Finding My Religion

Send a textIn the final episode of Season 3, we flip the script. My dad takes the mic to ask me the tough questions — the ones I’ve been dodging or quietly wrestling with since this project began. From growing up in the church to breaking away from its framework, from fearing hell to finding peace in uncertainty, this conversation is raw, reflective, and maybe even healing.We talk about what it means to be agnostic, how parenting shifts our spiritual lens, and why it's okay — even freeing — to not have all the answers. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for allowing space for conversations that rarely happen out loud.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, I talk with my dad about where he is today—years after stepping away from the church, years into recovery, and miles into a quieter, more mindful life. What started as a story about leaving religion has become something much more honest: learning how to live with uncertainty, how to be at peace in the present, and how to show up for the people we love.We talk about Buddhism, AA, the fear of change, and why it’s okay to not have all the answers anymore. It’s a conversation about real transformation—not overnight, not dramatic—but slow, steady, and deeply human.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOn a quiet night around the campfire during a family camping trip, I sit down with my wife, sister, brother-in-law, and dad for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the podcast—and the personal truths it’s brought to light.Together, they unpack some of the most surprising revelations from the series, including:How Myles’ sister had no idea her parents came from different religious backgroundsThe family’s reaction to learning Don once preached while intoxicatedTheir mother’s ongoing fear that her children might end up in hellDon’s admission that he purposely avoided preaching about homosexualityAnd the troubling teaching methods they all remember from their former churchAs the conversation unfolds, it evolves into something bigger—a reflection on how their family has changed, how their faith has shifted, and what it means to question authority and religious certainty.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps others find it. Have a question or guest idea? Reach out to Myles at [email protected] or find us on social by searching “Finding My Religion Podcast.”Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, Myles and his dad Don continue their open and honest discussion about Don's faith journey. After leaving the ministry, Don struggled to find meaning and purpose, as his identity had been so wrapped up in being a pastor. He discusses how he gradually started to question his conservative Christian beliefs, as he was exposed to more scientific perspectives that contradicted his theological training. This led Don to eventually move away from identifying as a Christian, and explore more Buddhist principles as a way of finding fulfillment and meaning in his life. The episode explores Don's internal process of losing his firm Christian doctrine, and how he has found comfort in a more fluid, principle-based approach to spirituality.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn episode four, we talk to my dad about a pivotal moment in his life as a pastor: his church burning to the ground. This moment sparked a fundamental change in his life, his faith, and his career. If you are someone you know is struggling with addition, please visit the Treatment Atlas Foundation: https://treatmentatlas.org/Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn episode 3, my Dad and I discuss his life as a pastor. What goes into it? How did he come to that decision? Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn episode 2, we dive into my dad's faith journey after marriage and kids. How did his interest in the Lutheran Church and Christianity grow so fast? What drew him in? And what was the moment he knew he wanted to be a pastor?Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn this season of FMR, we are focusing on my Dad's faith journey. In the first season we heard from him at a time in life when he was still figuring things out. Three years later, we focus our entire season on his religious path.Episode 1 covers my Dad's nervousness for this project. How are his former colleagues in the LCMS church going to perceive this? How will his former parishioners view this? We also dig into his childhood to find out how present religion was at home.Season 1 Episode with Don PhelpsThe Clergy ProjectSupport the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textJoin us as my sister-in-law, Leslie Carnaghan, PhD, takes us through her personal odyssey from a church-going youth to an atheist with a deep understanding of the human quest for community and spiritual fulfillment. Her insights, shaped by a rigorous scientific upbringing and an extensive career in public health, cast a fascinating light on the complex relationship between skepticism, atheism, and the spiritual aspects of human life.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textWhen faith meets personal evolution, it's a story worth telling. Our latest episode features Phil Haslinger, a retired pastor and journalist whose spiritual journey took him from the roots of Catholicism to the embracing arms of the United Church of Christ. Phil candidly shares the tectonic shifts in his faith during the transformative Vatican II era, the conservative pivot within Catholicism, and the life-changing decision he and his wife made to find solace within the UCC. His unique perspective, shaped by a career that balanced the pulpit and the press room, offers a nuanced look at the challenges and triumphs of navigating tradition and transformation.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textWhen Becky stepped away from her Catholic upbringing, she didn't just step into the unknown; she danced into the embrace of Wicca with a spirit of curiosity and a thirst for understanding. This episode takes you on a journey through her transformation into a Wiccan priestess, a tale that's as enlightening as it is unexpected. With her background in comparative religious studies, Becky unravels the often misunderstood threads of her chosen faith, revealing a belief system rooted in the sacredness of nature and the cycle of reincarnation.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textRida, a senior from the University of Wisconsin and an Interfaith Fellow, talks about growing up in the Muslim faith. As a practicing Muslim originally from India, she offers a unique perspective on the complex tapestry of her homeland's religious and cultural diversity. Her stories of personal faith, daily practices, and the nuanced challenges that religious minorities face speak to an experience far more intricate than the stereotypes often seen in media. Rida's journey from India to the U.S. serves as a powerful backdrop to our exploration of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textLibby Cohen – a University of Wisconsin senior, talks about her Jewish community. Libby offers a personal lens into how her Jewish heritage shapes her world, from the roots of her Minnesota upbringing to her aspirations in speech pathology. Her dedication echoes through her roles as a teacher at her synagogue and as a participant in Jewish summer camps, providing us a glimpse into the flourishing Jewish culture in Minneapolis and the ways she sustains her spiritual connections amid the vibrancy of campus life.Our dialogue traverses the diverse landscape of Jewish practice and belief, revealing how personal and familial choices intimately define one's religious path. Drawing from both Libby's narrative and my own experiences within a Conservative Jewish household, we peel back the layers of what it means to belong to the "tribe" of Judaism – a tribe that offers both an embrace of tradition and a support network that defies geographical boundaries. We confront the nuanced challenge of balancing time-honored customs with progressive interpretations, acknowledging the varying degrees of acceptance that frame the Jewish communal experience.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textJoin us in the latest installment of Finding my Religion, where we take you on a raw, soul-searching journey through the labyrinth of faith. This episode features Jaden Schultz, a brave, Lutheran Protestant Christian sharing an intimate account of her faith journey after suffering the heart-wrenching loss of her father. Jaden's candid story resonates with the tumultuous struggle and ultimate triumph of faith, offering a unique perspective on the essence of a relationship with God.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textGuest, James Pillay of the Center for Interfaith Dialogue at the University of Wisconsin, talks about his experiences as a recent Catholic convert. We also talk about his work in the fellowship program and why it's important to talk about the differences and similarities in what we all believe.  Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textJohn Mathey joins the podcast to talk about everything from teenage pregnancy, mental health and spirituality, to faith crisis. We talk about the  role of critical thinking in shaping our ideologies and the lasting effects of key historical events. Our narrative moves through the nuances of faith, politics, and personal growth, showcasing varying perspectives and experiences. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textWhat happens when a staunch Catholic upbringing leads not to unwavering faith, but to thoughtful questioning and a journey toward atheism? Join us as we sit down with David, a former Catholic turned atheist, who guides us through his transformative spiritual journey. From his earliest memories of attending Mass to the thought-provoking encounters that led to his break with the Church, David's tale is one of exploration, introspection, and ultimately, self-discovery.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textHave you ever considered how faith and spirituality shape our capacity for healing and resilience in the face of trauma? Join us in an intimate conversation with Katie Pyles - a devout Catholic, grief-stricken mother, and social worker with a deep understanding of restorative justice. Katie graciously gives us a glimpse into her childhood, her evolving faith journey, and the invaluable role her faith played during her college years, offering rich perspectives on how faith can be both a gift and a simple connection.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textWhat happens when an embedded faith clashes with inner values? As we delve into this riveting conversation with our guest, Heidi Phelps, we grapple with questions about faith, Christianity, and the societal expectation to conform to a particular belief system. Heidi bravely shares her journey, from her great-grandparents' church involvement to her current struggles reconciling the biblical teachings with what she believes is humane.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textEver wondered how religion influences our food habits and day-to-day life? This week, we sat down with Christina Ward, author of Holy Food: How Colts, Communes, and Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat in American History to unravel this complex connection. Raised in a religiously diverse household, with a Roman Catholic mother and an agnostic father, Christina provides a unique perspective on the topic. As an atheist, her insights into faith and the cultural underpinnings of religious practices are profound and intriguing.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textEver pondered the intriguing complexities of faith and religion? This episode, we're privileged to host Shay Quinn, a dog trainer and hunting guide whose unique spiritual journey will challenge your perspectives. From early skepticism of traditional religious narratives to a profound connection with nature, and finally, a deep personal faith, Shay's story is a testament to the dynamic nature of spiritual growth.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textJoin the spiritual journey of Reverend Preston Fields, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore, Illinois, as he navigates his path from a Roman Catholic upbringing in Tennessee to the acceptance found in the Lutheran Church. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textEver felt the tug and pull of faith, the quest for identity in spirituality? You are not alone! Join us as we navigate the faith journey of Joe Ross, a man whose spirituality has taken various forms and directions. From Jehovah to Jesus, we journey with Joe through his religious evolution, his passion for golf and fatherhood, and his strength in supporting others. We are honored to have Joe with us, opening up on his rich life experiences.Dissecting his time within the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Joe Ross deconstructs the process of becoming a baptized member, overcoming fears, and the grueling routine of door-to-door preaching. The heartrending experience of his disfellowship, his decision to join the US Navy, and the subsequent guilt he lived with, are powerful stories you want to hear. Add to this his encounter with a chaplain, his confession of agnosticism, and the challenges he faced in his faith and organized religion, our conversation with Joe is not just an exploration of faith but a testament to the human spirit.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textTim’s personal story continues as we delve into the impact of Christian Nationalism, the power dynamics within white evangelicalism, and the looming shadow of social media on faith. His courage in founding 'The New Evangelicals', despite fearing the audacious name, is testament to the strength of his conviction. He shares his struggle of leaving his church, the friendships lost and the tension of creating boundaries in his personal life. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textI joined my own podcast to talk about what I believe. Hosted by my beautiful wife, Jordan. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textAn all new season of FMR Pod is almost here. New episodes available every Thursday! Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textHigh school classmate, Taryn, comes on to talk about her spiritual journey over the past 20 years. From a mountain top in Italy, she found what she was finally looking for after a long search. Now, a Consecrated Virgin in the Catholic Church, she finally feels she's found happiness. Find her artwork mentioned on the show at:https://tarynawatkins.wixsite.com/portfolioSupport the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textTrigger warning: this episode discuses sexual assault and suicide. Family friend, Tim Hooker, joins the show to talk about how his faith in God has helped him throughout his life as he's dealt with severe trauma. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textIn the second part of our Looking Back series, we hear from two wildly different faith perspectives. The first is my good friend, Lucas Ray, who is a devout Christian. The second is my sister, Paige, who simply "doesn't know" (hence the title of her episode). Lucas Ray: "Faith"Paige Phelps: "I Don't Know"Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textWe take a look back at three of my favorite conversations I've had thus far.  Keenan Turner: Ep 1Joe Evans: Ep 5Don Phelps: Ep 9Keenan and I talk about his relationship with religion today along with his time spent in China. Joe digs into his Mormon faith and how his religion got the nickname of "Mormon." Finally, my dad talks about becoming a pastor as a second career and what ultimately led him out of the ministry and Christianity today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textMY WIFE! She joins to talk about her atheistic beliefs and how she came to that conclusion. Plus hear her burp, pet a dog, and drink a martini! Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textLongtime friend, Travis, joins the pod to talk about growing up in a small town and how moving to Colorado after college helped him find what his own faith is. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textFriend of the pod, Erich, joins to talk about his own spiritual journey. After belonging to a bible church as a kid, Erich went in search of what the meaning of all "this." Using math, science, and his own belief system, Erich talks about the ups and downs until finally coming to where he is today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textFormer college roommate and actor, Andrew Goetten, joins the show to talk about his faith journey after growing up Catholic. We talk about his experience with spirits, his view of the world, and how nature plays a big role in his faith today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textListener, Tyler, joins the show to talk about growing up as a Christian, loss of family, and finally becoming comfortable with his Atheism as an adult. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOn this episode, Ron Giordan joined FMR to talk about growing up in the Catholic faith, juggling the idea of going to Jesuit school, and finally struggling with his faith as an adult. We also talk about his son, Gio and the work Ron and his wife are doing to help other families with special needs children. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textLauren joins the pod to talk about losing her mom at a young age and how that shaped her faith later in life. Plus we talk about of social justice causes play a huge role in her beliefs today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textLongtime friend, Scott, joins the pod to talk about his conversion into Christianity as an adult. We talk about growing up Catholic, becoming atheist, and then finding his faith once again. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textSister-in-law Jess joins the pod to talk about her experience growing up compared to her Brother, Richard (ep 8!). We talk about how nature and her knowledge of history have shaped her beliefs today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textMLB.com Cubs beat reporter, Jordan Bastian, joins the show to talk about growing up as a pastor's kid (yes, another one), how being the youngest sibling affected his faith, and how being a journalist helps with his spiritual journey. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textJimmy joins the show to talk about growing with an extended family who was Catholic, but parents who were not. Also, what happens when you die if you don't believe in a God?Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOld friend, Jared Wyllys, comes on to talk about growing up as a pastor's kid and how that affected his relationship with Christianity today. We also talk about his 4 adopted children and how race and faith plays into his role as a dad. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textMy good friend, Brett, comes on to talk about life as a Christian kid (including show choir!) and how reading about science and space has shaped his beliefs today.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOn episode 11, we hear from my college roommate, Feras. We talk about growing up in the Muslim faith, the affect 9/11 had on him and his family, and how he practices his faith with his young today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textMy brother-in-law, Kai, joins the show to talk about his Korean immigrant parents, growing up Christian in a Buddhist household, and what this all means as a new dad. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textMy dad joins me on this episode to talk about his experience as a former paster, living with PTSD and addiction, and where his faith journey is at today. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOn the 8th episode, Richard joined the show to discuss his unique journey from Christianity, to Catholicism, to now being comfortable within his own community. We also discuss the relationship between religion and the LBGTQ+ community. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textDrew joins the show to talk about what it was like growing up in the Jewish faith. He shares his experience with anti-semitism, relationship with the Holocaust, and more. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOn episode 6, Scott talks about his strong family bond that was instilled in him by his first generation Korean parents and what role that plays in his faith. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]

Send a textOn episode 5, Joe Evans joins the show to talk about growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints and his faith today.Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com [email protected]