16: Deconstructing Faith and Letting Go of Fear with Brian Recker

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when staying “acceptable” costs you your integrity? In this episode, Daffney talks with public theologian and bestselling author of Hell Bent, Brian Recker, for an honest conversation about faith, fear, and the moment you stop contorting yourself to belong. Brian unpacks his journey from growing up as a fundamentalist pastor’s kid to walking away from the pulpit when curiosity, conscience, and love could no longer fit inside rigid religious systems. Together, they discuss how fear has been used to control belief, why politics and religion became dangerously intertwined, and what it really takes to choose truth over approval. This episode is for anyone who’s ever swallowed their questions, softened their voice, or stayed silent just to remain palatable. Connect with Brian Recker:brianrecker.comhttps://brianrecker.substack.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/berecker/In This Episode:(01:10) Meet Brian Recker; growing up as a fundamentalist pastor’s kid(04:10) The political turning point that changed everything(08:40) Fear as the backbone of religious control(18:50) Queer affirmation as a line in the sand and the cost of crossing it(23:55) Hell as metaphor and how fear-based theology was weaponized(30:15) Reclaiming spirituality without fear of punishmentConnect with Daffney:The Game-Changer Consult → This 60 min deep dive offers you clarity and insight into what’s possible for your next 60 days. Leave this consult feeling full of possibility and with the energy of purpose!liftprowellness.comInstagram | YouTube | Merch