Right Side Up Podcast with Danielle Strickland

Melinda Tankard Reist is an author, speaker, media commentator, blogger and advocate for women and girls. She is best known for her work addressing sexualisation, objectification, harms of pornography, sexual exploitation, trafficking and violence against women.

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and her co-host James Sholl engage with Melinda Tankard Rice, a passionate advocate against the exploitation of women and children through pornography. They discuss the alarming rise of harmful sexual behaviors among youth, the cultural attitudes that normalize pornography, and the role of technology in perpetuating exploitation. Melinda shares insights from...

Jemar Tisby is a New York Times bestselling author, national speaker, and public historian on a mission to deliver truths from the Black experience with depth and clarity.

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In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl engage with Dr. Jemar Tisby, a historian and author, to explore the complex relationship between racism and spirituality. They discuss Tisby's personal journey into racial justice, the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the importance of moving from racial reconciliation to racial justice. The conversation delves into the historical context of racism in America, the role...

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In this conversation, Hakeem Bradley shares his journey from growing up in the 5% Nation to becoming a biblical scholar. He discusses the contrasting views on scripture between Islam and Christianity, his transition from pastoral ministry to biblical research, and the significance of Genesis in understanding powers and principalities. Hakeem emphasizes the importance of equity in the creation narrative and explores the cultural context of Genesis in relation to ancient Near Eastern texts. He also highlights the influence of Genesis on the Epistle of James and the role of the church in spiritual warfare. In this conversation...

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In this conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Dr. Hilary McBride explore the complex relationship between religion, mental health, and societal systems. They discuss how religion can serve as both a source of support and a potential source of harm, particularly when it becomes a toxic system that prioritizes itself over the well-being of individuals. The conversation delves into the nuances of how charismatic leadership can manipulate followers and the importance of understanding the disconnection that can occur within religious contexts, ultimately leading to a deeper exploration of identity and belonging. In this conversation, Danielle Strickland...

"We are in desperate need of a new economic story."

Ched Myers

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with Ched Myers to explore the interconnected themes of principalities and powers, biblical theology, activism, and social justice. They discuss the importance of apocalyptic literature as a form of resistance against oppressive systems, the role of the church in advocating for social justice, and the concept of Sabbath economics as a means of community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for...

"We live in the tension between two worlds."

Bob Ekblad

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In this conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Bob Ekblad delve into the complex themes of powers and principalities, exploring their nature, the role of Jesus in exposing them, and the implications for social justice and activism. They discuss the idea of redemption versus destruction of these powers, the finite nature of systems, and the call for Christians to resist and reform while living out their identities in Christ. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations...

To reject conformity to this age (aion) is to actively resist patterns of domination that distort our humanity.

JR WOODWARD

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In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, hosts Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with JR Woodward, the National Director of the V3 Movement and author of 'The Scandal of Leadership.' They explore the burdens of leadership, the powers at play within institutions, and the temptations leaders face regarding identity and purpose. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the deceptive nature of powers, and the necessity...

In this engaging conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Aaron White explore the themes of powers and principalities, the harrowing of hell, and the complexities of the gospel. They discuss the sacredness of life, the corruption of good systems, and the idolatry of self, while emphasizing the importance of aligning with the marginalized and understanding the true nature of God's power. The conversation challenges traditional views on hell and encourages a deeper exploration of liberation theology and the good news of Jesus. In this conversation, the speakers explore the themes of death, judgment, and the nature of hell, emphasizing...

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, host Danielle Strickland and co-host James Sholl engage with James Stinson, who shares his journey from Australia to the UK and his involvement with Alpha International, focusing on youth ministry. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in reaching today's youth, particularly through the lens of recent research on the 'open generation.' Stinson discusses the importance of authenticity, empowerment, and connection in engaging young people, as well as the role of the church in addressing their needs and questions. In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James...

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In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl engage with Daniel Yang from World Relief, exploring his personal journey as a refugee and his work with immigrants and refugees in America. They discuss the historical context of refugee resettlement in the U.S., the challenges posed by current political climates, and the vital role of the church in welcoming and supporting vulnerable populations. Daniel shares his reflections on identity, faith, and the importance of maintaining a prophetic voice in a complex cultural moment. In this conversation, Daniel and Danielle explore the themes of Christian nationalism, the...

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In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with poet Drew Jackson, exploring his journey from a conservative Baptist background to his current role at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). They discuss the intersection of poetry, spirituality, and social justice, emphasizing how poetry serves as a powerful tool for questioning dominant narratives and fostering deeper connections with scripture and community. Drew shares his experiences of using poetry as a means of spiritual practice and social commentary, highlighting the risks involved in speaking out against societal injustices. In this conversation, Drew Jackson and Danielle...

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In this engaging conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl discuss with Jared Brock the themes of evil, the nature of Satan, and the insights from his book 'A Devil Named Lucifer'. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the devil, the importance of human agency, and the dynamics of spiritual warfare. The discussion also touches on the relevance of biblical teachings in understanding modern issues of morality and choice. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complex themes of freedom, autonomy, and the influence of the devil in contemporary society. They discuss the paradox of freedom as seen...

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In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, host Danielle Strickland and guest Alexia Salvatierra discuss the current state of immigration in America, focusing on the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees. Salvatierra shares her extensive experience in immigration advocacy and highlights the drastic changes in policies that have made it increasingly difficult for individuals seeking asylum and temporary protected status. The conversation delves into the legal processes surrounding immigration, the implications of recent executive orders, and the political motivations behind anti-immigrant sentiment.

Salvatierra emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of immigrants...

SummaryIn this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James explore the themes of the Gospels, particularly focusing on the book of John. They discuss the unique characteristics of each Gospel, the concept of the Cosmic Christ, and the radical identification of Christ with human suffering. The dialogue delves into the significance of creation, the essence of God as love, and the importance of seeing Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. They emphasize the need to rediscover Jesus beyond traditional interpretations and to understand the profound implications of His incarnation.

Takeaways

* Each Gospel has its unique style...

SummaryIn this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, Danielle Strickland and James explore the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing the importance of perspective in understanding scripture. They celebrate the voices of women in the Advent story, particularly through the lens of pregnancy as a metaphor for discipleship. The conversation delves into the vulnerability of the Nativity, the flow of power in the biblical narrative, and the revolutionary message of Mary's song. They also discuss the need for transformation in how we view power dynamics and the significance of the Nativity Project, which offers a fresh perspective on the Christmas...

KeywordsAdvent, Gospels, Jesus, Mark, Good News, John the Baptist, Non-Compliance, Resistance, Social Transformation, Wilderness

SummaryIn this episode, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl explore the themes of Advent through the lens of the Gospel of Mark. They discuss the fast-paced nature of Mark's writing, the political implications of the good news, and the role of John the Baptist as a figure of resistance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of non-compliance and individual action in the face of empire, as well as the transformative power of the wilderness. They also delve into scriptural references and the call to social...

KeywordsAdvent, Jesus, Gospels, Matthew, Genealogy, Inclusion, Women, Faith, Community, Theology

SummaryIn this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl explore the significance of Advent and the different ways the Gospels introduce Jesus. They discuss the context of Jesus' birth, the genealogy presented in Matthew, and the cultural implications of these narratives. The conversation emphasizes the role of women in the genealogy, the complexity of biblical stories, and the radical inclusion of marginalized voices in the narrative of Jesus. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys and the communal aspects of spirituality.

Takeaways<...

This season of The Right Side Up is drawing to a close, and we are thrilled to welcome a dear mentor for so many of us, theologian Scot McKnight, to speak on Mary. Scot has written extensively about the empowerment of women in the church and the significance of Mary in the biblical narrative. In this conversation he also speaks to the erasure of women's voices throughout church history. We explore Scot's personal journey in understanding women's roles in ministry, he offers advice for male leaders, and emphasizes the importance of intentional action to create a more inclusive church...

In this episode of Need to Know we welcome book contributors Liz Ríos and Lisa Rodriguez-Watson to discuss resistance against empire, and embracing the confrontation of the Jesus-way. We explore the lived experiences of women leaders, the role of resistance against oppressive structures, and the significance of listening to marginalized voices. Liz and Lisa each emphasize the necessity of love, community, and the rejection of fear even as we deal with those who don’t agree with us, as we move towards a flourishing church.

Show Notes

Link to order the book: Need to Kno...

On this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, we finally talk about the Apostle Paul and his issues with women. We are joined by our good friends Lucy Peppiatt and Aaron White, who discuss Aaron’s contributions to the book based upon Lucy’s scholarship and theology. We delve into the complexities and often misunderstood teachings of Paul regarding women, discussing how these scriptures have been weaponized and misinterpreted. Lucy emphasizes the importance of viewing Scripture with a holistic and contextual lens, and being honest about the things we just don’t understand in Paul’s letters. We call onc...

We’re back with Episode 8 of the Need to Know season, digging deeper into the women who are overlooked in church history, especially the time of the Patriarchs and the Early Church. Our guests are Julie Faith Parker, and Anita Giardina Lee, both contributors to Need To Know, the book. They share about the historical contributions of women, the importance of rediscovering their stories, and how these narratives can reshape the future of the church. We emphasize the need for the inclusion of women’s voices and the power of all marginalized voices being welcomed in redefining discipleship and chur...

The amazing Beth Allison Barr joins us to share her contribution towards Need To Know: the historical prevalence of women leading in the church. We discuss her journey as a historian and a woman in the church herself, including the strong pushback she receives. You’ll hear some personal narratives that shape these discussions, as well as the challenges faced by those who speak out against patriarchal structures. We review the importance of allies in advocating for an end to women's subjugation within Christianity, and emphasize the need for male leaders to listen to and support women in ministry.

In this episode of the Right Side Up we welcome our good friend and frequent collaborator Jo Saxton, to discuss the critical gaps in women’s empowerment in a wide variety of church roles. We explore the growing disillusionment many influential women feel within the church, the importance of allies, and the need for diverse voices in leadership. Our conversation highlights the impact of cultural norms on women's identities and the erasure of women's contributions to church history. We also touch on the prevalence of abuse and toxic culture within church settings and emphasize the importance of listening to wo...

In this episode we welcome Need to Know contributors Mariah Humphries and Carolyn Whatley, to discuss the role of gender empowerment and cultural awareness in building a flourishing future church. From an Indigenous and Indigenous-informed perspective, they share about the importance of lamenting injustices, the need for diverse voices in leadership, and how men can become allies in supporting women. We reflect on the necessity of personal spiritual transformation and the responsibility of individuals to engage wholeheartedly in these discussions. You’ll also find many resources and recommendations to continue your journey.

Show Notes

Link to...

In this episode, we feature a special guest who did not contribute to the book, Need to Know: Paul Young. Well-known as the author of The Shack, Eve, and other books, Paul has always impressed me as someone who truly values and elevates women. We discuss the power of storytelling, the role of women in the church, and the importance of truth-telling for pastors. Paul shares his powerful personal story detailing how women were safer figures for him than men, the impact of early childhood trauma on his faith, and the need for authenticity in leadership. We also explore...

Up next on the Need to Know season of The Right Side Up podcast, we discuss clergy sexual abuse. This episode includes content that may be difficult to hear for some people, so we encourage you to listen to your body as you engage with this important topic. Our guests are book-contributors Lori Anne Thompson and Angela Lam. Lori Anne shares her personal journey of writing about her experiences with clergy abuse, the challenges of confronting such trauma, and the importance of sharing narratives to foster understanding and empathy. Angela speaks to the role of church leadership in addressing...

Happy Thursday! Continuing the Need to Know season of The Right Side Up podcast, today we get into our first conversation with two contributors to the book. My dear friend Bob Ekblad is joined by Janet Munn, an author, speaker and leader in the Salvation Army. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of gender, power, and faith within the church. We reflect on need for a reimagined understanding of God that transcends traditional male-centric views. What is the church’s history of female leadership? What power dynamics distort equality today? How do allies get involved? Find answers to al...

Friends! Welcome to the Need to Know season of The Right Side Up. This season is all about supporting the forthcoming compilation book, Need to Know: Empowering Female Leadership and Why It’s Essential for the Future of the Church. In this introductory episode I share why empowering women is so important for the future of the church. You’ll hear me emphasize the importance of collaboration between men and women, the need for systemic change, and the role of theology in promoting gender equity. I reflect on the historical context of female leadership, the challenges of addressing abuse with...

Bob is someone I have long admired for his witness of the ways of Jesus. He talks with us about his own story, the need to break allegiances with our dominant cultural idols (even national ones), and the ongoing journey of being faithful to Jesus in an age of rising nationalism disguised as Christianity. This is so eye opening and beautiful.

tierra-nueva.org

peoplesseminary.org

Wow. What is the perfect body anyway?! So many good questions and an invitation to explore disability from a Kingdom perspective. Fascinating, challenging, and always a little fun!

wellspringtoronto.ca

Aaron White: The Pedagogy of Education... Learning a curiously different way and the deep and wide academy.

How we think about thinking? Yep, kind of. Challenging assumptions of learning and the inflexible way we've made knowledge about sitting still and why there are better ways... a great discussion!

deepwideacademy.com

Julie Faith Parker: Eve Isn't Evil - a feminist Old Testament Scholar helps us see the scriptures afresh! WOW. This is an eye opening conversation about how we've often viewed women (especially in the Old Testament) in ways that are not faithful to the text and have limited the Sacred story because of our own assumptions and prejudice. Get ready to be amazed and to get introduced to Eve Isn't Evil a new book that helps us explore the full range of women in the Bible! juliefaithparker.com

Micah is a gifted creative who hails from Long Beach, California. He is an incredible spoken word poet, a musician, and a speaker. I've shared the stage with Micah at many events around the world and have always been impacted by his faithful witness. Micah shares his journey, creative insights, and a lot on love. Don't miss this one! micahbournes.com

https://www.youtube.com/@micahbournes

The delightful and complicated journey out of patriarchy and how God sees women. Terran is South African. He is a gifted leader, church planter, bridge builder, and theologian. We catch up with his own story of awakening to the liberating good news from the scriptures and how that has lead him to help others and empower everyone! Incredibly insightful and exciting interview.

terranwilliams.com

The world is full of violence and pain and all eyes are on Rafah in Gaza, as Palestians sheltering in that area of Gaza (declared a safe zone!)  are facing unimaginable horror - what do we do? How do we respond? What is the blessing of peacemaking in this moment?! Shane recently visited the West Bank and has been a faithful witness to the way of Jesus - he is going to share about his journey and invitation to be a peacemaker.

Red Letter Christians

redletterchristians.org

Shane Claiborne

shaneclaiborne.com

Wow. What a season. It's been an incredible privilege to talk to such amazing humans - being such great examples of people living NOW in a way that matters. I've been challenged and disrupted and equally inspired to move towards living a legacy. I hope you have to. This is the final wrap-up episode - I share my closing thoughts - challenges and inspirations and things that have stuck with me and ways I think this might matter to you! I pray it's been a helpful season to your everyday life and want to remind you that what you...