PODCAST · religion
What If Project
by Dr. Glenn Siepert
At the What If Project we explore the question “what if there are ways of understanding God, faith, spirituality, Jesus, church, etc. that are different than the ways in which our traditions have handed us?”
Episodes
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Episode 370: What If We’ve Forgotten How to Wonder? w/ Aaron Cline Hanbury
What if technology isn't just changing what we do, but changing who we're becoming? This week I sit down with Aaron Hanbury, author of "Wired for Wonder: Dispatches on Technology, Culture, God, and Self". Aaron doesn't approach technology as a tech expert with all the answers. Instead, he...
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Episode 369: What Are We Missing While We're Looking at Our Phones? w/ Shannon Algeo
What if our phones aren't just distracting us from our lives, but helping us avoid feeling them AND from feeling all the feelings that tend to make life feel messy? Now THAT’S a big “what if”, right? This week I'm talking with Shannon Algeo about his book "The Power in Your Hands" - a book you…
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Episode 368: What If Anxiety Isn't a Thinking Problem? w/ Dr. Russell Kennedy
For years, many of us have been told that anxiety is primarily a thinking problem—that if we could just change our thoughts, our anxiety would disappear. But what if that's only part of the story? In this conversation, physician, neuroscientist, and "Anxiety Rx" author Dr. Russell Kennedy…
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Episode 367: Is Original Sin the Wrong Story? w/ John Philip Newell
FROM THE ARCHIVES: This week, we're revisiting one of my favorite conversations from the What If Project archives, a conversation with John Philip Newell about his beautiful book "Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul". What if the deepest truth about being human isn't that we're broken, sinful, or separated...
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Episode 366: Can You Follow Jesus Beyond Church Walls? w/ Chantal Morales McKinney
What happens when the place that taught you about God becomes the place that wounds you most? This week we sit down with Chantal Morales McKinney as she shares the deeply personal story behind her book "Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls" where she presses into a question many of us have asked...
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Episode 365: God Is in the Rubble w/ Richard Bruxvoort Colligand
What if the Book of Psalms isn't simply a collection of ancient worship songs, but a guide for living an honest spiritual life? In this week’s episode we sit down with Richard Bruxvoort Colligan - musician, songwriter, and author of the incredible "Dangerous Songs: The Psalms and a Life of Honest...
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Episode 364: The Great Stories of the Bible w/ Aldo Cazzullo
This week we are talking Aldo Cazzullo about his book, "God of Our Fathers: the Great Stories of the Bible" where he connects some of the most well-known stories of the Bible to present day circumstances and shows how the Bible is a stunning literary achievement that contains the full breadth of...
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Episode 363: A Better Way to Read the Bible w/ Richard Beck
Friends. This week we are talking to Dr. Richard Beck about his incredible book, "The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible". The reality is that we all have a particular lens through which we read the Bible along with a set of experiences we bring with us to the text. In his book, Richard...
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Episode 362: Jesus and Justice w/ John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz
Friends. We have an incredible episode this week featuring John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz talking about their recent book, “Jesus and Justice” - a book that is so, so important for these tense moments that we’re in. In this episode, Dom and Michael invite us into the world Jesus...
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Episode 361: Better Than Normal w/ MaryAnn McKibben Dana
Most of us were handed a script, right? THIS is what success looks like. THIS is what a good life is. THIS is what it means to be normal. BUT. What happens when that script starts to crack, when it just doesn't work anymore? In this episode, I’m joined by MaryAnn McKibben Dana, author of the...
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Episode 360: Liza Rankow - Soul Medicine for a Fractured World
Today we are talking to Liza Rankow about some things that just might hold the power to change the world. Liza J. Rankow, PhD, MHS, is an interfaith minister, educator, activist, and author. Her lifework centers the deep healing that is essential to personal and social transformation. Liza is the...
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Episode 359: Scott Gelfand - Ethics, Morality, and a New Way Forward in Divisive Times
What happens to morality when the old rules no longer work? For many of us raised in Evangelical or fundamentalist Christianity, ethics once felt clear: follow God’s commands, trust the Bible, and do the right thing. But when that framework begins to fall apart, moral decision-making can suddenly...
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Episode 358: Michael Leach - Faith Over Fear and Pursuing Unity Without Compromising Our Values
This week we are talking to Michael Leach. Michael served as Assistant to the Head Coach for the Chicago Bears, managed Labor Operations at NFL Headquarters, and become the first ever Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the White House under President Joe Biden. He recently released a...
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Episode 357: NT Wright - God’s Homecoming and the Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal
This week NT Wright joins me to explore the vision behind his new book, God’s Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal. Many of us were raised with an end-times story that was focused on escape—going to heaven when we die, the rapture, and the destruction of the world. BUT. What if…
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Episode 356: My New Book Is Out Today, Let's Talk About It
Friends, today is my birthday AND the release of my new book, "Letters From My Soul". In this episode I share a bit about the book, read some chapter titles to you along with the Introduction. Give it a listen and head over to Amazon to pick one up for $14.99. If that's too steep, I get it…
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Episode 355: Hugo Mendez - John's Gospel And The Invitation To Become
Friends, welcome to SEASON NINE of the podcast. To kick off a new season and a NEW YEAR (Happy New Year!) we're talking to a brand new guest - Dr. Hugo Mendez. Hugo is an associate professor in Ancient Mediterranean Religions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He recently wrote a...
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Episode 354: Amelia Hruby - Reclaiming Our Attention From Social Media In 2026
Friends, welcome to the final episode of 2025. We're bringing the year (and season 8 of the podcast!) to a close with a new friend of the show - Amelia Hruby. Amelia wrote a book called "Your Attention is Sacred (Except on Social Media)" and she's on the show today to talk to us about some things...
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Episode 353: Stefanie Caponi - Tarot As A Tool For Manifestion And Shadow Work
Friends, this week we are talking to the official tarot reader and astrologer of the What If Project, my friend - Stefanie Caponi. I love the work that Stefanie is doing in the world as she breaks down and presents ideas and topics that many were raised to fear (!) in profound and non-threatening...
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Episode 352: Mory Fontanez - Meeting Our Higher Self And The Realization That There Is No 'Other'
Friends. This week we are talking to Mory Fontanez about her book, "Higher Self: Reclaiming the Power of Your Intuition" and, let me tell you - this book is scratching me right where I itch. I was raised in a world where I was told to DISTRUST the voice inside. Heck, I was even told it was a…
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Episode 351: Brian McLaren - Imagining A New Way Forward
This week we are talking to Brian McLaren about his new book (the first in a trilogy), "The Last Voyage". We talk about the current state of the world and how humanity can come together to envision and dream about a new way forward. Looking for some motivation and encouragement during these...
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Check In 3: Oreo The Menace, Grief, And What's In Store For Season 9 Of The What If Project
Friends, it's time for another check in. How are you? What's going on? Email me at [email protected] if you want to chat. Today I want to tell you about our new kitten, Oreo. I also want to talk to you about how our family has been learning to grieve. And I want to tell you about some...
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Episode 350: Judika Illes - Talking About Witchcraft, Christianity, Jesus, And More With A Practicing Witch
(**NOTE: I had some audio issues with the episode and so had to cut out a few seconds here and there which is why edits might be more noticeable this week). If you grew up like me, in a conservative / fundamentalist / Evangelical world ... something in you likely cringed a bit when you saw the…
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Episode 349: Julia O'Brien - What If The Prophets Of Israel Weren't Primarily Interested In Issues Of Social Justice?
I recorded this episode back in January and am releasing it now - many, many months later. Why? It challenged me so much that before I let others in on it, I had to let the words and ideas and thoughts really permeate into my own being. I recorded many conversations in 2025, but this is one of my...
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Epsiode 348: Eric Reitan - Limited Salvation And The Problem Of Heavenly Grief
This week we are talking to Eric Reitan. When I was a kid my teachers told me that when I got to heaven I would celebrate and be happy even if my friends and family were burning in hell - say WHAT?! Were you taught that too? Join Eric and I as we talk about his book, "Troubled Paradise: Limited...
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Episode 347: Lisa Zega - The Beauty Of Befriending Our Grief
This week we are talking to my friend Lisa Zega. Lisa is a long time listener of the podcast, a grief educator, life coach, and host of the "Grief Heals" podcast. In this episode we talk about life and spirituality and grief and how embracing our grief can lead to radical life change. Enjoy! SHOW...
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Episode 346: Dana Hicks - Spirituality, Deconstruction, And Exploring New Ways To Be
Friends, this week we sit down with Dana Hicks to talk about his latest book, "The Quest for Thin Places: How to Find Spirituality After Deconstruction". We talk about our spiritual journeys, learning to dance in the liminal places, and exploring new ways to be in the world. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES…
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Episode 345: Michelle Felice - One Woman's Leadership Journey In The Church
This week we are talking to Michelle Felice about her book "Throw Another Pebble On The Pile". She tells us about her leadership journey in the church and what it's looking like for her to continue to learn to love in the midst of the divisive times we're in. Pour a cup of coffee and join us at…
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Episode 344: Brandon Andress - Choosing To Go Deeper In A Divided World
This week we're talking to Brandon Andress about his book, "Deep Calls to Deep". We talk about navigating these divisive times with a mindset of love and what it looks like to hold our values differently than the way the world might expect us to. This one will challenge you! Enjoy. SHOW NOTES:...
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Episode 343: Kurt Gray - Approaching Divisive Times Differently
This week we're talking to Kurt Gray about his book, "Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground". We talk about finding the humanity in all people, how we often misinterpret the intentions of "the other side" ... and so much more. If you're trying to find a...
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Episode 342: Stacy Singledecker - Evolving In Our Faith
This week we are talking to my friend and long time listener of the podcast, Stacy Singledecker. Stacy joined me to share a bit about her faith journey and how her thoughts about God have evolved over the years. If you find yourself in a place where your own thoughts about God are expanding…
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Episode 341: Jon Paul Sydnor - Progressive Theology As A Theology Of Progress
This week we are talking to Jon Paul Sydnor about his book "The Great Open Dance". We explore the idea of "progressive theology" being a "theology of progress" and what it looks like to move foward in a world that is spinning it's wheels in the muds of division, judgement, hatred, etc. Looking…
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Episode 340: Carl McColman - Read The Bible Like A Mystic
This week Carl McColman is back on the show to talk to us about his journey with the Bible and what it means to read the Bible and engage with it's many stories like a Mystic. If your relationship with the Bible is tangled and complicated, this will help! SHOW NOTES: CARL MCCOLMAN:...
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Episode 339: Brendan Barca - Buddhism And Living With Compassion In A Divided World
This week we're talking to Brendan Barca who co-wrote a book with his wife called, "The Daily Buddhist" where over the course of 366 days they take us into the heart of Buddhism and how it can help us live a more happy, free, mindful life. Looking for a book to help you jumpstart your days with...
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Check In 2: Making Art, Reading Books, Battling Mice In My Crawl Space
Hello friends, this is our SECOND check in - a time of flipping on the mic and catching up with you, sharing a bit of what's going on in my life. And I'd love to hear what's going on in yours, email me at [email protected] - I will answer! Here are some links, peace! ... MY BOOK:...
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Episode 338: Thomas Oord And Chad Bahl - The Power Of Love In A Divided World
This week we're talking to Thomas Oord and Chad Bahl about Amipotence (ami ... who?!) and the power of love in a divided world. This one is a game-changer - enjoy! SHOW NOTES: THOMAS OORD: https://thomasjayoord.com CHAD BAHL: https://www.facebook.com/chad.bahl AMIPOTENCE:...
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Episode 337: Annie B. Jones - Staying Put In A World That Is On The Move
This week we are talking to Annie B. Jones about her amazing book, "Ordinary Time". We talk about staying put in a world that is always on the move - staying in friendship, staying true to ourselves, staying true to our faith, and so much more. If you're looking for some fresh perspective for…
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Episode 336: John A. Powell - Creating A World Where Everyone Belongs
This week we are talking to John A. Powell about his book, "The Power of Bridging". We talk about unity and what it looks like to create a world (in these very divisive times!) where everyone belongs. This one will challenge you and (hopefully!) inspire you. Enjoy, and much love! SHOW NOTES: JOHN...
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Episode 335: Amie McNee - Making Art Is Rebellion
This week we're talking to Amie McNee about her new book, "We Need Your Art". Everyone makes art, everyone is creative - and whatever creative juices you have bubbling up in you? The world needs it. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: AMIE MCNEE: https://www.amiemcnee.com WE NEED YOUR ART:...
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Episode 334: Bruce Epperly - Born Again Everyday, A Bigger Jesus, And The Power Of Reiki
This week we are talking to Dr. Bruce Epperly about his journey with Jesus and his experience as a Pastor who is also Reiki Master. This is a good one - ENJOY! SHOW NOTES: BRUCE EPPERLY: https://www.drbruceepperly.com BRUCE'S BOOKS:...
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Check In 1: Summer Is Coming, Art Is Fun, And (Minor) Tweaks To The Podcast
Friends, starting next week I'm tweaking something on the podcast that will lead to an experiment with these bi-monthly check ins. In this check in I talk about these check ins, Jordan's upcoming Summer break, art, Patreon, and an idea I'm kicking around for 2026. 2026? What? Yes, I think far in...
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Episode 333: Felicia Murrell - What If There's Another Way To Be?
This week we talk to Felicia Murrell about her book, "AND: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World" and let me tell you - this is the most important conversation I've EVER had on the podcast. 333 episodes in and this one stands above the others in terms of thougths that helped shape…
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Episode 332: Blair Coyle - What If Resurrection Is About Losing Your Religion To Find True Life?
This week we're talking to Blair Coyle. Blair is a singer and songwriter who creates beautiful music that is birthed out of his faith deconstruction / evolution. Today he talks to us about his music, his journey, and how his understanding of God and faith have evolved. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: BLAIR...
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Episode 331: Liz Charlotte Grant - What If We Saw The Bible As A Beautiful Masterwork Of Ancient Art?
Is it possible to continue to find value in the Bible when you no longer see the Bible as the inerrant, perfect, almighty Word of God? Is it possible for the Bible to continue to speak into our lives post-Evangelicalism? Is it possible for the Bible to be MORE than you ever imagined it could be?...
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Episode 330: Larry Jordan - What If We Were To Hold Our Beliefs More Loosely?
This week we're talking to Larry Jordan about his book, "THE WAY" and wondering how the world might change if we allowed our beliefs to rest in our open palms instead of our closed fists ... if we asked more questions of those who see things differently instead of making more declarations about…
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Episode 329: Neil Douglas-Klotz - What If We've Misunderstood Much Of What Jesus Was Talking About?
This week Neil Douglas-Klotz is back on the show to talk about his new book, "The Aramaic Jesus Book of Days". We talk about the person and teachings of Jesus and how when looked at through Jesus' native Aramaic tongue - it's IMPOSSIBLE to put it all into a nice, neat, systematic box. This is a...
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Episode 328: Justin Scoggins - What If Tattoos And Art Can Be A Doorway To The Divine?
This week we welcome Justin Scoggins who talks to us about his book, "Inking Christ" - we talk tattoos, art, creativity, and choosing to live creatively different during these divisive moments in our world. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: JUSTIN SCOGGINS: https://www.eidochristos.com INKING CHRIST:...
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Episode 327: James Danaher - What If The Gospel Of Jesus Isn't About Becoming Righteous, But Becoming Loving?
This week we're talking to Dr. James Danaher about his newest book, "A Deeper Life". We talk about Jesus, the Gospel, and how the message of the Gospel isn't about becoming more righteous, but remembering and awakening to who we have always been. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: JAMES DANAHER:...
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Episode 326: Stuart Semple - What If Our Creativity Has The Power To Change The World?
Welcome to season 8 of the show, we'll be talking today to Stuart Semple about art, creativity, the inner critic, and near death experiences. Enjoy. SHOW NOTES: STUART SEMPLE: https://stuartsemple.com MAKE ART OF DIE TRYING:...
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Episode 325: What's Up In 2025? Bi-Weekly Episodes, Exploring Oneness, And Finding A Different Way To Be
SHOW NOTES: MY BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Rubble-Stories-Shattered-Relationships/dp/B0C7T5TJD4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2B051GGV2WCSI&keywords=glenn+siepert&qid=1700157759&sprefix=glenn+%2Caps%2C399&sr=8-1 SUBSTACK: https://whatifproject.substack.com/ ART STUDIO…
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Episode 324: Bruce Pagano - What If Certainty Is A Hindrance To Spiritual Growth?
This week we're talking to Bruce Pagano about his book, "Certainty Kills", where he explores the many ways that white knuckle certainty can hinder our spiritual growth. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: BRUCE PAGANO: https://www.brucepagano.com CERTAINTY KILLS:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
At the What If Project we explore the question “what if there are ways of understanding God, faith, spirituality, Jesus, church, etc. that are different than the ways in which our traditions have handed us?”
HOSTED BY
Dr. Glenn Siepert
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What If Project have?
What If Project currently has 381 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What If Project about?
At the What If Project we explore the question “what if there are ways of understanding God, faith, spirituality, Jesus, church, etc. that are different than the ways in which our traditions have handed us?”
How often does What If Project release new episodes?
What If Project publishes regularly with 381 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to What If Project?
You can listen to What If Project on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What If Project?
What If Project is created and hosted by Dr. Glenn Siepert.
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