It's been 5 weeks since the podcast launched and we have just under 6 weeks until the election. So, we’re 12 Episodes in and there are 12 more to come before the election, so it felt right to do a bit of check in...

Tune in to hear:

• Highlights and key takeaways from the first 12 Episodes of the podcast.
• What you can definitely expect and also hopefully expect from the rest of the “season” until the election.
• Some of what it's been like creating the podcast.

What it means that I was “called” to do this podcast.
I genuinely want to know what you think and what your key takeaways have been. Please comment below or DM. And if you don't want to share, please comment with an emoji if you've been listening. 💞

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How does patriarchy shape our society, in religion and beyond? Why are some people (especially white women) voting against their own interests? How does the rise of Christian evangelism and nationalism affect women and marginalized groups in particular?

In this episode, I connect with guest Rev. Karla Kamstra, an ordained interfaith minister, spiritual mentor, and badass TikTok Mama Bear.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 12 TO HEAR:

• Rev. Karla’s personal journey going from super religious (Southern Baptist) to spiritual but not religious and eventually an Interfaith minister.
• How living in a White, Male, Christian dominant society impacts all women and marginalized groups.
• How patriarchy suppresses self-agency/self-trust, critical thinking and breeds spiritual bypassing and religious trauma.
• How white christian women are both the some of the most impacted but also the most dangerous within a patriarchal system (they perpetuate it).
• How it is not masculinity but toxic masculinity that creates patriarchy. The path forward is living in balance with divine feminine and divine masculine.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rev Karla is a deconstructed Southern Baptist, an ordained interfaith minister and a spiritual mentor, helping those who are deconstructing find healing and spiritual clarity. Her first book "Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith" will be out in October. She has a huge following online with over 700,000 followers on TikTok @revkarla and she also has a Facebook group called Rev Karla’s Inner Circle. Rev Karla’s content is a call for all seeking clarity beyond religious confines. She explores topics from deconstructing Christianity, healing religious trauma, the spiritual-but-not-religious path, and the dangers of Christian nationalism. She is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.

RESOURCES:

Follow Rev Karla on TikTok @revkarla

Follow Rev Karla on Instagram @revkarla

Join Rev Karla’s Inner Circle on Facebook

Rev Karla’s Spiritual Resource Guides

Rev. Karla’s Video Playlist of Q&A Live Streams

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Every time I get a request for a donation, I wonder “where is it going?” and “why do you need money?” which I have specifically wondered about presidential races. I finally found someone who could answer my questions AND give me ways to give more strategically and have more impact with my donations. In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Brian Derrick, founder of Oath, a platform that is using tech and real-time data science to revolutionize political donations and civic engagement. It feels like such a win to even have him join us - he answers my questions and, and we also talk about the importance of strategic donations in elections and how Oath helps everyday donors make the biggest impact with their contributions.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 11 TO HEAR:

• Why you’re being inundated with donation requests right now.
• How political fundraising and finances really work. And some of the aggressive marketing tactics used to push donors (which can be quite disconnective) including the sense of urgency/deadlines.
• Why grassroots donors have a major influence on local and down-ballot races, which are often overlooked. Your money (even $5) does make an impact and there are ways to make it have MORE impact. (@oath.vote helps A LOT). Grassroots donors can especially have a major influence on local and down-ballot races, which are often overlooked.
• The influence of Super PACs and billionaire donations on elections.
• Why fundraising is important as a tool for impact and influence, but why how the system is broken and why campaign finance reform is absolutely necessary.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist, and tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing civic engagement through his groundbreaking company, Oath (www.oath.vote). As Founder and CEO, Derrick created Oath, a political fundraising platform that's redefining how people engage with elections, with over $25 million directed to high impact races in 2024. You can donate and find out more at oath.vote and you can find Brian on instagram @brianderrick_ and Oath @oath.vote and Brian also co-hosts the podcast Vibes Only which provides political insight and commentary.

RESOURCES:

Donate at www.oath.vote

Donate to Max Impact Races on Oath.Vote

Donate to Top Issues you Connect with

Follow Brian Derrick on Instagram @brianderrick_

Follow Oath on Instagram @oath.vote

Vibes Only Podcast

Movement Voter Project

Campaign Finance Breakdown on Wikipedia

A Basic Breakdown of PACs

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How are so many Christians in this country voting Republican? How would Jesus vote and what did he really teach? When we remove the fear-tactics of the threat of Hell, what were the actual teachings of Jesus and how can we learn from them?

In this episode, we connect with Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has been deconstructing his own faith and understanding of Christianity (his departure was catalyzed by Donald Trump’s rise in politics). We discuss Heaven, Hell, Sin, Abortion, Taxes, Trans rights, Healthcare and lots in between. And Brian and I connect on the essential threads of Jesus’s teachings based in acceptance, love, care for the marginalized, and interconnection.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 10 TO HEAR:

• The true teachings of Jesus are about peace, love, acceptance and equality.
• What if there wasn’t fear of going to “hell,” and what if it doesn’t exist?
• How political tactics of some Churches can impact people’s faith and values.
• How some Christians are so focused on their own “kingdoms” of individualism.
• What Jesus might think about taxes, trans rights, abortion, and beyond.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brian Recker is a former evangelical pastor who now offers pastoral reflections on deconstruction, toxic theology, and reclaiming a healthy spirituality. In addition to his regular posts on social media, he has a substack where he writes regular meditations, and his book HELLBENT is coming out in 2025 with TarcherPerigee. You can learn more about Brian on his website www.brianrecker.com where you can sign up for his substack, and follow him on Instagram @berecker. He also has a podcast called Sacred Counsel.

RESOURCES:

Follow Brian on Instagram @berecker

Sacred Counsel Podcast

BOOK: "scripture, ethics, and the possibility of same sex relationships" by Karen Keen

The Bible for Normal People Podcast

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In the second part of this two-part series, Rabbi Salem Pierce and I continue our discussion, focused on the emotional and complex realities of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 9 TO HEAR:

• Rabbi Salem shares her personal experience and what she’s witnessed in Israel
• She shares insights about the impacts of generational trauma felt by both Jewish and Palestinian communities and the deep emotional impact of recent events.
• We explore the call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for diplomacy as the only viable path forward amidst ongoing violence.
• We discuss the moral tension between supporting the State of Israel and advocating for equality and the recognition of all lives as equally valuable.
• Rabbi Salem draws on Jewish teachings to highlight the importance of compassionate, open dialogue, even when confronting deeply polarizing issues.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Rabbi Salem Pearce is Director of Spirituality at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, serving communities all across the U.S. South as a "circuit-riding rabbi" from her home in Jackson, Miss., where she lives with her two cats. She was ordained by Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston in 2018 and has served as Director of Organizing at T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in New York City, and Executive Director at Carolina Jews for Justice in Durham, N.C. Her rabbinate has involved justice work on a variety of issues: immigration, reproductive rights, workers rights, and Israel/Palestine. She is passionate about Torah, baseball, non-fiction, and travel. You can learn more about her at www.salempearce.com

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Rabbi Salem Pearce

breakdown of jewish denomination affiliation in 2020 - most recent I could find (9% orthodox)

Rabbis for Ceasefire

T’ruah - the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

Gisha: Israeli not-for-profit organization, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.

B’Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

HIAS: Originally founded to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, today HIAS works around the world to assist displaced people of all backgrounds.

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The first of a two-part series, in this episode, we connect with Rabbi Salem Pearce, a Jewish leader and activist, to explore the teachings, history, and practices of Judaism.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 8 TO HEAR:

• The rich history and foundational teachings of Judaism as a religion of practice (and not always credo) including the importance of Shabbat, not only as a religious observance but also as a countercultural statement against the fast-paced nature of modern life
• How Judaism’s teachings inform Jews’ beliefs and values around policies such as abortion, gender and sexuality, climate change and especially caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, and how easily Jews can relate to other minorities and the vulnerable
• Why roughly 80% of jews vote democratic and how important a thriving multi-culture, multi-faith democracy is for American Jews and Jews all around the world.

In part two, we discuss the Israel-Palestine Conflict as well as what Judaism can teach us about having difficult conversations with people who don’t share the same opinions.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Rabbi Salem Pearce is Director of Spirituality at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, serving communities all across the U.S. South as a "circuit-riding rabbi" from her home in Jackson, Miss., where she lives with her two cats. She was ordained by Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston in 2018 and has served as Director of Organizing at T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in New York City, and Executive Director at Carolina Jews for Justice in Durham, N.C. Her rabbinate has involved justice work on a variety of issues: immigration, reproductive rights, workers rights, and Israel/Palestine. She is passionate about Torah, baseball, non-fiction, and travel. You can learn more about her at www.salempearce.com

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Rabbi Salem Pearce

breakdown of jewish denomination affiliation in 2020 - most recent I could find (9% orthodox)

Rabbis for Ceasefire

T’ruah - the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

Gisha: Israeli not-for-profit organization, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.

B’Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

HIAS: Originally founded to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, today HIAS works around the world to assist displaced people of all backgrounds.

LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Follow Rev Dev on Instagram

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In this episode, I share three ways I noticed connection showing up more during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), hopefully evidence of a shift in politics in general. I explore how authenticity and vulnerability from the speakers created a deeper bond with the audience, making politics feel more personal and real. I highlight some of the refreshing inclusion of diverse spiritual languages, highlighting a shift towards interfaith. And then look at how interconnectedness and collectivism was included as a core foundation for the Democrats. However, I also address the disconnection that was felt by many due to certain voices and issues being excluded, especially in regard to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Tune in to hear:

• Speakers at the DNC were more open, authentic and vulnerable, creating a stronger, more relatable “of the people” connection with the audience (in person & virtual).
• The convention celebrated and included a broad spectrum of spiritual beliefs, reflecting a (hopeful) move towards interfaith.
• The foundation of the convention was our shared responsibility to care for one another, highlighting the truth and importance of interconnectedness.
• How the DNC navigated the balance between inclusion and exclusion of voices.

SPECIFIC RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Hilary Clinton Speech at DNC 2024
• Joe Biden Speech at DNC 2024
• Michelle Obama Speech at DNC 2024
• Barack Obama Speech at DNC 2024
• Doug Emhoff Speech at DNC 2024
• Maya Harris Speech at DNC 2024
• Rep. Jasmine Crockett Speech at DNC 2024
• Interfaith Invocation at DNC 2024
• Raphael Warnock Speech at DNC 2024
• Pete Buttigieg Speech at DNC 2024
• Oprah Winfrey Speech at DNC 2024

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• Donate on venmo to support the podcast
• Donate on paypal to support the podcast
• Contact Rev Dev

In this episode, I connect with Reverend David Wallace to explore the inherent connection between politics and spirituality. David, who is well-known for his deep expertise in poetics, contemplative practice, and wisdom texts, and also happens to be a political junkie, shares his insights on the origin of politics and so much more. We discuss the challenges of spiritual bypassing in the political sphere and share why it’s important for those of us on a spiritual journey to stay engaged in our communities and the larger world. Join us as we learn how everyone can contribute to a more connected and conscious world!

Tune in to hear:

• The reason to integrate political engagement into our spiritual journeys, challenging the trend of spiritual bypassing which has become bypassing politics.
• The origin of “politics” in the Greek concept of ‘polis,’ highlighting the importance of community and connection in achieving happiness (contentment & alignment)
• The spiritual truth of recognizing our interconnectedness and acting with integrity in both spiritual and political spheres
• The idea of Spiritual Activism and ways to get engaged in your community with compassion and connection, all part of a spiritual path

A specific post-recording note from David: Related to the concept of “polis,” Athens/Greece was the birthplace of what we call democracy. And "democracy" has it's roots in two Greek words which translate as "people" and "power (or force)". So Democracy is indeed People power.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rev. David Wallace recently retired as a dean and senior teacher at One Spirit Seminary in New York City, but still offers workshops for students and the general public through One Spirit and other spiritual organizations. Known for his deep and passionate teaching style, he specializes in poetics, contemplative practice, and the wisdom texts of both the Eastern and Western traditions and is now teaching into the inquiries of how to navigate systemic collapse with sanity and a sense of hope and community. He is also an active officiant and spiritual director and considers himself a lifelong student of the “great books” of philosophy and archetypal psychology. Prior to his work in interspiritual ministry and teaching, David had an extensive career in publishing and marketing, as well as creating and running award-winning Soho galleries in New York City, The Enchanted Forest and After the Rain.

SPECIFIC RESOURCES FROM THIS SHOW:

BOOK: American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America

by Colin Woodard

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For full show notes and resourcces, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-6