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
Paul Swearengin: Unconventional Pastor Paul
Today, Joe talks with one of our favorite deconstructionists and social media personalities- Unconventional Pastor Paul.
Paul talks about his upbringing in a very strict and abusive Assemblies of God …
Dr. Miche Van Essen: Intersectional Theology
Today, Joe talks with Dr. Miche Van Essen. Dr. Miche is an intersectional theologian and a trans woman.
Dr. Miche had a very interesting and varied upbringing. Joe talks to her about her childhood, h…
Annie: Sad Joy
Trigger Warning: Talk of S/A.
Today, Joe talks with Annie (not her real name).
Annie's story is one of struggle and triumph. Annie grew up in a very high control religion and home. Her story doesn't …
Babz Thabz: Trans & Queer Linguistics
Today, Joe talks to Joy Dertinger (they/them) a.k.a. Babz Thabz (@babytheyby) on Tik Tok.
Joe talks to Joy about their experience growing up in 5 point Calvinism, going to Moody Bible College, meeti…
Sam Hedrick: Middle of It
Today, Joe talks to singer/songwriter and worship pastor Sam Hedrick.
Sam is the worship pastor of Cascade church in Portland, Oregon and also produces and writes music. Joe and Sam talk about all kin…
Mike Maeshiro: Queer Joy
Paul Briley: Off the Comma Podcast
In this week's episode Joe talks to Paul Briley. Paul is the host of Off The Comma podcast and is a coach, consultant and professional organizer.
Paul's story is one that starts in the heart of Dalla…
Billie Hoard: Queerness is a Blessing
In today's episode, Joe sits down to talk with Billie Hoard. You may know them by their social media handle Billieiswriting.
Billie is an outspoken trans woman who uses her platform for so much good. …
Melody Winderweedle: Disrupting the System
Today Joe talk with Melody Winderweedle. Melody is the lead pastor of Ecclessia church in Chattanooga, TN.
Melody talks about growing up in a very conservative, charismatic movement and how going to …
Brent Roberts: 50th Episode
In our 50th episode, Joe talks with our very first guest Brent Roberts. This is a beatiful conversation that goes where it needs to go.
They talk about their respective journeys, the lessons they’ve …
Brian Recker: Instagram’s Ex-Evangelical Pastor
In today’s episode, Joe talks to Brian Recker. You may know Brian from his gut punchingly honest IG reels and posts.
They get into how Brian grew up in the IBC, his deconstruction into evangelicalism …
Sarah J. Ruthless: YWAM Kid to Drunk Bible Stories
Today Joe talks to Sarah J. Ruthless. You may know them from their online presence and their "Drunk Bible Story" skits but underneath all that humor and sarcasm lays some long term religious pain and…
Sharon "Rocky" Roggio: 1946 The Movie
In this episode, Joe talks to Sharon "Rocky" Roggio from the 1946 Movie.
If you are unaware of this documentary, it dives in to the mistranslation that led to the word homosexual being inserted into …
Raul Zambrano: Warner Christian Academy
In this episode Joe talks to Raul Zambrano.
Raul is a listener and reached out to Joe to share his story. Raul talks about his upbringing in a very evangelical, fundamentalist school in Florida. He t…
Trisha Wilkerson: You're Already Good
In this episode, Joe talks to his old college friend Trisha Wilkerson. Trisha is an author, speaker, coach and nutritionist.
Trisha talks about her days at the fundamentalist college she met Joe at, …
Heather Foy: Happy Heather Smiles
In today's episode Joe talks to social media influencer Heather Foy AKA Happy Heather.
Heather talks about her upbringing in a very strict, high control religion and religious household. She talks ab…
Jon Harris Maurer: Turning the Tide
This week Joe talks to Jon Harris Maurer who is the Public Policy Director for Equality Florida.
This isn't the normal episode but with so much good news coming out of the last legislative session (wh…
Colby Martin: Unclobbered
This week Joe talks to Colby Martin, author of Unclobbered and The Shift.
This week is person for Joe as Colby Martin's book Unclobbered was the first book handed to him during his time of re-examini…
Monica Chadwick: Bible College Tomboy
Today, Joe talks to Monica Chadwick. Monica first met Joe when he was pastoring a conservative, evangelical church and she was a student at Florida Bible College.
Monica shares her upbringing and whe…
Kane Barr: Jehovah's Earliest Witness
In this episode Joe talks to his friend, Kane Barr.
Kane shares about his upbringing in the Jehovah's Witness church and how he was striving to be one of their youngest evangelists. Kane talks about h…