Personal Stories Episodes

Do you have to be religious to live a good life? In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Shannon McAdam and Jack Hindle explore what it really means to be a "good person" through the lenses of honesty, self-reflection, compassion, grace, and community. Together they wrestle with questions about spirituality, accountability, human nature, and the challenge of choosing what is right over what is comfortable. Along the way, they discover that a good life may be less about having all the a...

What does it really mean to be a “good person,” and is that the same thing as being Christ-like? In this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Jack Hindle and Shannon McAdam wrestle with questions of faith, community, belonging, evangelism, and the courage to change our minds. From joy and justice to loneliness, rigid beliefs, and the longing for authentic connection, this episode explores how spirituality can create space for people to show up as their truest selves. Honest, reflective, and...

Something new is brewing at Faith Unfiltered, and this is it... Reclaim with host Jessica Pycior. In this premier episode of Reclaim, Jessica invites listeners into a deeply embodied and expansive vision of faith through the life and witness of Pastor Jenny Lowndes—artist, athlete, spiritual leader, and advocate. In a rich and honest conversation, Jenny reflects on what it means to live with authenticity, embracing every facet of her identity as a sacred expression of God’s work within her. From...

In this meaningful second half of the conversation between host Robin Linkhart and her guest, Mary Cusack, Mary shares a deeply personal journey through grief, faith, and the search for belonging—ultimately discovering a spiritual home that celebrates her fully. From wrestling with exclusion and institutional barriers to experiencing profound connection through communion and community, her story is both honest and transformative. With courage and vulnerability, Mary reflects on finding purpose l...

From a devout Catholic childhood in Brooklyn to the hard questions of identity, addiction, and faith, Mary Cusack’s story is one of honesty, struggle, and remarkable resilience. In this deeply personal conversation with host, Robin Linkhart, Mary reflects on growing up surrounded by the rituals and beauty of Catholic devotion while wrestling with the painful belief that who she was might be incompatible with the God she loved. Her journey reveals how faith can endure—even when everything you tho...

Beware all carnivores... and yes, that includes all of us at Faith Unfiltered Podcast. Climate Brewing host, Susan Oxley sits down with Sally Eales to explore the connection between plant-based eating and the climate crisis. Moving beyond headlines about methane and “cow burps,” Sally unpacks the deeper environmental impact of industrial meat production—from land use to rainforest clearing—while grounding the conversation in faith, stewardship, and personal responsibility. This is not an all-or-...

In this inspiring episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with Justice Manning, an 89-year-old retired environmental engineer from Daphne, Alabama. Once a committed climate change denier, Justice shares his remarkable journey—shaped by a career in environmental work, shifts in scientific data, lived experience with extreme weather, and the influence of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principle Sacredness of Creation. Listen to other episodes in the Climate Brewing series. Downloa...

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again...the world is changing, and so is the way young seekers are thinking about life and faith. It can be hard to keep up with all the change and new perspectives. That’s why it’s important to have people like Humberto Tinsman, Emerging Generations Specialist for Community of Christ, who come to the table with a joy for ministry, a love for youth, and a willingness to listen and learn from the voices that need to be heard... our children, youth, and young...

Would you rather ... stay home and read old children’s books, or go to Africa and face the realities of abject poverty? One might say they both have their pros and cons. In this What’s Brewing episode cross-post from Ministry for Dummies, hosts Jacob Ross and Humberto Tinsman talk about what they’ve been doing between episodes. Most of their conversation focuses on the lessons Jacob learned during his work trip to Kenya. It sounds like it’s not a trip for the faint of heart. Listen to more epis...

The journey continues. In this second half of Robin Linkhart’s interview with Jordan Harmon, Jordan shares more about the dissonance that led him to explore other faiths, and his ultimate confirmation in Community of Christ. Jordan says he's still trying to figure out what it means to be “all in,” but he does know what it means to belong. For him, like for many...if not all... of us, trust and belonging are vital in a faith community. Listen to more Fair Trade episodes. Download Transcript Th...

For anyone who has ever experienced a faith crisis or a faith transition, it’s good to know that you’re not alone. Here at Faith Unfiltered, we continue to hear stories that we find inspirational and encouraging. In this Fair Trade episode, you’ll hear the first part of Jordan Harmon’s faith journey. Listen carefully as he shares the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, and the ways in which his journey has strengthened him along the way... even when it didn’t feel good in the moment. Jordan...

It all started with the pandemic which found many congregations gathered in virtual fellowship and worship, helping maintain community despite losses. And, for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls congregation, it didn’t end there. Instead, the entered into a discernment journey that led them to new and exciting adventures. With an emphasis on teamwork, communication, and leveraging their strengths, this congregation has found its new calling. Join host Robin Linkhart and the pastor team of the Waterloo-Ced...

Balancing family life and church responsibilities can be difficult anytime. Add in a a faith crisis and, well, you can imagine how difficult that might be. Blake is back with Jeff Toone for part two of his story, and things only get worse before they get better. Jeff's faith crisis intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant shift in his beliefs. He and his family found a new community in the Community of Christ, appreciating its inclusivity and support. Hear about Jeff’s ...

The journey is different for everyone. In this episode of Fair Trade, guest Jeff Tune shares his faith journey, starting from his upbringing in the LDS church in Utah. He describes his teenage rebellion, his decision to join the Coast Guard instead of going on a mission, and his experiences in nature that have changed his understanding of the importance of the environment. Jeff recounts his reconnection with his faith, his ordination as an elder, and his marriage to Jennifer. One thing is for su...

A life of trauma experienced in one’s faith journey is not easy to overcome. It takes a loving community that is willing to walk along with the individual ... allowing time and space for healing to take place and trust to be rebuilt. Patience and unconditional love are essential. Fortunately, that’s what Jennifer and her family have found in Community of Christ. Join host Blake Smith for part two of his conversation with Jennifer. Find out how the story has played out, and gain insight into how ...

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you’ve been told they’re supposed to ... or how they seem to be turning out for others. No matter how well you follow the rules. No matter how faithful you are, sometimes life just happens, and you have to figure out how to make sense of it all. In this Fair Trade episode (Part 1 of 2), Jennifer Toone shares her faith journey, starting from her childhood in California, where she encountered ostracism at church, and in school and leading into adulthood wher...

Graceland is back in session, and Coffee in the Swarm is now broadcasting from KBUZ. Join campus minister, Mike Hoffman, and his new co-host, Maddie Byrne, for a sit down with this year’s Council of House Chaplain’s president, Caitlyn Grover to hear her thoughts on growing up in the church, and life at Graceland, as well as her hopes for the Community of Christ and her plans for her own future. Other episodes of Coffee in the Swarm Download the Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltere...

Carrie may not survive a Zombie Apocalypse, but there is so much that she can do and loves to do. Join Say What hosts, Kassie and Mary Anne, for a behind the scenes look at the life of newly ordained apostle, Carrie Welch. Find out what brings Carrie joy and what she’s been learning about herself and her new colleagues as she lives into her new role. From music to books to travel, Carrie shares a more personal side in this candid and casual interview. Listen to the Nice to Matcha episode with C...

The phrase “inclusive and genuine faith community” ought to be synonymous with church. It ought to be a given. However, as MaryAnn Scott shares with host, Robin Linkhart, in this Fair Trade episode, that is not always the case. Here, MaryAnn shares her faith transition story, detailing her upbringing in a large LDS family, her struggles with balancing faith and personal identity, and her eventual departure from the LDS Church. Driven by a desire for a supportive faith environment, she describes ...

Faith transitions are often not a singular event. Rather, they are an ongoing journey. In this Fair Trade episode, host Robin Linkhart circles back to sit down with Michelle Phillips, to hear how her journey has continued – what she’s learned, what advice she has for others, and where she finds herself in ministry now and the days ahead. In Michelle’s continuing story, you’ll hear a deep sense of connection and an even deeper sense of hope for what lies ahead for the church if we’re willing to r...

The journey continues ... Matt Robertson’s journey, that is! In this episode of the Project Zion podcast, host Robin Linkhart continues her conversation with Matt Robertson about his journey from atheism to finding a new faith in Community of Christ. Matt shares his transition from a business career to teaching, influenced by his wife Heather. He describes his experiences with various religious communities and his disillusionment with the political climate in the USA today. Ultimately, Matt's se...

Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d reminds us that “the road to transformation travels both inward and outward.” In this episode of Fair Trade, Robin Linkhart sits down with Matt Robertson for part one of a two-part interview in which Matt describes his chaotic childhood home life, his deep religious commitment, and his eventual deconstruction of faith. He also shares how his fear of disrupting his family caused him to internalize much of the early struggles of his journey. In the...

Settle in for another captivating story of faith transition as host Robin Linkhart sits down with Miranda Giles in this latest episode of Fair Trade. Raised in a strong Mormon family, Miranda felt a special calling but struggled with the church's conservative views, particularly on gender roles and LGBTQ+ issues. Listen in as Miranda shares the struggles and the newfound joys of her faith journey from a devout LDS background to joining Community of Christ. Listen to more captivating Fair Trade ...

Our faith journeys can be filled with ups and downs as well as drastic turns and re-turns. Host Robin Linkhart sits down with Jason Smith, a 48-year-old IT professional from Duncan, Oklahoma, who shares his faith journey from Southern Baptist to Community of Christ. Having become fascinated with Mormonism at 15, Jason tells of his engagement in anti-Mormon evangelism out of a love for the people rather than a hatred. Over time, he deconstructed his Baptist faith, and joined Community of Christ, ...