The God Squad Pod

In this episode of The God Squad Podcast, Dillon and Desimber welcome Fr. Joash P. Thomas—priest, public theologian, author, and educator—for a compelling conversation about his book, The Justice of Jesus. Together they explore what biblical justice really means, why peacemaking is central to the Gospel, and how Christians can faithfully embody the teachings of Jesus in a divided world. Fr. Joash shares his vision for a Church that moves beyond belief into courageous action, inviting listeners to rediscover a faith rooted in compassion, justice, reconciliation, and hope. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The God Squad, Dillon and Desimber dive into the biggest headlines shaping faith, politics, and justice in Breaking News and Broken Theology. Dillon names Doug Wilson as his Fundamentalist Fuckwit of the Week, while Desimber spotlights Pastor Dale Partridge as This MF of the Week, unpacking the influence of White Christian Nationalism and its impact on the Church and society. The conversation also celebrates encouraging Supreme Court and appellate court victories, examines the week's top news stories, and offers the snark, substance, and theological perspective listeners have come to expect. Faith. Sanity. Politics. No sacred cows—just honest conversations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rev. Dr. Mark Sandlin joins Dillon and Desimber for a thoughtful conversation about Progressive Christianity and its relevance in today's world. Together they explore what Progressive Christianity is, the mission of the modern church, and the role Christians can play in pursuing justice, compassion, and reconciliation. Dr. Sandlin also shares what he believes is his calling in these tumultuous times and offers insight into how faith can remain both intellectually honest and deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dillon & Desimber debrief the debate of Matthew Distefano and Andrew Wilson on "Modern Day Debate." The question that persists within the church and within the political arena is: Where do LGBTQ+ people belong? Do they belong in the Church? If not, why? If so, how do we validate that position in scripture? And ultimately the age old question remains, What Would Jesus Do? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former MAGA activist Jerry Koch joins Dillon and Desimber to share his powerful journey into—and ultimately out of—the MAGA movement. Together, they explore the role of faith, identity, and political culture in shaping beliefs, what prompted Jerry to question his worldview, and how he found a new path grounded in compassion, critical thinking, and service. They also discuss his work with the Leaving MAGA movement what it means to truly change, seek redemption, and find the courage to rethink what we once believed.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dillon & Desimber discuss the growing collision of politics, entertainment, and spectacle in American culture following a UFC fight at the White House. The proposed Iran deal is taking fire from both Republicans and Democrats. Is it a pathway to peace, political theater, or something else entirely? The star-studded Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center and the legacy President Obama leaves on America. And last but not least, Dillon breaks down the Fundamentalist Fuckwittery and upcoming debate between Matthew Distefano and Christian Nationalist Andrew Wilson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The God Squad, Dillon and Desimber dive headfirst into another week of breaking news, broken theology, and the ongoing collision between faith and public life.  First, we'll tackle the headlines dominating the news cycle, Then we'll turn our attention to one of the biggest stories in American Christianity this week. At its annual meeting in Orlando, the Southern Baptist Convention voted overwhelmingly to advance a constitutional amendment that would formally prohibit churches with women pastors and even churches that allow women to preach, moving one step closer to a denomination-wide ban. We'll also discuss how patriarchy impacts churches, families, and communities, and whether restricting women from ministry is ultimately a theological conviction, a cultural tradition, or a struggle over power itself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when the faith you've inherited no longer fits the questions you're asking? Join us this week as we welcome award-winning author and essayist Liz Charlotte Grant, author of Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible. Together we'll explore the intersections of faith, doubt, Scripture, deconstruction, reconstruction, and what it means to keep seeking God when certainty slips through your fingers. Liz's work invites readers to approach Genesis not as a battleground in the culture wars, but as a work of art—one that still has the power to surprise, challenge, and inspire. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're joined by theologian, veteran, public scholar, and cultural commentator Leigh Larson for a conversation that sits at the intersection of faith, power, patriotism, and the future of the Church. Leigh Larson is the creator and host of Follow the Leighder, a multi-platform society and culture brand reaching more than 245,000 followers across social media. A graduate of Phillips Theological Seminary, her groundbreaking research examined Christian Nationalism within U.S. military chaplaincy through extensive interviews and original survey data. She currently serves as a 2025-2026 Disciples of Christ HELM Global Theological Fellow and was named a 2025 Stone-Campbell Journal Graduate Essay Finalist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The world may be falling apart… but at least we’ve got theology, sarcasm, and mushroom zombies. Join Dillon & Desimber Rose this week as we welcome special guest author Matthew DiStefano to discuss his latest book, Saints, Sinners, and Clickers — a deep dive into morality, humanity, survival, and what The Last of Us saga can teach us about who we become when the world breaks down. Before we get to the clickers and cordyceps, we’ll kick off the night with our usual rundown of the latest headlines, current events, political chaos, religious absurdity, and whatever fresh madness the news cycle has coughed up this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The world is on fire, the headlines are unhinged, and somehow the church folks are still auditioning for the Book of Revelation. Join Dillon & Desimber Rose this week as: 🔥 Dillon presents the Fundamentalist Fuckwittery Candidate of the Week 🔥 Desimber tackles This MF of the Week 🔥 And together they attempt to navigate the breaking news cycle with at least ONE surviving brain cell and a shred of collective sanity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The God Squad with Dillon & Desimber — we’re talking about what happens when the people in power keep rolling back rights while telling us everything is “fine.” The Supreme Court keeps carving pieces out of the Voting Rights Act, gas prices are squeezing working families dry, another endless war machine is spinning up around Iran, and somehow the loudest voices in American Christianity still seem more concerned with culture wars than actual human suffering. So what is the Church supposed to do in a moment like this? What does the Body of Christ look like when democracy feels fragile, equality is under attack, and truth itself is being auctioned off for political power? Tonight we’re diving into the headlines, the theology, the hypocrisy, and the hope. Because following Jesus was never supposed to mean sitting quietly while empire burns the neighborhood down.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some faith conversations stay safe. This one… probably won’t. We’re sitting down with Elle Dowd, author of Baptized in Tear Gas — a voice unafraid to wrestle with what happens when faith collides with protest, justice, and the lived realities of oppression. Because let’s be honest… Following Jesus has never been about comfort. It’s about courage. This conversation will hold tension.. what happens when what is sacred becomes disruptive? What is reverent becomes unfiltered? Are we willing to show up when it actually costs something or have we gotten comfortable in the pews? Pull up. Lean in. And maybe… let it unsettle you a little. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.