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.

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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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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

“The 2024 election is pivotal for America's path forward. It's more than policy—it's about our nation's soul.” In today’s episode, I sit down with former city councilor and mayoral candidate in Portland, ME, community builder, campaign expert and my now friend and political mentor Andrew Zarro to tackle the essentials of voting and volunteering. We dive deep into voter tracking, the challenges of voter suppression, and the impact of misinformation on voting. And then, Andrew shares fantastic resources plus practical tips on voter outreach—from canvassing to text banking. Join us in making a difference this election season. Listen, engage, and go VOTE.

Tune in to hear:

• How to navigate voter suppression through barriers like ID laws and misinformation, with essential resources like vote.org
• The power of early voting for convenience, reduced polling station loads, and timely vote counting… even if you like voting at the polls (like Andrew and I), he recommends voting early this year.
• The importance of engaging younger voters through authentic connections, empathy, and understanding their values
• Effective outreach strategies, including canvassing, phone banking, and social media advocacy to bridge divides and promote shared goals
• Some creative ideas we hatched around early voting parties and transportation matchmaking - wanna take these ideas on?

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Andrew Zarro brings a wealth of experience in campaign organizing marked by his dedication to fostering an inclusive democracy and his ability to lead diverse coalitions focused on systemic change. As a former Portland City Councilor and candidate for Mayor, Andrew has demonstrated a keen ability to craft and execute effective policy strategies in the non-profit, private, and governmental sectors. His work has been instrumental in advancing equitable initiatives and increasing community engagement, reflecting his commitment to enhancing representation and participation across all levels.

SPECIFIC RESOURCES FROM THIS SHOW:

Vote.org

When We All Vote

Fair Fight

HeadCount

Rock the Vote

ACLU Voting Rights Project

Brennan Center for Justice

League of Women Voters

Voto Latino

Southern Poverty Law Center

Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE)

Verified Voting

VolunteerMatch

Indivisible

Democratic Volunteer Center

The Brookings Institution

The Pew Research Center

FiveThirtyEight


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In today’s episode, we connect with my teacher and now dear friend Rev. Dr. Sushmita Mukherjee who shares her own cultural and spiritual experience of growing up in India and now being a New Yorker/First Generation American. We discuss a societal shift from individualism to collectivism, how leaders that have been on the outskirts are really leading the charge of true transformation, the cultural changes people are navigating, what it means to wake up, and what this all means for politics. Sushmita's unique perspective as a spiritual leader and scientist provides deep insights on embracing complexity, accepting dualities, and exploring the potential for systemic change.

Tune in to hear:

• How Kamala Harris’s candidacy sparks collective hope for change by representing America's diversity and gaining support through her relatability
• Ways we can navigate uncertainty by embracing life's paradoxes, advocating for systemic change, and balancing local rebuilding with federal stability.
• The importance of advocating for ongoing collective action to shift from disconnection and individuality to a more community-centered society

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rev. Dr. Sushmita Mukherjee (she/her) is based in New York City, on indigenous Lenape land. She is an Associate Professor and Director of Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis at WILE Cornell Medical College in NYC, an ordained interspiritual minister, a spiritual companion and a faculty member at One Spirit Seminary. Her work thrives at the interface of Interspirituality and an engagement of the image - whether scientific, psychological or spiritual. You can learn more about her and her work at On Seeing.com and follow her on Facebook

Specific Resources from This Episode:

BOOK: The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra

Joseph Campbell

Carl Jung

HANDOUT: White Supremacy Culture by Tema Okun

BOOK: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

BOOK: Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Adriotti

Cole Arthur Riley & her work: Black Liturgies Follow Cole on IG @blackliturgies

Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute Follow them on IG @emergentstrategy

About Sophie Strand & Blog Follow Sophie on IG @cosmogyny

Learn more & Support the Podcast:

• Follow Rev Dev on Instagram @revdev_theconnectedway
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Donate on venmo to support the podcast
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• Contact Rev Dev

At the same time as the 2024 DNC, we dive into our first political episode. In today’s episode, I sit down with dynamic policy professional Michael Gaudini. During our time together, we explore our political system including the structure of our government, the difference between the Senate and House and how elections work for both, the really big Senate races to pay attention to (super important this year), why our government looks the way it does, what we expect of our politicians (and what they have to juggle), and some important things to look out for in voting.

This episode is sure to leave you with a deeper understanding of our political landscape and actionable insights to make a difference in such a critical time.

Tune in to hear:

• How the Voting Rights Act of 1965 provided crucial protections for historically disadvantaged communities and the implications of recent Supreme Court reinterpretations
• How innovative election reforms can improve democratic outcomes and reduce barriers for candidates from diverse backgrounds
• The importance of being informed about local elections, the structure of legislative bodies, and the high impact of volunteerism in political campaigns
• How to navigate a partisan Congress as we enter into the upcoming Senate elections and potential shift in control

ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Gaudini is a policy professional with a decade of experience in state and local government, including in zoning and land use policy. He currently works remotely as a land use consultant in Austin, Texas, with prior experience as a policy advisor at the Austin City Council and in the Texas House of Representatives. Michael lives in Narberth, PA, his hometown, where he previously served as a member of the Planning Commission and currently serves as a Council Member.

In addition to all of that, he also has extensive experience in politics, including serving as the president of the Central Austin Democrats and as a campaign manager for an Austin City Council Member -- and has volunteered on various different state and local campaigns (including traveling to Georgia in 2020 to knock on doors in Atlanta and Savannah during the run-off elections in which Warnock and Ossoff won and delivered the Senate majority to the Democrats)! You can follow him on Instagram @mgaudini

Specific resources from this show:

• Senate Elections Breakdown
• US Senate Races to Watch 2024
• House of Reps Breakdown State to State
• House of Reps Partisan Split
• Understanding the Implications of Full Time & Part Time Legislature
• Understanding “Straight Ticket Voting”

Support the show:

• Follow Rev Dev on Instagram @revdev_theconnectedway
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Donate on venmo to support the podcast
• Donate on paypal to support the podcast
• Contact Rev Dev