Brave Nation with Leigh Sloan: Recent Episodes
Leigh Sloan
The Brave Nation movement pursues courage and wisdom to enact cultural reform in every sphere of influence. It often starts with a brave conversation in pursuit of truth from the heart of God that sets people free. As we unearth ancient mysteries, we find creative new language and application for the modern era. Join us in this journey at leighsloan.com and bravenation.us!
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In this episode, Caleb continues to share his personal journey through faith, sexuality, and spirituality, exploring the challenges and growth that come with authentic living and unconditional love. Along with Pastor Frank Curry and Leigh Sloan, they discuss the impact of religious culture, and the importance of internal transformation over external performance. They demonstrate how to love one another despite differences in opinions.
For more on the Brave Nation platform, go to bravenation.online. There you can find Leigh's books, speaking, coaching and consulting opportunities. Join our Brave Nation Circle platform, where you can meet Leigh virtually once a month and receive encouragement and strategy for the spheres you're called to impact.
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Leigh Sloan and Caleb Amos met on an airplane and spark an instant brave conversation. They find that they have very different political and philosophical views, but they also find much common ground around what it's like to be disillusioned in the context of church. Caleb decided to pursue an entirely different path from his church upbringing, now identifying as a gay man. He also rejects a lot of his former habits of striving under the weight of religious performance. Pastor Frank Curry contributes to this conversation as an important man in Caleb's life in his early church days helping him grapple with where he was and where he is today.
For more on the Brave Nation platform, go to bravenation.online. There you can find Leigh's books, speaking, coaching and consulting opportunities. Join our Brave Nation Circle platform, where you can meet Leigh virtually once a month and receive encouragement and strategy for the spheres you're called to impact.
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Leigh Sloan teaches about how to navigate the treacherous waters of tribal affiliation, most specifically when it comes to politics, but applicable to any group or organization. Together we delve into two seemingly contradictory statements that Jesus made and how they relate to wisdom about social stewardship in any movement. We also explore topics like ranked choice voting, jungle primaries, and their effects. Learn when to open your arms wide to those around you, and when to create necessary boundaries. Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves as you create true cultural reform.
For more on the Brave Nation platform, go to bravenation.online. There you can find Leigh's books, speaking, coaching and consulting opportunities. Join our Brave Nation Circle platform, where you can meet Leigh virtually once a month and receive encouragement and strategy for the spheres you're called to impact.
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Meet Shelley Hughes, former Alaska state Senator and current candidate for Alaska Governor. Shelley and Leigh discuss not only what Shelley stands for, but how she conducts herself in the sphere of government. For more on the Hughes-Getty campaign go to http://AlaskansforHughes.com
For more on the Brave Nation platform, go to bravenation.online. There you can find Leigh's books, speaking, coaching and consulting opportunities. Join our Brave Nation Circle platform, where you can meet Leigh virtually once a month and receive encouragement and strategy for the spheres you're called to impact.
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Learn more about the inspiring life of Blake Gettys: how he rose through the ranks in the military, survived a brutal bear attack, whethered the death of his first wife, and found renewed purpose through faith in God. Though he had no political aspirations, he recently rose to the challenge of running as Lieutenant Governor for the State of Alaska. Hear him share his conviction to do his part to protect Alaska in the days ahead.
To learn more about the Hughes/Gettys campaign visit http://alaskansforhughes.com
For more on the Brave Nation platform, go to bravenation.online. There you can find Leigh's books, speaking, coaching and consulting opportunities. Join our Brave Nation Circle platform, where you can meet Leigh virtually once a month and receive encouragement and strategy for the spheres you're called to impact.
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What we do with history means all the difference for how we move into the future. Join Leigh Sloan with her friends as they tell their most meaningful historical accounts that impact their lives today. Commemorate the 250th year of the USA while we launch an exciting new season of Brave Nation!
Special guests include:
Mayor Edna DeVries with Dr. George Hightower: ednadevries.com
Lead Singer of Sonicflood Rick Heil: sonicflood.com
Leadership Consultant Maurice Arnold: molosophy.com
Political Commentator and Author Denise Gitsham: denisegracegitsham.com
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One single, low income mom raises up an army of thousands of parents in the 1990's in Washington DC to demand more for their children. Virginia Walden Ford is a pioneer in educational choice and continues to serve the children in her community to this day. Be inspired by her story to be a change agent right where you live. Virginia's book is School Choice: A Legacy to keep. Her story also inspired. a major motion picture called "Miss Virginia."
For more on Brave Nation visit BraveNation.online and to support school choice in Alaska, visit alaskaschoolchoice.com.
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Introducing Leigh Sloan's new children's book, "The Little Brown Hen: the Little Red Hen meets her match." It is a heartwarming tale that upgrades the lessons from the age old fable, The Little Red Hen. In this episode you'll get a free audio reading of the book as her gift to you. Leigh discusses the importance of story and creativity in shifting culture. She also discusses themes from The Little Brown Hen that relate to adults and children alike. She leaves you with 3 challenges for 2026 inspired by this story.
To get a signed copy of The Little Brown Hen or to receive a complementary lesson plan, go to refabled.co. You may order a copy of The Little Brown Hen or review it at Amazon.com or click this link.
For more on Brave Nation, go to bravenation.online.
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Hear Grace's heart wrenching and inspiring story of escaping from a whole childhood of sex slavery to fighting her way toward freedom and purpose. God's grace was apparent in her life from failed suicide attempts to quitting an Olympian badmitton team because of religious persecution. You'll be inspired to overcome your obstacles when you hear how she has done so through God's grace.
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The “She Leads” movement is an international organization dedicated to honoring Christian women of distinction around the globe. Statewide events as well as national and international events bring women of diverse ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the strength and accomplishments of key women. Leigh Sloan and Renee Duncan (international minister) speak with Rev. Dr. Liz Doyle, the founder of She Leads America, to hear her vision and to make plans to extend this movement to Alaska. They also discuss the importance of women as pivotal leaders and pioneers.
You may follow Brave Nation with Leigh Sloan on Facebook and L.A. Sloan on Instagram. For more about Leigh Sloan’s platform including her book “Pride and Privilege,” visit bravenation.online.
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Leigh Sloan comments on the Charlie Kirk assassination and the implications for all of us on what this means for freedom of speech and our progress as Americans and Christians around the globe. She discusses the difference between freedom and liberty and why we should pursue a more mature form of liberty to sustain a freer society.
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Leigh Sloan and Dr. Jonathan Welton discuss:
- leadership failures in the church
- better covenant theology
- 4 leavens of influence
- Dr. Welton's new Uncommon Leaders school
For more on Brave Nation and Leigh Sloan, visit bravenation.online. For more on Jonathan Welton and Uncommon Leaders, go to jonwelton.com.
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Join Leigh Sloan and Alaska Education Commissioner Deena Bishop as they discuss upcoming legislative bills in Alaska, the huge challenges facing education in Alaska, and the remarkable success of Alaskan charter schools.
For more on Brave Nation, visit bravenation.online.
To contact your Alaskan legislators visit akleg.gov
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Learn how to reframe your conversations to be more effective and productive by focusing on dignity and steering away from contempt. Our guest Tami Pyfer has helped to develop sucessful method of discourse that help people achieve real solutions. She is the Chief External Relations Officer at UNITE and co-creator of the Dignity Index. Tami leads government and corporate partnerships for the Index and has a background in education policy, and has served as an advisor to former Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
See the Dignity Index at: https://www.dignity.us/index
To find out more about how you can join our community or take one of our classes, go to bravenation.online
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In this episode Leigh Sloan and Mo Arnold discuss the wrestling match between competing ideologies in society, public schools, and media. DEI consultant Mo Arnold contends that much of the backlash against DEI is warranted. In the mist of sweeping political changes, we need to uphold the delicate balance of freedom and justice.
Find Maurice Arnold at https://molosophy.com/#contact
To find out more about how you can join our community or take one of our classes, go to bravenation.online!
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Meet Maurice Arnold, a former Senior Master Sergeant turned business and organizational consultant. He has delivered sage counsel to top Air Force leaders, school district administrators, and community leaders. As a DEI consultant he was charged with protecting minorities without a voice. Now he's here to talk about what diversity really means-- the practical steps we should take to empower those in need. Mo shares how so many miss the point of diversity. He believes his job is to empower people based on the content of their character and competency regardess of race or gender identities.
Find Maurice Arnold at https://molosophy.com/#contact
To find out more about how you can join our community or take one of our classes, go to bravenation.online!
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Meet attorney, author, former congressional candidate, and political commentator Denise Gitsham. Denise is the author of "Politics for People Who Hate Politics" and she discusses with Leigh Sloan what it's like to be fully in the arena of government and media and to keep her Christian values fully intact.
Find Denise at denisegracegitsham.com
For more about the Dignity Index go to dignity.us
To find out more about how you can join our community or take one of our classes, go to bravenation.online!
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Leigh Sloan speaks with Hansel and Natalie Orzame on the Pastor and Wife podcast. Whether Christians feel threatened or secure in their political climate, there are certain principles we all need to hold on to so that we remain unshaken by the winds of change.
Visit the Pastor and Wife podcast to hear the entire conversation.
To learn more about Brave Nation and Leigh's book, Pride and Privilege: expand your influence in cultural chaos, go to bravenation.online. To learn more about The Dignity Index, visit dignity.us.
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In this part 2 of our conversation with Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes, we discuss the importance of the faith community in American politics. Senator Hughes explores some of the history behind nonprofit laws and where some confusion came in about the role of faith leaders in governmental affairs. People of faith are encouraged to not allow intimidation and fear to keep them from their voice and from remaining true to their values. Courage is contagious!
Leigh discusses her Passion and Purpose Class and invites you to participate at bravenation.online. Contact Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes here: https://akleg.gov/legislator.php?id=hus
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Join us for the launch of a new exciting season of Brave Nation with Leigh Sloan! Our first guest is Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes. We discuss how it is possible to collaborate with those who disagree as well as some important ballot measures in Alaska that are trending all over the nation. Ranked choice voting is a very controversial trend that is fundamentally changing the democratic process. Uncover some of the deception and what is at stake if people remain unaware. We also discuss the little known Alaska Ballot Measure 1 concerning minimum wage, and regulations around employee benefits and treatment. Find out the hidden conditions of this proposed measure and why it could hurt small businesses.
For more on Leigh Sloan and her book Pride and Privilege: expand your influence in cultural chaos, go to bravenation.online. For more from Senator Shelley Hughes on ranked choice voting, visit her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AKShelleyHughes.
"Chief fire igniter" Shae Bynes interviews Leigh Sloan on her podcast "Kingdom Over Everything about Leigh's new book, "Pride and Privilege: expand your influence in cultural chaos." Shae was one of the first to endorse Leigh's book and recognize its value to our present generation. This episode is a repost from the Kingdom Over Everything podcast.
For more on the online launch on April 4th or the online book club starting on April 9th, click here or go to leighsloan.com.
For more on Shae Bynes go to shaebynes.com
Dr. Harold Eberle reacts to concepts from Leigh Sloan's upcoming book, "Pride and Privilege: expand your influence in cultural chaos." Harold gives his insights into cross-cultural ministry compared to the postmodern mindsets of western countries.
Harold's ministry is worldcastministries.com.
To sign up for Brave Nation Circle or to learn more about Pride and Privilege, go to Leighsloan.com.
Leigh Sloan interviews Krissia Campos Spivey and Dr. Shaunette Parker of National School Choice Week, to discuss school choice matters with regard to awareness, access, and arguments surrounding the school choice conversation. For more on our Alaska event, go to alaskaschoolchoice.com. For national school choice, go to schoolchoiceweek.com.
Visual artist and author of “Going to Extremes: trusting God with the adventure of your life” Meagan Blessing joins us to discuss the power of creativity as an essential part of every person. You don’t have to paint a picture to be creative. There are all sorts of ways to unlock creativity. We learn that creativity is one key secret to the abundant life for which we were designed. Find Meagan’s book on Amazon or Messengerbooks.com!
Hear from Bonnie Gregory as she shares about being a multicultural Native Alaskan with its gifts and historical challenges. Happy Indigenous Peoples month!
Leigh Sloan shares about being treated unfairly and how Christians should walk in the tension of love and justice.
Join Leigh Sloan along with guests Maggie Tanner, Joshua Samuels, and Melody Goins as they discuss the value of discovering your unique design from a "kingdom" perspective. If you'd like to join Leigh's first online experience of the 8 week Passion and Purpose course, go to bravenation.online to learn more. The live class begins September 25th. Sessions will be recorded if you join afterwards. Listen to the very end of the podcast to get the 10% off discount code for podcast listeners!
Representative and Alaska House Speaker Cathy Tilton joins us in this Brave Nation Circle training on cultivating The Grace of the Advisor. For the entire training along with much more, join Brave Nation Circle at leighsloan.com!
Melissa Burke is a worship leader, a visual artist, and a community reformer. She has made a big impact on her sphere by letting the creativity inside of her out. Learn how you too can catch the secrets of stewarding your genius to increase your influence this year.
For information about the Alaska School Choice Celebration go here: alaskaschoolchoice.com.
For joining Brave Nation Circle subscription platform, go to leighsloan.com.
For more on Melissa Burke's art, go to melissaburke.co.
Leigh Sloan interviews Adrienne Tucker, adoptive mother and founder of Generation Now, a ministry to teens and young adults in need of mentorship. See the issues surrounding abortion from the perspective of an adoptive mother. In this episode, racial and cultural dynamics are also explored.
To sign up for more content like this go to leighsloan.com.
Leigh Sloan gave this message at the Brave Nation 2022 event. This is the zoom version that was recorded a week later. In it Leigh gives us the keys to awakening hope, combatting some of the obstacles we have to engagement, and activating our responsibility to become more active and effective in the government sphere.
Join Alaska State Representative Sarah Vance, Mat-Su Mayor Edna DeVries, and Alaska State Senator Shelley Hughes as we discuss the upcoming Brave Nation event on September 30th and October 1, 2022.
Register now at leighsloan.com!
introducing special guest BT Higgins, author of Father and the Wolves, a guide book for dads on protecting their children and preparing them for life. BT Higgins is also the author of several children's fiction books.
Go to https://bthiggins.com/ for more!
Click here to find out more about On Purpose Plus
Recounting a recent political almost-victory that spoke some key lessons on the meaning of how we act on the logic of hope when taking risky moves. Is hope blind and stupid? Or does hope really win in the end? What does hope say about our personal character?
Join us as we debrief on the campaigns of two women who recently ran for Anchorage Assembly: Kathy Henslee and Stephanie Taylor. Is it possible to maintain integrity while engaging in a political battle?
Meet Stephanie Taylor, local Anchorage Assembly Candidate 2022. Stephanie is a homeschooling mom and active volunteer who recently said yes to a call to run for local government. She has stepped up to become a new voice in Anchorage in order to see transformation in her city. This is what it looks like following God's purpose into local government. For more on Stephanie, visit stephanieforak.com.
Priscilla Hurley shares her experiences as an abortion survivor, a woman who had multiple abortions and worked in the abortion industry. As a pro-life advocate now, she shares her story and trains young people in sex education from a choice-based, abstinence perspective.
In this interview, we hear from Suzanne Gallagher, Director of the National Parents' Rights in Education organization as well as Annie Massey, the former Director of the Parents' Rights in Education chapter in Alaska. We discuss the ways that the rights of parents have been under attack in recent ways and what can be done about it.
For more information or to join a chapter visit parentsrightsined.org.
Hear Jennifer’s story— what occurred in her life to lead her down the road of an addiction to lying with a psychological diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. Many people say that narcissism is something people cannot completely recover from, but by the grace of God, Jennifer has experienced that healing in her life.
To watch the full video version of the episode, go to LeighSloan.com and join our Brave Nation Circle.
Dominic Pace is an actor who is known for his role as "Gekko" on The Mandalorian. He bravely discusses his viewpoints on the cultural changes in Hollywood over the past several years from affirmative action hiring practices to today's "cancel culture."
Friends on different sides of the political isle, James Primm and Shavon Mersing, discuss how to create and sustain unity in the body of Christ on either side of the political isle. Using abortion and other topics as examples, we discuss if and how Christians should engage in politics.
For the full video version of this conversation and to join the Brave Nation Circle, go here: https://www.leighsloan.com/brave-nation/.
Leigh Sloan shares her perspective on educational choice for all students. She discusses how faith based worldviews have been unjustly censored for over one hundred years and how to engage in new conversations about education for the challenges and opportunities of a new era.
James Bowers and Jennifer Christiansen share how they've navigated their marriage holding different political views. They lean into their faith and their relationship with God for the power to love one another even through their differences. To subscribe to other conversations like this, go to leighsloan.com and click on Brave Nation.
Leigh Sloan shares thoughts about the identity crisis that the USA is facing on her 245th Birthday. Where can tribalism and nationalism go wrong? Is it possible to be proud of our country and also acknowledge the sins in our history? This episode contains a bonus song for your Independence Day!
Prince Nwankudu is a pastor, apologist and community leader in Anchorage, Alaska. We discuss his perspectives and what he believes are common misconceptions regarding Critical Race Theory.
For the entire video version of this interview, subscribe to Brave Nation Circle at leighsloan.com. Click on the Brave Nation tab.
For more on Pastor Prince Nwankudu go to godsfamilyalaska.org, revivealaska.org, or wisdomapologetics.com.
Dubb Alexander discusses his experiences as a young man whose family joined a cult. He talks about the telltale signs of a cult and his journey toward freedom. His ministry can be found at schoolofkingdom.com. For the entire unedited video version of this episode and more join the Brave Nation circle at Leighsloan.com!
Meet Gwen Adams, Executive Director of Priceless, an anti-sex trafficking organization that rescues and mentors victims of the sex trafficking industry. Through Gwen’s book “Crazy Church Ladies” she comes face to face with the fact that she won’t be able to rescue others until she acknowledged her own need to be rescued. We explore how women’s empowerment in the church relates to empowering women who might be the furthest from the church. Restoring healthy relationships between men and women is the key to breaking this ugly cultural cycle.
You can find the full video version of this conversation and other bonus content by joining our Brave Nation Circle at leighsloan.com/bravenation.
To find out more about the ministry of Priceless, visit priceless.org and to check out Gwen’s book, go to gwenadamsfiles.com.
Jesse Cardenas opens up for the first time publicly about finding Jesus as a trans person. His views are not what you might expect. We explore what it is like to be a trans person who is a Christian. Jesse describes his journey of transformation as he realizes that it happens from the inside out, not the outside in.
To watch the entire video episode, subscribe to Brave Nation Circle.
It's the subject most people would rather not discuss with those closest to us. Our guest Eric Waterbury has helped many people overcome sexual addictions and is not afraid to talk about the “M word” if it helps set people free. Looking at masturbation from a shame-free biblical worldview, we have the power to create new habits around this topic so that we can bring it into the light without fear.
In this episode Leigh Sloan is interviewed by Byron Easterling as she discusses the evolution and heart behind going from Brave Conversations to Brave Nation. You can find other great conversations like this on Byron's Podcast "InSpire." We also want to let you know about a special event coming up very soon called the Solutionary Mindset Intensive with Drew Neal in Anchorage, Alaska. In this episode we'll describe the content and vision of this event, interviewing Drew Neal and other friends. We hope you'll join us. Register now while there is room at bravenation.us!
Introducing the new direction with our podcast name change to Brave Nation. In this episode we talk with Dr. Christine West, a business psychologist, who explores with us the impact of social media on our lives and how to engage in healthier politics. When do we need to step in and stop someone and when do we need to maintain tolerance of their views?
Join this community conversation cohosted by James Primm. Our panel guests George Martinez (political candidate and former political science professor) and Cale Green (journalist, campaign manager, and videographer) discuss the big picture philosophy behind the role of the media in public life. We discuss issues such as censorship, big tech, the purpose of media and ideas on how to protect the integrity of media in the US.
To join a future community conversation send a request for information email to braveconversationsanchorage@gmail.com.
Leigh shares her thought moving forward into 2021. She explores the sociological concepts about the value for the larger society vs. our smaller groups and individual identity, the way that the media is affecting our perceptions, and what makes us similar in our human nature, regardless of our viewpoints.
Guest Brian Orme joins us on Brave Conversations to discuss how we can look at the world through “ascended” lenses. It is important to embrace both mystery and the intellect in our pursuit of ultimate truth. In 2020 we were able to observe the conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn, which only happens once every several hundred years. A similar occurrence happened on the day of Christ’s birth. Is there meaning in the cosmos for Christians? If so, how does it stand apart from traditional astrology? Brian gives us great food for thought that will stretch our understanding of God and the world around us.
In this interview with Matt Gonzalez we discuss the difference between being a victim and living under the limitations of a victim mindset. How does the victim mindset impact our personal lives as well as our culture at large? This is a conversation that could set you or someone you know free to live free of this limiting mindset.
Welcome Dubb Alexander, UN Liaison and Christian Leadership Trainer, to Brave Conversations! Dubb's ability to tap into what God is saying has led to influence beyond where he would have expected. He gives us keys and techniques to hearing God for governmental solutions and how to be an effective covert influencer in that realm. We explore how to tell a true prophet from a misguided one, and why you don't have to carry a Bible and wear Jesus T-shirt everywhere you go to be a kingdom influencer.
For more on Dubb go to kingdomstatesmen.com !
Here’s a peek into our very first Brave Conversations Zoom event! In this conversation we hear from our minister panelists Tomas Rivas (Orthodox), Niki Tshibaka (Pentecostal), and Marcus Sanders (Baptist) and co-host James Primm.
If you are interested in being part of our next conversation in real time, let us know by emailing us at braveconversationsanchorage@gmail.com.
We welcome back Brave Conversationalists Edwin Arthur and James Primm to the podcast to share with us their nuanced views on the hot topics of 2020: namely the issues surrounding Covid 19 and the 2020 Presidential Election. You might be surprised at where these guys on the left and right agree and disagree. We believe that Brave Conversations like this make us better and smarter as a society.
Did you know you might be being influenced by a "religious" mindset even if you don't consider yourself "religious." Here we learn from podcaster Melody Dowlearn how to recognize a dogmatic, religious mindset in yourself and how to break free of it. Find more about Melody at https://www.tridentitycoaching.com
Leigh Sloan shares thoughts about what we can learn from Abraham Lincoln and the time of the Civil War for 2020. We explore paradigms between moral integrity and wise strategy, having high standards for your own speech and being forgiving of others. Should Christians affiliate with parties or candidates or keep themselves separate from it? Is it possible to maintain our convictions with integrity and win?
City Councilman Tim Roberts and Leigh Sloan discuss the importance of local politics and how to effect real change at the local level. Whether you are a community member or an elected official, you’ll better understand the problems and pursue the wisdom needed to bring transformation in any sphere of influence.
To see the uncut video of this conversation and to support Brave Conversations, visit locals.com and search "Brave Conversations."
Join Leigh Sloan as she interviews Drew Neal for the Brave Conversations Podcast. This episode is packed with wisdom for learning to think differently so we can bring solutions and better communication in a way that dignifies people and sets them free! Find Drew Neal at drewneal.com.
In this episode, Leigh Sloan speaks from the heart about what it means to be a peacemaker vs. a peacekeeper, how we identify the lie of political gnosticism, and encouragement as we go through the stress of Covid 19, lockdowns, and political uncertainty.
In this episode of Brave Conversations, we continue our discussion with James Primm (liberal) and Edwin Arthur (conservative) about current issues surrounding black lives in America. Topics addressed include institutional or systemic racism, the BLM organization, policing practices, and more.
Three Christians from different political perspectives (Edwin Arthur, James Primm, and Natasaia Townsend) from Alaska and California discuss their concerns for 2020 including their hopes for helping the American black community to move forward economically and socially.
Join this group of brave, intelligent, and conservative African American women (Portia Noble, Alaska House Representative Sharon Jackson, and Stephanie Taylor) as they discuss the race issues going on in our country today. What they want, what bothers them, what moves them, and what they want you to know.
Join Leigh Sloan as she interviews Anchorage Christian Ministers Tommy Leonard and Cheston McCrea on issues related to the topic of racism.
Tommy and Cheston tell stories of racism that they've experienced as well as issues related to police brutality in the case of George Floyd, how especially Christians can be working together to correct the problem, and pitfalls to avoid as we lean in to communication with one another.
Americans for Prosperity Representative, Portia Noble, interviews Leigh Sloan about homeschooling philosophy and techniques for parents everywhere who are currently schooling at home. We also discuss school choice and some of the political consequences of homeschooling. Bonus insight from veteran Alaskan homeschooling parent, Stephanie Taylor!
For the full video conversation and more bonus material, please subscribe to Brave Conversations at Patreon.com/braveconversations.
Leigh Sloan interviews Dan Fagan, conservative political commentator of the Dan Fagan radio show and Tuckerman Babcock, former Chair of the Alaska Republican Party and former Chief of Staff to Governor Dunleavy. They discuss the recent events involving churches who choose to meet in person during a pandemic. Together they weigh differing viewpoints on safety measures vs. freedom of religion and freedom to assemble, the way the pandemic is being handled, and more.
With Christian theologian and prolific author Harold Eberle, we discuss some brave and common questions that come to people who explore the Old Testament. Questions like: why did God sometimes command his people to kill other people groups? Why are there so many laws we ignore today? Does God cause things like the coronavirus to occur? What is the value of the Old Testament to our lives and culture today?
Visit www.worldcastministries.com for more on Harold Eberle.
To subscribe to Brave Conversations on Patreon and get more video content visit: Patreon.com/braveconversations!
In this episode we explore with Leigh Sloan, Rodney Stark’s book, “The Rise of Christianity” as it relates to the transformation of culture during times of disease, pestilence and disaster. How can we let this inform how we live our daily lives during times of crisis? Anytime we have social upheaval, we have opportunities for impact.
Leigh interviews George Martinez, former professor of Political Science and candidate for Anchorage Mayor, about the interaction between people’s attitudes in culture and laws that are made by the government. They explore questions such as: how do laws influence human behavior? And how does human behavior give rise to new laws in the United States? What can we learn from our history about the right time to introduce new legislation for the benefit of all? Which comes first, the legislation or the positive behavior?
Leigh discusses honing the art of perspective taking without removing the reality that ultimate Truth exists and is able to be discovered. Can two perspectives be equally valid at the same time? What are people really doing when expressing "their truth?"
Join in as Leigh Sloan interviews Raquel Polanco on her life as a poet and spoken word artist, her take on the Super Bowl Halftime show, and how we can encourage better conversations in our culture. Stay until the end for an eloquent poem about empowering women in their own skin.
Explore the history behind Christmas, from pagan rituals to Christian rites. From the period when Christmas was cancelled to the story of how a Christmas song halted a war. Love it or hate it, Christmas and how we celebrate it says a lot about who we are. Learn to become a cultural curator, rather than a blind sheep to whatever the customs culture throws our way. Listen all the way to the end for a little surprise!
Meet Paul Merkel, man who experienced all levels of prison security and lived to write about it in his book, "Stonegate: A Place Without Time." What is the culture of prison really like and what strategies helped Paul to survive? What can prison culture teach us about life outside of prison and how can we live life to the fullest today?
In this episode we explore the concept of “cultural appropriation” or using another’s cultural items, clothing, traditions or food in a way that is inappropriate or demeaning to that culture. Is using another culture’s items ever appropriate? Should we emphasize our differences our our similarities? Should we value tradition or innovation? What can the past teach us about how we are to move forward with this issue into the future?
Leigh has a brave conversation with Alaska Native Yupik/Eskimo, Eleanor Roehl. Eleanor describes her experiences as a half-European, half-Yupik girl growing up in a small village and her transition to western society in a boarding school and beyond. Her challenging experiences give us insight into the sources and solutions for racism and prejudice. Eleanor gives us practical ways of recognizing prejudice in ourselves, to open ourselves up to learning from other cultures, and to experience the unique blessings each culture has to offer. Find out more about Eleanor at kingdomallianceak.com.
Thank you to Dan Jurusz for providing some added historical context to this brave conversation.
In this interview we compare the viewpoints of two men (Ceezar Martinson and James Primm) who have both served in the Alaska legislature, both been involved in the Democratic Party, and who are now both Christians with different political views. How does their faith inform how they see politics today? How can we act in ways that overcome political toxic tribalism?
In this episode we kick of season 3 as we explore the concept of "toxic tribalism." We know that we humans are tribal creatures, but where and when can our sense of tribalism go toxic? Did toxic tribalism play a role in booting a sitting Alaskan judge from his recent position? Leigh brings in perspectives on the political right and left to begin our exploration of this timely topic. If we can learn to minimize the effects of toxic tribalism, maybe we can create more peace in our world.
In this episode we sum up our discuss on where we've come as a society with male/female issues, where we're headed, and what are the biggest challenges facing men and women. Two women and two kids give their perspectives.
This is the last segment of our men's panel discussing male and female dynamics. In this episode we delve into political perspectives behind the #metoo movement-- what it means for both men and women, parenting, and Christianity.
5 men discuss the word "toxic masculinity." What implications does this concept have for society? What does it really mean to be a man? Are there any better words we can use to describe manhood or the lack thereof?
The issue of pornography goes so much deeper than what is seen on the surface. Let's dive deep with our men's panel on a topic that is often so shame laden that it's rarely discussed. Find out what this issue is like from a Christian man's perspective.
Body image issues are not just issues for women. Join Leigh as she interviews 5 Christian men (Derek Chalifour, James Primm, Ben Drebert, Josh Samuels, and Dan Jurusz) on how they view women and their relationships with women.
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In this second part of the conversation with Amanda and Nesha, we get real and vulnerable with brave topics such as porn use, sex in dating, and recovery from sexual abuse from a Christian lens. We also talk about how to broach this topic with our peers and with our children.
We begin this honest conversation with Nesha Christy and Amanda Hartman, two young single Alaskan ladies on challenges with body image and self-perception. This is part one of a two part brave conversation.
In this interview with pro-golfer and minister Byron Easterling, we talk about the power of conversation in our everyday lives. Byron helps us uncover what it means to invite God into your everyday conversations, making them life changing experiences for all. We also discuss his book, "Dream Big, Dream Often," on pursuing your dreams. Check out Byron Easterling on Soundcloud and Amazon!
In this second part of the conversation with Pastor Rich Irwin (Refuge City Church) and James Marchetti (Radiant Church) we get into these two Anchorage pastors' views on women's roles in the church. This conversation has large implications for where we are headed as a church in our culture. We hope this conversation will inspire you to have important conversations like this where you live.
Join Pastors James Marchetti (Radiant Church) and Rich Irwin (Refuge City Church) to discuss the differing views on the biblical roles of women. James is representing his complementarian view, while Rich carries the egalitarian view. This conversation is a great example of how we can disagree and maintain our love and respect for one another.
What do people mean when they say "don't judge"? Does it mean we are supposed to suspend all judgement? If all judgement was suspended, what kind of world would it be? In this episode we explore Jesus' wisdom on judgement and interpret the wrong and right ways to use our sense of judgement for good in this world.
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This episode explores the different methods that people use to respond to the challenges of political and cultural unrest. There are some bad habits that we need to consider losing if we are going to move forward in creating a more peaceful society. And there are also new habits that will help us lean in to healthy conflict so that we can make peace, not just superficially "keep peace." Learn how the white glove, the boxing glove, and the green glove are already at work to shape the world around us.
If we think that our generation has mastered the use information, we need to think again. While we may distribute more information than ever before, we have not learned how to sufficiently decipher and interpret what we consume. This can lead to more confusion and a greater disparity in our opinions. In this episode, we'll explore the best ways to utilize the info coming at us. We'll also apply these principles to the freedom of speech issues being raised with the recent tragic events in New Zealand.
Have you noticed that our culture is moving toward the view that certain people have license to say certain things and others do not? These rules are not based on the logic of the words that come out of a persons mouth, but the perception of who the person is. Very few of us have considered or discussed the implications of this habit. Together, let's explore this "identity fallacy" so we can move on to better conversations.
Continuing our conversation from the previous episode, we unpack further how our western society is pendulum swinging from a culture of excellence to a culture that is more and more obsessed with the plight of the underdog. Let's explore the impact that these subtle shifts are affecting us today and tomorrow.
There are those that seem to have it all: beauty, brains, friends, and more. And then there are those on the low end of the pecking order. We love to see the underdog rise to wealth, beauty and fame. And we celebrate those at the top... sort of. This episode explores the dark side of being a top dog and why it may be more of a disadvantage after all.
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The practice of blacklisting, shunning, shaming, and ostracizing has been with us for pretty much as long as history itself. In this episode, we'll explore the possible reasons we shame, what modern day shaming looks like, and how shaming impacts our culture. We'll interview Gene McConnell on how shaming impacted his life firsthand.
Please see the notes for this show at LeighSloan.com.
For more on Gene McConnell, visit authenticrelationshipsint.com.
You may have heard it said, "Talk is cheap." But the words we choose have power. The words we adopt into our vocabulary help shape our culture, while the words we discard say volumes about our values. Language is constantly changing, sometimes leaving us bewildered and confused. By being more cognizant of the words we use and why, we can intentionally shift the effectiveness of our communication and the trajectory of our culture.
See the show notes at LeighSloan.com!