What the Hell is a Pastor

09/02/2025

Hey, listen, we'd like to be doing only fun episodes too, but that's not the world we live in. Grab your handbag, loser. We're gonna resist fascists.

Listen below or in your podcast feed.

21/01/2025

State of the world got you down? We'll be commenting on... all... that... later this week, but do yourself a favor and listen to our most recent episode. You'll leave it more hopeful, determined, and aware of how to help than you were before you listened.

Listen wherever you find fine podcasts or at the link below.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LKXZ9DwpId6dQD62Bngrq

27/12/2024

Yes, yes, we're all past our Spotify Wrapped season, but think of this as a Spotify Unwrapped. Thanks for sticking with us through the twists and turns of 2024, bringing new folks to the pod, and venturing into the lands of K*nt with us!

And hey, apparently, for 53 of you, we're in your top 10 podcasts! If that's you, give us a shout!

27/12/2024

Two episodes in one week? It's a Christmas miracle!

Turn some of your downtime into podtime with our first two episodes on the theology of Carl Michalson, a 20th century Methodist theologian who brings us a new understanding of the world and the nearness of God.

Listen now in your podcasting app of choice.

23/12/2024

Did you catch the second part of our famed gender-full conversation dropping in your feeds last week? Tune in as we dig into the pastoral origins of the phrase, the enduring impacts of what we do in this world, and what to do when earthly harms invite divine solutions.

Listen at the link in our bio or wherever fine podcasts are found.

17/12/2024

Way, way back in May of 2020, Jo and Ethan attempted a series of episodes on the Trinity, in which they intended to discuss each person in detail. They began with the first person of the Trinity, sometimes called the Father or the Source. This was a mistake.

Now, four and a half years later, listen in as our hosts discuss their evolving theological understandings and the dirty tricks they use to win theological fights. Link's in the comments below!

17/12/2024

Get a peek behind-the-scenes of the Good Friday Collaborative in the latest podcast episode of What the Hell is a Pastor 🎙

This wide-ranging conversation gets into topics including:
--- why some churches are like cicadas (and others like fireflies)
--- when slowing down can benefit the long-term mission
--- how the Good Friday Collaborative offers equity pricing
--- whether coaching is a gift or a grift

Follow the link below or search for "Completing Ministry / The Stained Glass Cliff" on What The Hell Is a Pastor (WTHIAP). The episode aired on November 18, 2024.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/what-the-hell-is-a-pastor/episodes/Completing-MinistryThe-Stained-Glass-Cliff-e2r5aqs/a-abkt5n3

18/11/2024

This week on the podcast, Rev. Diane Kenaston joins us to talk about the Good Friday Collaborative and the life experiences that led her to co-found this collective of ecumenical leaders who partner with those doing the sacred work of congregational endings. Listen at the link in the comments or wherever you find fine podcasts.

16/11/2024

For you weekend listening, we've got two episodes on one of the saddest stories in pro wrestling: the Benoit double-murder and su***de. Ethan, Jo, and Ian discuss the Dark Side of the Ring episodes on Chris Benoit, Nancy Elizabeth Benoit (neé Toffoloni), and their son, Daniel, masculinity, body image, and the complex net of relationships, expectations, and embodied existence that shape our lives.

Find ways to listen in the comments or tune in wherever you find your podcasts.

09/11/2024

Listen, we know everyone's doing it, but we needed this too. In today's episode, our hosts talk about their reactions to the election, reflections on what we've learned, and commitments for the days ahead. Tune in at the link in our bio or wherever you find your podcasts.

23/10/2024

The long-awaited second part of our conversation on Suspect Tenderness, William Stringfellow's and Anthony Towne's book on the prophetic witness, arrest evasion, and eventual capture of Daniel Berrigan. In this episode? Reflections on who clergy belong to, why bishops aren't in jail, and a litany of Towne's spicy zingers. Listen now wherever fine podcasts are found or at the link below.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WAbsSXkXUNb

16/10/2024

Great conversation this week about Suspect Tenderness, William Stringfellow and Anthony Towne's book about a fugitive priest who burned draft cards using homemade na**lm. It is... surprisingly tender.

Listen at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/NiwT4heiKNb

12/10/2024

Our episodes this week dig into our hosts' shifting perspectives on reactions in the face of disaster and theodicy. We parse the roles of emotion and responsibility in spiritual formation and justice work.

You know, for episodes that start off as blowing off steam, there's some good theology in here!

Listen at the links in the comments or wherever you find fine podcasts.

12/10/2024

10/10/2024