Explore every episode of the podcast Joanna Whaley Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FINAL EPISODE OF THE PODCAST | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:22:00 | |
After nearly 3 years, the Joanna Whaley Podcast is coming to a close. Joanna will still be making podcasts, but more project-limited series material. Follow her on all social media channels for more information. | |||
| Leading When it's Not Fun | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:23:00 | |
Today on the show, we discuss how important it is to lead when it all hits the fan. Stepping up to lead when things are fun and cute is needed, but can you step up when it's all going wrong? DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joannawhaley | |||
| Leading Locally Well - Interview with Celina Peters | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:30:01 | |
Today on the show we have a discussion with a City Council Canidate for Trenton, MI. Celina Peters is a passionate and strong local leader who cares to see her community thrive. Listen as we discuss how to lead well at the local level. Support Celina's Campaign here > https://secure.actblue.com/donate/celina-for-trenton SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate | |||
| PRIDE 2024 - Interview with Iggi Courter | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show Joanna interviews Iggi Courter. Iggi is a gay man who also is a music minister in local ELCA churches. In this interview we discuss the intersections of being a Gay man in ministry, and how he navigates his sexual orientation with religion. At the end of the show we take text and call in questions live. | |||
| PRIDE 2024 - Gay Spiritual Liberation | 09 Jun 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show we discuss the long and dark history of Lesbian and Gay liberation and religious oppression. We hear a story about when Joanna made a huge mistake as a young pastor, and how the person she hurt forgave her. At the end of the show Joanna takes questions from live and text listeners. | |||
| PRIDE 2024 - Interview with Rachel Geddes | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show we interview a pastor who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Rachel Geddes is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and is a out lesbian who discusses the tensions and learnings of being an LGBTQ+ clergy member. | |||
| PRIDE 2024 - I Will Never Be Straight (Out of My Head Release) | 02 Jun 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Happy Pride Month!!! This Week we kick off Pride 2024 with the release of Joanna's new song "Out of My Head". We discuss how high control religion tries to keep us in the closet threatening that our "greatness" is contingent on our "straightness". Join us to kick off Pride Month 2024 with a new song and in depth conversation about Pride and living free. | |||
| OUT OF MY HEAD - Conversion Therapy Kills | 26 May 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
This week on the podcast we discuss some of the history and risks of Conversian Therapy. Joanna Whaley has experienced Conversian Therapy three times. She was an evangelical pastor for nearly 20 years before coming out as a transgender woman. Today's episode discusses some of the difficult realities in the history of Conversian Therapy and in the practice of it. At the beginning of the show we take questions from listeners and live guests. | |||
| MOTHER GOD - The Holy Spirit is a Girl | 19 May 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show we explore retelling the conversation of the holy spirit from a queer feminist perspective. Could this religious concept be framed differently to help us reconnect to it? | |||
| MOTHER GOD - What if Jesus was Female? | 12 May 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
This week on the show we begin with a conversation of a mother of a non-binary child. Beverly St. Amour is Joanna's chosen sister and has been parenting a non-binary child after being raised in fundamental evangelical Christianity. Today on the show we explore what it looks like to retell the Christian narrative of Jesus from a feminine viewpoint. We will discuss what Faith would look like if we would allow ourselves to see Jesus as female. | |||
| MOTHER GOD - Seeing God as the Mother | 05 May 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
In today's podcast we delve into the sacred realms of spirituality and theology through a unique lens. I'm your host, Joanna Whaley , and in todays episode, we will explore the profound concept of God as a nurturing and encompassing Mother, particularly from a queer theological standpoint. In a world where traditional depictions of the divine often reinforce patriarchal structures, we invite you to join us on a journey of reimagining. We'll challenge preconceived notions and celebrate the diversity of gender expressions and identities within the divine realm. In this episode we will begin with an interview with Colleen Wisser-Whaley the hosts mother. We will explore the idea of Gods love as a mother this week. | |||
| HEALING AFTER - What is to Come | 28 Apr 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
This is the final week of my masters project for Wartburg Theological Seminary. Today on the podcast I will be recapping the series and talking about what I will do about all of this research. We are also joined by Dr. Z PHD who has an amazing youtube channel for transgender people. Get out your red pen and grade my project. | |||
| HEALING AFTER - Clinical and Spiritual Care Together | 21 Apr 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show we we discuss the tensions between mental health care and spirituality. In todays modern world we see religion over-spiritualize clinical mental health issues. Today we will discuss how spiritual care providers can be integrated into the clinical setting to offer long-term care for those who need it. | |||
| Breaking Up The Old Boys Club | 03 Aug 2025 | 00:18:06 | |
Today on the show, Joanna discussed how to navigate the "Old Boys Club" and how to use passion to push back against it. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate | |||
| HEALING AFTER - Come You Who Are Weary | 14 Apr 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show we continue a series from my Masters project to explore the need for spiritual care for LGBTQ people outside of churches. Many queer people have been traumatized by churches and pastors. Today we dive into some data about what LGBTQ people say this topic. | |||
| HEALING AFTER - The Church and a Dark History | 07 Apr 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the the Podcast we begin a special series. If you listen to the podcast for any time you will learn that I am a seminary student and today kicks off a four week podcast series that is part of my masters project. So get out your red pen and play professor and judge me harshly. Today on the podcast we are talking about the long dark history of the church and how it has affected LGBTQIA+ people throughout generations. We will begin to look forward to where we can go from here. | |||
| QUEEREASTER - God in the Unexpected Place | 31 Mar 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Happy Easter Friends! On todays episode we will explore Easter from a queer viewpoint. How does the powerful tradition of heteronormative Christianity square with the LGBTQ experience. On todays episode we will explore it together. | |||
| REIMAGINING LENT - Take Up Your Own Damn Cross | 24 Mar 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the show we will talk about an often weaponized scripture against the LGBTQ community. Many times queer people are told to take up their own cross and stay in the closet. We are told that when we come out that we gave into evil and are trying to preserve our lives. However today we are going to look at a completely queer perspective of this ancient biblical passage and discover how it applies to the LGBTQ community. Music & Production property of Whaley Media. All inquiries can be forwarded to admin@joannawhaley.com. | |||
| REIMAGINING LENT - Riding in on an Ass, and Looking Like One | 17 Mar 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today on the podcast we are exploring the story of Jesus riding into town on a donkey. How can this story parallel the queer Christian experience? Many people in Christianity before they came out were told they had enormous potential in the kingdom of God just to let everyone down when they came out. Today we see the parallels of this story and the queer experience. Music & Production property of Whaley Media. All inquiries can be forwarded to admin@joannawhaley.com. | |||
| REIMAGINING LENT - Should Church be a Business? | 10 Mar 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today we discuss the tensions of church being a business, when Jesus turned over tables in the temple. Join me for a talk about how to navigate this tension in a world where costs are rising and our churches ask for more. Also we have a a snip from one our favorite shows "Queer Theology Podcast". Music & Production property of Whaley Media. All inquiries can be forwarded to admin@joannawhaley.com. | |||
| REIMAGINING LENT - Theology of Dune Part 2 | 03 Mar 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
This week on the podcast we talk about reimagining lent. This can be a time in life when people change habits and give things up. However, what do we do with this time of the year ad post-evangelicals. How does a new movie that just came out teach us how the queer community has been oppressed by religion? Join me for this weeks episode. | |||
| FREEDOM - Shedding Harmful Theology | 25 Feb 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
In this episode of the podcast, join us on a journey of self-discovery and liberation as we delve into the profound topic of shedding harmful theology from a queer perspective. Hosted by Joanna Whaley, this episode creates a safe space for candid conversations about the impact of restrictive religious beliefs on the LGBTQ+ community. | |||
| FREEDOM - Find Your Life | 18 Feb 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
In todays episode, we dive into the challenges reconciling one's life with sexual orientation or gender identity with Christian belief. Today we will discuss the age old passage of giving up your life to find it, and how this has been used against LGBTQ+ Christians. We do detail some difficult topics on todays podcast. | |||
| FREEDOM - The Burden Is Light | 11 Feb 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
Today we start a new weekly format for the podcast. On this weeks episode we explore the intersection of freedom and progressive theology. Join me as we navigate theology and human flourishing while embracing a vision of faith that aligns with the principles of justice, compassion, and inclusivity. | |||
| The Big Beautiful Blahhhhh.... | 13 Jul 2025 | 00:18:00 | |
Today on the show Joanna discusses the big beautiful bill and how to look at it from a liberation theological lens. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate | |||
| SPECIAL EPISODE - Freedom EP Release | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:13:12 | |
Today is a special episode of the Joanna Whaley Podcast. Today Joanna Realases her new EP in time for the Easter season. ON todays episode Joanna gives you a listen to the EP and gives you some stories behind the recordings. The Freedom EP is out on all streaming networks now. | |||
| Focus On Your Own Family - Conversion Therapy (Part 5) | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today is the last installment of a five part series from an interview that I did with my good friend Stephanie. Her Podcast "Focus On Your Own Family airs weekly. In today's episode we will talk about some of the horrors of Conversian Therapy and the long term effects of it. If you are someone experiencing Conversian Therapy, or have survived it and do not have proper mental health support, please reach out to the show and we would be happy to connect you to get the support you need. | |||
| Focus On Your Own Family - Conversion Therapy (Part 4) | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today we continue a five part series from an interview that I did with my good friend Stephanie. Her Podcast "Focus On Your Own Family airs weekly. In today's episode we will talk about some of the horrors of Conversian Therapy and the long term effects of it. If you are someone experiencing Conversian Therapy, or have survived it and do not have proper mental health support, please reach out to the show and we would be happy to connect you to get the support you need. | |||
| Focus On Your Own Family - Conversion Therapy (Part 3) | 07 Feb 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today is part three of a five part series interview that I did with my good friend Stephanie. Her Podcast "Focus On Your Own Family airs weekly. In today's episode we will talk about some of the horrors of Conversian Therapy and the long term effects of it. If you are someone experiencing Conversian Therapy, or have survived it and do not have proper mental health support, please reach out to the show and we would be happy to connect you to get the support you need. | |||
| Focus On Your Own Family - Conversion Therapy (Part 2) | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today we continue a five part series from an interview that I did with my good friend Stephanie. Her Podcast "Focus On Your Own Family airs weekly. In today's episode we will talk about some of the horrors of Conversian Therapy and the long term effects of it. If you are someone experiencing Conversian Therapy, or have survived it and do not have proper mental health support, please reach out to the show and we would be happy to connect you to get the support you need. | |||
| Focus On Your Own Family - Conversion Therapy (Part 1) | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today we begin a five part series from an interview that I did with my good friend Stephanie. Her Podcast "Focus On Your Own Family airs weekly. In today's episode we will talk about some of the horrors of Conversian Therapy and the long term effects of it. If you are someone experiencing Conversian Therapy, or have survived it and do not have proper mental health support, please reach out to the show and we would be happy to connect you to get the support you need. | |||
| More Than Queer - I am a Student | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today we will dive into the complex intersection of religious beliefs and education. Explore the dynamics of how certain religious communities may reject or resist mainstream educational systems. For many in the LGBTQ community we are blamed for being educated and that is tied to our queerness. Join me today in examining theological perspectives, cultural influences, and the impact on individuals within these communities. | |||
| More Than Queer - Romantic Relationships | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
The complexities of one's identity can be challenging, especially in the religious and political climate we have today. In this Episode, we explore the journey of understanding one's sexuality within a hostile political culture. Join us as we delve into personal stories, discuss the impact of political and religious rhetoric, and explore ways individuals can embrace and affirm their sexuality. | |||
| More Than Queer - I am a Friend | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
In todays episode, we talk about the journey of the LGBTQ experience in navigating the highs and lows of navigating friendships. Join us as we candidly discuss the unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community in the realm of relationships. | |||
| More Than Queer - I Am A Parent | 23 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
In todays episode, we discuss the highs and lows of parenthood as a queer person. We will also explore the unique joys and challenges faced by LGBTQ parents as they navigate the intricate tapestry of family life. From the tender moments of unconditional love to the empowering experiences of fostering acceptance, this episode delves into the universal truths of parenthood while shedding light on the distinct perspectives of the LGBTQ community. | |||
| TALKING UNIONS: Interview with Brian Kelly | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:30:00 | |
Today on the podcast, we interview Brian Kelly, president of the EPA Workers Union in the Great Lakes Region. We discuss the impact of the Trump administration on mental health, focusing on workers caught in the decline of DEI initiatives and how we can better support marginalized communities who strive to serve our local areas. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate | |||
| More Than Queer - A Child with a Family | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Today on the show we explore the rich tapestry of life beyond the confines of LGBTQ identities. Join us as we delve into the diversity of being more than a queer person. Today we go beyond labels to build meaningful frames of those who are LGBTQ and show the humanity of every person. | |||
| Never Leave - Reconstructing Faith | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Deconstructing traditional doctrines and embracing a more inclusive and personal spirituality is a journey many people are embarking on. In todays episode we will touch upon various approaches to faith reconstruction and progressive christianity pillars. Today we explore how this journey can lead to greater empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection with the divine, whatever form it may take. Whether you're on a similar journey or curious about the experiences of those who have undergone faith reconstruction, this episode will be a thought-provoking exploration of personal growth, resilience, and the ever-evolving nature of faith. | |||
| Never Leave - Should We Deconstruct? | 18 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
There are so many deconstruction social media accounts and articles these days and I can elicit some extreme responses from both sides of the argument. Many fear that deconstructing and leaving it to lay on the ground is a recipe for hell. On todays show we will explore if it is OK for us to deconstruct our faith and leave it there. We will also talk about what to do if we decide to pick it up and rebuild it again. | |||
| Never Leave - Conversion Therapy Horrors | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
On the show today we delve into the dark reality of my conversion therapy expereinces and the profound trauma it inflicted on me and on others. Conversion therapy, aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, has long been a controversial and harmful practice. In this episode today I will sheds light on the expriences of my time in conversion therapy. | |||
| Never Leave - Becoming a Narcissist | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Those who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder have a sense of entitlement, exaggerated self-importance, and a feeling of superiority and frequently overestimate their talents and importance in their systems. As a young pastor I got lured into the celebrity pastor culture, and ran over people to get to my goals. On todays episode we talk about how to avoid harming others in ministry. | |||
| Never Leave - Finding the Good in Our Beginning | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Positive psychology has been proven to have many contributions in human resilience and healing. From my roots in the Catholic church, and watching my family serve our community though it, I gained positive memories and direction despite the bad moments. | |||
| For Everyone Born - Life After the Hard Times | 12 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
In psychology the resiliency model navigates four dimensions of the human psyche and experience. Biological, Socio-cultural, Social, and Psychological dimensions are all measured. Humans who bounce back from setback show signs of maintaining emotional equilibrium, coping with stress and hardship when facing adversity with strength. Today on the show we talk about finding joy when a major setback is imminent. | |||
| For Everyone Born - A Covenant Shared (Outing People) | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Coming out is a complex decision that all LGBTQ+ people at some point have to deal with. Whether coming out or not, it is up to that person to decide. However remaining silent about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity has potential to result in immense personal distress and can indirectly affect relationships with family and loved ones. Today we talk about being outed and having that choice taken from you, and how you can still find spiritual peace if it happens. | |||
| For Everyone Born - Creators of Justice (Caring for one another) | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Theologian David Russell states that the goal of human beings towards one another is to live in a world with shared community. This community is characterized by justice, equity, and mutual caring. Today on the episode we will discuss how to navigate ideological and spiritual differences to find a way to love and care for one another. | |||
| For Everyone Born - For Gay and for Straight (God's Motherly Love) | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Deuteronomy and Leviticus in the Christian tradition are often used as exclusionary scriptures found in Old Testament law. However, the New Testament reveals that through Jesus that there was clearly a baptism of an Ethiopian eunuch (transgender person of their time) and from this moment there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This moment rang in Jesus's Ministry of inclusion rather than exclusion from the kingdom of God. Today on the show we talk about how the love from the Divine is like that of a mother, and does not exclude. | |||
| LIVE: God Is More Than Just a Man | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:12:57 | |
Today on the podcast, we hear a message from Joanna that she gave at a church in Chelsea, Michigan. Today's message is about the Lord's Prayer and how patriarchal systems have entangled us in flawed systems of gender binary. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate | |||
| For Everyone Born - A Place at the Table | 08 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
When I planted the church I was enthralled by the concept of sending my church into society to change it. What I didn't understand was this was considered part of the seven mountains mandate which has created some of the greatest chaos in our society today. Far too often we see in our own world views that we want everyone to act and think like we do. However one thing that is universal is that every human being on earth deserves to live and have fundamental rights to their own humanity. In this episode we will discuss how LGBTQ people of faith have seen human rights eroded. We will discuss how to move forward and keep the universal rights of all people in our hearts and minds. | |||
| Reset - Who is against me (LGBTQ Opposition) | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Religious radio broadcasts began to grow in the 1940s and became a massive influence on religious discourse in America. In the mid-1930s there was a radio priest would regularly attack modern society over the airwaves. These types of public broadcasts have influenced many in faith communities to viciously attack people who disagree. Today I will share my story of coming out and the opposition I experienced as a pastor who came out as LGBTQ+. | |||
| Reset - Dying in the Same Way (Death and Life) | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
A Hymn that played at my grandfather's funeral has always stuck with me. The lyrics helped me to understand the spiritual reality of a hope for life and love we leave when we die. Being in tune with the spiritual realities of death can help us to love those in front of us and forget those things that we oppose on this earth. Todays show discusses the end of life, and could be distressing for some. | |||