You Know I: Recent Episodes
Melody Rachel
You Know I is a new podcast inspired by my desire to understand the world more and make sense of some of the ideas impacting our culture. Each week I interview a different guest to gain an insight into their life in order to expand my worldview and hopefully yours too! Music by Markvard• https://soundcloud.com/markvard
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Sasha Ayad is a licensed therapist and author who advocates for deep thinking over dogma when it comes to understanding gender and identity. Through her new channel, @TheMetaphorOfGender , she helps young people move beyond political definitions to explore their identity with radical curiosity and psychological flexibility.
Find Sasha Here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheMetaphorOfGender
https://sashaayad.substack.com/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us Fan Mail
Pear Joseph is a gay man who openly speaks out against gender ideology. I first discovered Pear through an article he wrote for an organisation called Genspect, titled: “Not Being Affirmed Saved My Life.”
In this episode, we discuss what made him feel like he was a girl, why he feels compelled to speak about these issues, and I offer counterexamples, including how transitioning helps some people, and how we might coexist despite having different conceptions of what it means to be a woman.
Find Pear here:
https://x.com/thepearjoseph
https://linktr.ee/pearjoseph
https://genspect.org/not-being-affirmed-saved-my-life/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Jared Byas is co-host of The Bible for Normal People podcast and co-author of Genesis for Normal People. A former teaching pastor and professor, he speaks on the Bible, truth, creativity, wisdom, and the Christian faith.
In this episode, we explore why the Bible isn’t black-and-white, whether its stories are true, and how science, faith, and objective truth can intersect. We also rethink what Christianity could look like today and examine the role of the Biblein modern life.
Extra Stuff:
https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/about-jared-byas/
https://www.instagram.com/jaredbyas
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBibleforNormalPeople
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Helen Pluckrose is a British author and cultural writer who challenges social justice activism and promotes liberalism and liberal principles.
In this conversation, we talk about how liberal society became so illiberal and what we can do to change that.
Find Helen here:
https://x.com/HPluckrose
https://substack.com/@helenpluckrose
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Mike is a Gay Christian, a content creator, and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Mike is my first repeat guest, and I wanted to get him back on the show to talk about how his views and theology might have shifted, what it is like to share yourself on a public platform, what it’s like sharing yourself publicly, and the challenge of creating a safe online space for queer people while still keeping dialogue open.
Find Mike here:
https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mikemaeshiro/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Nate Peters is a gay Christian and the co-host of the itriedtobestraight podcast. I went on their podcast last year and wanted to hear his story on mine.
In this episode, we discuss his journey coming out in the church, how he has come to accept himself today, and his experience at Bethel School of Ministry.
Find Nate here:
https://www.instagram.com/natebpeters/
https://www.instagram.com/itriedtobestraight/
https://www.youtube.com/@ITriedToBeStraight
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Pete Enns is an American biblical scholar and theologian. He has written several books and hosts The Bible for Normal People podcast.
In this episode, we talk about what led him to reevaluate his understanding of the Bible, why some Christians feel the need to “defend Scripture,” and how viewing the Bible as a rulebook can limit people’s faith.
Find Pete here:
https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/about-pete-enns/
https://www.instagram.com/peteenns/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Jack Jewell is a YouTuber and podcaster exploring politics, society, and LGBT culture.
In this episode, we discuss: How Jack started his YouTube channel, the shift in LGBT culture, Queer theory, what led Jack to believe the things he does, and much more.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XPR7qBA4gU8?si=BY9yVtuv5SykrFVd
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Cade Bradley is a gay ex-Traditional Catholic, YouTuber, and host of the Intrinsically Ordered podcast. He now devotes his work to challenging Catholic fundamentalism.
In this episode, we discuss what it was like for Cade to come out as gay within the Catholic Church, what initially drew him to Catholicism, how people become radicalised, and whether we still need LGBT activism.
Find Cade here:
https://www.youtube.com/@GayExTrad
intrinsicallyordered.com
https://www.instagram.com/gayextrad
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Helen Joyce is a journalist and gender-critical voice, best known for her work on gender identity ideology and the tensions she sees between women's rights and trans rights. And she’s the author of the book Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality, which is how I found out about her work.
In this episode, we explore the tensions Helen sees between trans rights and women’s rights, what led her to speak out on these issues, what she’s uncovered along the way, and where she believes the conversation needs to go next.
Check this episode out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEH63BVAjv0&t=55s
Find Helen here:
https://x.com/HJoyceGender
https://www.thehelenjoyce.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Bridget Eileen Rivera is a sociologist, writer, and committed Christ-follower. She is the author of a book titled Heavy Burdens, and her work explores orthodox theology and LGBTQ issues in the church.
In this episode, we discuss Bridget’s journey of coming out in the church, confronting shame, and embracing a faith that doesn't demand she be straight or celibate to be loved by God.
Find Bridget here:
https://www.meditationsofatravelingnun.com
https://www.instagram.com/bridgeteileenrivera/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH7et98SC1c
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Storm is a Queer Christian and the founder of The Identity Clinic—Australia’s first mental health organisation exclusively supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
We met at my very first gay wedding and immediately started talking about God, so I knew I had to bring them on the show. In this episode, we dive into navigating the intersection of faith and identity, what it means to have a relationship with God and the journey of founding The Identity Clinic.
Find Storm here: https://www.instagram.com/storm_hassett/
Identity Clinic here: https://www.theidentityclinic.org
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
MaryB. Safrit is a NYC-based relationship coach, author, host of the Found Family podcast, and maker of slightly unhinged merch.
MaryB is also bisexual and Christian—so I wanted to get her on the podcast to talk about her journey with faith, how she accepts herself as a queer Christian and what her deconstruction journey looked like.
Check this episode out on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU8YBuCPQB0
Find Mary B Here:
https://www.marybsafrit.com
https://www.instagram.com/maryb.safrit/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Salomé Sibonex is an artist, speaker, and advisor who advocates for individual freedom and freedom of expression in the arts.
In this episode, we explore her political shift, the divisive aspects of the social justice movement, her passion for individualism and how to foster dialogue with those we disagree with.
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncev_PX8WTQ&t=2163s
Find Salomé here:
https://x.com/SalomeSibonex
https://www.instagram.com/salomesibonex
https://www.salomesibonex.com
https://www.wetheblacksheep.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melodyrachel
Send us a text
Brandan Robertson is a fellow Gay Christian, author, and minister well-known for creating LGBT affirming theological content on TikTok.
In this interview, we explore how he reconciles his faith with his sexuality, how he began preaching on TikTok, handling online hate, the reasons behind some Christians' fixation on labeling others as sinners, and why he chooses to remain a Christian.
Find Brandan here:
https://www.brandanrobertson.com
https://www.instagram.com/brandanrobertson
https://www.tiktok.com/@revbrandanrobertson
https://x.com/BrandanJR
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Send us a text
Zoe Booth is the Community Engagement Manager at Quillette and the Quillette Cetera podcast host.
Zoe was one of my first podcast guests, and I wanted to bring her back to explore how her political views have evolved. Initially immersed in leftist activist spaces, she eventually became disillusioned with certain ideologies within those spaces. In our conversation, we discuss what attracted her to far-left advocacy, how she became disillusioned and the reasons behind her current perspectives.
Find Zoe here:
https://x.com/zoecabina
https://www.instagram.com/zoekyranne
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Dr. Kevin M. Young is an author, pastor, coach, and weightlifter. He has pastored several evangelical churches but has since become disillusioned with evangelicalism. He now runs his own ministry, Christ's Table, providing resources for those disillusioned with the church. He also hosts the podcast Jacked Theology and is the author of the book Reconstruct Your Faith.
In this conversation, we talk about what the modern evangelical church gets wrong about Jesus, Kevin's journey in reconstructing faith, what 'Christ-centered faith' means, and the role of the Bible.
Find Kevin here:
https://x.com/kevinmyoung
https://kmyoung.com
Kevins book: https://tinyurl.com/2p9xzf48
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Dr. Karen Pack is a religious historian, ordained Christian minister, and marriage celebrant. Her doctoral research examines the marginalisation and erasure of women and LGBTQ+ Christians from Australian religious histories.
In this conversation, we explore her early experiences in the church, and her journey of coming out as gay, and we challenge the biblical interpretations often used to justify anti-gay sentiments, while also delving into atonement theory.
Find Karen here:
https://www.un-packed.com.au
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Frankie Fearce (she/they) is a queer comedian, storyteller and social media personality.
In this conversation we discuss Frankie’s religious upbringing, why they left Christianity, coming out as Non-binary/Trans, making comedy and how to maintain relationships with people with different political beliefs.
Check out their new show DAZZA - a satirical monologue about staunch Australian masculinity - here: https://linktr.ee/DAZZAbyfrankiefearce
Find Frankie here:
https://www.instagram.com/frankie_fearce
https://linktr.ee/frankiefearce
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Scott Parker is a theatre-maker and creative director of his own theatre company, Matriark Theatre.
He also created a theatre show called ‘Hillsong Boy’, which recounts his experiences as a worship leader at Hillsong Church.
In this conversation, we explore Scott's journey as a worship leader at Hillsong Church, and his experience coming out as queer within the church. We also discuss the distinction between the church and Jesus, as well as the creation of his solo theatre show, 'Hillsong Boy'.
Scott is partnering with the Australian Cultural Fund to raise money to take ‘Hillsong Boy’ on tour, you can donate here: https://shorturl.at/ck6Nq
Find Scott here:
https://x.com/scotthparker
https://www.instagram.com/scottp53/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Claire Lehmann is the founder and editor of Quillette, an online magazine promoting free thinking and the open exchange of ideas.
In this conversation, we explore the decline of mainstream media, delve into Claire’s critiques of the feminist movement, why Quillette is often labelled as right-wing, and discuss the values she believes should be elevated in today’s culture.
Check this episode out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH4tCCZj49I&t=1114s
Find Claire Lehmann Here:
https://x.com/clairlemon
https://quillette.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
John Rainey is an ex-Christian pastor who creates content on Instagram where he shares his thoughts about God, the self, and spirituality, with a particular focus on why he left Christianity.
Check out Johns Content here:
https://www.instagram.com/saint_rainey
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Matthew Vines is a Gay Christian, a proponent of affirming theology and has dedicated his career to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the church. He’s also the Founder of The Reformation Project and the author of God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships.
In this episode, we talk about the passages Christians often use to condemn gay people, I ask about Matthew’s relationship and journey with Jesus, the purpose of the Reformation project and what affirming theology is.
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/tmFq1UzDv44?si=Zuf9ag816pFqKvHd
Find Matthew here:
https://x.com/VinesMatthew
https://matthewvines.com
https://reformationproject.org
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Maria Witlof is a content creator and detransitioner aiming to spread Gender Dysphoria awareness.
In this conversation, we talk about when Maria first felt like she might be the opposite sex, what her experience was like transitioning and why she decided to detransition.
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC_53qP904c&t=626s
Check out Maria's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCA-SWeiOwoPtPyQGcJWJyZg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariawitlof/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Taylor Draper served as a pastor at a church in the United States for 10 years. However, she was fired after coming out as a Lesbian.
In this conversation we speak about Taylor’s experience as a pastor, getting fired for being gay, trying to do fellowship with other Christians and what her relationship with Jesus is like.
Watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqfZBwGfPs8&t=5s
Find Taylor here: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpdraper/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Graham Linehan is an Irish comedy writer who co-created the sitcoms Father Ted, Black Books, and The IT Crowd. He is also very outspoken about transgender activism and the conflict he sees between trans rights and women's rights.
In this episode, I explore Graham's motivations for addressing transgender issues, try to seek some common ground and understand why he feels so strongly about his perspective.
https://twitter.com/Glinner
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Austin Crute is an actor and musician, best known for his roles in the Netflix series Daybreak and the film Booksmart. Austin is also Gay and Christian and is the son of a pastor.
In this episode, we talk about what it was like for Austin growing up gay as a pastor's kid, his coming out journey, what made Austin think he was going to hell, what his relationship with Jesus is like and how he finally came to terms with being Gay and Christian.
Find Austin Here:
https://twitter.com/AustinCrute
https://www.instagram.com/austincrute
Check out this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnazBsI9BW4
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
This episode's guest is Autumn.
Both Autumn and I identify as Christians and experience attraction towards women. However, while I acknowledge and act on this attraction, Autumn has chosen not to. In this conversation, we delve into her reasoning behind this and have a debate about our differing perspectives.
Check this episode out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nib6KkeFS6g&t=1593s
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Richie Hardcore is an educator, speaker and mental health advocate. He works in sexual violence prevention and advocates for a healthy approach to masculinity. He’s also a Muay Thai boxing trainer and uses his own lived experience to try and create positive change.
In this chat, we delve into Richies mental health advocacy work and how he navigates the radicalisation of Social Justice spaces. We examine the effectiveness of radical approaches within the Social Justice movement and look at alternative strategies for creating real change. We also talk about institutional capture and the mental health toll of cancel culture.
Find Richie here:
https://www.richiehardcore.com/
https://www.instagram.com/richiehardcore
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Brad Polumbo is an independent journalist and a YouTuber. He covers all the craziest things on the internet, in our politics, and in the LGBT community, from a centre-right, moderate perspective.
In this conversation, we discuss how Brad got started as a YouTuber, getting banned from TikTok, a critique of the overreach of LGBT radicalism, Self-ID laws and how to stay nuanced when people are being extreme.
Check this episode out on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyphAywTYwM
Find Brad here:
https://twitter.com/brad_polumbo
https://www.youtube.com/@Brad_Polumbo
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Dara Macdonald is a free-speech enthusiast and the director of the Free Speech Union Australia.
In this episode, we explore Australia's free speech laws, discuss its importance in a functional society, does limiting speech prevent violence, and the purpose of Free Speech Union Australia.
Links:
https://daramacdonald.substack.com
https://twitter.com/FSUofAustralia
https://freespeechunion.au
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Traidy Naidoo is a Gay Christian friend of mine who started his Christian ministry when he was living in South Africa. He is a solicitor in NSW who has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector and currently, he works at his disability and mental health organisation which he founded called; Chosen Family Australia.
In this episode, we explore Traidy's journey from believing being gay was a sin and embracing celibacy to discussing the misuse of scripture for political purposes. We also delve into the purpose of the Bible, the nature of a relationship with Jesus, and how one can come to know God.
Check this episode out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VogeV7Cjj7c&t=28s
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Brent Morden is a New York-based music director, composer, and vocalist and is the managing director of Fair In The Arts - an organisation promoting Fairness, Understanding and humanity in Arts.
In this conversation, we discuss how liberal values have diminished in the arts, self-censorship, cancel culture, alternative ways to provide an advantage to disadvantaged groups, Fair In The Arts as an organisation and how you can become a part of it.
Check out this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7-Pfm2MKGU&t=915s
Find Brent Here:
https://www.instagram.com/extramordenary/
Fair In The Arts Website:
https://www.fairforall.org/fair-in-the-arts/
Join Fair In The Arts:
arts@fairforall.org
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Dr. David Bennett has a doctorate in theology and is a postdoctoral research fellow in Oxford University's Theology and Religion Faculty. He is an author and theologian covering various topics, including theology, desire, beauty, gender, theodicy, suffering, ethics, and sexuality.
In this episode, we explore David's transition from a Christian-hating gay activist to a Jesus-loving celibate Christian. I ask if celibacy should apply to all gay Christians and what LGBT inclusion in the church should look like.
Check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9-9gYc-QK0&t=27s
Find David here:
https://www.instagram.com/davidacbennett/
https://www.dacbennett.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
For the final episode of the year. I thought I would do a solo episode and recap of what I’ve learned so far!
I discuss why I started the podcast, the 3 main themes I talk about, the biggest things I've learned so far, overcoming procrastination and what’s in store for 2024.
Feel free to check this out on YouTube.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Lincoln Russ is a fundamentalist Christian, evangelist and street preacher.
In this episode, we talk about Lincoln’s ministry, fornication, why he believes having sex outside of marriage is so bad, his thoughts on sexual promiscuity and what he believes a true Christian looks like.
This is my second time talking to Lincoln, and although we both believe in Jesus, our views differ tremendously. I am interested in understanding why he believes what he believes and whether his literal interpretation of the bible stands any ground, I also offer some counterexamples to some of his points and put forth my own perspective.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
A.J. Hendry is a Youth Development Worker and housing advocate working to end Youth homelessness in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
He is also the curator and creator of the blog and podcast When Lambs Are Silent, where he explores the intersection between faith and justice.
In this conversation we talk about: how he got started working in Youth homelessness, rehabilitation and restorative justice for young offenders and how being a Christian intersects with his advocacy.
Find A.J here:
https://twitter.com/AeJayHendry
https://substack.com/@revolutionletters
https://whenlambsaresilent.wordpress.com/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Sall Grover is the Founder & CEO of ‘giggle’, a female social networking app. She is currently being taken to Federal Court for not allowing transgender women on the app.
In this conversation, we talk about the creation of her Female-only app ‘giggle’, why she created it, why she feels like single-sex spaces are important and why she believes transgender women shouldn’t be in female-only spaces.
Find Sall Here:
https://twitter.com/salltweets
Giggle Crowd Fund Here:
https://gigglecrowdfund.com/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Dr. Robert Gnuse is the James C. Carter, S.J./Bank One Distinguished Professor of the Humanities in the Religious Studies Department. He received his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in the area of the Old Testament and is the author of 12 books and approximately 80 articles in biblical studies.
In this episode, we discuss an article he wrote titled: “Seven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality.”
Below are the Seven Texts we discuss:
Noah and Ham (Genesis 9:20-27)
Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-11)
Levitical laws condemning same-sex relationships (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13)
Two words in two Second Testament vice lists (1 Corinthians 6:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:10)
Paul’s letter to the Romans (Romans 1:26-27)
Check this episode out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXkLi7THAh4&t=2s
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Michelle Pollino is a writer, reporter, journalist, and filmmaker.
Michelle caught my attention because she wrote an article for FAIR In The Arts called The Fracturing Is Necessary - which is also the title of her forthcoming memoir.
In this episode, we talk about what compelled her to write The Fracturing Is Necessary, what is dividing us in society, how Michelle thinks the lies she was told as a young gay woman are being rebranded as truth to young gay people today, and how we can live in a more compassionate world.
Link to The Fracturing Is Necessary: https://fairforall.substack.com/p/the...
Find Michelle Here:
https://www.michellepollino.com
https://twitter.com/Michellpollino
Watch the episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_eGs9qmFOE&t=1364s
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
My Guest today is Emilie Dye. Emilie is a writer, political commentator, Heterodox thinker and an atheist.
During our conversation, Emilie and I explore our Christian backgrounds, reflecting on how it led her to become an atheist and how it led me back to Jesus.
We debate current understandings and misunderstandings of Christianity, the difference between religion and spirituality and what a relationship with Jesus looks like.
Find Emilie here:
https://twitter.com/Emilie_Dye
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Karl is a queer (gay) Christian pastor at Crave Church in Sydney. He is a published academic specialising in New Testament Studies and holds a PhD in Theology and a Masters in Philosophy.
In this episode, we dive into the complex and often debated topic of homosexuality in the Bible. We discuss Karl’s upbringing in a Pentecostal Church, how he reconciled his faith to his sexuality, the historical context of the vice lists in the bible and the ex-gay Christian Movement.
Check out Crave Church here:
https://www.cravemcc.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Ben Appel is a writer based in New York City and has a book coming out titled; Cis, White Gay, about his liberation from the Church of Social Justice.
In this episode, I discuss with Ben what it was like growing up in a Christian, fundamentalist community, why he pretended to be straight when he was younger, how the LGBT community has changed over the years, and how should we respond to young people who want to go on puberty blockers.
Find Ben here:
https://twitter.com/benappel
https://www.benappelwrites.com/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Nico is a Gay Christian, Musician, Actor, Film Producer and a Writer from Colorado, US.
In this conversation, we gain insights into Nico's personal experience of coming out as gay in a church-dominated environment, being in the closet, how we hear the voice of God and when he realised that God accepted his identity as a gay man.
Find Nico here:
https://www.instagram.com/iamyanyez
https://www.yanyezmusic.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Jamie Beaman is a theatre artist, director and writer for his own Substack called The Cornfield which you can read here: https://jamesbeaman.substack.com
This is Jamie's second time on the show and in this episode, we talk about why we elevate one group at the expense of another, the performance of respect as opposed to actually respecting people. We ask; Can you have relationships with people you don’t politically align with and should we be doing “land acknowledgements” if we’re not doing anything to help uplift aboriginal people?
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Marcus Dib is a YouTuber and Creator. He creates videos critiquing transgender ideology, even though he is trans himself. I got him on the show because I wanted to learn more about his perspective on this topic and explore his own journey of gender transition.
Find Marcus here:
https://www.youtube.com/@marcusdib
https://twitter.com/marcus_dib
https://www.instagram.com/theoffensivetranny
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Trent Thompson is a storyteller.
He is also a husband, father, musical artist, content creator, and co-founder of a video marketing business called Guide Creative Agency. His passion in life is telling stories. Stories that connect and inspire others to believe in themselves.
Find Trent here:
https://www.instagram.com/trentthompsonmusic
https://linktr.ee/trentenjoel
https://www.trentthompsonmusic.com/
https://guidecreative.co/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Richie Hardcore is an educator, speaker and activist, working in family and sexual violence prevention, masculinities, mental health and fitness.
In this conversation, we talk about how Richie started his journey into Mental Health Advocacy, how he approaches men's issues, the problem with privilege hierarchies, why young men are drawn to figures like Andrew Tate, the problem with porn and heaps more.
Find Richie here:
https://www.richiehardcore.com
https://www.instagram.com/richiehardcore
Check it this episode out on Youtube: https://youtu.be/AQJ1l_SlXWM
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Angel Eduardo Angel Eduardo is a writer, musician, photographer, and designer based in New York City, best-known for coining and promoting the rhetorical concept of star-manning. He works as Senior Writer & Editor for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), and serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR).
In this episode we talk about polarisation in the arts, cancel culture, elevating liberal values, the concept of star-manning and being compassionate while countering bad ideas.
Find Angel Here:
http://angeleduardo.com/
https://twitter.com/StrangelEdweird
https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/how-to-star-man-arguing-from-compassion/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel
Joshua Shediak is an Actor turned Digital Content Creator. He produces humorous videos and reels focused on Mental Health, presenting them in a light-hearted and comical way.
Joshua has only been creating digital content for about 4 months now, so I thought it would be interesting to get some insights into his journey so far
In this episode, we talk about how Joshua got started with online content creation, what he finds most challenging about it, how he manages his time, how he generates ideas for content creation and where he hopes to be in the future.
Find Joshua's content here:
https://www.youtube.com/@joshuashediak
https://twitter.com/JoshuaShediak
https://www.instagram.com/joshuashediak
https://www.tiktok.com/@joshuashediak
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: @melodyrachel
In this episode I interview Des Nel about her new online course called 'Art Business In A Box'
It’s a 3-week online course that equips you with the skills to be able to teach emotions and resilience in 3 steps to kids through creativity and art.
For more info contact Des here: des@kidsartbydes.com
Buy Art Business in a Box here: https://desiree-a4e2.mykajabi.com/sales-page-fe2cb756-4710-4ba1-aba0-786d4875c412
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: @melodyrachel
Lincoln Russ is a fundamentalist Christian and street Evangelist. He travels around New Zealand literally preaching on the street telling people to 'repent of their homosexuality'. So, as a Christian who is also a Lesbian, I thought I'd have a conversation with him to find out why he thinks the way he does.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to be a fundamentalist Christian and unpack the concept of salvation and repentance. We also talk about his views on homosexuality and I offer some counter-arguments to try and win him over!
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: @melodyrachel
Mike is a Gay Christian, a content creator, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He was formerly a minister at Bethel Church in Redding, California. He now runs an organisation called NUMA which helps people in redemptive deconstruction and equips people in theology, spirituality and faith.
In this episode, we talk about what it was like for Mike growing up as gay in an evangelical Christian environment, how he reconciled his faith to his sexuality, we deconstruct some of the bible verses that people use against gay people, we talk about what the bible even is and how we should use it and Mike's perspective on who Jesus is.
Find Mike here:
https://www.youtube.com/@mikemaeshiro3965
https://www.instagram.com/mikemaeshiro
https://www.mikemaeshiro.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: @melodyrachel
Kimi Katiti is an interdisciplinary artist, YouTuber and Substack writer, currently living in Los Angeles, California but originally hailing from Kampala, Uganda.
In this conversation we talk about Kimi’s journey moving to the States, what Christianity means to her, what she thinks about the current social justice movement, why she believes critical race theory doesn’t liberate black people and how forgiveness is the key to creating social change.
Here are my links:
www.kimikatiti.com
www.Instagram.com/kimikatiti
https://www.youtube.com/@Nyonyozimusic
The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062203576/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_ECNBHFB5JB1Q8KCZKWZ9?linkCode=ml2&tag=kimikatiti04-20
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodyrachelk
Youtube: @melodyrachel
Dana Pham is a conservative transgender woman and a liberal arts student at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney.
In this conversation we talk about Dana’s experiences at protests as a counter-protestor, how being transgender intersects with her faith, some of her core beliefs as a conservative and what her thoughts are on the transgender debate and where she thinks the common ground is.
Find Dana Here:
Twitter: @DanaPhamAU
Blog: https://danapham-au.medium.com/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Youtube: @melodyrachel
My guest today is Alex Kovats.
Alex is an exercise physiologist who helps people with chronic pain conditions.
I got him on the show because he’s overcome a difficult upbringing and through that gone on to develop a career where he coaches and helps people to self-improvement through movement and exercise.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Youtube: @melodyrachel
I met Daniela at a Christian Conference 5 years ago. And I thought she had a really interesting perspective on Jesus.
In this conversation, we talk about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, whether being a Christian is a choice, the role of the bible, and what sin is.
Check it out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u73Awr137CU
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Youtube: @melodyrachel
Holly Lawford-Smith is an Associate Professor in Political Philosophy at the University of Melbourne, and the author of 2 books, Gender-Critical Feminism and Sex Matters.
In this conversation, we discuss the roots of Gender-Critical Feminism, the theory of Gender as a social construct and Gender as an identity, how all this potentially conflicts with women's rights and what the heck is going on with the HER app!?
Find Holly here:
https://www.youtube.com/@hollylawford-smith
https://twitter.com/aytchellesse
https://hollylawford-smith.org
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Buy her books!
Gender Critical Feminism: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/gender-critical-feminism-9780198863885?q=Lawford-Smith⟨=en&cc=au
Sex Matters: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/sex-matters-9780192896131?q=sex%20matters⟨=en&cc=au
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Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Youtube: @melodyrachel
James Beaman is a theatre artist, director and writer for his own substack called The Cornfield.
In this episode we discuss what it was like coming out as gay in the middle of the aids epidemic in New York City, his journey growing up as an artist and some of his experiences with social justice activism in the rehearsal room.
Check out the cornfield here:
https://jamesbeaman.substack.com/
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Konrad Benjamin is the host of the Ideas Digest podcast.
In this conversation, Konrad and I talk about how he came up with the idea to start a podcast, how he avoids telling his audience exactly what they want to hear, his thoughts on the extreme left, how to be okay with disagreement and his Christian upbringing.
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Check out the ideas digest podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/ideasdigest
https://www.instagram.com/ideasdigest
https://open.spotify.com/show/1WyzHckTQ6WhoUihJltSxu
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Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Gabriel Brown is the voice of FAIR News Weekly. She's a voice actor, an actor and a director. She holds a BM from The Catholic University of America and a Certificate of Drama from the London Dramatic Academy.
In this episode we discuss Gabriel’s story as an artist, we talk about how the arts have become increasingly identitarian, what it means to be pro-human and how we can humanise people we disagree with.
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Instagram: @g.a.b.vo
www.gabrielashtonbrown.com/
FAIR News Weekly: https://podcasts.google.com/search/FAIR News Weekly
Bion's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdN27qJtBGw
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Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Chuong Nguyen is a fellow podcaster with his own podcast called "Unlicensed Philosophy."
In this conversation we discuss what it means to be a conservative, why young people identify as Marxists and gay marriage.
Check out Chuongs substack here: https://musicallyspeaking.substack.com/
Unlicensed Philosophy podcast: https://spotify.link/JIE9aEoD3yb
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
In this weeks episode I speak with my friend who is a woman that formerly identified as non-binary.
In this conversation we speak about what led her to feel like she was non binary, what her experience was like as a non-binary person, and why she’s decided to go back to identifying as a woman again.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Georgia Wilsher is a friend and a colleague of mine who is also a Christian. I invited her for on the show to discuss her personal definition and understanding of the term "Christian."
We also discuss; what the church gets wrong about Jesus, how Georgia became a Christian and what a relationship with Jesus is like.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
To celebrate my 10th episode of You Know I, I've released a conversation where I am the one being interviewed.
In this podcast episode, Morad interviews me about my experience creating four solo theatre shows, navigating my identity as 'a person who is gay' and how I came to know Jesus.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Zoe Booth currently works at Quillette as their Community Engagement Officer and she's an Arts and Law graduate with a passion for independent thinking and creative expression.
In this conversation, we follow Zoe's journey from being a plastic-free vegan, militant feminist, to a Jordan Peterson-loving, heterodox idea peddler.
Find Zoe on twitter - https://twitter.com/zoecabina
Check out Quillette - https://quillette.com
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
This is Part Two of a Two Part conversation where we delve into the question: Can you be gay and christian?
Traidy Naidoo is a Christian friend of mine who started his own Christian ministry when he was living in South Africa. He is a solicitor in NSW who has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector and currently, he works at his disability and mental health organisation which he founded called; Chosen Family Australia.
In this episode, Traidy and I delve deeper into questions regarding homosexuality in the bible. We look at what taking the lords name in vain actually means and what is the purpose of the bible and how should we use it.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
This is Part One of a Two Part conversation where we delve into the question: Can you be gay and christian?
Traidy Naidoo is a Christian friend of mine who started his own Christian ministry when he was living in South Africa. He is a solicitor in NSW who has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector and currently, he works at his disability and mental health organisation which he founded called; Chosen Family Australia.
In this episode we talk about how Traidy came to know Jesus, what it was like when he realised he was attracted to men and what some of the verses in the bible that mention homosexuality actually mean.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
My guest today is Jordin Louise. Jordin and I met at an audition for drama school in New Zealand 12 years ago and have recently reconnected so she can share her story.
In this episode we discuss her journey at drama school, surviving an abusive relationship and what it was like living in Saudi Arabia.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
In this weeks episode I chat with Jess Bellingham about her fundamentalist christian upbringing, where she's at now in terms of her spirituality and how that intersects with her sexuality.
Jess is a schoolteacher, writer and fellow podcaster. She's also my next door neighbour and I thought she made a pretty interesting conversationalist.
Check out more of Jess's work below:
Mere Utterance: https://www.mereutterance.com
Podcast: https://www.mereutterance.com/podcast
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
My guest today is Morad. Morad might be characterised as an ordinary guy living an ordinary life with some intriguing opinions.
We met at radio school, and in this episode, I quiz him on politics and the economy.
We talk about whether globalisation is good or bad and its effects on the world. We also explore how important it is to be aware of your heritage while maintaining a strong sense of identity through the culture that surrounds you.
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Emilie Paige is a writer, political commentator and libertarian thinker.
In this episode, we discuss Emilie’s experience growing up in a strict Christian household, what it means to be a libertarian and if she feels that being politically engaged is important.
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Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
This week's episode features Eva Sands.
Eva is a creative entrepreneur who has completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has now created an app called; Everyday Heroes, which has been designed to connect people with similar mental health experiences and struggles.
In this episode, we chat about the inspiration behind Everyday Heroes, how the app works and a little bit about Eva's journey in service design.
Download the Everyday Heroes App here:
iPhone App Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/everyday-heroes/id1624434734
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.memorypalace.everydayHeroesApp
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Check out Eva’s work in the links below:
https://www.eh.zone
https://www.instagram.com/fightfearclub
https://www.linkedin.com/company/memory-palace
Get in touch with me (Melody)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodyrachelk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youknowipod
Wilfred Roach is poet, author, performer and counsellor.
In this conversation, we discuss his first memoir: Black, Gay and Underage.
Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07PND5YW6
You Know I is a new podcast inspired by my desire to understand the world more and make sense of some of the ideas impacting our culture.
Each week I interview a different guest to gain an insight into their life in order to expand my worldview and hopefully yours too!
If you’re keen to join in on the ride, hit subscribe and let's see what happens.