Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads in your spiritual journey? Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of relationships in a space seemingly foreign to you? Join us as we turn the pages of Micah Rose and Nayalisa's stirring journey, two remarkable individuals who channel their experiences from the white evangelical space to reshaping their lives and love story. Micah and Naya's tale is unflinchingly real. From their initiation into the white evangelical space - Micah via a church media program and Naya through her enrollment at Moody Bible Institute - to their consequential decision to step away from this environment, their narratives are punctuated with courage and resilience. The duo openly discusses their personal love story and the trials they faced while building their relationship in the white evangelical sphere. Nayalisa's struggle with coming out, Micah's solace in her sermons during the pandemic, and their acceptance of their 12-year age gap amidst Nayalisa's family, all culminate into an incredibly touching narrative. As we delve deeper into Micah and Nayalisa's journey, we explore the themes of freedom and healthy relationships. Hear firsthand about their therapeutic journey of self-discovery, the pivotal role of spirituality in their relationship, and their commitment to creating a safe space to explore their identities. We also examine the elements they rescued from the ruins of white evangelicalism, and their dedication to empowering those at the margins. This episode is brimming with honesty, heart, and a profound discussion on faith, love, and freedom, making it an absolute must-listen.

Join us on a thought-provoking journey through the intersection of faith, identity, and personal transformation. The ride is made even more fascinating by our guest for the day, Marshall Green, a dynamic Black queer feminist, writer, and professor of Africana studies. Together, we'll dive deep into the history of Black gospel and church in the U.S., untying the knots of toxic faith and opening doors to the transformative power of stand-up comedy. Get ready for an enlightening experience as Marshall-Green takes us through their unique journey. We'll traverse through their personal territory, shedding light on the trials and tribulations of growing tall, and their evolved understanding of the trans community. We'll also explore the labyrinth of the queer community, understanding each corner of the LGBT acronym, and the metamorphosis that comes with transitioning from one gender to another. This enlightening discussion promises to be respectful and engaging, leaving no stone unturned. Tune in for this stimulating exploration of faith, identity, and personal transformation. Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Substack blog.

Our compelling conversation with Luther Young, a man who's worn many hats as an ordained minister, PhD candidate in sociology, and board member for Q Christian Fellowship, is one you wouldn't want to miss. Luther bravely narrates his experiences growing up in a restrictive faith tradition, unveiling the profound effect this has had on his life and self-perception. He also delves into the effects of a Holiness church's prohibitive atmosphere, articulating how this negatively impacted his self-image and his relationship with his body. The journey that follows is an intriguing tale of unlearning and relearning, led by therapy. The second part of our discussion with Luther uncovers the challenges queer individuals face within the black church. Luther shares his insights on the rise of homophobia and transphobia within the black church during the late 80s and early 90s, and the consequences this has had on the social, emotional, and physical health of queer black individuals. Luther's exploration of queer identity within the black church reveals a complex landscape of acceptance, rejection, and tough choices. This episode is a powerful exploration of personal experiences and expert insights, shedding light on important issues in faith and identity. Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Substack blog.

What happens when an entrenched Christian nationalist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grapples with societal expectations of gender roles in her marriage, and finds her ultimate liberation from Christian nationalism? Welcome to this week's episode of Life After Leaven, where we have the delight of hosting April A Joy, a prominent ex-vangelical figure who powerfully detoxes American Christianity with her ingenious skits and videos. In our candid conversation, April shares her and Beecher's, her spouse, collective journey of navigating gender dysphoria and acceptance. It's a story of courage marked by Beecher's fight against denial, self-discovery with the help of a church's 12-step group, and acceptance catalyzed by the birth of their second daughter. The narrative is as nuanced as it is inspiring, highlighting the importance of a supportive partner and the power of authenticity. As the dialogue unfolds, we explore the intersection of faith, political ideology, and sexuality, and how orgasms can be a source of joy, healing, and a powerful tool for liberation from oppressive systems. April's journey from the tightly woven fabric of Christian nationalism to a more honest and authentic way of life is one that is deeply intertwined with her political ideology. As we venture into the topics of gender roles and personal growth, April leaves us with her words to live by - love your neighbor and live your truth. Buckle up for an episode teeming with authenticity, courage, and enlightening discussions on faith, identity, and relationships. Support the show Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Patreon page.

Have you ever sat in a pew and felt unseen? Or have you ever felt that your spiritual journey was at odds with your deeply-held identity? Join us as we engage with Pastor Tonetta of the Table Church, who generously shares her inspiring journey from Black Baptist churches in North Carolina to becoming a pastor herself. She lets us into her world, giving us a glimpse of how she reconciled her sexuality and her faith, setting her on the path to pastoral ministry. Her openness about the importance of scripture, leaps of faith, and her approach to different interpretations of faith will leave you enlightened. Imagine a church where all are welcome, a space that embraces everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from. Pastor Tonetta paints that picture as she explores the issue of creating sustainable, affirming, and inclusive spaces within the Black church tradition. As we navigate through this discussion, she sheds light on the legacy of Hush Harbor Christianity and the challenges faced in having these conversations in predominantly white spaces. You'll also learn about the prophetic witness of the Black church and its pivotal role in genuine liberation and flourishing. It's no surprise that Pastor Tonetta is a force to reckon with. As we journey further, we examine the impact of the Black womanist tradition on her theological and philosophical life. Her insights on accepting non-binary identities, community, accountability, and personal transformation are deeply moving. We wrap up with Pastor Tonetta sharing unique wisdom she has garnered from her journey, and her words to live by. So prepare to be inspired as we traverse this journey of courage, faith, and ultimate freedom. Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Substack blog.

Have you ever felt shackled by toxic beliefs, particularly regarding sexuality and faith? This episode is a beacon of light in the shadows of faith-based bias and fear. We’re honored to welcome Brandy Harris, a seasoned marriage and family therapist, who openly shares her journey from a divided upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma to her eventual faith awakening. Brandy unpacks her process of questioning the church, the biases and fears that come with it, and how it’s okay to digest slower and decide what God’s word says to you. This unconditional space of acceptance and understanding extends to our exploration of 'holy sex', an intriguing concept that sheds light on how sex can be viewed as sacred or profane, depending on your intention and connection to God. Brandy has even created an online course and workbook to help Christians understand this concept! From dissecting the complexities of hook-up culture to shedding light on the path toward healing and sexual self-discovery, our conversation unveils the significance of trusting your body and its needs, particularly against the backdrop of societal pressures. As we navigate this challenging terrain, we highlight the indispensable role of professional counseling. Clearing the air around 'Christian Counselors', we discuss the importance of seeking help for trauma and understanding the true value of experienced, licensed professionals in facilitating personal growth. Guest speaker Taylor Alexis, a breathworker and therapist, also shares her insights on the power of breathing for healing and accessing our inner wisdom. This episode is a journey of exploration and personal growth, as we seek to build a community of believers who seek God without the pressure to produce or perform. Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Substack blog.

In this episode we explore what my friend, Cami Minehart, experienced as a queer person within a religious structure that seemed to fight her identity at every turn. You'll hear all about Cami's journey of "unleavening" Christianity, challenging and disentangling herself from certain toxic religious structures, and finding a more authentic faith journey. We'll also pull back the curtain on the lesser-known narrative of King Solomon, and his harem of 300 wives and 700 concubines. It's a story that raises questions about the relationships these women might have developed as a coping mechanism. What's more, we'll dive into Kemi's exploration of her queer identity through writing erotica, reimagining Solomon Tarim's harem in a unique way. This is about seeing a biblical tale from a fresh perspective, and acknowledging the untold stories that could change the way we perceive religious texts. Join us for a candid reflection on Cami's forthcoming book, and how our spiritual discussions have played a significant role in her journey. We'll touch on the power of music, emotions, and connection in processing life's challenging moments. Finally, we'll examine the potency of spirituality, logic, and facts to bring healing and beauty to our lives. So, come along, for a thought-provoking episode that promises to inspire and challenge you in equal measure. Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Substack blog.

Honest conversations breed understanding, and today's episode is no exception. The delightful Mo Heart joins us, an American drag queen, reality television personality, and recording artist best known for competing on the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World. Mo talks to us about how he uses his artistry to express joy and challenge the norm. In our enlightening discussion, we unravel how deeply rooted, toxic elements of Christianity can lead to a distorted self-perception and damage our relationships. Together, we delve into the ways these belief systems can erode our faith, and conversely, how understanding and embracing those we've been taught to fear can restore and strengthen it. We venture into the often challenging landscape of relationships, particularly within the queer community. Tackling topics from vulnerability to power dynamics, we paint an honest picture of the struggles faced within these connections. We also shed light on how societal pressures and prejudices can create a chasm between us and our faith, leading to feelings of disconnect from the divine. Our dialog veers towards the creation of safe spaces, our potential hurdles in crafting these due to past traumas, and how they can become a sanctuary for trust and love. The potency of prayer and the importance of faith-based communities become the keystone of our discussion. Mohart shares the significant role his upbringing and faith played in shaping his relationship with the Divine, and how he draws strength from these spiritual ties. Together, we illuminate how personal experiences can lead us to question long-held beliefs, and how prayer can offer comfort and guidance during such tumultuous times. This episode is a wellspring of profound insights and raw honesty – a vital listen for anyone seeking to explore the intersections of faith, queerness, and self-love. Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1. Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC. Don’t miss out on what Tamice has planned next! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to her Substack blog.