Cradle Catholics raised on the prairie of Northwest Iowa, Connie Koeck and Beth Derr are true Midwest gals. Educators, moms, and church choir members, these women credit the influence of their parents - James' grandparents - for shaping them to be active in faith and good works. As we discuss their past, present, and future, the sacredness of life and our life stories is evident. Each of us are children of God. Each of us has gifts and talents. And each of us can learn to laugh if we know to not take ourselves too seriously!

These are James' aunties, Aunt Connie and Aunt Beth. We are grateful to them for Zooming in from Dyersville, Iowa! This is God Talk.

Trying to balance the soul enriching formation of small town country folks with the hustle and bustle of big city adulting. James gives insight into his self and soul by exploring his vocational call to Christian ministry, his self-actualization as a gay man, and his sacred call to serve the Lord and His Church/Creation. From Kentucky to Los Angeles, James details the conscious transformation he has went through in his life. This is a story about finding your true self in Christ; discovering the confidence to choose you (accepting your whole self), and overcoming self-hatred. This is God Talk! #catholicchurch #gaycatholic #gaychristian #vocation #vocationstory #faith #faithjourney #selfactualization #lgbt #lgbtq #happinessjourney #catholicpodcast #kentuckystory #losangelesstory

How do we bring our questions to God, about God, and how do we question the “answers”? In this episode we unpack the things we are taught and told about faith, religion, and spirituality, in attempt to make sense of it all. Do we believe in God in the ways we were told we are "supposed to", and how has that changed for us over time?

Family trauma is explored; church hurt is re-examined, and our embedded theologies are deconstructed through religious education and human experience. As you watch, think about what you believe, why you believe that, and how those beliefs either add to or subtract from the quality of your life and the world around you. This is Sara's story. This is God Talk.

#evangelical #exvangelical #fundamentalist #christianity #church #familytrauma #religioustrauma #agnosticism #agnostic

So many hide who they are in the church out of fear: fear of persecution; fear of ostracism, and more! What does it look like to live without fear; without self-judgment; self-hatred? A great theological educator, Jared Anderson-Minor, of Los Angeles helps us live further into this brave and Godly proud reality, while also speaking truth to power! Listen to his story; hear his intentions, and then wonder about the areas in our own lives where we are not expressing or experiencing our most authentic selves and souls. This is God Talk!

Tyler Bieber, author and higher education administrator, has penned a new book detailing the life of one of America's first Catholic priests to openly minister to LGBTQ people, Fr. Tom Oddo, CSC. A capable speaker and professor, Fr. Tom's first major pastoral audience was Dignity USA, the groundbreaking national organization for LGBTQ Catholics. He served warmly and bravely, bringing light to many and capturing the attention of his superiors at a young age. The story of this shepherd turned university president is one of prophesy fulfilled yet incomplete.

Tyler's book is Against the Current: Father Tom Oddo and the New American Catholic, published by Unencumbered Press. You can order it wherever books are sold.

The late Pope Francis, through the ethics of Catholic Social Teaching, challenged the world often to “care for the common home (Earth)”, and engage in dialogue for how we are shaping the future of our planet. One person that does this work very well is Jill Mather, founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities, a major community service based organization in Los Angeles County. Every single day volunteers from all over the county gather under the VCC banner to beautify their neighborhoods and other surrounding areas that need it. They help to get LA clean, creating a culture of support, friendship, civic engagement, service, and cleanliness. Listen to Jill's amazing story here on God Talk!

The problem of ‘suffering’ is one of the deepest theological questions humanity has, universally. Why do bad things happen in a “good world” created, maintained, and sustained by a “good God”? This conundrum often causes us to lose faith and forsake hope. In this episode, we want to touch on that reality, while also lifting up another: the color purple. How can recognizing beauty and the vibrancy of life help us cope, or find hope, in the suffering all around us?!

Thank you for listening to God Talk with Medene and James!

Our lives are Theo-dramas, lived and expressed as best we can. We have to be honest about who we are; what happened to us, and how we are responding to it. As you listen to our Theo-journeys (journeys in God), think more about your own. What happened to you; why did that happen, and how are you responding to it…in/with GOD in mind?!

Welcome to season 2 of God Talk with Medene and James!