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Praise Be To Pod

Bailee and Ashley

Ashley and Bailee are reclaiming their spirituality after leaving the evangelical church behind. Join them for candid conversations about the twists and turns of deconstruction, spirituality, pop culture, mental health, astrology, self-care, and all the things that make life interesting after the altar call. Together, we’ll laugh, reflect, and discover what we still believe in.

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  • 32 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 54 min
  • English

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  • S4 · E4
    November 8 · 1 hr 5 min

    YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING Part 2: Elizabeth Holmes, Mega Church Pastors, and Weaponized Vulnerability

    In Part 2 of their You Can See Everything discussion, Ashley and Bailee unpack the documentary’s biggest questions: Who gets to control the story, and how much should we trust what we’re seeing? From Nathan Fielder’s role as an unreliable narrator to the familiar playbook of scandal-plagued megachurch pastors, they explore the art of salvaging a public image when accountability comes to collect. Along the way, they reflect on their own experiences trusting spiritual leaders whose intentions later came into question – and the eerily familiar tactics they recognized in the documentary's central figures. * This episode contains spoilers for the film You Can See Everything Plus, media literacy, calculated vulnerability, and the complicated relationship between memory, truth, and narrative control. Listen to Part 1 Sources: Al Jazeera. (2022, January 4). Elizabeth Holmes: The rise and fall of the Theranos founder. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/4/elizabeth-holmes-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-theranos-founder Barcella, L. (2026, October 13). Sunny Balwani and Elizabeth Holmes [Web page]. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/articles/sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmes-boyfriend Bay City News. (2023, May 16). Elizabeth Holmes loses latest bid to avoid prison and gets hit with $452M restitution bill. ABC7 News. https://abc7news.com/amp/post/elizabeth-holmes-prison-theranos-us-court-of-appeals-for-the-9th-circuit-news/13256920/ Boston Globe. (2023, May 18). Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is going to prison. Here’s what to know. The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/18/business/theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-is-going-prison-heres-what-know EBSCO Research Starters. (n.d.). Theranos [Research starter]. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/technology/theranos EQS Editorial Team. (2023, November 22). Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos case: History of a fraud scandal. Integrity Line. https://www.integrityline.com/expertise/blog/elizabeth-holmes-theranos/ Gale, A. (2026, October 7). Elizabeth Holmes and Billy Evans [Web page]. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/articles/elizabeth-holmes-billy-evans Hartmans, A., & Leskin, P. (2020, February 11). The career rise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/the-career-rise-and-fall-of-theranos-founder-elizabeth/346212 Herrnstadt, D. (2026, October 7). Nathan Fielder reveals Elizabeth Holmes’ partner tried to derail film. The Daily Beast. https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/nathan-fielder-reveals-elizabeth-holmes-partner-tried-to-derail-film Italiano, E. (2025, August 27). The Rehearsal and the Mental Health in Aviation Act [Web page]. BroBible. https://brobible.com/culture/article/the-rehearsal-mental-health-in-aviation-act/ Keshavan, M., & Versel, N. (2016, February 5). Theranos doomsday clock: A full timeline of its rise and fall. MedCity News. https://medcitynews.com/2016/02/theranos-doomsday-clock-full-timeline-rise-fall/ Liedtke, M., & Budman, S. (2022, March 22). Elizabeth Holmes looms over trial of former lover, partner. NBC Bay Area. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/elizabeth-holmes-looms-over-trial-of-former-lover-partner/2844360/ Musumeci, N. (2025, November 30). Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has had nearly three years knocked off her prison sentence. Business Insider. https://www.aol.com/articles/theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-had-100005390.html NBC News. (2025). Nathan Fielder’s CNN interview about The Rehearsal and the FAA [Web page]. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/the-rehearsal-nathan-fielder-cnn-interview-faa-rcna209782 O’Brien, S. A. (2022, July 7). The rise and fall of Theranos: A timeline. CNN Business. https://krdo.com/money/cnn-social-media-technology/2022/07/07/the-rise-and-fall-of-theranos-a-timeline/ Ramsey, L. (2018, May 21). An incident back in 2006 shows just how far back Theranos’ deception went in the company’s history. Business Insider. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/incident-back-2006-shows-just-110000756.html Renata, C. (2026, September 7). Unveiling Telluride’s big secret: Elizabeth Holmes documentary is sheer craziness. TheWrap. https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/tellurides-big-secret-elizabeth-holmes-documentary/ SuperSummary. (n.d.). Bad Blood: Secrets and lies in a Silicon Valley startup: Key figures [Study guide]. https://www.supersummary.com/bad-blood/key-figures/ Wilson, B. T. (2020, March 11). Theranos and the tale of the disappearing board of directors. Idaho State Bar. https://isb.idaho.gov/blog/theranos-and-the-tale-of-the-disappearing-board-of-directors/ Worland, J. (2016, April 19). Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes: The investigation. TIME. https://time.com/4298885/theranos-elizabeth-holmes-investigation/ Zacharek, S. (2026, October 16). Elizabeth Holmes is not the problem with You Can See Everything. TIME. https://time.com/article/2026/10/15/you-can-see-everything-movie-review/ Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S4 · E3
    November 1 · 59 min

    YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING Part 1: Following a Fraudulent Visionary

    Elizabeth Holmes promised to revolutionize healthcare with just a few drops of blood. So how did Theranos go from Silicon Valley darling to one of the biggest fraud scandals in tech history? Ashley and Bailee trace the company's rise and fall, from Holmes's ambitious vision and meteoric success to the investigations and revelations that brought it all crashing down. Plus, You Can See Everything and the parallels between Holmes's carefully crafted public image and the personas of megachurch pastors. What happens when powerful leaders build trust, cultivate devoted followers, and face the consequences when the story they've told about themselves begins to unravel? Sources: Al Jazeera. (2022, January 4). Elizabeth Holmes: The rise and fall of the Theranos founder. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/4/elizabeth-holmes-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-theranos-founder Barcella, L. (2026, October 13). Sunny Balwani and Elizabeth Holmes [Web page]. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/articles/sunny-balwani-elizabeth-holmes-boyfriend Bay City News. (2023, May 16). Elizabeth Holmes loses latest bid to avoid prison and gets hit with $452M restitution bill. ABC7 News. https://abc7news.com/amp/post/elizabeth-holmes-prison-theranos-us-court-of-appeals-for-the-9th-circuit-news/13256920/ Boston Globe. (2023, May 18). Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is going to prison. Here’s what to know. The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/18/business/theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-is-going-prison-heres-what-know EBSCO Research Starters. (n.d.). Theranos [Research starter]. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/technology/theranos EQS Editorial Team. (2023, November 22). Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos case: History of a fraud scandal. Integrity Line. https://www.integrityline.com/expertise/blog/elizabeth-holmes-theranos/ Gale, A. (2026, October 7). Elizabeth Holmes and Billy Evans [Web page]. A&E. https://www.aetv.com/articles/elizabeth-holmes-billy-evans Hartmans, A., & Leskin, P. (2020, February 11). The career rise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/the-career-rise-and-fall-of-theranos-founder-elizabeth/346212 Herrnstadt, D. (2026, October 7). Nathan Fielder reveals Elizabeth Holmes’ partner tried to derail film. The Daily Beast. https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/nathan-fielder-reveals-elizabeth-holmes-partner-tried-to-derail-film Italiano, E. (2025, August 27). The Rehearsal and the Mental Health in Aviation Act [Web page]. BroBible. https://brobible.com/culture/article/the-rehearsal-mental-health-in-aviation-act/ Keshavan, M., & Versel, N. (2016, February 5). Theranos doomsday clock: A full timeline of its rise and fall. MedCity News. https://medcitynews.com/2016/02/theranos-doomsday-clock-full-timeline-rise-fall/ Liedtke, M., & Budman, S. (2022, March 22). Elizabeth Holmes looms over trial of former lover, partner. NBC Bay Area. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/elizabeth-holmes-looms-over-trial-of-former-lover-partner/2844360/ Musumeci, N. (2025, November 30). Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has had nearly three years knocked off her prison sentence. Business Insider. https://www.aol.com/articles/theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-had-100005390.html NBC News. (2025). Nathan Fielder’s CNN interview about The Rehearsal and the FAA [Web page]. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/the-rehearsal-nathan-fielder-cnn-interview-faa-rcna209782 O’Brien, S. A. (2022, July 7). The rise and fall of Theranos: A timeline. CNN Business. https://krdo.com/money/cnn-social-media-technology/2022/07/07/the-rise-and-fall-of-theranos-a-timeline/ Ramsey, L. (2018, May 21). An incident back in 2006 shows just how far back Theranos’ deception went in the company’s history. Business Insider. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/incident-back-2006-shows-just-110000756.html Renata, C. (2026, September 7). Unveiling Telluride’s big secret: Elizabeth Holmes documentary is sheer craziness. TheWrap. https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/tellurides-big-secret-elizabeth-holmes-documentary/ SuperSummary. (n.d.). Bad Blood: Secrets and lies in a Silicon Valley startup: Key figures [Study guide]. https://www.supersummary.com/bad-blood/key-figures/ Wilson, B. T. (2020, March 11). Theranos and the tale of the disappearing board of directors. Idaho State Bar. https://isb.idaho.gov/blog/theranos-and-the-tale-of-the-disappearing-board-of-directors/ Worland, J. (2016, April 19). Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes: The investigation. TIME. https://time.com/4298885/theranos-elizabeth-holmes-investigation/ Zacharek, S. (2026, October 16). Elizabeth Holmes is not the problem with You Can See Everything. TIME. https://time.com/article/2026/10/15/you-can-see-everything-movie-review/ Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S4 · E2
    October 25 · 1 hr

    Irish-Catholic Guilt & Evangelical Youth Group with Maggie Crane

    From Catholic guilt to evangelical youth group, Maggie Crane has experienced more than one flavor of religious baggage. Ashley and Bailee sit down with the Massachusetts-born, NYC-based comedian to talk about growing up Irish Catholic, finding her way into evangelicalism, and the strange cultural differences between two religious worlds that might have more in common than you'd think. Plus, purity culture, vaginismus, and what happens when the lessons you learn about your body stick around long after youth group ends. Content Advisory: This episode discusses religious trauma, purity culture, and vaginismus. Find Maggie: 📸 Instagram: @maggiecrane 🎵 TikTok: @maggiecrane Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S4 · E1
    October 18 · 51 min

    Spooky Season: Deliverance Ministry

    Demons, deliverance, and the belief that every struggle has a spiritual explanation. Ashley and Bailee unpack the origins of deliverance ministry, what it looks like in modern evangelical and charismatic churches, and their own experiences with a practice that can blur the line between spiritual warfare and real-world harm. Together, they explore what happens when everything from anxiety to talking back to your parents gets blamed on demons. Plus, Bailee shares a story from her past involving a remote gas station selling live guinea pigs, a child cashier, and a mudslide in Topanga Canyon that led her to what is now her favorite cardigan. Content Advisory: Spiritual and sexual abuse. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E25
    October 11 · 50 min

    Groomed by the Pulpit: The Predatory Pattern of Pastor John-Paul Miller

    He told a whole congregation how wives should behave while doing the opposite behind closed doors. Ashley and Bailee skip the true crime recap of Netflix's Death of a Pastor's Wife and ask the scarier question: how does a church spend years training people to forgive a pastor before anything even comes out? Plus, a praise report, a sprained foot, and a very serious debate about Nathan Fielder's hotness. Content Advisory: this episode discusses suicide, sexual abuse, grooming, and religious abuse. The hosts share the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at the top. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E24
    October 4 · 41 min

    Discipleship Program and "Biblical Education" Scams

    Ashley and Bailee unpack their thoughts and experiences with evangelical discipleship programs (think YWAM, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, Teen Mania’s Honor Academy, etc.). They discuss how these programs offered young, disenchanted evangelical millennials an alternative to college, trade school, or other forms of higher education, as well as the immersive culture, community, and spiritual formation they provided. They explore how these experiences shaped their religious experiences and understanding of purpose, and what happens when those who lose their faith are left with no back-up plan. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E23
    September 27 · 53 min

    Building Self-Trust After Being So Wrong

    This week, Ashley and Bailee explore what it means to rebuild self-trust after spending years in an evangelical culture that taught them not to trust themselves. From being told that “the heart is deceitful” to learning to be suspicious of their own desires, instincts, and decision-making, they unpack how constantly looking outside ourselves for permission and direction can leave us disconnected from our own inner voice. Together, they talk about what it looks like to begin trusting ourselves again and becoming open to the possibility that not every good decision has to come from sacrifice, suffering, or self-denial. Sometimes, joy, pleasure, and desire are just as connected to truth. What We Talk About: Ashley found a scalp product that actually works. This is not a drill. Bailee gives tips on committing voter fraud. Hagar, Ishmael, and evangelicals’ insistence with spreading Islamophobia. Why are the same five actors in every movie? That one time “Satan” helped Bailee escape a cult in Kansas City. Ashley’s husband has no religious trauma and it’s bewildering. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E22
    September 20 · 58 min

    Filmmaking, Abortion, & Unoriginal Nicknames with Grace Sims

    Ashley and Bailee sit down with filmmaker Grace Sims to talk about her evangelical childhood, her time with Youth With A Mission, and the purity-culture nicknames that followed her through high school. The conversation moves into Grace's gradual deconstruction and the deeply personal story behind her short film, The Country They Call Life, which follows a young woman navigating the decision to end a pregnancy. Grace opens up about her own abortion experience, why she chose to humanize every character in the film rather than write villains, and how she hopes the film builds empathy across the pro-life and pro-choice divide. Connect with Grace: Grace Sims is a writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles. She began training in acting at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City before studying directing and screenwriting at Emerson College in Boston. Grace spent time in missions organizations before turning fully to storytelling. Her latest short film, The Country They Call Life (2025), follows a young woman named Maxine through the surreal, transformative experience of ending a pregnancy, drawing on Grace's own experience with abortion. 👩‍🦰 📸 Instagram: @meadowlarrk 👩‍🦰 💻 Web: gracesims.com The Country they Call Life: 🎥 📸 Instagram: @thecountrytheycalllife 🎥 💻 Web: https://www.gracesims.com/ Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E21
    September 13 · 46 min

    9/11 Never Forget | Part 2

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation about 9/11, getting into the attacks themselves and the enormous cultural impact they had on a generation of Americans. They talk about how September 11th changed the way Americans understood safety, terrorism, patriotism, and the world around them, and how the aftermath shaped American and Evangelical culture for years to come. Together, they explore the War on Terror, Islamophobia, surveillance, and the ways 9/11 became woven into American politics, media, religion, and everyday life. They also dig into the evangelical response to the attacks and how growing up evangelical shaped the stories, fears, and beliefs they absorbed in a post-9/11 world. References: Anti-Defamation League. (2023, February 21). The significance of the Oklahoma City bombing. https://www.adl.org/resources/news/significance-oklahoma-city-bombing Avalon Project, Yale Law School. (n.d.). Military-industrial complex speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961. https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/eisenhower001.asp Bar-Lev, A., & Chermayeff, M. (Directors). (2021). Turning Point: 9/11 and the war on terror [TV series]. Netflix. Bill of Rights Institute. (n.d.). Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/timothy-mcveigh-and-the-oklahoma-city-bombing/ Britannica. (2026a, June 24). Military-industrial complex. https://www.britannica.com/topic/military-industrial-complex Britannica. (2026b, July 17). Pat Buchanan. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-J-Buchanan Common Dreams. (2025, November 19). "Trillion dollar war machine": Understanding US militarism and how to dismantle it. https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/trillion-dollar-us-war-machine Council on Foreign Relations. (2021, August 31). How 9/11 reshaped foreign policy. https://www.cfr.org/articles/how-911-reshaped-foreign-policy EBSCO Research Starters. (n.d.). Patrick "Pat" Joseph Buchanan. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/patrick-pat-joseph-buchanan Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2022, May 10). Oklahoma City bombing. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing Foreign Policy in Focus. (2013, May 8). Defense conversion. https://fpif.org/defense_conversion/ González, R. J. (2010). Militarizing culture: Essays on the warfare state. Left Coast Press. In These Times. (2020, August 17). How pro sports became part of the U.S. military's war machine. https://inthesetimes.com/article/sports-military-patriotism-corporate-war-baseball-football-hockey Miller Center. (2025, May 28). Oklahoma City bombing. https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/educational-resources/oklahoma-city-bombing National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. (2004). The 9/11 Commission report: Final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. https://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report.pdf Pew Research Center. (2023, November 8). The changing face of America's veteran population. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/08/the-changing-face-of-americas-veteran-population/ Political Research Associates. (1999, April 1). Clinton, conspiracism, and the continuing culture war: What is past is prologue. https://politicalresearch.org/1999/04/01/clinton-conspiracism-and-the-continuing-culture U.S. Department of State Archive. (n.d.). 1989–2000: The post-Cold War era. https://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/pcw/index.htm Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E20
    September 6 · 46 min

    9/11 Never Forget | Part 1

    This week, Ashley and Bailee begin a two-part conversation about 9/11 and the American evangelical response to one of the most defining events of their generation. But before getting into what happened after September 11th, they take a step back to look at the political, historical, and social climate that led up to the attacks. Together, they unpack the history of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, the legacy of the Cold War, the rise of Islamic extremism, American foreign policy, and the complicated relationship between the United States and the Middle East. They also dig into Osama bin Laden’s origin story and radicalization, and the events and ideologies that shaped his path toward becoming the leader of al-Qaeda. They talk about what Americans understood about Islam and terrorism before 9/11, the cultural narratives that were already taking shape, and how all of this context shaped the way Americans would eventually understand the attacks. References: Anti-Defamation League. (2023, February 21). The significance of the Oklahoma City bombing. https://www.adl.org/resources/news/significance-oklahoma-city-bombing Avalon Project, Yale Law School. (n.d.). Military-industrial complex speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961. https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/eisenhower001.asp Bar-Lev, A., & Chermayeff, M. (Directors). (2021). Turning Point: 9/11 and the war on terror [TV series]. Netflix. Bill of Rights Institute. (n.d.). Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/timothy-mcveigh-and-the-oklahoma-city-bombing/ Britannica. (2026a, June 24). Military-industrial complex. https://www.britannica.com/topic/military-industrial-complex Britannica. (2026b, July 17). Pat Buchanan. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-J-Buchanan Common Dreams. (2025, November 19). "Trillion dollar war machine": Understanding US militarism and how to dismantle it. https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/trillion-dollar-us-war-machine Council on Foreign Relations. (2021, August 31). How 9/11 reshaped foreign policy. https://www.cfr.org/articles/how-911-reshaped-foreign-policy EBSCO Research Starters. (n.d.). Patrick "Pat" Joseph Buchanan. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/patrick-pat-joseph-buchanan Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2022, May 10). Oklahoma City bombing. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing Foreign Policy in Focus. (2013, May 8). Defense conversion. https://fpif.org/defense_conversion/ González, R. J. (2010). Militarizing culture: Essays on the warfare state. Left Coast Press. In These Times. (2020, August 17). How pro sports became part of the U.S. military's war machine. https://inthesetimes.com/article/sports-military-patriotism-corporate-war-baseball-football-hockey Miller Center. (2025, May 28). Oklahoma City bombing. https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/educational-resources/oklahoma-city-bombing National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. (2004). The 9/11 Commission report: Final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. https://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report.pdf Pew Research Center. (2023, November 8). The changing face of America's veteran population. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/08/the-changing-face-of-americas-veteran-population/ Political Research Associates. (1999, April 1). Clinton, conspiracism, and the continuing culture war: What is past is prologue. https://politicalresearch.org/1999/04/01/clinton-conspiracism-and-the-continuing-culture U.S. Department of State Archive. (n.d.). 1989–2000: The post-Cold War era. https://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/pcw/index.htm Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E19
    August 30 · 1 hr 1 min

    Coming Out, Dating, and Deconstructing God with Mike Maeshiro | Part 2

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation with Mike Maeshiro – delving into what it’s like being LGBTQ+ in an evangelical world where your sexuality is treated as an affliction to overcome. Mike opens up about how being closeted made it nearly impossible to imagine a future for himself, and how pouring himself into ministry served as a distraction from his sexuality and from the possibility that God might actually accept him for who he is. Together, they explore what happens when the promise of “deliverance” never comes, and how Mike’s experiences eventually led him to question the theology he once devoted his life to as well as the institutions upholding it. Along the way, they talk about the Bible, Jesus, having a Jezebel Spirit, and what dating men has honestly been like post-deconstruction and coming out. Our Guest, Mike Maeshiro: Mike Maeshiro is the founder of Numa, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals recovering from religious toxicity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. A prominent voice in both the LGBTQ+ and deconstruction movements, Mike draws on his experiences as a gay man navigating his Christian upbringing and ministry to share profound insights about faith and identity. As a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, known for his class "Discerning of Spirits," Mike now focuses on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction. He serves as a consultant and coach for gay men transitioning away from evangelicalism, leading a team of coaches who assist those whose faith is evolving. In addition to his advocacy, Mike is a social media influencer and thought leader, emphasizing the transformative power of living authentically and reclaiming spirituality in affirming ways. “HUMANS MATTER MORE THAN THEOLOGY.” - MIKE MAESHIRO Find More from Mike Numa: https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/ Podcast: Confessions of a Reformer Episodes Mentioned with Tyler Williamson on Spiritual Abuse: Part 1 Part 2 Mike’s Coming Out Story on Youtube: God Wants Me To Be Gay - A Christian Pastor’s Coming Out Story Instagram: @mikemaeshiro Youtube: @mikemaeshiro3965 Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E18
    August 23 · 56 min

    From Supernatural Ministry to Queer Deconstruction with Mike Maeshiro | Part 1

    This week Ashley and Bailee kick things off with the politics of expensive desk chairs, the two hours Bailee lost Uncle Marty, and her unexpected new love affair with baseball (much to Ashley's disapproval). Jacob weighs in with his signature distaste for Rotten Tomatoes ratings. In our Part 1 interview with Mike Maeshiro, founder of Numa, we go back to the beginning. Mike opens up about knowing he was gay from a young age, and what it was like navigating that reality inside an evangelical world that offered him conversion therapy instead of acceptance. He walks us through his years at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, teaching "Discerning of Spirits" and how that same season eventually planted the seeds for what would become Numa, the organization he now leads to help others recover from religious toxicity. _____ Mike Maeshiro: Mike Maeshiro is the founder of Numa, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals recovering from religious toxicity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. A prominent voice in both the LGBTQ+ and deconstruction movements, Mike draws on his experiences as a gay man navigating his Christian upbringing and ministry to share profound insights about faith and identity. As a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, known for his class "Discerning of Spirits," Mike now focuses on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction. He serves as a consultant and coach for gay men transitioning away from evangelicalism, leading a team of coaches who assist those whose faith is evolving. In addition to his advocacy, Mike is a social media influencer and thought leader, emphasizing the transformative power of living authentically and reclaiming spirituality in affirming ways. “HUMANS MATTER MORE THAN THEOLOGY.” - MIKE MAESHIRO Find More from Mike Numa: https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/ Podcast: Confessions of a Reformer Mike’s Coming Out Story on Youtube: God Wants Me To Be Gay - A Christian Pastor’s Coming Out Story Instagram: @mikemaeshiro Youtube: @mikemaeshiro3965 Episodes Mentioned with Tyler Williamson on Spiritual Abuse: Part 1 Part 2 Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E17
    August 16 · 49 min

    Five Love Languages: The Gospel According to Gary Chapman

    This week Ashley and Bailee break down the Five Love Languages: where they actually came from (hint: it's more churchy than you think), why zero peer-reviewed studies back them up, and how a 1992 Christian Literature release somehow out-lasted Myers-Briggs as our go-to personality rubric. The author, Gary Chapman, was a Baptist marriage counselor with a Ph.D. in adult education. Somehow his little notebook became the defining relationship framework of the last three decades — and neither of us can figure out how "physical touch" ended up in every guy's Hinge bio. We're talking origin story, slow-burn rise to fame, the actual science (or lack thereof), and a full Hall of Grievances. Plus: what's on our hearts this week, our own love languages laid bare, and a few more thoughts of course. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E16
    August 9 · 51 min

    What's on Your Heart: Summer Edition

    This week, join Ashley and Bailee for a full-length “What's on Your Heart?” episode. From our thoughts on Lindsey Graham to Ashley’s trip to Kenya to Minnesota’s abysmal air quality, we're spending the entire episode catching up on everything that's happened over the summer, sharing what's been on our minds (and hearts), and following every tangent that inevitably comes with it. What we talk about: Bailee's move Ashley's trip to Kenya How Lindsay Graham’s Death brought self-reflection Our most embarrassing summer moments Marmot OnlyFans Reviewing The Odyssey …And more! Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E15
    August 2 · 45 min

    Oh, Heavens! Part 2: What Do You Think Happens When We Die?

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation on heaven by exploring how the beliefs they inherited about the afterlife shaped the way they lived, loved, and understood the world around them. Together, they reflect on how evangelical Christianity informed the way they imagined heaven, discussing how those beliefs influenced everything from fear and purpose to relationships, justice, and caring for the present world. They explore what (if anything) about belief in the afterlife they've found meaningful on the other side of deconstruction, and how reimagining heaven has transformed the way they think about what it means to live life in the present. What we talk about: Bailee’s tornado chasing aspirations. Ashley finally saw Obsession. What we were taught about heaven. The surprising consequences of Evangelical afterlife theology. So what’s the deal with ghosts? References: Boyer, P. (1992). When time shall be no more: Prophecy belief in modern American culture. Harvard University Press. Collins, J. J. (2016). The apocalyptic imagination: An introduction to Jewish apocalyptic literature (3rd ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. Dante Alighieri. (2003). The divine comedy: Paradiso (A. Mandelbaum, Trans.). Bantam Classics. (Original work published ca. 1321) Darby, J. N. (1974). The hopes of the church of God. Bible Truth Publishers. (Original work published in the 1830s–1840s) Ehrman, B. D. (2020). Heaven and hell: A history of the afterlife. Simon & Schuster. LaHaye, T., & Jenkins, J. B. (1995). Left behind. Tyndale House Publishers. Levenson, J. D. (2006). Resurrection and the restoration of Israel: The ultimate victory of the God of life. Yale University Press. McDannell, C., & Lang, B. (2001). Heaven: A history (2nd ed.). Yale University Press. Michelangelo Buonarroti. (1536–1541). The Last Judgment [Fresco]. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. Russell, J. B. (1997). A history of heaven: The singing silence. Princeton University Press. Sandeen, E. R. (1970). The roots of fundamentalism: British and American millenarianism, 1800–1930. University of Chicago Press. Segal, A. F. (2004). Life after death: A history of the afterlife in Western religion. Doubleday. The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. (2021). National Council of Churches. Wright, N. T. (2008). Surprised by hope: Rethinking heaven, the resurrection, and the mission of the church. HarperOne. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E14
    July 26 · 45 min

    Oh, Heavens! Part 1: The History, Mythology, and the Afterlife

    This week, Ashley and Bailee kick off a two-part conversation exploring the origins of heaven and revisiting one of the foundational beliefs they were taught growing up in evangelical Christianity. Together, they reflect on the version of heaven they inherited from the church, and explore how that picture was shaped by centuries of history, theology, and cultural influence. They discuss the historical evolution of beliefs about the afterlife, the surprising impact of Dante's Divine Comedy on modern Christian imagination, and what Jesus may have actually meant when he proclaimed that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What we talk about: War crimes Ashley visit to Azusa Street How “All Dogs Go to Heaven” saved Ashley’s life Origins of the Christian belief in heaven Dante’s influence on Heaven imagery What does “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” actually mean? References: Alighieri, D. (1308–1321). The Divine Comedy [Poem]. (R. Kirkpatrick, Trans.). Penguin Classics. Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). H8064 – shamayim – Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (KJV). https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8064/kjv/wlc/0-1/ Champlin, E. (2003). Nero. Harvard University Press. Christianity.com. (2023, February 24). Who are the four living creatures in Revelation? https://www.christianity.com/wiki/end-times/who-four-living-creatures-revelation.html DeMars, D. (2020, September 22). Who are the elders and living creatures in Revelation 4? Theology Pathfinder. https://derekdemars.com/2020/09/22/who-are-the-elders-and-living-creatures-in-revelation-4/ Hebrew for Christians. (2026). Shamayim (שָׁמַיִם): How to say heaven in Hebrew. https://learnhebrewforchristians.com/hebrew-words/heaven-shamayim Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org My Jewish Learning. (n.d.). Jewish views on the afterlife. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/afterlife/ Religion Wiki. (n.d.). Heaven in Judaism: Shamayim. https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Heaven_(Judaism) Walls, J. L. (2002). Heaven: The logic of eternal joy. Oxford University Press. Wright, N. T. (2008). Surprised by hope: Rethinking heaven, the resurrection, and the mission of the church. HarperOne. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E13
    July 19 · 1 hr 6 min

    Church Skit Nepo Baby with Katherine Scipioni

    This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation with their friend Scip as she reflects on growing up in 90s evangelical culture and her journey through deconstruction. Together, they explore Scip’s upbringing in the Assembly of God church, her experience attending an evangelical Bible college, and the ways those environments shaped (and challenged) her faith. They unpack the unique culture and politics of evangelical higher education, revisit the unforgettable world of puppet teams and human video competitions, and reflect on what it means to untangle the traditions, beliefs, and communities that shaped you while finding your own way forward. What we talk about: - Special guest Katherine Scipioni - The gatorade wars - Being embarrassingly earnest - Church skit human video competitions - Going to a conservative Bible College - Lying for fun - Tricky timing with purity culture Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E12
    July 12 · 56 min

    If everyone's gay, who will bear children? Sage Advice with Special Guest, Katherine Scipioni

    This week, Ashley and Bailee are joined by their friend Katherine Scipioni “Scip” to respond to a parishioner question about navigating family relationships when faith and identity collide. Together, they discuss the pain of conditional acceptance, responding to a parishioner’s story about her conservative Christian family members choosing not to fully support her upcoming wedding to her fiancée. They explore how evangelical beliefs about marriage shape these responses, the role complementarian marriage can play in reinforcing harmful dynamics, and the complicated work of maintaining relationships with conservative family while honoring your own boundaries. What we talk about: - Ronald Reagan therapy intervention - We were given a Free Mason bible - Boston Hagus - Fake recipe rage bait - Parishioner write-in - Trying to reach people who are committed to misunderstanding you Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E11
    July 5 · 46 min

    UNLEARNING: Are We Still Evangelizing?

    This week, Ashley and Bailee explore the lingering ways evangelical Christianity continues to shape their thinking, even after deconstruction. Together, they reflect on how certain patterns don’t automatically disappear when beliefs change…they often shift form. From over-functioning in relationships to carrying a sense of moral urgency into political spaces, they examine how old frameworks can quietly persist beneath new language and identities—and how unlearning them has been harder than they expected. What we talk about: Coach (Ashley’s dog) goes to Camp Courage Bailee’s 4th grade crush Aperol spritz o’clock Couple’s Therapy How Evangelicalism f*cked up our relationships Is Leftism Bailee’s new gospel? References: Post by @thekindred.space on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DYH8wp-FHNe/ Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

  • S3 · E10
    June 28 · 53 min

    Mental Health: Spiritual Bypassing

    This week, Ashley and Bailee unpack one of evangelicalism's most enduring coping mechanisms: spiritual bypassing. Together, they explore the pressure to "choose joy" when life is falling apart, the expectation to stay positive no matter the circumstances, and the ways difficult emotions are often treated as spiritual failures rather than normal parts of being human. Along the way, they discuss Word of Faith theology, the fear of "speaking things into existence," and what it means to hold onto hope without denying reality. Support the show Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod ▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com 💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

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