Best Deconstructed Devotions Podcasts (2025)

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53. Charlie Claire Burgess - Queer Devotion, Fifth Spirit Tarot, Faith deconstruction, Aphrodite, Dionysus, the devil major arcana 1:16:11

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27d ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Sliding into the confessions booth this week is the magnificent Charlie Claire Burgess, aka the word witch. They are a tarot reader, author, illustrator, and deck creator. Charlie is the creator of many esoteric offerings, including the Fifth Spirit Tarot deck and their latest book called Queer Devotion. Speaking of devotion, we compare notes about…

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56. Northern Lights Tarot - the bridge between science and magic; midlife spiritual awakening, journalism and connection through micro-stories, positive psychology and tarot 1:15:23

6d ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Stop what you're doing and connect with Johanna ASAP: Instagram: @northernlightstarot Web: www.northernlightstarot.comn The generous discount for podcast listeners: Discount code: ConfessionsPodcast2025 – for 30% off the Northern Lights Strength Deck (northernlightstarot.com) ALSO! Want a tarot reading with Bex? You're in luck! use code BEXTREAT be…

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55. Leeza Robertson - Tarot and chakras, tarot for healing, tarot deck and publishing landscape, tarot books, and microniching over on substack 1:07:47

13d ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Connect with Leeza For the wide variety of decks, books, courses, and offerings, please visit Leeza's site: https://www.leezarobertson.com/ Tarot Playdate with Bex https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1783136261559 2nd of November + other dates; approx 2x a month This is 90 minutes of tarot fun and guided exercises, practice redings, and community connecti…

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Chapel Probation s5- The Rise of MAGA at Azusa Pacific in the Early 2000's 49:12

15d ago49:12

49:12

As I prepare to go on vacation, I recap the rise of today's MAGA madness that we witnessed in the early 2000's. From the usual racism and acceptance of swastikas to the White-centric hypocrisy of marginalizing BIPOC traditions and centering White ones considered non-Christian. Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Discord ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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54. Tom Benjamin - Modern Fortune Teller's Field Guide, Ethics and third-party readings, Reiki and Tarot, Burnout, Gatekeeping, the evolution of tarot practices 1:13:32

20d ago1:13:32

1:13:32

This week I welcome Tom Benjamin to the Confessions booth! We have some hot takes on ethics, third-party readings, and the term fortune telling. We chat about the fatigue of gifted readers across the ecosystem, and we talk about where we think divination practices are headed. Get cosy, grab a bev, and enjoy the episode! Connect with Tom! Join Tom's…

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Chapel Probation s5- Virginia Duan: The Mandarin Mama Does Not Abide White Supremacy and Patriarchy 1:19:35

22d ago1:19:35

1:19:35

Virginia Duan is the biggest BTS fan I've ever encountered. I do not understand this. But I also know she is one of the best and biggest baddasses I've ever met. Her story of overcoming fundamentalist christianity, a violent father, and racial discrimination is inspiring. It makes me want to keep fighting. And maybe listen to some BTS. Check out he…

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Chapel Probation s5- Scott Talks Diversity in the Deconstruction World 31:59

29d ago31:59

31:59

I'm kinda hoping hardly anyone listens to this wide-ranging episode about diversity, or lack thereof, in the deconstruction world. The solution is simple. More BIPOC folks need to create content. I do criticize some creators, but I mostly want to celebrate you, the Chapel Probation listener. The criticisms herein are not about you. If you listen to…

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Chapel Probation s5 Umi Hsu- Chinese Baptist to a Life of Art, Music, and Queer AAPI Community 1:17:32

1M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

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52. Sanyu Estelle - the Word Witch, being a Soothsayer, the Cultural Roots of Tarot, AI and Spiritual practice, religious upbringing, spiritual teachers and self guidance 1:29:58

1M ago1:29:58

1:29:58

This week Sanyu Estelle slides into the Confessions booth and I learn all about being the word witch, a soothsayer, and the labour of love and scholarship that is her latest endeavour: The Cultural Roots of Tarot. We compare notes about reading modalities, how to deliver messages our clients need vs what they may want to hear, personal spiritual hy…

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Chapel Probation s5- Dr. James Lee- Korean American Philosophy Prof Who Left Evangelicalism 1:21:01

1M ago1:21:01

1:21:01

This week we have a very different experience in academia with Dr. James Lee. He tells his story of growing christian, how he got out, and how he found his way as a philosophy professor in a real university (as opposed to pretend evangelical ones). It's an amazing conversation about getting out of church, teaching, and life as an AAPI professor tod…

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51. Tarot with Caroline - Wine and Tarot nights, Comedy and Tarot, Reading Tarot at Events 1:10:54

2M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Tarot Playdate Please join me on 6th October, for my first ever Tarot Playdate. It's a virtual gathering on zoom and all levels of tarot readers are very welcome! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tarot-playdate-tickets-1729316655669 Connect with Caroline https://www.instagram.com/tarot.with.caroline Website - www.thefamiliarlondon.com 10% off service…

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Chapel Probation s5-Dr Sara Moslener- Life on Charlie Kirk's Prof Watch List and a Forthcoming Book 1:23:51

2M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

If you've read my book, you know I had some tough times teaching at Azusa Pacific University. But Dr. Sara Moslener has experienced even worse at a public university. She has had to adjust her pedagogy to survive, but she's still teaching incredibly important material centered on Christian purity culture, and she has a forthcoming book, After Purit…

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Nonduality and the Ego with Jake Orthwein 1:02:16

2M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Host Michael Taft talks with Jake Orthwein about the self as a construction, the distinction between no-self and emptiness, the crucial difference between having a functional ego and being identified with it, psychedelics and meditation and ego dissolution, the Buddha-nature vs. the True Self, dereification vs. defabrication, Taft’s distinction of …

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50. Bex Tarot - 50th episode celebration, reflection, and reading. Bex shares her thoughts, pulls some tarot cards, and presents a combo platter of clips. 48:35

2M ago48:35

48:35

Bex is rolling solo in this episode to celebrate the 50th episode (FIVE ZERO AS IN FIFTY) of the podcast. Thoughts, feelings, songs, poems, all rolled into a fresh and fun episode. Bex answers some rapid fire questions, does a reading on the past, present, and future of the podcast, and shares a combo platter of clips from the first 49 episodes. Do…

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Chapel Probation s5- Scott talks life after Kirk and losing friends and family 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

People are asking how their friends and family could possibly like a person like Charlie Kirk. Scott talks about the reasons for this bending the knee to a horrible human being by otherwise "nice" or "good" people. And he talks about what pushing back looks like in your inner circles. There is a price to pay, for sure. But it's worth it if you have…

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49. Victoria "Vix" Maxwell - New Age Hipster, Your First Tarot deck, Soul reading, Spiritual seekers, new tarot readers, AI and creativity 1:04:55

2M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Victoria "Vix" Maxwell slides into the confession booth this week to chat about her latest offering, the Your First Tarot deck and Tarot Card Companion book. This is only the latest of her myriad offerings of books, decks, and YA fiction. Vix offers a wide variety of readings, tools, and resources. I have no doubt you will want to work with her ASA…

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Chapel Probation s5- Lacey Bond: Biola U to a Life of Sex-Positivity, Kink, and Healing as a Sex and Relationship Coach 1:30:41

2M ago1:30:41

1:30:41

We're back to Biola this week...kinda. Yes, Lacey Bond attended that school and was a "good" christian woman who followed all the rules. But while there, she was encouraged to ask questions and think creatively. This would prove lethal to her closely held fundamentalist, purity culture-soaked faith. It would eventually lead her to question everythi…

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48. Christiana Gaudet. Your tarot fairy godmother. Staarcon. Tarot is not taboo. Camp counselor energy. 1:22:42

2M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

Christiana Gaudet. what a woman! Connect with your tarot fairy godmother in all the places! https://christianagaudet.com/ https://staarcon.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristianaGaudet xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Book a tarot reading with Bex: https://www.bextarot.com Sign up to the newsletter, at the bottom of the page:https://www.bextarot.com …

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Chapl Probation s5: Transvangelical- Author of On Your Knees: The 69-Day Irreverent Devotional 1:10:41

2M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Alycea, aka Transvangelical, is here this week to talk about her life and her forthcoming book, On Your Knees: The 69 Day Irreverent Devotional. Here is the book description: On Your Knees: The 69-Day Irreverent Devotional is a raw, humorous, and unflinching journey through the Bible, designed for those who have been harmed by traditional religious…

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Talking about Deity Yoga with Peter McEwen 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

Host Michael Taft talks with meditation coach Peter McEwen about devotion in meditation practice, the need for stability in groundlessness, the ontological status of deities, common failure modes of practice, how to handle formless panic, the magical matrix, and the lasting power and beauty of deity yoga in the Vajrayana tradition. Peter McEwen is …

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47. Kristine Gorman - Visionary Woman Tarot, Painting, Tattoos, Doing Tarot your own way, Tarot Community 55:52

3M ago55:52

55:52

Kristine Gorman is a professional tarot reader, artist, and writer, usually in her signature overalls. She is baed in Lambertville, NJ, USA, and recently launched her tarot deck of channeled oil paintings, “Visionary Woman Tarot,” published by Red Wheel/Weiser. https://www.instagram.com/visionarywomantarot xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Book a tarot …

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Chapel Probation s5- Greg Corricello- IVCF Worship and Bible Study Leading to Proud ACE Living 1:11:30

3M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Scott met Greg Corricello while at UC San Diego as Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) leaders. They played on the worship team together and shared a large, supportive community of christians on "secular," science-heavy campus. We saw ourselves as being on the front lines of radical christian living. But Greg went on to gradually deconstruct …

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Chapel Probation s5 Bonus Episode- The Horny Chapel Reacts to the Passing of James Dobson 35:15

3M ago35:15

35:15

We wanted to give our reactions to the passing of the architect of today's conservative tyranny, Dr. James Dobson. We share our experiences, give a nod of support to the survivors of the abusive, self-hateful, queerphobic, misogynistic, and all-around bigoted teachings of this man. It's not so much a celebration as it is a solemn acknowledgement th…

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Chapel Probation s5- Shiny Happy Horny Chapel 1:06:15

3M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

We watched the doc. And goddamn. Christians are not ok. We talk about this particular Christian cult, purity culture, and how we got where we are as a nation. Chapel Probation is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Discord ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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46. Christina Quick - the Tarot Biz Mentor. Psychic hotlines, spiritual life coaching, avoiding burnout, working with animals, spiritual entrepreneurship 1:08:18

3M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

Christina Quick, aka the Tarot Biz Mentor, slides into the Confession booth today. Like this episode? please take two seconds to leave a review! No doubt you will want to connect with her in all the places, so, tap tap tap over to her offerings... www.theprofitablepsychic.com https://www.youtube.com/@TheTarotBizMentor https://www.instagram.com/taro…

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Chapel Probation s5- Scott Explains Why He'll Never Be A Christian Again 36:22

3M ago36:22

36:22

The Deconstruction world is dominated by progressive Christians, and while that's all well and good, I do not understand it. Maybe it's because I'm Japanese and could never imagine pushing a definition of christianity on the world. To be sure, I got tired of trying to define my faith, my identity, and my community while I was a christian. But the g…

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45. Meg Jones Wall - Tarot Spreads, Writing, Zines, Evangelical upbringing and spiritual awakenings, Creative practice 1:00:32

3M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Connect with Meg! Links to her many offerings and talents are found on her website: https://www.3amtarot.com/ Tarot Spreads is now available where fine books are sold. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Book a tarot reading with Bex: https://www.bextarot.com Sign up to the newsletter, at the bottom of the page:https://www.bextarot.com Like the episode? S…

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Chapel Probation s5- Dr. Daniel White Hodge- Former APU Prof talks Somatic Healing, Rage, and Full-Body Orgasms 1:09:33

3M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Dr. Daniel White Hodge returns to Chapel Probation. We talk about our usual gripes with race and how we BIPOC men get overlooked by most of the world. But Dan has been on an incredible healing journey of late, and he shares insights in overcoming trauma caused by violence (because America) and religion. His 8th season of the Profane Faith podcast j…

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Talking about Dark Retreat, Part 2 with Andrew Holecek 1:12:32

3M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

Host Michael Taft continues his conversation with with Andrew Holecek about the transformative practice of Dark Retreat; the reasons behind the recent surge of interest in darkness practices; its relationship to the feminine principle and as an antidote to runaway patriarchy; the three “tracks” or “schools” of dark retreat in Tibetan Vajrayana: Kal…

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44. Debbie Stokoe - Business Coach, ADHD midlife diagnosis, Business Oracle, Astrology and Akashic records for Business 1:05:02

3M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Connect with Debbie here: https://www.debbiestokoe.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/debbiebusinesscoach https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiestokoe xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Book a tarot reading with Bex: https://www.bextarot.com Sign up to the newsletter, at the bottom of the page:https://www.bextarot.com Like the episode? Share on your socials, s…

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Chapel Probation s5- The Horny Chapel at the Shameless Sexuality Conference 1:01:59

4M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

We interviewed ⁠Janice Selbie⁠ earlier this year, and we signed up to attend the ⁠Shameless Sexuality conference⁠ that she organizes. And we were pleasantly surprised to get an invite from Janice to speak at the conference, which was held virtually back in May. We brought our humor and insight to the event, shedding light on purity culture through …

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43. Ari Wisner - Find your own way oracle, channeling creativity, AI and spirituality, mediumship 1:04:26

4M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Ari Wisner slides into the confession booth this week. We celebrate the launch of the Find Your Own Way oracle deck and get a sneak preview of the next project he's working on. We compare notes on our first paid readings, facing death, our religious upbrining and how that informs our spiritual practice today, AI and creativity, AI and spirituality,…

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Chapel Probation s5: Celeste Irwin- Mars Hill and a Cult to Trans Advocate and Writer 1:11:03

4M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

When one becomes indoctrinated into conservative christianity at a young age, that person usually does everything possible to adhere to the teachings and values that ultimately cause harm. Celeste Irwin did everything she could as a cis-het man, even joining a church plant for what she later learned was an insidious cult. But once she extricated he…

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42. Luke Fazakerley - EFT Tapping, Tarot Coach, Psychic Witch, Spell work, Manifestation 47:54

4M ago47:54

47:54

Luke Fazakerley, aka LightWitchLuke, the EFT tapping guide and Tarot Coach slides into the Confession booth this week. We compare notes on witchcraft, tarot, manifestation, first tarot decks, and much more. Connect with the magical Luke here: https://www.instagram.com/lightwitchluke https://luke-light.square.site/ xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Book …

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Chapel Probation s5- Joh Chase- Worship Leader to Rock Star and Teacher 1:15:42

4M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

I always knew Joh Chase would be a guest on Chapel Probation. They were one of the most influential people to come out of APU, and they are exquisitely talented. As a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, for my money, Joh is one of the best I've ever seen. And there's a reason we are still friends after meeting in 2005 during their sophomore year. Lo…

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41. Crystal Den with Denis Stafford - Crystals for spiritual development, past life work, ethics and crystal sellers, building a spiritual community 54:54

4M ago54:54

54:54

This week we get crystal clear on all things crystal selling, crystal healing, and crystal community. Learn all facets of the crystal business from the best of our community: Denis Stafford, co-founder of the Crystal Den. Connect with him here: https://www.instagram.com/thecrystalden11 https://www.thecrystalden.co.uk/appointments https://www.thecry…

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Chapel Probation s5- Andrea: Enduring Toxic Men at Wheaton and Beyond 1:28:21

4M ago1:28:21

1:28:21

Content Warning for descriptions of assault and rape. This week we go to the "Harvard" of Evangelical schools, which is not really a thing. But we go to Wheaton and learn from semi-anonymous guest, Andrea, that the patriarchal systems in place protect men and harm women when it comes to harassment and assault. And at every instance, Christian women…

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40. Punk Priestess - Astrology, Tarot, AI and Creativity, Music, Fashion, Writing 52:17

4M ago52:17

52:17

Majori from the Punk Priestess is in the Confessions booth today. Majori is a Detroit-based Evolutionary Astrologer, Intuitive Tarot Reader and Reiki Practitioner. We talk about her many passions - Astrology, Tarot, Reiki, Music, and Writing. Connect with Majori here: https://www.thepunkpriestess.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thepunkpriestess xoxo…

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Chapel Probation s5- Katie Malia: Calvary Chapel OC Schools to Amazing Dancer, Comedian, and Actor 1:23:51

4M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Despite leaving christianity years ago, Katie Malia has never needed to find community centered on deconstruction. She forged her own creative life without ExVangelical twitter, podcasts, or White influencers. Not even Brian Recker! Gasp. Nope. Katie found life and community in the arts, comedy, and music. You've seen her on tv commercials. She's o…

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39. 321 Tarot - Tarot by John and Jon Skye Tarot return! Reading tarot for friends, when friends become clients, why 321 tarot, why now 48:03

5M ago48:03

48:03

321 Tarot. Who is it, what is it, why is it? I've invited the gents back to discuss our formation of the the 321 tarot collective. We talk about reading for friends, reading for one another, the client to friend pipeline. We share how the 321 tarot reading is different than any other reading you may have previously had. We speak about it from the c…

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Chapel Probation s5- Mike Sonksen: LA Poet Shares Poetry and Creativity with the Deconstruction World 1:16:54

5M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

3rd-generation Angeleno Mike Sonksen, aka Mike the PoeT, is an acclaimed poet, professor, journalist, historian and tour guide whose work has appeared in publications like the Academy of American Poets, Alta, PBS So Cal, Poetry Foundation and Westways. Sonksen’s read poetry at over 100 academic institutions, appeared on radio and television and hos…

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38. Chelb McMurray from Phasecraft Magic. Tarot for resistance and liberation, being an unfluencer, reading tarot for friends 58:50

5M ago58:50

58:50

Chelb McMurray from Phasecraft magic slides into the Confessions booth this week to discuss all things tarot, withcraft and being a teacher of the esoteric arts. We compare notes on social media fortune tellers, how to read tarot for friends whilst also maintaining healthy and respectful boundaries. Chelb shares a huge amount of resources, books, c…

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A Conversation with David Godman 1:39:17

5M ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Host Michael Taft talks with author David Godman about the sage Ramana Maharshi and his nondual view of the world, whether he considered taking sannyasa (renunciation) to be necessary to achieve awakening, the power of the physical presence of the guru, Sri Ramana's seemingly miraculous learning of Sanskrit, an introduction to Lakshmana Swami—a ver…

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Chapel Probation s5- Jess Grace Garcia: Culty Christian to Queer Pastor/Community Leader 1:34:17

5M ago1:34:17

1:34:17

With all the hell happening all around us, particularly in the LA area, it feels good to present this conversation that offers so much hope and mind-expanding ideas. Jess Grace Garcia is a badass who has made it their life mission to help queer people find healing and positive identity in life after fundamentalist faith. They've been all through th…

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37. María Alviz Hernando. Tarot Tableau Revolution, oracle decks, divination, and reader ethics 1:06:50

5M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

In this episode I find out that my signature nine-card grid spread is actually a form of the tableau reading system. This is only the first of many revelations, ah-ha moments, and plot twists that await me - and you! - in this episode. We compare notes on recent readings, and good - and bad - client behaviour. Also in this episode: Why context matt…

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Chapel Probation s5- Katie Hampton- APU: Mining Religious Trauma for Comedy Gold 1:25:28

5M ago1:25:28

1:25:28

Katie Hampton survived APU as a theater kid and pursued a life as a comedian, improviser, and now podcaster. Her deconstruction paved the way for finding humor as both a vocation and a tool for healing. Also a survivor of Scott's Introduction to Literature class, Katie has found a life outside of Christianity that has been so much fuller and, let's…