issues of personal pride (quite common for youngsters his age) that contributed greatly to being on this path.  Having now returned to an orthodox (as in what people would describe as not progressive) faith, he is also a pastor at a non-denominational church.  As Joey and Josh likely see faith and deconstruction very differently, they enjoyed a full's episode worth of discussing what they both agreed on,  including the needed adjustments for the church to make, in order for it to recapture the ways of Jesus.Josh appeals to the need of having Jesus' ability to maintain convictions (and true beliefs), while still having a welcoming heart for all to "come to the table of fellowship," including those who aren't even sur

[Please listen with caution. Lots of sexual abuse talk]Randy, and his wife Cynthia Lail (both dear to Joey's heart), carry with them a beautiful faith that will bring back memories to many listeners who have deconstructed some and no longer see things in the light of traditional, evangelical christian lenses.  As a child, Randy was a victim of sexual abuse [and trafficking] at the hands of one who was supposed to be his protector.  The result was a warped view of sexuality and a monstrous sexual addiction that would continue far into his marriage with Cynthia. Desperate for healing, these two were ready with open hands for whatever means God would chose to do it.  For starters, Randy is convinced Jesus spoke to him.  His deceased mom also.  And this happened all under the influence of an 8-hour ecstasy trip (under doctor supervision) where he also discovered the extent of his sexual abuse.  The rawness and transparency demonstrated in this episode is something to aspire to."That is why, for Christ’s

Co-hosts Chip Judd (very long-time Christian) and Matt Oxley (long-time Christian, gone atheist) discuss with Joey what he finds to be an "impossible position" Christians are in when it comes to their kids and the doctrine of hell.  If dreaded eternal separation is on the table of possibilities, fear and life-trauma [in the end] is a good thing, especially if one is scared enough to repent and avoid going there.  Right? Chip and Matt both agree that religious people have taken advantage of this doctrine to control people. They also agree that a fixation on eternal separation makes for lousy Christians.  Joey makes a case again for Christian Universalism and Matt proposes that Jesus failed, if everyone isn't saved.  Why are so many Christians not able to find peace while holding a belief in hell, while others can go about their life normally, not bothered by their many friends and family perishing in the end?  Do Christians really believe in hell?  What is humanity's flaw, and what is the g

Two marriages that ended in divorce.  One after 35 years of marriage, grandkids to show for it; the other marriage, a lot newer with no offspring.  Why did these two men get divorces?  How much responsibility do they take?  What feelings do they currently have for their former spouses, and how did their church communities respond?  Are divorces more accepted these days amongst Christians?  How relevant to these men are Jesus' words, "If anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."  (Luke 16:18)And would it not make sense for more people to seek marital advice from those who have lived through a divorce? [This conversation was recorded in June of 2022.  Thanks, Jack and Jed.  Your willingness to be open and honest provides valuable insight for us all] Love the show?  We would love your support as a patron.*All patrons have optional access to the Bear W/ Community.About / Video / JoinOn Today's episode:Ja

Viewer discretion is always advised, dummies, but this one is a must. Erica Smith, sexuality educator for 22 years and creator of Purity Culture Drop Out, talks candidly and answers Joey's crazy questions about female sexuality.  According to Erica, there's not a lot of sexual behavior (i.e. masturbation habits, being aroused by visual stimuli ) consistent to a particular gender.  In other words, "girls like stuff," just like boys.  There is however a lot of sexual tendencies/patterns in society that are affected greatly by cultural conditioning.What's the biology behind older men remaining sexually attracted to girls in their early to mid-twenties?  What does Erica's research say about casual sex and hook-ups?  We talk porn, sado masochism, how much sex goes on in nursing homes and many more "blush inducing" topics. Love the show?  We would love your support as a patron.*All patrons have optional access to the Bear W/ Community.About / Video / JoinErica Smith / Instagr

No one is ever prepared for this sort of news.  Life is normal for Hayne Griffin and all of the sudden, he has to contemplate losing his spouse.  But this is a "Woman's Body Month," who cares about Hayne! (just kidding, Hayne).Hayne's wife, Erica Griffin, joins the show and the two describe how breast cancer has rocked (and is rocking) their world. As five folks on this show who have experienced significant faith-deconstruction, there's lots of discussion on our current views of God, sickness and healing in the context of Erica's cancer; and how drastically different from our pre-deconstruction thinking.   Does losing your breasts affect how a woman feels sexually?  Why is it easier for Hayne to be an atheist sometimes?  Did Erica expect to find herself in heaven in the event she died?  And who would have thought, all breasts can be broken down into two groups: fatty or dense.  And this is actually important!  A little bit of everything on this one.  And we figured out a way to l

"A Woman's Body Month," sexuality, self-worth and image, the brutality of breast cancer and what it's like not to desire sex, all through the life experiences of women. On this episode, Amy Alderman and Joey Svendsen talk to Rachel Meyers of Your Favorite Heretics, to gain a better understanding of asexuality.   Rachel enjoys "having feelings" for others (she enjoys that with her husband, Derek) and has always enjoyed being pursued.  She just never has desired any one's body sexually. Rachel's form of asexuality not only leaves her disinterested in sex, the thought is repulsive and the act as troublesome as it would be for a gay person to be with the opposite sex or a straight person having sex with the same gender.  She relishes  complements from women, has to work hard at giving her kids physical affection and loves her husband dearly.So, what about her husband?  Do asexual people like orgasms? Is asexuality an imperfection? Thanks to Rachel for sharing a part of her

Kicking off a 4-part series for the month of October, sexuality, self-worth and image, the brutality of breast cancer and what it's like not to desire sex, all through the life experiences of women (but of course!).  Today, co-hosts of the show, Ellen Mauro, Amy Alderman and Liz Miller discuss what pop culture currently deems as the ideal female body type, whether women always care about having sex appeal and if culture is dictating the whole "as men get older, they become more distinguished and as women age, less sexy and desirable" narrative.  All three ladies describe with great candor their own struggle with body image, especially as they age.  Special thanks to them for that.   Are women competitive with one another? Is it unnerving that statistically, as men get older they always find girls in their early 20s the most appealing sexually? Does culture now accept the sexual objectification of men?   Oh, and guys being more visual than women?  That may just be a myth.  It's "A Woma

Ellen Mauro has found great recent success in medicating her AD/HD.  She also got Joey to watch a documentary called "We've Got to Talk About Cosby," which chronicles the twisted and dark life of Bill Cosby, all along while the cultural icon is considered heroic by millions of fans. Now having watched the documentary, Joey can never enjoy The Cosby Show again.  Stoy, Ellen and Joey discuss evil in the context of mental illness and they look at the nuances involved in separating good art from an evil artist.  Lastly, Joey and Ellen learn about Stoy's superpower.   For Part II of the episode, John Mark Mcmillan and Joey discuss their journey of judging people less, the older they get.  John Mark ran into a famous Mega Church Pastor in an airplane who is a big fan of of John Mark's music, the two of them now friends.  Come to find out, although looks can be deceiving, the Mega Church Pastor is actually a real person too.Enjoy these conversations?  Check out the digital community version

Stephany Drury of Stuff Christians Life, shares a bit of her story of growing up a fundamentalist kid who asked too many questions about God, [because the dots just weren't connecting] while God convicted her heart at an early age that loving God and others is what the "good life" is made of, rather than the  emphasis of religion many of us were raised on. You'll hear why Stephanie loves attending Catholic mass as frequently as she can while deploring a lot of the "laws" in the Catholic church.  She believes in transubstantiation (the communion elements actually "turn into" the flesh and blood of Jesus) and has currently found a church community (outside of her Catholic mass intake) that she loves.  What's worst-case scenario for the political landscape in America, how purity culture at Mars Hill church detrimentally affects Ellen years later, the breaking of "generational fundamentalism" in Joey's household, the personal impacts of mental illness an