Finding Eternal Life Now: Mark 10:17-31
Queer Theology Podcast
In this week’s episode we queer Mark 10:17–31 and look at some of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. The ones that really make you think about how difficult it would be to let go of wealth, privilege, and certainty in order to follow a more expansive, justice-centered vision of love. There is often a tendency to explain away hard passages about money while taking other scriptures literally. But is that what was intended in this passage? We also explore complicated ideas about eternal life, moving beyond rigid, afterlife-focused theology to consider how “eternal life” might be...
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Queer Bible Study: Colossians 1:1–2
Queer Theology Podcast
Fr. Shannon brings us this week’s episode and it is the first in a series on the books of Colossians. In this first episode on book 1 of Colossians, he invites us into the deeply human world of letter writing and explores how this ancient text started as a letter to a real community navigating complex questions of identity, faith, and belonging. What does it mean to be “in Christ” while also rooted in a particular place, culture, and political reality? This is a question we can still resonate with and can set the stage for honest, thoughtful wrestling with the Bible, with tradition, and...
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How Easter Inspires Us To Work For The Reconciliation of All Things
Queer Theology Podcast
It’s Easter Sunday so we dive into the messy, complicated, and deeply meaningful questions surrounding resurrection, belief, and what it all means in the world today. We explore the literal vs. metaphorical resurrection of Jesus and broader questions about God, suffering, and the reconciliation of all things. There is an element in the Easter resurrection story that rather than offering neat answers, embraces the tension of faith that doesn’t always fit into tidy boxes. Wrestling with doubt, grief, activism, and hope in a world marked by injustice and uncertainty can feel so difficult. But...
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Searching for Divine Approval Through Sex with Jonah Wheeler (@ShowOffJonah)
Queer Theology Podcast
Brian shares part of his interview with Jonah Wheeler on the podcast this week. Together they explore the complex intersections of sex, spirituality, and personal history, unpacking how formative experiences, particularly around desire, power, and validation, shape the ways we show up in intimate encounters. Jonah shares an experience from his early 20s that becomes a lens for examining “daddy issues,” internalized religious frameworks, and the search for divine approval through sex. He muses how these revealing moments of vulnerability and surrender can mirror spiritual longing...
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When Safety is at Stake: Organizing in a Time of Crisis with Samantha Boucher
Queer Theology Podcast
This week, Fr. Shannon sits down with Samantha Boucher, (@sceboucher) a trans activist and political organizer with deep roots in Appalachia, to explore how growing up in a rural, conservative community shaped her approach to justice, belonging, and advocacy. Samantha shares her journey from disaster response and intelligence work into national politics, becoming the first openly trans federal campaign manager, and now leading efforts to advance trans rights through heartland-focused organizing. They dive into the cultural divide between urban and rural America, the importance of messaging...
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Pleasure is Political
Queer Theology Podcast
In this episode, Brian explores a provocative idea: what if your orgasms were a form of activism? In a world that often tries to make people (especially queer folks, women, and non-monogamous people!) feel small, ashamed, or powerless, reclaiming pleasure can be a radical act of resistance. Brian looks at how shame around sex has historically been used as a tool of control and why separating love from sexuality diminishes our aliveness. Tending to your erotic life can fuel both personal healing and political courage. In his own experiences from activism, relationships, and coaching, he argues...
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The Story of Bob: an Interview with Steven C. Law
Queer Theology Podcast
For this episode, Fr. Shannon talks with author Steven C. Law to explore the life and legacy of Rev. Robert W. Wood, a WWII veteran, United Church of Christ pastor, and author of the groundbreaking 1960 book, “Christ and the Homosexual.” Steven is a writer whose work bridges faith and cultural engagement. His commitment to compassionate storytelling enriches “The Story of Bob” with insight and empathy. Drawing from intimate interviews and extensive research, Law brings to life Bob’s journey and activism that helped lay the foundation for greater acceptance. Steven shares how he met...
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When Jesus Came Out - Queering the Transfiguration
Queer Theology Podcast
In this episode, we answer a listener question and then queer Matthew 17:1–9 for the second Sunday in Lent. The Transfiguration as a powerful coming out story and when we reflect on Jesus taking his closest friends up the mountain, revealing something radiant and vulnerable about his identity, and asking them to hold that truth tenderly for a time, it’s an experience that resonates deeply with queer and trans journeys of self-disclosure. This is the moment of courage for Jesus and encourages us to also claim who we are even when the road ahead is uncertain or costly. The Transfiguration...
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Bible Nerd Starter Pack
Queer Theology Podcast
In this solo episode, Fr. Shannon is sharing his curated list of favorite books about theology, prayer, memoir, the Bible, and in-depth study- which is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their faith with a queer and justice-centered lens. He reflects on the texts that have shaped his theology and imagination and highlights transformative prayer resources. He also offers his go-to Bible study tools for serious Biblical-themed nerding out, resources that have stretched, grounded, and inspired his faith. Whether you’re brand new to Queer Theology, ready to go deeper, or need some reading...
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Queering Lent 2026
Queer Theology Podcast
A guided audio experience for this time of reflection and renewal as we work toward collective liberation. Signup at
info_outlineWe’re answering a listener question on the podcast this week: Have you always been so open minded? And if you haven't, what was it that made you become this way? Not only do we answer this question but we discuss the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in ALL aspects of life. We share their personal experiences of how we were able to cultivate curiosity and the role it has played in our journeys of self-discovery and growth. One thing that is so important is the need for courage to stay open to new ideas and perspectives, even when it challenges our beliefs. We’ve also got some practical tips on how to cultivate curiosity and how you can work on being more open to the world around you.
Takeaways
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Curiosity and open-mindedness are important for personal growth and self-discovery.
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Cultivating curiosity requires courage to challenge our beliefs and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
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Reading books and engaging with longer-form content are effective ways to explore new topics and expand our knowledge.
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Starting with low-stakes topics can help build the muscle of curiosity before diving into more complex issues.
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Curiosity grounded in joy and connection is vital in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Chapters
(07:34) The Role of Courage in Challenging Beliefs
(13:25) Unhooking from Fear and Indoctrination
(19:45) Practical Tips for Cultivating Curiosity
(27:27) The Importance of the Micro and Connection
(32:26) Curiosity Grounded in Joy and Connection
Resources:
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Get curious at queertheology.com/books
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Ask your own question at queertheology.com/listen
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Join the Sanctuary Collective Community
If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.