Joanna Whaley Podcast
by Joanna Whaley
Tune into the Joanna Whaley Podcast, a captivating and deeply personal exploration documenting the profound, real-time evolution of its host, Joanna Whaley. For years, Joanna served as a dedicated Evangelical Pastor and later came out as a transgender woman. This podcast chronicles the challenging and ultimately liberating process of her deconstruction of faith, leading her to step away from the pulpit and embrace a new, powerful calling: becoming a passionate and vocal LGBTQ Rights advocate. This series offers listeners a candid, week-by-week look at what it truly means to navigate a complete philosophical and professional upheaval. Joanna invites you to listen in as she tackles difficult conversations, grapples with the loss of her former identity, confronts the biases she once held, and finds her new voice on the front lines of social justice. Experience the full scope of this transformative journey, the doubts, the revelations,
Episodes
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FINAL EPISODE OF THE PODCAST
Send us Fan Mail After nearly 3 years, the Joanna Whaley Podcast is coming to a close. Joanna will still be making podcasts, but more project-limited series material. Follow her on all social media channels for more information. Support the show
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Leading When it's Not Fun
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we discuss how important it is to lead when it all hits the fan. Stepping up to lead when things are fun and cute is needed, but can you step up when it's all going wrong? DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joannawhaley Support the show
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Evolving for Something Bigger Than Yourself
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, Joanna discusses the ways in which we operate when something is bigger than one person. We all have a mode of operation in large settings or in movements. Today, Joanna discusses her evolution of self in the whole picture. DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN HERE:...
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I AM RUNNING FOR OFFICE!!!!!
Send us Fan Mail Today, Joanna shares some major news. She is running for the Michigan House of Representatives!! Joanna shares the journey from LGBTQ+ rights advocacy to running for office. In this difficult time in America and in Michigan, she is running to get the government to lead and not...
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!: Lessons From Being 37
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, Joanna discussed lessons learned in the last year. As she celebrates her birthday, she shares ideas of loving more and how difficult lessons have shaped who she is today. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM:...
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REPLAY: The Appropriation of Freedom
Send us Fan Mail EPISODE ORIGINALLY AIRED: March 2nd, 2025 The concept of "freedom" has become a battleground, often weaponized by voices of bigotry and a narrow, Christian heteronormative worldview. Today, we delve into this complex issue, unpacking how this appropriation impacts queer…
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Back to School Shooting Season
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we discuss the epidemic of school shootings in America. The ability of lawmakers to do nothing on this topic is mind-numbingly ridiculous, and we need to demand our leaders do more, and do it now. Joanna shares her thoughts on how to go after this problem....
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REPLAY: Should Church be a Business?
Send us Fan Mail Today we discuss the tensions of church being a business, when Jesus turned over tables in the temple. Join me for a talk about how to navigate this tension in a world where costs are rising and our churches ask for more. Also we have a a snip from one our favorite shows "Queer...
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Emme Zanotti Interview - Fighting for LGBTQ Rights in Michigan
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show a special guest, Emme Zanotti who is the Senior Director of Movement Building & Political Affairs at Equality Michigan, joins the show to talk all things LGBTQ rights in the state of Michigan. She brings wisdom and care to the community and is making Michigan a...
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Nobody Can Afford Going Back to School
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show Joanna discusses the rising costs of going back to school and how the State of Michigan can't pass a school budget. Plus other topics form around town. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/team…
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Leading Locally Well - Interview with Celina Peters
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show we have a discussion with a City Council Canidate for Trenton, MI. Celina Peters is a passionate and strong local leader who cares to see her community thrive. Listen as we discuss how to lead well at the local level. Support Celina's Campaign here >...
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Breaking Up The Old Boys Club
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, Joanna discussed how to navigate the "Old Boys Club" and how to use passion to push back against it. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/team GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support...
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The Big Beautiful Blahhhhh....
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show Joanna discusses the big beautiful bill and how to look at it from a liberation theological lens. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM: https://www.joannawhaley.com/team GET SUPPORT: https://www.joannawhaley.com/support…
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TALKING UNIONS: Interview with Brian Kelly
Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, we interview Brian Kelly, president of the EPA Workers Union in the Great Lakes Region. We discuss the impact of the Trump administration on mental health, focusing on workers caught in the decline of DEI initiatives and how we can better support…
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LIVE: God Is More Than Just a Man
Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, we hear a message from Joanna that she gave at a church in Chelsea, Michigan. Today's message is about the Lord's Prayer and how patriarchal systems have entangled us in flawed systems of gender binary. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate...
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School Budget Failings are not Pro-Life
Send us Fan Mail On the podcast, we discuss how the Michigan House of Representatives and the Republicans in the Michigan House are cutting funding to our children's schools without considering their futures. We draw theological parallels to the light and disregard shown for our children's...
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Generational Police Mistrust in Minority Groups
Send us Fan Mail On the show, we discuss recent events in a city near where I live that has faced issues with police brutality and has been struggling with trust in the police force from its citizens. Today, we will discuss how generational mistrust in police institutions is amplified and how we...
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PRIDE 2025 - Divine Queerness
Send us Fan Mail In the podcast, we kick off Pride 2025 by exploring some of the mischaracterizations that people have about LGBTQ+ individuals and the perception of the divine, and how that affects our policies. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate JOIN JOANNA'S TEAM:...
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REPLAY: Israel and Palestine Conflict how End Times Theology Can Harm Queer People
Send us Fan Mail REPLAY FROM AUGUST 18TH, 2024: Today on the show we discuss the complex issue of the Israel & Palestine conflict, and how the endless wave of end times prophecy works for the privileged among us and harms LGBTQ people in our world. By reflecting on the complexities of this…
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Faith and Citizenship (Panel discussion at Gracepointe Church TN)
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we listen to a panel discussion that took place at Gracepointe Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Gracepointe is Joanna's home church, which she attends online. In this discussion, the panel explores the tension between patriotism and faith, as well as how to be...
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Mocking Biden's Cancer Diagnosis: The Lack of Class in the White House
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we discuss how many MAGA Republicans have been mocking former President Joe Biden after he went public with his cancer diagnosis. In this episode, we explore thoughts on the difference between public knowledge and politicians' right to privacy, as well as how...
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REPLAY: Trans Olympians and Christian Outrage
Send us Fan Mail Today we replay an old episode of the show: In this week's episode we dive into the complex story of Imane Khelif, an intersex athlete whose journey in the Olympics has sparked a significant conversation about identity and inclusivity. We discuss how Christianity has failed at...
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Does Anyone Know What They are Doing?
Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, we listen to some infuriating interviews from Trump administration staffers who continually insist that they are not experts. However, many in Christian circles have been told to trust Republicans exclusively, even if they hear things that drive them crazy....
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The Episcopal Church Says No to Trump
Send us Fan Mail In today's show, we discuss how the Trump administration prioritized white refugees from South Africa while systematically closing down avenues for people of color to seek refugee status in America. This week, the Episcopal Church in America stood up to the administration…
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First American Pope V. The America First President
Send us Fan Mail On the podcast, we discuss the historical significance of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, and how his election to the highest seat in the Catholic Church will challenge Christian nationalism, and why we should be cautiously optimistic. SUPPORT THE SHOW:...
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REPLAY: Interview with Former Republican Transgender Woman with Adelynn Campbell
Send us Fan Mail Today we replay one of the most popular episodes of the show with Joanna's best friend and oldest ally in her journey of holding onto faith and being LGBTQ. You will hear discussions about the struggles of of her journey and the victories she is fighting for to this day. SUPPORT...
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REPLAY: An LGBTQ+ Affirming Pastor - Alysa Offman
Send us Fan Mail Today Joanna sits down with a dear friend who is also an LGBTQ affirming pastor. We have a fascinating conversation about theology and approach from a pastor who fully accepts and affirms LGBTQ people. FOLLOW ALYSA: https://www.tiktok.com/@alysazavalaoffman SUPPORT THE SHOW:...
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Breaking out of Religious Rules
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like the weight of religious rules and expectations was holding you back from a deeper, more authentic connection with your spirituality? In this powerful and insightful episode, we bring you a recording of a recent live talk given by Joanna at a local church,...
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Discussing the HHS Gender Dysphoria Guidelines
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we address the Department of Health and Human Services' new guidelines regarding the treatment of gender dysphoria. The U.S. government is trying to compel transgender individuals to undergo publicly sanctioned Conversion Therapy, undermining all established...
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Trump's First 100 Days in Office... YIKES!
Send us Fan Mail On today’s show, we evaluate Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. America feels vastly diminished, and we’ll discuss the reasons behind this perception. Join us as we dive into reviews and updates regarding the turmoil unfolding in Washington, DC. SUPPORT THE SHOW:...
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REPLAY: What is Project 2025, and Why it Matters.
Send us Fan Mail In this replay episode, we dive into the chilling intersection of Christian nationalism and Project 2025. We'll explore how this right-wing movement is targeting LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, and what it means for the future of equality. Join us as we unpack the rhetoric, the...
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REPLAY: Has America Lost Her Way?
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we replay an episode from the week after the inauguration of Donald Trump. We dive deep into a thought-provoking exploration of societal and spiritual decline, beginning with a powerful passage from Isaiah 1:21-23. The prophet's lamentation over a "faithful…
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REPLAY: Save the Thoughts and Prayers - God and Guns
Send us Fan Mail Today we replay one of the most listened to episodes of the podcast. We discuss the marriage of Christianity and gun ownership rights. We also discussed in depth about how the employment of "Thoughts and Prayers" is unhelpful after major mass shooting events. SUPPORT THE SHOW:...
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Anti-Women Policies from People Who are Uninformed
Send us Fan Mail Today on the podcast, we discuss how many dehumanizing public policies are being signed into law by politicians who know nothing about the demographics that they're attempting to regulate. We discussed how anti-trans legislation affects sis gender women and the full spectrum of...
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Discussing the Trump Anti-Christian Bias Task Force
Send us Fan Mail On the show today we discuss the Trump administration's task force aimed at eradicating anti-Christian bias. We delve into how these ideas are crafted to silence any voice that falls outside a specific interpretation of Christianity. This task force raises significant concerns...
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The Supreme Court Hears a Religious Freedom Case
Send us Fan Mail The Supreme Court of the United States has begun hearing a case between the Delaware school district and a group of parents who have religious objections to LGBTQ content being shared in the schools. Today on the show, we discuss why being LGBTQ and our narratives have nothing to...
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The Life and Legacy of Pope Francis
Send us Fan Mail Pope Francis, who recently passed away at the age of 88, leaves behind a profound legacy characterized by his unwavering commitment to social justice and the care of marginalized communities. His papacy was marked by a progressive vision that sought to bridge the gap between...
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EASTER 2025 - Jesus v. Empire
Send us Fan Mail Today, we hear from Joanna's pastor, Josh Scott, from Gracepointe Church in Nashville, TN. In today's live episode, Josh discusses how the Easter story is less about the forgiveness of sins or about Jesus pulling himself up by his bootstraps, but rather a call to create justice…
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Appropriating Holy Week for Political Gain
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into how governments have interacted with religion, from ancient empires to modern democracies. Discover how these relationships have evolved and what they mean for us today. Does the government need to defend God? SUPPORT THE SHOW:...
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When The Leader is Always Right
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show, we discuss how Donald Trump scolded a CNN reporter in the Oval Office for their honest inquiries and reporting. We'll examine the dangers of assuming the leader is infallible, particularly when he views others as the source of problems. Join us as we explore…
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The Attack on Education
Send us Fan Mail Today, on the show, we discuss the effects of the Trump administration's withdrawal of federal grant money from Harvard University for not complying with its political wishes. In today's episode, we discuss some history and how many of these ideas stem from religious mistrust of...
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The Dangerous Narrative of Empathy as Sin
Send us Fan Mail In certain factions of American Christianity, a troubling narrative has emerged that equates empathy with sin. This perspective, primarily propagated by some evangelical and right-wing Christian nationalists, asserts that the act of empathizing with others can lead individuals...
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America is in a "Crucify Him" Moment?
Send us Fan Mail Today's show presents an analytical overview of the intricate relationship between Christian nationalism and contemporary political discourse in the United States. It particularly scrutinizes the narrative found in Luke 23, drawing parallels between the trial of Jesus and the...
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The Art of The Deal. Is America a Business?
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a nation is run like a corporation instead of a community? In this episode, we confront the dangerous ideas behind Donald Trump’s tariff policies and his broader strategy of treating America like a profit-driven enterprise. This isn’t just bad economics — it’s a...
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Am I Really Thinking About Being a Politician?
Send us Fan Mail Join us today as we dive into the journey of Joanna thinking of stepping up to run for political office. With a vision for a more inclusive and equitable future, Joanna shares her determination to confront the rising tide of Christian nationalism and champion the values of...
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How Christian Nationalism is Informing Tariff Policy
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the overconfidence of Trump’s tariff policy and how certain theology can inform conservative mindsets. We'll examine how the Trump administration used the American people to pursue policies in a belief of greater power by punishing other...
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Reflecting on the HANDS OFF RALLIES
Send us Fan Mail Today on the show I share my experience of confronting the dissonance between outward displays of political support and the lived reality of LGBTQ+ individuals in my community. The prevalence of "Trump swag" created a false sense of security, while conversations with fellow…
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Trans Day of Visibility & The Bible
Send us Fan Mail This week, as we honor Trans Day of Visibility, we're diving deep into Psalm 51:10-12. These verses, a plea for renewal and restoration, resonate powerfully with the journey of trans and queer individuals. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.'...
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MAGA & Queer folks worshipping together?
Send us Fan Mail This week, we're focusing on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18:9-14, and exploring it through a queer theological lens. Who are we in this story? Are we the Pharisee, boasting of our righteousness and judging others, or are we the tax collector,...
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Bigots have received their reward
Send us Fan Mail This week, we're diving into Matthew 6:16-18, but we're looking at it through a queer lens. Jesus talks about fasting and how it shouldn't be a performance for others, but a deeply personal act of connection with the Divine. How often are we pressured to perform our faith, or…
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About this show
Tune into the Joanna Whaley Podcast, a captivating and deeply personal exploration documenting the profound, real-time evolution of its host, Joanna Whaley. For years, Joanna served as a dedicated Evangelical Pastor and later came out as a transgender woman. This podcast chronicles the challenging and ultimately liberating process of her deconstruction of faith, leading her to step away from the pulpit and embrace a new, powerful calling: becoming a passionate and vocal LGBTQ Rights advocate.
This series offers listeners a candid, week-by-week look at what it truly means to navigate a complete philosophical and professional upheaval. Joanna invites you to listen in as she tackles difficult conversations, grapples with the loss of her former identity, confronts the biases she once held, and finds her new voice on the front lines of social justice. Experience the full scope of this transformative journey, the doubts, the revelations,
Hosted by
Joanna Whaley