Shift Happens
In a world increasingly marked by division, cruelty, and chaos, Shift Happens is your guide to navigating the social and political turmoil of our time with hope, integrity, and courage. Each week, we bring you conversation with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who are on the frontline of resisting white Christian nationalism, dehumanization, polarization, and apathy.
Together, we explore how to confront these challenges without mirroring them- how to resist cruelty without becoming cruel, combat anger without being consumed by it, and dismantle systems of injustice while remaining grounding in compassion and humanity.
Shift Happens isn't just about understanding the world; it's about empowering you to shape it. Tune in and discover practical insights, inspiring stories, and the tools you need to resist with resilience, love and purpose.
Change is possible because shift happens.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 65 minutes
- Episodes
- 120
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Malcolm du Plessis & Phillip Joubert: Common Hymnal
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with Malcolm du Plessis and Phillip Joubert of Common Hymnal.
We dive into Malcolm's work in liberation movements, including anti-apartheid work…
Shane Claiborne: Long Term Resistance
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with author, activist and theologian, Shane Claiborne.
We dive into how to be part of long term, non-violent resistance, Tony Campolo, the damag…
Danny Bryant: Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground (Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness Gospel)
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with author Danny Bryant, about his book Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground: Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness Gospel.
We dive into white chri…
Dr. Jen Johannsen: Grounded w/ Jen
Guest: Dr. Jen Johannsen
In This Episode:
• How systems work unseen in our lives
• Ways we can regulate ourselves in the middle of all this dehumanization
• We talk a lot about the Map of Consciousnes…
Billie & Paul Hoard | Eucontamination: Disgust Theology & the Christian Life
Guest: Billie & Paul Hoard
Topic: We talk to authors Billie & Paul Hoard about their new book- Eucontamination: Disgust Theology & the Christian Life.
In This Episode:
•You'll see how disgust is behind …
Sophia Zoe Kilmer: Trans Activist & Civil Rights Attorney
In this episode, Joe talks with Sophia Zoe Kilmer. We dig into the ongoing fight for civil rights and explore what it means to resist in meaningful ways.
What You’ll Hear:
- Sophie's long history of resi…
Madison Morrigan: "Muchness" as Resistance
This week Joe talks with one of his old youth group students and returning guest, Madison Morrigan.
It is an incredibly dark season we find ourselves in and this episode is a bright light. You will w…
Keith Giles: The Quantum Gospel of Mary
This week, Joe talks with author and theologian Keith Giles about his newest book The Quantum Gospel of Mary and The Lost Gospel of Truth.
- To order Keith's book, click HERE.
- To follow Keith on social…
Sophia Zoe Kilmer: Bonus Episode
For today's bonus episode, we listen to a recording of a conversation that Joe had with Zoe. She reached out and they hit record.
If you don't know Sophia Zoe Kilmer, she is a trans activist and cons…
Brian Recker: Healthy Masculinity and other stuff
Today, we talk to Brian Recker about healthy masculinity and a ton of other things. Make sure to click the link below to preorder his upcoming book Hellbent.
To follow Brian, check out his work, invi…
Ally Didier: Listener Story
Today we've got an amazing bonus episode for you. Listener Ally Didier reached out and wanted to share her story. It is super encouraging and full of hope. In a season where that feels like it's in s…
Nia Chiaramonte: I Hardly Knew Me
In this episode we talk with author Nia Chiaramonte about her book "I Hardly Knew Me" with is out July 8th.
To follow Nia on Instagram, click HERE.
To follow Nia's work or preorder I Hardly Knew Me or…
Dr. Kevin Bird: The History of Resistance
This week we talk with Professor Dr. Kevin Bird.
Dr. Bird is a specialist in history of the American South and teaches (among other things) about how the historical narrative is often skewed to ignor…
Cat Alvarado: Comedy as Resistance
This week, we talk with comedian Cat Alvarado.
Joe and Cat talk about her story growing up in the church, her journey to where she is and how comedy plays a major role in how she sees the world.
To le…
Jennifer Solomon: Parenting with Pride
In this week's episode we talk with Jennifer Solomon.
Jennifer Solomon (she/her) is the Parents and Families Support Manager for Equality Florida, leading the Parenting with Pride network. Jennifer’s…
Kristin Young: Taking Up Space as Resistance
In this episode of Shift Happens, Joe sits down with Kristin Young, Experience Pastor at Mosaic Church in North Carolina, for a powerful conversation about what it means to live fully in your voice, …
Flamy Grant: Drag as Resistance
In this week's episode, we talk to ward-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Chart (the first drag pe…
Liz Charolette Grant: Knock at the Sky
This week, we talk with author Liz Charolette Grant. Joe talks to Liz about her debut book Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible.
We dive into her back story, why s…
J. Philip Newell & Cami Twilling: The Great Search
This week Joe talks with author J. Philip Newell and Director of the Sacred Earth Sacred Soul Center Cami Twilling.
John Philip Newell is an internationally renowned Celtic teacher and author of spi…
Kevin Sweeney: The Cosmic Christ and The Concrete Jesus
In today's episode, Joe talks with author Kevin Sweeney.
Kevin is the author of multiple books including, The Making of a Mystic and The Joy of Letting Go. Joe and Kevin jump into this new book that …