This week we’re joined by friend of the show and fellow Liberty University apostate, Jillian! We were all part of the LU Christian metalcore community (it’s every bit as cringe as it sounds, but it was also a ton of fun), and it’s the first time we’ve caught up with her in over 15 years. Jillian’s story differs a lot from the many of us who grew up in church, in that her introduction to more extreme forms of Evangelicalism came as the result of a spiritual experience she had as teen, and her family’s somewhat bewildered-yet-supportive response to it. I’d hate to spill the beans before she tells the story herself, so I’ll just say that her journey has led her across the country and through many different scenarios to a place of self-acceptance and happiness. We were really excited to talk to her, and we hope you enjoy the conversation!

This week we’re excited to welcome our good friend, comedian, musician, and podcaster Mike Valdes! Discussion topics include naughty assassins, the Lord’s stance on marionettes, Louisianna’s new Ten Commandments law for classrooms, and Disney’s new “Punk Goes Crunk”-esque album of cover songs. We always have so much fun hanging out with Mike! You can follow him on Instagram (@mikevaldes) and TikTok (@officialmikevaldes), check out his podcast Childlike at Best, and for info on upcoming appearances, merch, etc. go to www.thekidfromup.com.

This week we’re joined by Jeremiah to discuss CNN’s televised squawk match between the ultimate Boomer avatars, as well as some updates in the continuing mudslide that is Gateway Church and their recently resigned pastor, Robert Morris. More articles are popping up, more church leaders are stepping down, and as predicted, we’re finding out that this isn’t the first scandal the church has attempted to sweep under the rug… All that and more on Episode 189 of Growing Up Christian!