Hey Mom, Everythings Alright

Episode 52. Well...here's the last episode of Hey Mom Everything's Alright. In this episode, I share my heart as I end this podcast and give out thank yous. But don't worry, you can catch me on Bourbon and Cigars with Jeremy (more info coming soon-Follow HMEA's socials for info) and Accidental Tomatoes podcast with Joe Webb. For everyone that has listened......THANK YOU! It has been my pleasure and a true delight. Talk to you soon. Enjoy!   https://pods.link/J9jh4SDC0W2bX https://accidentaltomatoes.com     

Episode 51. Welcome to Part 4 of the conversation with my mom, Robin Wood. We have come to the last episode with my mom. In this episode, We...Get....To....Meet...The....New....Family!!! We meet Paula Cunningham Fox, Todd Cunningham, Rexie Cunningham, David Wood, and Chasity Wood. We hear the family's perspective of meeting mom and their journey to this new reality. Full of laughter and lots of talking. We also get to hear from Martha Deegan, the lady who is responsible for helping mom find her biological father and family. Another huge shoutout to Ancestry.com's DNA test (not a sponsored ad)! And at the end of the episode, there is a surprise. Enjoy!

Episode 50. Welcome to Part 3 of the conversation with my mom, Robin Wood. In this episode, mom shares her journey of finding her biological father. It is filled with many ups and downs, twists and turns. But just wait till the ending. Sooooo good! (Not every story of searching for a parent or sibling turns out like this story does.) We also share how the journey's end affected both of us and the family. I have never shared much about this on the podcast, as this has been a recent development, but this journey, unexpectedly, became a profound moment in my life. Also, huge shoutout to Martha Deegan and Ancestry.com's DNA test (not a sponsored ad)! Episode 4 coming later this week. Enjoy!

Episode 49. Welcome to Part 2 of the conversation with my mom, Robin Wood. In this episode, you get to hear my mom's faith journey. She shares about growing up in an abusive environment, her experience with church as a kid, going from atheism to faith, wanting to give her kids something more than she had, her journey between two churches, and where her faith is now. Robin is also very candid about a situation in her journey that rocked our area and caused a crisis for many, including our family. We deep dive into that story. (If you know, then you know. If not, then you don't want to miss it.) We also talk about how she rebuilt her life as a business owner and how it brings her excitement everyday. This episode is very real and honest. Part 3 and 4 coming next week. Enjoy!   Content warning: In this episode, the topic of suicide is mentioned. The discussion does not go into great detail or at any length, but the topic is mentioned as someone processes their story of pain and isolation.   

Episode 48. You are in for a treat...In this episode, you get to hear from none other than my mom! As I wrap up the podcast, I always envisioned interviewing my mom for the end of the podcast. Well, here we are. We have 5 episodes left, and 4 of those episodes are with my mom. In this episode, my mom, Robin, shares her view of my journey (aka faith deconstruction). We also talk about the worry that comes with being a parent, our idea of comedy (saying the most awkward thing at the worst time ever), and my mom's dislike of bourbon. Can't wait for you to hear this episode as well as the other three episodes with my mom. Enjoy!

Episode 47. In this episode, I catch up with my good friend, Jeremy Batten. We spend time looking back over the podcast. We talk about the episodes we remember the most, and share highlights from the podcast. We even deep dive into some behind-the-scene production stories. Jeremy is the one who first put the podcast idea into my head when I was going through deconstruction and wanted a way to process the journey. That adventure started almost 3 years ago (May 9, 2018). We also look to the future as we embark on continuing Bourbon and Cigars. (More information about Bourbon and Cigars coming soon). And of course, like always, Jeremy and I share many laughs. Enjoy!

Episode 46. In this episode, I catch up with my good friend, Jim Norton. We spend time discussing "Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope" by Mark Manson. Mark is a New York Times Bestseller and is previously known for "The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck." Jim shares why this book became the catalyst for another paradigm shift in his life. DISCLAIMER: I'm sure you can already tell but if not here is your warning: the F bomb is dropped a few times in this episode. Sooooo, listen responsibly! Enjoy! __________   Description of "Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope" by Mark Manson:   "We live in an interesting time. Materially, everything is the best it’s ever been—we are freer, healthier and wealthier than any people in human history. Yet, somehow everything seems to be irreparably and horribly f*cked—the planet is warming, governments are failing, economies are collapsing, and everyone is perpetually offended on Twitter. At this moment in history, when we have access to technology, education and comm

Episode 45. In this episode, I talk with Rachel Ellis about her faith journey. A few months ago, Rachel shared a FB post that started a deep conversation between us via FB messenger. On her post, she wrote, "I'm sorry I am not extraordinary like you thought. I am just following Jesus like you taught." In this episode, Rachel reads her FB post and we spend time talking about the events that lead up to it and why she was moved to make the post. She shares about being raised in the Evangelical/Pentecostal system, her time in college pursuing what she thought would be a life of missionary work, meeting her husband, battling illness, changing life plans, and so much more. Enjoy!

Episode 44. In this episode, I interview Aaron Giannangeli about his faith journey. Aaron and I go way back to the days of being youth pastors and spending many weeks at Church Youth Summer Camps. Aaron shares his experience of growing up in the Evangelical/Pentecostal church and being a pastors' kid. He shares about his difficult journey leaving the church system in which he raised. He also shares his journey of coming out as gay to his family, and how that has caused separation from non-approving family members. Coming from a system in which one was controlled, manipulated, and fear being the strongest emotion, Aaron shares what life is like outside of that system. He shares how he is rebuilding his life and being true to himself. Enjoy!

Episode 43. Welcome to this special announcement episode. After quite an amazing journey, Hey Mom Everything's Alright is going to merge with my good friend, Joe Webb, and his podcast, Accidental Tomatoes. I will officially be a co-host for Accidental Tomatoes. This transition will take place in May 2021. Joe and I will continue the conversation regarding faith, deconstruction, and reconstruction. Hey Mom's podcast channels and social media will stay active but all new episodes will be part of Accidental Tomatoes. (But don't fret, Jeremy and I are going to continue Bourbon and Cigars!) I have some really exciting episodes leading up to the transition in May. Go follow Accidental Tomatoes on social media (IG and FB) and on your podcast streaming platform!   https://accidentaltomatoes.com  

Episode 42. Welcome to Part 2 of the conversation with Emily Davey about Spiritual Formation and Religions Trauma. Emily is a graduate student at Old Dominion University pursuing her masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. In Part 1, Emily shared about her research regarding James Fowler's Spiritual Development Model and Religious Trauma Syndrome, and how they interact. Her research was specifically within the context of the American Evangelical Church, in which she raised. And she shared how her research was performed on herself as she was removed from the University, in which she was studying at the time, after presenting her research. In part 2, Emily goes more into detail about her own faith journey. She shares her own deconstruction process and how that led to identity work. We also talk a good portion about individuation and how that is reflected in Fowler's Spiritual Development Model. Enjoy!   

Episode 41. Welcome to Part 1 of the conversation with Emily Davey about Spiritual Formation and Religions Trauma. Emily is a graduate student at Old Dominion University pursuing her masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. In this episode, Emily shares her research regarding James Fowler's Spiritual Development Model and Religious Trauma Syndrome, and how they interact. Her research is specifically within the context of the American Evangelical Church, in which she was raised. After presenting her research, Emily shares how her research was performed on her, which validated her claims, as she was removed from the University in which she was studying at the time. In part 2, Emily goes more into detail about her own deconstruction and identity work.     Side note: The podcast was recorded on the morning of January 7, 2021. This was the morning after the Insurrection happened at the Capitol. The episode starts out with both Emily and Brandon discussing the event.

Episode 40. Here's another episode of HMEA! In this episode, we get to hear Carly Jones' faith story. (Yes, if you have followed the podcast, the last name might sound a bit familiar. Carly is married to none other than Gabe Jones!) It is really inspiring. She talks about her journey growing up in the church and the twists and turns that has taken her. She also talks about how social justice has become prominent in how she views faith and how it should be practice. She has become quickly disinterested with how some churches choose not to speak up on social justice issues (for example, the recent instances with BLM) and pretend as if nothing has happened. Silence is not okay. And at the end of the episode, we talk how we miss having WWE PPV (wrestling) parties and our families spending time together. Enjoy!

Ep. 39. In this episode, we get to hear Rev. Jenny Williams' faith journey. As part of her story, we spend time talking about how she moved from CA to NC, and how she eventually ended up in WV. Like all faith's journeys, Jenny's story takes many twists and turns. In her deconstruction, Jenny shares in this episode some of the beliefs and theological changes she had to go through. We also spend time talking about Covid-19 and the future of the church post the pandemic. This is a great episode. Enjoy!

Episode 38. In this episode we get to hear Joe Webb's faith journey. We discuss the great work he is doing with New Wineskins ("conversation and community for spiritual exiles"), Accidental Tomatoes (a podcast regarding "finding faith beyond the fences"), and Joe Webb Writes (his blog). Links below. With his life, he focuses on having conversations and connecting with people who would consider themselves spiritual exiles. His goal is not to bring people back to church but to do something new in creating conversations and groups where those people, who are done with the church but still drawn to the Jesus story, can continue community. If you consider yourself a spiritual exile, feel free to check out the links below and get connected with what Joe is doing. And of course, we talk about many different subjects regarding deconstruction and reconstruction. Enjoy!   New Wineskins: "Conversation and Community for Spiritual Exiles" https://movwineskins.com   Accidental Tomatoes: "Finding faith beyond the fence

Episode 37. In this episode we get to hear Shalev's faith journey from growing up in the Evangelical/Pentecostal system, to moving to Washington and converting to Judaism, and so much more! We also talk about Shalev's time as a youth in Brandon and Anna's youth group. Enjoy!

Episode 36. Big Surprise!!! Jeremy and Brandon catch up and share a big surprise for the podcast and future episodes. Check it out!

Episode 35. In this episode we get to hear Miguel Petrosky's faith journey. Reminiscing about their time together at a church summer camp years ago, Brandon and Miguel start off by telling the story how Miguel was given the nickname "Kaze." In this episode Miguel shares about his upbringing in the Pentecostal system, the beginning of his deconstruction, his time in Zambia, and what he is up to now in Washington DC. As well as many other great bunny trails!

Episode 34. In this episode I get to interview Dusty Merrill. We talk about his upbringing, faith journey, leanings towards music, art and technology, and, of course, where we see the church heading. 

While quarantined and observing a "stay-at-home" order, what better thing to do than record a podcast, right?! Well, at least not in person. Through Skype, Jeremy and Brandon catch up on what they have been doing since the last podcast episode aired, how they are dealing with Covid-19 and current life events, ways they are taking care of their soul, and give opinions on how this pandemic will change us. Enjoy!