Faith & Fandom Podcast

Host Hector Miray welcomes Emmanuel Threatt, co-founder of Hope Vibes ministry in Charlotte, NC, for a powerful conversation about faith, homelessness, family, creativity, and staying obedient when ministry gets hard. Emmanuel shares how Hope Vibes began with backpacks and conversations on the streets of Charlotte, grew into mobile laundry and shower units, and continues serving chronically unhoused neighbors with hygiene resources, prayer, dignity, and relationship. He also talks honestly about nonprofit funding, burnout, raising triplets, succession planning, what churches can do better, his music with Just His League, and the heart behind Big Drip Revival—his coffee-and-music gathering created to build community, fight loneliness, and help people experience God in a fresh way. 

Hector Miray welcomes Taurin Hurley of Recalibrate Media to the Faith & Fandom Podcast for a thoughtful conversation on media entrepreneurship and authentic storytelling. Taurin shares his journey of starting a media agency, practical lessons for building a creative business, and encouragement for overcoming fear while learning new skills. They also talk about what’s ahead for creators in the future of media. Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/faithandfandom/

Hector Miray is joined by Chad Poe to talk about the intersection of faith, pop culture, and ministry. Chad shares his ministry journey, how entertainment can shape spiritual life, and why strong community matters in the church. They also dive into professional wrestling as cultural storytelling—and how the stories we watch can encourage growth, hope, and connection.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/faithandfandom/

Hector Miray sits down with E-Turn to talk about her life as a rapper, voice actor, and independent artist. E-Turn shares how her music career has evolved, the challenges of creating without a label, and why authenticity is essential to her work. They also explore how her faith and spiritual journey shape her artistry, plus what she’s pursuing next in content creation and voice acting.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/faithandfandom/

Host Hector Miray welcomes Jess Luttrell of the Cosplay For Christ Podcast for a heartfelt conversation about sharing love within fandom communities. They explore the world of local convention cosplay, how to encourage people through creativity, the realities of podcast life, and some behind-the-scenes secrets from Jess’s own cosplay journey. A warm, fun, and encouraging episode for anyone who loves both faith and fandom.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/faithandfandom/

Hector sits down with Rebecca Godlove — author of a novel about a guild of misfits, book fairy, and artistic director at Impact School of the Arts. Together they talk about the intersection of faith, creativity, and geek culture, along with Rebecca’s passion for literacy and autism awareness.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/faithandfandom/Impact School of the Arts: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactSchooloftheArtsBegonia Bree the Book Fairy: https://www.facebook.com/BBtheBookFairyRetroFitted Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tkk89JeKNSPLptzPdPAtq?si=557b130c016c4387

In this episode of the Faith & Fandom Podcast, Hector Miray is joined by Darren Shelly from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to discuss the importance of suicide awareness at nerd conventions. Together, they talk about how fandom spaces can provide connection, support, and hope while tackling difficult topics like mental health.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/faithandfandom/

On the season finale of the Faith & Fandom Podcast, Hector Miray sits down with Nicky Barnes to talk about taking bold steps of faith—leaving behind a successful company to pursue a new journey with a ministry mindset. Nicky is a YouTube gaming and LEGO content creator, founder of Movmnt Digital, a LEGO and Epic Games partner, and the editor of the very first Faith & Fandom book. This inspiring conversation is the perfect wrap-up to the season!

In this episode of the Faith & Fandom Podcast, Hector Miray sits down with PFunk from the Christian metal band Faith Head to discuss the intersection of heavy music and heavy messages. Tune in as they talk band life, share stories from touring, and dive into PFunk’s other nerdy passions. Don’t miss this deep, engaging conversation about music, faith, and fandom!

In this episode of the Faith & Fandom Podcast, Hector sits down with Brendon Jonsson—a self-described "rookie nerd" and first-time Dungeon Master. Brendon shares his fresh perspectives on launching a D&D campaign, offering a unique look at the early excitement and challenges of role-playing games. Tune in for an insightful conversation about beginning efforts, big dreams, and learning on the job!

Welcome to Season 4 of the Faith & Fandom Podcast, hosted by Hector Miray! In our premiere episode, Hector interviews the multi-talented Aaron Dowen—an author, comic publisher, worship enthusiast, and all-around creative force. Aaron discusses his wide-ranging work, as well as his latest project: a devotional for men navigating the challenges of divorce. Join us for an inspiring conversation about faith, creativity, and resilience in life’s toughest seasons.

In this week’s episode, Hector welcomes Deborah Ulmer. Deborah is the owner of Dee’s Kitchen, and one of the ambassadors of “Color of Fandom” a group focused on welcoming diversity in the geek community. Deborah and Hector talk fandoms, friendship, loss, and honoring legacies.Color of Fandom Linktree: linktr.ee/coloroffandomD's Kitchen: dktreats.com

Hector talks with Timmy Martens about the gargantuan task of "nanowrimo" - National Novel Writing Month. They also discuss world-building, shaping, and the perils of editing. Timmy is the program director of Camp Grace, a prolific writer, and the editor of the Faith and Fandom book series.

Wendell LeSueur is the acting manager of Ring Wars Carolina, an Indie wrestling group based in Fayetteville, NC. He's also the owner and operator of Born Elite Enterprises which specializes in music management and events. His primary act is “Fear State” a rock band based out of Dragon's Lair Comic Book Shop in Fayetteville, NC. Wendell is an active part of the nerd culture scene in North Carolina, heavy on community involvement and engagement, and is an advocate for healthy living.

Hector Miray welcomes friend and frequent convention-booth neighbor Ashely Cox, a cosplayer, creator, and entrepreneur. Ashley runs the Fangirling Over Jesus online shop and socials, where can find imaginative, exciting, and inspiring clothing and items, as well as blogs and devotionals. Learn more about Ashley and her unique ministry.Etsy Shop: https://www.fojcosplay.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fangirlingoverjesusInsta: https://www.instagram.com/fangirling_over_jesus/Additional Links: https://beacons.ai/fangirlingoverjesushttps://www.fojcosplay.com

Hector is joined by David Probus, an incredibly creative cosplayer in the Fayetteville area. Join then as they discuss how someone gets into cosplaying, where the ideas come from, and the unique challenges of cosplaying in a wheelchair.IG: @_the_wheeled_avenger_cosplay_

Josh Boyd, one of the Boyd Brothers, joins Hector to talk about traveling to comic conventions in the Boyd Mobile, as well as what it's like hosting their own convention - the Friends of the Brothers Boyd Comic Con - which is this weekend in North Carolina.YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@thebrothersboydFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrothersBoydFriends of the Brothers Boyd Comic Con: https://www.facebook.com/share/GRyWafAbwYYQnDaw/

It's the meeting of the overachievers as Hector welcomes Radio Matt, the Director of Content & Resources at Love Thy Nerd. They talk about how Radio Matt transitioned from his own ministry to LTN, what it's like running content, hopes for the future, and why it's important to not overextend yourself in ministry.Join Radio Matt's support team: lovethynerd.com/radiomatt

Hector is joined by one of the hosts of "Go Grab a Snack" - a podcast that deals with grief (among other things). Come hear why it's important to deal with your grief and what that can look like. A have a snack nearby.

Hector welcomes Nathan Webb from Checkpoint Church to talk about the recent growth of the ministry, what it means to run a digital church, and a recent viral video experience.

In this episode, Hector welcome Lyle Pollard, a comic book artist and the creator of Tribulations and Nova City Stories (published at Highburn Studios). 

In this Faith & Fandom special, join Hector Miray as he hosts Geek Church at GalaxyCon in Richmond, VA.

Timothy G. Huguenin is a hillbilly writer of the strange and spooky, living in the dark Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. He is the author of the books Little One, When the Watcher Shakes, and Unknowing, I Sink. His short stories have appeared in various publications including Vastarien, Cosmic Horror Monthly, and The Saturday Evening Post.Find out more and get a free ebook at https://tghuguenin.com/

Hector welcomes Richard Cutright - indie Christian rapper, host of "Making the Cut" at Rapzilla, and comic book nerd. He'll share about his career, his faith, and the state of Christian Hip Hop.Find Cutright on the socials: @mistercutrightNote: The audio on this episode isn't the greatest. We did our best to salvage it, but we do apologize that it's not up to our normal quality.

Hector is joined by Audrey Allen, an indie pro-wrestler, as they discuss life in the indie wrestling scene, how an introvert can learn to control a crowd, and a shared love of Disney.Find Audrey -Website: https://www.audreythewrestler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreythewrestlerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/audreythewrestlerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AudreyTheWrestler

Hector welcomes his friend and podcast co-host from The Pull List to talk about Chris and nomadic ways in church culture and nerd culture. Chris also shares about his non-profit gaming-focused ministry - Columbus Got Game - and his soon-to-launch business, Bytes and Brews.

Hector welcomes El'Ja Bowens from Poetry n Motion to talk about slam poetry, mixed with nerd culture, putting purpose over popularity, and more!https://www.poetrynmotionnc.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/eljapoetryFB: https://www.facebook.com/eljapoetry

Hector welcome voice actor Andy Field (Hand Unit, Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location), to the show to discuss how he got started in the Voice Acting / Voiceover industry and share some stories and advice. 

Paul Mignard has taken a simple method of attempting to pay more attention to sermons on Sunday mornings and developed it to a massive online art gallery of mostly pastors and theologians (and some nerdy icons too) sharing challenging and inspiration quotes. Today, we learn all about him, his process, what doors it has opened, and why he now considers this a ministry.

Todd Turner joins Hector to talk about his amazing Mosaic Fan Art business and the purpose behind it.https://www.instagram.com/mosaicfanarthttps://www.twitch.tv/mosaicfanarthttps://www.facebook.com/mosaicfanart

Tesh is an avid Star Wars fan that runs a lightsaber school akin to "jedi WWE". She also is a heavily involved cosplayer. Check out her journey as she found romance, community, adventure, and encouragement through through a galaxy far far away. Everything Outer Rim Praxeum: https://linktr.ee/OuterRimPraxeum More Cosplay: https://www.instagram.com/gearsabercosplay/ Lady Malice in Action: https://www.facebook.com/DarkHillsMedia/videos/908486187088626

Karen Whitfield is the Bronze age Batgirl. DC’s Second in the suit to be on call to tour the country with Burt Ward and Adam West making public appearances and being the face of the cowl. Karen published a book of her adventures in the time of her cape and is now touring cons sharing her journey.Karen's FB: https://www.facebook.com/livelikebatgirlKaren's IG: https://www.instagram.com/livelikebatgirl/Comic Collectors Guild: https://www.comiccollectorsguild.com/karenwhitfieldbatgirlBuy "Batdriven West" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Batdriven-West-Karen-Whitfield/dp/1708235809

New episodes start August 14th!