Pastor With No Answers

[For a written version of this episode, click here] Special Song, Robbie Madison: Spotify | Apple Music Jaden Ivey of the Chicago Bulls was waved for speaking out against "fake Christians," and the NBA for supporting and endorsing sin.  Here's a quick take on how it appears Mr. Ivey is opting for religion rather than walking out the glorious  path of love, that Jesus called Christians to.  E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River. 

[On this episode: Jack Hoey III (Substack), Chip Judd (Website), Roy Jacques, Joey Svendsen] Joey's Church Family joins for this episode to discuss beliefs, the supernatural, the bible, proof of God, and what many see as the slipperly slope of deconstruction.  Jack, Chip and Roy listened beforehand to an episode released in January called, "That's Not How the Bible Works, God Isn't Love, Casual Christians & Pan-Handling" and respond with personal reflections about that conversation and about Joey's faith in general.   E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River. 

[This episode has Hayne Griffin, Robbie Madison, Matt Oxley, Joey Svendsen] Matt Oxley, part of the Pastor With No Answers family, grew up in a charismatic, evangelical environment where faith was vibrant and experiential—complete with things like speaking in tongues and a deep belief in the supernatural. All of his years of being part of the podcast, however, Matt’s beliefs had him in a place where he no longer believed in God at all. Recently, Matt has had a life-altering reengagement with faith. While his beliefs don’t necessarily fit neatly into traditional Christian orthodoxy, his life and values have become strikingly aligned with the teachings and ethic of the gospel. That shift sparks a wide-ranging conversation about God, the divinity of Jesus, and the role of church and doctrine. Joey and Robbie affirm Jesus as divine in a way that makes him uniquely distinct from other religious teachers. Matt sees Jesus more as a revolutionary—someone who fully embodied the radical love and message of the gospel and died for it. End of story.  Meanwhile, Hayne pushes the conversation further, challenging Joey and Robbie to expand what they might consider “divine” wisdom or teaching beyond traditional Christian boundaries. It’s a dialogue about belief, doubt, and the ways people wrestle with the figure of Jesus. What does it really mean to say Jesus is divine? Can someone live the way of Jesus without believing everything the church teaches about him? And how much agreement is actually necessary for meaningful spiritual community? Matt's Substack, "The Great Deconstruction."  E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

[With Amy Alderman, Hayne Griffin, Stoy Prioleau and Joey Svendsen] So what are the moral ramifications of assassinating "leaders" before they do great harm?  What is the significance of Trump's recent caricatures of the Obamas?  What did we learn from Bad Bunny about Puerto Rico and how Puerto Ricans likely view the U.S.A.? Along the way of discussing these questions, Stoy shares some heartfelt thoughts on his military service, Hayne articulates some thought-provoking nuances of terrorism, Amy disagrees with some of these thoughts on terrorism and Joey highlights his joy of celebrating diversity in America.  Special song "Yes," by: Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

[This episode has special guest, John Mark McMillan, and  Amy Alderman, Hayne Griffin,  Joey Svendsen] Is the Bible meant to be a definitive “how to believe” manual? Is faith something "smart enough people" can crack like a formula? And what’s going on with Christians who downplay God’s love while camping out on Him being “just” and “holy”? (There was even a "biblical influencer" who flat-out said, “God isn’t love.” Yeah… wow.) The conversation also digs into the mysterious label of a “casual Christian”—does that term actually mean anything worthy of having the terminology?  And oh yeah, pan-handling.  Amy Alderman, Hayne Griffin, and Joey Svendsen are joined by the one and only John Mark McMillan to discuss all of the above.  John Mark McMillan | Website | Apple Music | Spotify  E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

Merry Christmas and Enjoy! E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

[This episode has Hayne Griffen, Robbie Madison, Ellen Mauro, and Joey Svendsen in it] It’s a full-on Christmas hangout with the whole crew as everyone brings their own holiday quirks, confessions, and laughs. The team dives into their favorite Christmas movies, what the “Christmas spirit” even is, and reflect on joy and spoiled kids.  Joey and Hallmark movies don't mesh (and he honestly wouldn’t mind if Christmas just hurried on by this year). Robbie shares the mixed feelings he had about presents growing up. Ellen lets us in on her dislike for her husband’s very… Italian Christmas lights. And Hayne plays everyone a Christmas song — plus a funny, heartfelt moment about his mom and her ongoing sickness. E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

Amy Alderman, Hayne Griffin, Stoy Prioleau and "the Pastor," Joey Svendsen explore "Charlie Kirk worship," mourn his senseless passing, and reflect on today's society when deaths (even murder) are celebrated.  Also, Hayne met and got to know the "80s heartthrob," Kirk Cameron, (of the sitcom "Growing Pains") and shares that he was an absolute delight, while Joey questions Kirk Cameron's sentiments that the "Christian celebrity" expressed about Taylor Swift, believing Kirk's posture represents a big problem with many Christians.   E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

[This episode has Amy Alderman, Hayne Griffin, Stoy Prioleau, and Joey Svendsen] Joey's original plan for this episode crumbled at the beginning due to an ice breaker question about the impact of racism during recovery efforts of "Katrina ravaged" New Orleans 20 years ago.  One thing led to another, a rare argument flared amongst the host crew but by the end of the conversation, the pieces were put back together with friendships firmly intact. E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Currently on tour together, John Mark McMillan and Zach Bolen (frontman of the band Citizens) join the podcast to discuss faith, life on the road, songwriting, personal testimonies, and what being real with God looks and feels like to them. Many people interact with their songs as "worship tunes," but they don’t fit the Contemporary Christian Music mold and for various reasons, these guys aren't setting out to write worship songs. Throughout this episode you’ll hear their songs intertwined through the whole thing. Also, host, Joey Svendsen deems John Mark a saint, Zach and Joey recount their stint as a comedic duo, and John Mark gives a theory on why Generation X may gravitate toward the 80s music sound as they age.   Cosmic Supreme Tour John Mark McMillan | Instagram | Apple | Spotify  Zach Bolen / Citizens | Instagram | Apple | Spotify  E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

[this episode is brought to you by Hayne Griffin, Stoy Prioleau, Joey Svendsen] Joey brings up something he read about a pair of conjoined twins, Stoy thought they were still called Siamese twins, and once again this podcast proves its lack of "political correctness" in handling various issues.  Stoy points out certain types of people who can't help in fostering societal unity, Hayne educates us on other systems of prejudice that likely won't make sense to Americans, and the three friends lament and laugh about it all.   Video that Stoy referred to is RIGHT HERE.    E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Michelle Van Loon was "getting around," doing drugs and acting 'a fool as a Jewish teenager but when a friend introduced and evangelized her to Jesus (may or may not have been over some weed), her life has never been the same.  Michelle, author of numerous books, recently wrote "Downsizing: Letting Go of Evangelicalism's Nonessentials," and joins Joey to discuss the contents. Could "downsizing" be the only hope for unity in the church?  Among the many topics discussed, the two talk whether "spiritual authority" has to go, what makes a pastor a pastor, Joey's former zeal for Mark Driscoll, how the church has made an idol of the nuclear family, and the silly notion that deconstruction is usually a bad thing.   Synopsis of book: Michelle Van Loon came to faith in Jesus as a Jewish teenager and embraced the first Christian community she found: evangelicals. Over the next fifty years, she enthusiastically worshiped and worked in a wide variety of evangelical groups. Looking back on those experiences today, Van Loon treasures the things that truly deepened her faith. At the same time, she laments the accumulation of baggage—religious ideas and practices that were unhelpful at best, and harmful at worst. Unlike many who have given up on evangelicalism altogether, Van Loon is committed to saving what’s worthwhile in the evangelical faith tradition, and she invites others to join her. Simultaneously critical and hopeful, Downsizing encourages readers to reflect on their own experience with evangelicalism, evaluate the movement’s legacy, and participate in shaping its future. Michelle Van Loon / Instagram / Website  E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

My dad went to be with the Lord at around 9PM on Tuesday night of last week.  This episode is a reading of the eulogy i gave at my dad's memorial service and also includes a replay of an episode I did with my dad, on this podcast, about his lived experience of helping me through my mental health crisis 6 years ago.   E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Check out Joey's Substack. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

[The episode has three friends in it: Joey Svendsen, Amy Alderman, and Hayne Griffin and Stoy Prioleau] Joey stands up for himself when a peer calls him a "fake pastor" for not having time to engage in a conversation, uncharacteristically responding to this guy with a bit of abrasiveness.  Joey ponders with his friends whether the confrontation  was necessary, helpful or good.  Amy, Hayne, Stoy and Joey discuss confronting others as well as their personal comfort levels with times when it's necessary for them to do the confronting.   When close relationships go awry, Joey articulates why solidarity and support from others feels like a need. Amy shares why she believes some people are garbage and are deserving of being ghosted, Hayne processes confrontations the same way he processes mowing the lawn, and Stoy recounts a lesson that stuck with him, when he learned to listen more and speak less.   E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Check out Joey's Substack. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Check out Joey's Substack. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

[The episode has three friends in it: Joey Svendsen, Amy Alderman, and Hayne Griffin] Joey read a book that captures the American history of adolescent girls' commitment to having the best possible body.  You can check out "The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls" here.   With some of the book's contents as the context, Joey, Hayne and Amy talk through women's arduous struggle toward gender equality and how far along society has come, while Joey now having read this book, admits ignorance to many aspects of the challenge for women.   Amy opens up about some personal body image issues, personally relating to the societal research spelled out in this particular book.  Joey and Hayne try to explain why they are not sexually attracted to 20 year olds and Amy gives her best shot at explaining why she thinks they are not.   Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air) E-mail Joey here. Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo) Check out Joey's Substack. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

[This is an episode of a new podcast called "Roster Music Club Podcast."  traditional PWNA Episodes coming back soon to this feed] Please go listen to this episode on: Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon  Go join the Roster Music Club now by going to RosterMusic.Club. (TRY FIRST MONTH FREE) Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air) Be a Patron / Tip the Host (Venmo)

Go subscribe to the Roster Music Club's Podcast Feed and listen to this episode there:  Spotify I Apple Music I Amazon Hey, PWNA Listeners,  My brother and I, alongside Jeremy Gould of Rumors Are True Podcast, are starting a new music club, Roster Music Club.   You can join today for a discounted price, official start is May 1st.  Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air) Be a Patron / Tip the Host (Venmo)

say this on audio (and stuff below): If you're going to listen to this episode, it means you have an interest in some of the alternative music scene.  and if that's the case, please go subscribe to the Roster Music Club Podcast feed and check out our website here to see if this club is of interest to you.  Hey, PWNA Listeners,  My brother and I, alongside Jeremy Gould of Rumors Are True Podcast, are starting a new music club, Roster Music Club. Go subscribe to the Roster Music Club's Podcast Feed and listen to this episode there: Spotify I Apple Music I Amazon Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air) Be a Patron / Tip the Host (Venmo)

[This episode has Amy Alderman, Stoy Prioleau, and Joey Svendsen] Joey brought up his lack of interest in the WNBA as well as his unmatched preference for women's gymnastics over men's gymnastics as an ice breaker in this episode; but the conversation evolved and carried on into what "being a boy" and "being a girl means," as well as the impact of nature verses nurture in such matters.  Joey shares a bullying situation from middle school and Joey and Amy try to understand what Stoy means in his "every behavior is acceptable" tirade.   E-mail the PWNA team here. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air) Be a Patron / Tip the Host (Venmo)

Steadfast Summit Conference (March 28th & 29th, Charleston Southern University) Jessie Evans, M.Ed., LPC joins the podcast to discuss her work of bridging professional counseling with faith.  Her and Joey discuss experiences (good and bad) they've encountered in how the church handles mental health issues.  They also reflect on personal struggles in their own mental health and in the process discuss EMDR therapy, the importance of sleep, perinatal OCD, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and what can be learned from the Inside Out movies.  Lots to learn from Jesse Evans on this one.  E-mail the PWNA team here. Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music Send a text to the crew (we may read these on air) Be a Patron / Tip the Host (Venmo)