• Redefining Masculinity: Stephanie McFarland - EP 23
    Dec 12 2025

    Gene X. Christian and Stephanie McFarland explore the evolving definitions of masculinity and femininity, the challenges of teaching boys, and the importance of emotional intelligence. McFarland is a masculinity researcher and advocate of healthy masculinity.

    They discuss personal experiences, societal expectations, and the need for vulnerability in men. Stephanie shares insights from her research and teaching, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation and the role of educators in shaping boys' understanding of their emotions.

    The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of young boys and the potential for societal change.

    Find Stephanie McFarland: - Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mcstephiebee - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcstephiebee

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    57 mins
  • What If You're Not Broken?: JJ Barrera - EP 22
    Dec 5 2025

    This conversation explores the importance of personal hygiene, the journey of deconversion from a conservative religious background, and the complexities of navigating queerness and asexuality.

    In this episode, JJ (Gene) and Gene X. Christian discuss their personal experiences with identity, therapy, and health challenges, emphasizing the significance of community and self-acceptance. In this conversation, JJ shares his profound journey through unexpected health challenges, including a heart attack and the subsequent need for a heart transplant.

    He discusses the emotional and physical struggles he faced, the importance of accepting the unknown, and the support he received from family, friends, and medical staff. The dialogue emphasizes gratitude, resilience, and the beauty of human connection during difficult times, ultimately leading to a renewed appreciation for life after his transplant.

    Find JJ on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jayjaybarrera

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Failure, No Kings, and a New American Dream: Congruency Matters - S01 EP21
    Oct 24 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Gene X. Christian and Congruency Matters explore various themes surrounding podcasting, authenticity in conversations, the impact of digital consumption on personal relationships, and the importance of understanding privilege and empathy.

    They reflect on their experiences with feedback, learning from failure, and the dynamics of social media, all while emphasizing the value of purposeful practice and engaging with diverse perspectives. In this conversation, Gene X. Christian discusses various themes surrounding content creation, monetization, and the importance of non-religious stories. He reflects on the public perception of the U.S. from an outsider's perspective, emphasizing the hope that can arise from collective action and protests.

    The dialogue also touches on the need to redefine the American dream and the role of anecdotal evidence in understanding societal issues.

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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • Take This God and Shove It: Gene X. Christian - S01 EP20
    Sep 19 2025

    Gene X. Christian shares his journey from growing up in a Southern Baptist household to navigating the complexities of faith, indoctrination, and personal beliefs. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, the influence of music, the challenges of purity culture, and the struggles of parenting in a religious context.

    Gene reflects on significant life events, including the loss of his mother and the effects of the pandemic on his faith, ultimately leading to a reevaluation of his beliefs and practices. In this conversation, Gene shares his journey of navigating family dynamics, particularly in relation to his father's struggle with Alzheimer's, and how it led him to question his faith.

    He discusses the emotional toll of pretending to believe, the realization of religious constructs, and the peace he found in identifying as an atheist. The dialogue explores the importance of self-reflection, the impact of historical context on belief, and the role of institutions in shaping faith.

    Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for open discussions about belief and encourages listeners to seek truth, and not what they've been feed by others.

    Find Gene:

    - Threads: https://www.threads.com/@genexchristian

    - Web: https://www.genexchristian.com

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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • These Shrooms Are Making Me Thirsty: Jacob Nordby - S01 EP19
    Sep 16 2025

    This episode explores the personal journeys of Gene and Jacob as they navigate their experiences with religion, particularly focusing on Jacob's upbringing in the Bible Missionary Church and Gene's Southern Baptist background.

    They discuss the process of deconstruction of beliefs, the characteristics of cult-like religions, and the impact of historical context on religious texts. The dialogue also touches on personal spiritual experiences, including Jacob's shamanic initiation, and the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls in understanding the Bible's curation.

    In this conversation, Gene X. Christian and Jacob Nordby explore a range of topics from the spectrum of belief systems, including atheism and spirituality, to the role of psychedelics in personal growth. They delve into the implications of original sin and question its relevance in modern Christianity.

    The discussion also touches on existential questions about the nature of existence and the search for meaning in life, emphasizing the importance of exploration and curiosity.

    Find Jacob:

    - Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jacobnordby

    - Jacob's work: https://shor.by/jacobnordby

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • I Just Want To Know What Is True: Sam Ambrose - S01 EP18
    Sep 12 2025

    This conversation explores the personal journey of Sam, who shares his experiences with cooking, photography, and his transition from belief to atheism. The discussion delves into family dynamics, particularly the contrasting beliefs of his parents, and how these shaped his understanding of faith.

    Sam reflects on the challenges of navigating relationships with family members who hold different beliefs, especially in the context of grief and loss. The conversation also touches on the importance of open dialogue about beliefs and the impact of personal experiences on one's worldview.

    As Sam looks forward to future travels and personal growth, he emphasizes the value of seeking truth and understanding in a complex world.

    Find Sam:

    - Threads: https://www.threads.com/@aamuelsambrose

    Also Mentioned:

    - The God Delusion

    - The Greatest Show on Earth

    - NonStampCollector:

    Noah's Ark Part 1

    Noah's Ark Part 2

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Is This Clavicle Damaging My Witness?: Kate (klanger5) - S01 EP17
    Sep 10 2025

    Kate shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing to her current views on faith, fitness, and family. She discusses her experiences with modesty culture, the impact of patriarchy, and the struggles of leaving a high-control church environment.

    Gene and Kate discuss her mental health journey, the challenges of parenting, and her aspirations for political engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of questioning beliefs and the complexities of navigating personal identity in the context of religious indoctrination.

    Find Kate:

    - Threads: https://www.threads.com/@klanger5

    Mentioned:

    Iron and The Soul by Henry Rollins

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Praise Sharon and Doug, We're Cooking With Justin: Deconstruction Zone - S01 EP16
    Sep 5 2025

    Gene X. Christian and Deconstruction Zone explore the journey of deconstruction from a religious upbringing to personal beliefs. They discuss the impact of early influences, experiences in seminary, and the pivotal moments that led to a transformation in belief systems.

    The conversation delves into the challenges faced during this journey, including an arrest that served as a catalyst for change, and the realization of a new identity beyond traditional religious frameworks.

    In this conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of deconstruction from faith, the implications of mortality, and the importance of critical thinking. They explore the challenges faced when leaving religious beliefs, the impact on personal relationships, and the journey towards establishing an online presence to foster discussions.

    The dialogue also touches on the evolution of argumentation in debates, interpretations of biblical texts, and future endeavors in scholarly dialogues and publications.

    Justin's story (YouTube): Why I Left Christianity | From Seminary To The Cemetery

    Find Deconstruction Zone:

    YouTube Debate Clips: youtube.com/@dzdebates

    Join as a Member: youtube.com/@Deconstruction_Zone/join

    TikTok: tiktok.com/@deconstruction.zone

    Discord: tinyurl.com/dzdiscord

    Twitch: twitch.tv/deconstructionzone_

    Instagram: instagram.com/deconstruction_zone

    Clapper: clapperapp.com/Justin_DZ

    Patreon: patreon.com/Deconstruction_Zone

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    1 hr and 21 mins