Life on Side B

Josh and Joel continue the conversation from S2E12 | Joel on Sex and Porn. This episode was published on the Patreon page in May 2020.

After a year since the series finale, we are excited to announce that Life on Side B is resurrecting with a new cohost team. Josh sits down to talk with Remi who will be leading as the main host and producer about the vision for the new era of the podcast.

For S2E10, we asked a bunch of Side B LGBT+ Christians in multiple platforms to give us their weirdest and most interesting questions and critiques they have received. There was so much good content we received that we recorded this bonus episode to keep discussing it all. This episode was published on the Patreon page on April 26, 2020.You can listen to Josh's new podcast at Wholly Ourselves at www.whollyourselves.org/podcastJoin the Wholly Ourselves Patreon page to receive extra content at www.patreon.com/whollyourselves

Josh, Ashley, Mary, and Bekah hop on to talk about a variety of topics from the spread of the Corona virus (before the lockdown) and how we navigate fashion and self-care. This episode was published on the Patreon page in March 2020 between S2E6 and S2E7. You can listen to Josh's new podcast at Wholly Ourselves at www.whollyourselves.org/podcastJoin the Wholly Ourselves Patreon page to receive extra content at www.patreon.com/whollyourselves

You all have heard about Josh's new podcast called Wholly Ourselves. Today, we're sharing an episode from Wholly Ourselves. In this episode, Josh is joined by Simon Kent Fung, host of the Dear Alana podcast, to unpack the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case Chiles v. Salazar, which challenges Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. You can subscribe to hear more from the Wholly Ourselves podcast wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Read Josh's Amicus Brief: https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24-539/370617/20250825134315970_Chiles%20v%20Salazar%20Brief%20of%20Amici%20Curiae%20Gregory%20Coles%20Joshua%20Proctor%20and%20Bill%20Henson.pdfBecome a Patron of Wholly Ourselves: https://patreon.com/whollyourselvesSubscribe to Josh's Monthly Substack: https://whollyourselves.org/#substackCredit: Our Theme Song is "Leave it All Behind" by The Transient Friends

Josh is joined by Jacob today to talk about their experiences at the Side B Retreat, which is the oldest ongoing in-person gathering of Side B Christians. The 2025 Side B Retreat will be outside of Cincinnati, OH on November 7-10. You can register at www.sidebretreat.com. Registration includes the retreat, housing, and meals.

As promised, we are releasing the bonus episodes originally recorded for our patreon page here for your enjoyment. This episode was recorded directly after S2E1 which was the first episode as a cohost team. You can listen to Josh's new podcast Wholly Ourselves at www.whollyourselves.org/podcastJoin the Wholly Ourselves Patreon page to receive extra content at www.patreon.com/whollyourselves

A Side B Collective is taking over the podcast! Josh wrote a piece for the Collective titled "The Case for Civil Marriage in Celibate Partnerships". Chase and Shelby, from A Side B Collective, interview him as a follow up to the written piece. BEFORE YOU LISTEN, please read the piece at asidebcollective.substack.com. 

What does it look like to be spiritually formed as a queer person who follows Christ?   Dive into six transformative spiritual movements, designed to help LGBT+ and same-sex-attracted Christians integrate their faith and sexuality. Join us starting on April 7th for seven episodes exploring LGBT+ spiritual formation and emotional health. Learn more at ⁠whollyourselves.org/becomingwholepodcast⁠.   Follow the podcast to hear the episodes as soon as they come out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

The time has come. All the cohosts including, season 2 co-host, Mary, and our intern, Jacob come back together to close out the Life on Side B series. In this final episode, the hosts share memorable moments from the podcast, and acknowledge each other's contributions, and express hopes for the future of the Side B community. Josh closes out the episode with a special message for listeners that you won't want to miss.  Check out the video of the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1CZj2b7izo

For the last episode before the series finale, this is Henry's episode and he decided to sit down with Josh and Grant to look over the last five years. They reflect on the transformative impact of the podcast on their lives. They share personal growth experiences, memorable episodes, and the misconceptions that often arise about their identities and beliefs. As we near the end, the cohosts share messages of gratitude for the listeners and each other. 

Josh and Elizabeth sit down with Taylor, Kris, and Remi to hear about their experience as trans Christians due to the current cultural and political shifts in the United States and around the world. Each of their voices brings amazing depth to the complexity of the situation and calls cisgender Christians both in the Side B queer community and throughout the Church to advocacy for our trans siblings.  To learn more about the murder of Sam Nordquist, check out this article.  On the reference about Russell Moore by Josh, it was not a Christianity Today article but an NPR interview. Check it out here.

We have arrived to our final follow up interviews of the season. Josh is talking with Paolo Errico to discuss more about vulnerability, sexual integrity, and personal growth. They explore the struggle with shame, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and integrity. Check out S4E09 to hear Paolo's previous episode on the podcast. Then (starting at 29:01), Josh sits down with Michelle Newbold and Dr. Julia Sadusky about their experiences on the podcast, the evolution of their thoughts on sexuality and inclusivity, and the importance of supporting the queer community. They discuss Dr. Sadusky's new book series on talking about sexuality with kids. Check out S1E03 & S2E10 to hear Michelle's previous episodes. Check out S2E04, S2E08, & S5E12 to hear Dr. Sadusky's previous episodes.

Bekah is back and its time for her episode. She is joined by Josh and Henry as she shares an update on her life since working as a "professional gay." The three of them discuss the complexities of navigating personal and professional identities within ministry. The conversation explores themes of authenticity, the pressures of public ministry, the influence of donors, and the importance of caring for the Side B community.

Our friend, Nhat, joins Josh and Christian to talk about his experience living with HIV. This is a topic which listeners wrote in asking to hear more on and we are honored to share Nhat and his story. Christian, as well, gives information from his work in HIV. 

Grant is joined by Scott Herr as they reflect on the evolution of the Side B community and share insights about the challenges and growth experienced over the years. They touch on key publications that have shaped the conversation, and the ongoing tensions faced by individuals navigating their faith and sexuality.

As we continue follow up interviews with previous guests, Josh sits down with Christian Johnston to discuss his personal journey since his episode on sexual abuse. They reflect on the impact of sharing their stories, the importance of consent, and the need for vigilance in personal interactions. The conversation also touches on sexual health awareness. Check out S3E11 to hear Christian's previous episode on the podcast.  Then (starting at 31:00), Henry talks with Greg Webb as they discuss the evolution of the podcast, its impact on the Side B movement, and the historical moments that have shaped their experiences. They explore the importance of centering diverse voices, the complexities of donor-based ministry, and the personal growth within the community.  Check out S3E8 & S3E23 to hear Gregg's previous appearances on the podcast.

Elizabeth is joined by Ray and Jean-Noël as they discuss LGBTQ missions. Elizabeth and Jean discuss their experience at the Lausanne Congress 2024. Each of them brings wisdom into what it truly means to live out the message of Jesus in an LGBTQ cultural context. If you would like to learn more, check out www.kaleidoscopeusa.org. 

Today, we have another series of follow up interviews with guests who previously appeared on the podcast. Henry sits down with Art to follow up on topics of committed friendship and racial justice.   Check out S2E13, S2E14, and S4E13 to hear Art's previous interviews on the podcast.  Then (starting at 40:57), Josh talks with Matt and his partner Jason about their partnership. Matt is back after appearing on season 1 and Jason is on for the first time. They talk about celibate partnerships, what they have learned and the challenges they have faced.  Check out S1E15 to hear Matt's previous interview.   

Today, Darren Calhoun and Lin Melone are back on the podcast to talk with Josh about polyamory. This is Josh's episode. Listen to hear why he chose this topic and why he feels it is important to cover before the podcast ends. The three talk about what polyamory is, the misconceptions, the pitfalls, and the intersections of celibacy and polyamory. This is probably a new topic for you so it is okay to take it in strides as you feel able to listen. 

This is the first of our follow up interviews with guests from popular and impactful episodes throughout the history of the podcast. Today, Josh sits down with Meg Baatz and Grant talks with Johana Marie Williams. We ask them where they are now in life and what more they have learned about the topics they originally shared about on the podcast.  To listen to Meg's original episodes, search for... S1E1 | Meg on Communal Living S2E15 | Paul, Ray, Meg, and Ed on Race, Justice, and the Kingdom of God To listen to Johana Marie's episodes, search for... S3E24 | Johana-Marie and Shelby on Racial Inclusion in Side B (w/ Sarah) S4E12 | Johana Marie on Doubt and Deconstruction (w/Bekah and Grant)   Learn more about Meg's work at kaleidoscopeusa.org Learn more about Grant and Johana Marie's project - A Side B Collective - at asidebcollective.substack.com

This season, each cohost has an episode where they get to talk about whatever they want to cover before the podcast ends. This is Ashley's episode and she is joined by Elizabeth and Meg Baatz as they talk about boundaries.    Thank you as well to Angel for sending in the listener message today. If you would like to record a message, go to lifeonsideb.com/finalseason. 

Our sixth and final season has begun! To start us off, we are doing something we have never done before: a crossover episode with another podcast! Ashley and Josh are joined by TJ Espinoza and David Frank from the New Kinship podcast. Half of the episode is here on our podcast and the other is on their podcast. We interview them about their podcast and their thoughts on where Side B is going. Then in the second half, they interview us about Life on Side B, the final season, and what is coming down the road.    You can listen to the second half by searching for New Kinship podcast on whatever platform you are listening. Or through this link: https://open.substack.com/pub/newkinship/p/55-life-on-side-b-the-final-season    

We are back! We missed you! Josh is back with Eve Tushnet who has some big news to share especially for Catholic listeners. Also Josh has good news about Season 6. We can't wait to be back with you soon for Season 6!

All six cohosts hop on a call together to discuss this past season, what they have learned about reclaiming and very important news about season six and the future of the podcast. 

Dr. Nate Collins, President of Revoice, is on the podcast for the first time to talk with Henry and Elizabeth about what it looks like to reclaim joy in the midst of life's circumstances. 

Elizabeth and Josh are joined by Ed Shaw from Living Out to talk about reclaiming identity. Check out the Living Out Podcast as well as Ed's book, "Same-Sex Attraction and the Church".

Eve is back with us as she unpacks with Josh and Ashley the reality behind sanctification, transformation and growing in holiness. God calls us to grow in our faith but what does this look like.   Check out Eve's newest book called Tenderness if you are interested in learning more. 

We are continuing the reclaiming theme as Josh and Ashley talk with Janelle Look and Alex Shippee about prayer ministry.    You can contact Janelle or Alex by emailing [email protected]. Also the code for $10 off Revoice registration is: RevoicePod   Finally, support Linden Hope's Kickstarter before November 22 through the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lindseyhope/songs-for-the-bees-a-gay-womans-journey-of-faith

Dr. Julia Sadusky is back on the podcast talking with Josh about both her last book that she wrote with Dr. Mark Yarhouse on Trans Identity and Faith as well as her new solo authored book called "Talking to Your Kids about Sex." This is a question we get a lot from our parents who listen so it was great to have her on. 

Henry and Josh sit down to talk about the phrase "grace and truth." This is a phrase often used within Christian conversations around sexuality. Is there truth to this phrase? How has it been misused? Also why does it seem to only be used in this conversation? Henry and Josh talk through their experiences with this phrase and what it might look like to reclaim the truth of it.

Bekah and Henry get together to talk about reclaiming family, how to engage with your family of origin and what it looks like to create chosen family. 

The recording from our live episode at Revoice 23 is finally here. Recording in the month of June, we thought it only appropriate to talk about reclaiming Pride. What is our place in pride as Side B Christians? There are a lot of gold moments in this episode and our intern, Jacob, joins us as the host! 

To finish out our mini-series, Bekah and Grant get together to talk about glorification. What are we moving toward? Will we still be queer in the Kingdom? Also hear Josh's spontaneous drop in to give a thought. You know he can't stay away from a theological discussion.  

This is the third episode in our four part mini-series on the Gospel arch and how it relates to the queer experience. Elizabeth and Henry take us to church on what it means to be saved by Jesus, bringing wisdom from their experience as black and latino queer people. The conversation was so good that Josh could not help but step into the episode for a bit.

We were a little delayed in getting this episode posted but it is finally here! Josh and Bekah are joined by our intern Jacob to talk about the theology around sin and the Fall and how it relates to our experiences as queer Christians. 

We are starting a min-series for the next four episodes looking at the theology around the topics of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification and how they relate to the queer experience. In this episode, Ashley, Grant and Josh talk about the theology of creation, the Image of God and queerness.

Josh talks with Ashley and Elizabeth about their experiences of femininity and what is biblical femininity.    The resources mentioned in this episode include:  Ruby Slippers: How the Soul of a Woman Brings Her Home by Jonalyn Grace Fincher The Biblical World of Gender: The Daily Lives of Ancient Women and Men Redeeming Sex by Debra Hirsch https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnk-QGNJWSv/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

Henry and Grant get together to kiki about experiences of masculinity. Gay men are often seen as lacking in masculinity. How do we reclaim it? Don't miss their conversation which includes crop tops, fitness and nipples.    You can see the video that Henry mentions at the beginning here.

Elizabeth and Grant go live from the Brian Eckstein Podcast Stage at QCF 2023! They talk about what it looks like to reclaim intimacy as queer Christians and more specifically Side B Christians. Is intimacy primarily about sex? What does intimacy look like outside sexual relationships? What can the broader LGBT+ Christian community glean from the experience of Side B Christians with intimacy? The cohosts share from their experience and engage with questions from the audience. Thanks to QCF for having us once again!

Season 5 is finally here! After a delay in recording, the cohosts are back to talk about our new season theme: reclaiming. What does it look like to take ahold of the truth of the things that have been weaponized against us?

The cohosts recorded a live episode at Revoice 22 to finish out the season. We ran into some technical difficulties so the cohosts recorded some extra content during a retreat. They talk about what they learned this season and answer questions from the audience. Listen till the end to hear some exciting announcements!

For our last patron chosen episode of the season, Kristyn Komarnicki joins Josh, Grant, and Henry to talk about relationships across belief spectrums. Kristyn works as the director of dialogue and convening at Christians for Social Action and she is the creator of Oriented to Love dialogues about sexual/gender diversity in the church. Kristyn gathers Christians of different sexual orientations, gender identities, and theological convictions together so they can begin to know, understand, and love each other, in search of a unity that is deeper than agreement. Josh, Grant and Henry have all participated (or "gone through" as we say in the episode) in Oriented to Love dialogues. We engage with her on what she has learned from these dialogues about building relationships with people that belief differently than us.

As we draw close to the end of our season, Henry and Grant talk with our friend Gabriel about resilience and living with HIV. They discuss "poster child" culture in churches, what it is like to live with HIV today and much more.

Dean is back with us! His episode in Season 1 (S1E4 | Dean on Mixed-Orientation Marriage) has stood as a fan favorite episode. Today, he is back on the podcast with Ashley and Henry to give us a life update which includes that fact that he and Lisa have now divorced. Dean gifts us with his vulnerability as he shares about the resilience in his own life through the past few years. We cannot talk about marriage without also talking about the reality of divorce. Thank you, Dean, for the gifts that you continue to give to our community.   If you are interested in checking out the playlist Dean put together you can find it here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Sm704MLmZtgYRHLsYAq9w

Wes Hill is back and John Starke joins us as well! Bekah and Ashley talk with them about prayer and how it plays into resilience. 

Elizabeth and Bekah sit down with the legendary straight ally, Misty Irons. Misty has been advocating for and standing in the line of fire for queer people in the church for multiple decades. Her work for our community means she has in many ways shared in the church hurt and marginalization that too often happens to queer people in faith settings. Elizabeth, Bekah, and Misty come together in this episode to discuss the difficult question, "Should I stay or should I leave my church?" They each share some of their experience related to this complex question. We hope it can help give you some insights if and when you process these questions around finding a church home, especially after experiencing church hurt. 

Grant talks with artist Joel Briggs about creativity and storytelling in art and how they all help us live with resilience. Joel Briggs is a fine arts painter based in San Diego, California. He works predominantly in contemporary figurative representational oil painting. His work currently explores the intersection of traditional religious symbolism with the present-day embodied experiences of shame and sexuality. His work can be found on Instagram @joelbriggspaints

In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with our good friends Adelynn and Ben to talk about their experiences of faith and gender as trans Christians. They discuss transitioning, dysphoria, the trans feminine experience and what they would love to see change in the trans conversation occurring in Christian faith communities.    Important note for those new to the trans conversation: Side B is a theological view specifically on sexual ethics and marriage, not gender identity. Therefore Side B Christians have diverse views on gender identity and trans Christians in Side B spaces express their gender in diverse ways. Conversations like these are important opportunities for our cisgender listeners and community members to take a posture of humility and listen. 

This week's episode topic was picked by our patrons. Josh and Ashley are talking with Keifer Lucchi, a missionary in Central Europe, and Jesse White, a university student preparing to go into missions in East Asia. From navigating missions organizations to cultural contexts, all four of them share about their experiences in missions from Latin America to Europe to Asia. Thank you to our patrons who chose this topic!