Existential
107 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 121 ratingsThe podcast that reminds us that we are human first before anything else. On this show we have the conversations you're having about race, religion, and culture. We share stories and experiences that bring to light the humanity behind the ideologies, politics, and beliefs that we have about the world. Let's talk about justice, faith, and culture together!
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Episodes
Episode 98 (The Deconstructing Family and Dust Lions) with the fam
September 07, 2022 07:10 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBWe invite you to listen in as the Leak family has a very candid conversation about faith, the Black college experience, and what it means to be "spiritual" in an ever-changing world. Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com
Episode 97 (Why God Hates Singing) - NOT episode 98
August 24, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBIn this episode, I talk about that time I heard a worship song in an Uber and it disturbed me. Check it out! Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com
Episode 96 (The Gospel of Mysticism) with Kevin Sweeney
August 17, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 68.9 MBCorey chats with Kevin Sweeney who is the author of the book "The Making of a Mystic." They talk faith, spirituality, and how we can learn to practice faith in ways that make us more alive, fulfilled, and joyful. Contend with Kevin: On Instagram: @kevinsweeney1 Get his book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1957007141/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1652637771&sr=8-1 Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com/ http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 95 (I Don’t Know What I Believe, But It Ain’t That) with Rolando Lamb Jr.
August 10, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBWe had our guy Ro back on the show to talk about deconstructing and how he says his life got better after he leaned into what he truly believed despite what it would cost and who wouldn't be able to accept it. Contend with Ro: https://www.rolamb.com/scarlet-ranger/ Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com/
Episode 95 (I Know What I Believe, But It Ain’t That) with Rolando Lamb Jr.
August 10, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBWe had our guy Ro back on the show to talk about deconstructing and how he says his life got better after he leaned into what he truly believed despite what it would cost and who wouldn't be able to accept it. Contend with Ro: https://www.rolamb.com/scarlet-ranger/ Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com/
Episode 94 (Performative, But Helpful) with Danielle Prescod
August 03, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBIn this new episode, Corey talks with DEI professional, author, and fashion editor Danielle Prescod about whether or not some performative acts of anti-racism can be helpful in creating more spaces of belonging. Contend with Danielle: On Instagram: @danielleprescod Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com/
Episode 93 (Nice to Meet You) with recording artist Nicole Serrano
July 27, 2022 07:20 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBOn this episode of the show, Corey caught up with old friend Nicole Serrano who is a recording artist, songwriter, and musician who wrote a song about their own story of coming out as queer from the Christian music scene. Nicole's honesty and vulnerability are life-giving and moving. Enjoy! Contend with Nicole: On Instagram: @nicoleserrano Contend with us: https://coreyevanleak.com/
Episode 92 (I Thought I Was Brining God to Them) with Carlos Rodriguez of Happy Givers
July 20, 2022 07:01 - 41 minutes - 56.4 MBIn this episode, Corey has a conversation with Carlos Rodriguez about his journey to creating Happy Givers, the clothing and social justice NGO he created after a career in full-time evangelical ministry. This deconstruction conversation is one you don't want to miss! Contend with Carlos: On Twitter: @CarlosHappyNPO Happy Givers web: https://thehappygivers.com Our Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 91 (The Elephant In The Room) with Dr. Janice Gassam Assare
July 11, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBThis conversation Corey had with Dr. Janice Gassam Assare was so good we decided to release it as a bonus episode! Dr. J is an incredible DEI practitioner, author, speaker, and leader. Whether you're the boss or you have one, you need to hear this! Contend with Dr. Janice: On Insta: @janicejnice Listen to her podcast: The Dirty Diversity Podcast Get her book: https://www.abebooks.com/Pink-Elephant-Practical-Guide-Creating-Anti-Racist/31227298587/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade_10to2...
Episode 90 (What Do You Mean By Contending)
July 06, 2022 07:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBIn this episode, Corey explains what he means when he says "contending for a better world."
Episode 89 (The Sacred, Messy, Powerful, and Problematic) with Dante Stewart
March 30, 2022 07:41 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MBIn this new episode, Corey talks to Dante Stewart author of "Shoutin In the Fire." They discuss Dante's book, Black rage, spirituality, and how Black authors and culture can reveal the Divine in ways we might not have imagined. Contend with Dante: On Twitter and Insta: @stewartdantec The book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672938/shoutin-in-the-fire-by-dante-stewart/ Contend with us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 88 (Hood Wisdom) with Propaganda
March 23, 2022 07:02 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MBIn this episode, Corey talks to artist, activist, and author Propaganda about all the things the hood can teach us about life and spirituality. Contend with Propaganda: On the socials: @prophiphop On the web: https://www.prophiphop.com Contend with us: On Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 87 (Trapped in History) with Historian Lettie Gore
March 16, 2022 07:01 - 55 minutes - 75.9 MBIn this episode, Corey talks to Lettie Gore about the power of history and how we can engage in the sacred work of writing better stories in the present. Contend with Lettie: On Insta: @sincerely.lettie
Episode 86 (Put Down the Martini) with Jo Luehmann
March 09, 2022 07:32 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBIn this episode, Corey and Jo Luehmann discuss how to have a liberated spirituality and what happens when empires fall. Contend with Jo: On Insta and Twitter: @joluehmann Contend with us: On Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 85 (And the Oscar Goes to...)
March 02, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutes - 54.7 MBIn this episode, Corey talks about what acting has to do with social justice and allyship for the marginalized of the world. Contend with us: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 84 (Where I am Now - A Deconstructing Photo Dump)
February 23, 2022 07:02 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this episode Corey shares where he is on his spiritual journey and why we can trust the journey ahead of us. Contend with us: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 83 (How Tough Conversations Are Part of Self Care) with Dr. Nancy Dome
February 16, 2022 07:22 - 46 minutes - 63.8 MBRenowned speaker, author, and equity consultant Dr. Nancy Dome co-founded Epoch Education in 2014 to provide leaders in education and business with accessible professional development in diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and equity. As an educator for nearly three decades, Dr. Dome taught in the juvenile court and community schools teaching our most vulnerable students and has served as a Distinguished Teacher in Residence and faculty member at California State University-San Marcos. Her ...
Episode 82 (Still N*ggers)
February 09, 2022 07:02 - 26 minutes - 37 MBSome musings about the N-word and racism that you gotta hear! Contend with us: On Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak Website for coaching: https://www.coreyevanleak.com
Episode 81 (Jesus, Yemaya, and My Mama) with Theologian Candice Benbow
February 02, 2022 07:40 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBIn this episode, Corey talks to Candice Benbow who is a theologian, writer, and author of the acclaimed new book "Red Lip Theology." Candice talks about her book, why her book isn't a book about deconstruction, and a prayer she prayed that will shock and inspire you! Contend with Candice: On Insta and Twitter: @candicebenbow Contend with us: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 80 (I’m Sacred Too) with Dr. Christena Cleveland
January 26, 2022 07:01 - 44 minutes - 61.1 MBChristena Cleveland, Ph.D. is a social psychologist, public theologian, author, and activist. She is the founder and director of the Center for Justice + Renewal as well as its sister organization, Sacred Folk, which creates resources to stimulate people’s spiritual imaginations and support their journeys toward liberation. An award-winning researcher and former professor at Duke University’s Divinity School, Christena lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Contend with Dr. Cleveland: On her Patr...
Episode 79 (Raising Imagination About Women‘s Reproductive Rights) with Amanda Hambrick Ashcroft
December 08, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBAmanda is back with us to discuss how she wound up a commentator on Fox News and her activism for women and their reproductive rights. Contend with Amanda: On Insta: @raisingimagination Web: https://linktr.ee/raisingimagination Contend with us: On Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 78 (Stop Being Generous)
December 01, 2021 07:00 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MBFind out how generosity can be an obstacle on the road to a better world. Contend with us: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 77(Got a Lot of Enemies) with Melissa Florer-Bixler
November 17, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 60.5 MBIn this episode, we welcome back Melissa Florer-Bixler to talk about her new book "How to Have an Enemy." This conversation spans abolition, unity, and justice. Anyone who has wrestled with how to navigate our polarize society, this is a conversation for you! Show notes: To support incarcerated people: https://bailproject.org/ Contend with our Melissa: On twitter: @MelissaFloBix Her book: https://bookshop.org/books/how-to-have-an-enemy-righteous-anger-and-the-work-of-peace/9781513808130...
Episode 76 (Who Taught You to Treat the Ancestors Like Strangers.) with Andre Henry
November 10, 2021 07:02 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBOur brother and friend Andre Henry is back to talk about new music, his book, and a message from an ancestor you absolutely HAVE to hear! Contend with Andre: https://www.andrehenry.co/ On Insta: @theandrehenry Contend with us: On Insta: @existentialpodcast Become a Patron: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak Legacy Trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/legacy-trip-montgomery-with-corey-leak-and-nandi-kayyy-legacy-trips-montgomery-70382197
Episode 75 (Talking Ted Lasso and Debating the Exclusive Claims of Christianity) with Curtis Lillie
November 03, 2021 07:02 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBIn this episode, Corey's friend Curtis shares a critique of episode 74, Corey and Curtis discuss religious history and how we contend for a better world in the tension of it all. Contend with Curtis: On Twitter: @curtislillie Join us for legacy trips: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/legacy-trip-montgomery-with-corey-leak-and-nandi-kayyy-legacy-trips-montgomery-70382197 Our Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 74 (What is Love - What is God - Who are Our Friends?)
October 27, 2021 07:01 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBThis is an episode about love, God, us, and how they all work together. Contend with us: On Insta: @existentialpodcast Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 73 (Imagining Better and the Right Side of History) with Bree Newsome Bass
October 20, 2021 07:32 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBIn this episode, Corey talks to Bree Newsome Bass, the artist, musician, writer, and activist who famously took down the confederate flag in South Carolina in 2015. You'll want to make sure you listen to this conversation about abolition, art, activism, and a remade world. Contend with Bree: On Instagram: @bree.newsome On Twitter: @breenewsome Web: breenewsome.com Contend with us: On Instagram: @existentialpodcast Web: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 72 (Your God is My Devil) with Blake Chastain
October 13, 2021 07:01 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBIn this episode, Corey talks to Blake Chastain who founded #Exvangelical and is a thought leader on deconstruction and the exvangelical movement. Contend with our guest: On Twitter: @brchastain Web: postevangelicalpost.substack.com Contend with us: On Insta: @existentialpodcast Web: coreyevanleak.com
Episode 71 (Another Way to Name Deconstruction) with Jen Kinney
October 06, 2021 07:51 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MBIn this episode, Corey and Jen talk about their battles with anxiety, existential crises, and another way to name "deconstruction." Contend with Jen and stay up to date with her new podcast: On Instagram: @iamjenkinney and @storypowerpodcast Contend with us: On Instagram: @existentialpodcast
Anti-Asian Violence with Kathy Khang
August 11, 2021 13:22 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBJoin us for our Existential Sunday Series on Existential, the podcast. In this episode, Corey was joined by writer Kathy Khang to talk about Covid 19 and the impact of anti-Asian violence in the United States.
How American Christianity Polices Black Thought
July 19, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBJoin us for our Existential Sunday Series on Existential, the podcast. In this episode, Corey shares his thoughts on the church and the country, and the ways in which they police Black thought.
Why Everyone Should Have An Enemy
July 07, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBJoin us for our Existential Sunday Series on Existential, the podcast. In this episode of Existential, Corey shares his thoughts on enemies, love, boundaries, and more.
The Overton Window, AntiBlackness, and The Way Forward
June 29, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBJoin us for our Existential Sunday Series on Existential, the podcast. In this episode of Existential, Corey shares his thoughts on The Overton Window, Anti-Blackness, and so much more.
Certainty, Supremacy, and the Church
June 22, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBJoin us for our Existential Sunday Series on Existential, the podcast. In this episode of Existential, Corey shares his thoughts on certainty as a tool of supremacy culture and how the evangelical church embodies these things.
People Who Happen To Be White with Louiza "Weeze" Doran: Replay
June 11, 2021 14:41 - 43 minutes - 60 MBIt's Friday and we are sharing some of our favorite episodes with you. Today is a throwback to episode 58 with Weeze Doran. This is a fun episode with our new friend Weeze! Corey and Weeze talk about race, women, anti-racism, and so much more. Tune in! Contend with Weeze: On Insta: @accordingtoweeze And sign up for webinars with Weeze at: https://accordingtoweeze.podia.com/weeze
Episode 64 (Not Christian but Spiritual - Talking Black Atheism and Theology) with Robert Monson
April 28, 2021 07:03 - 43 minutes - 59.3 MBThis is a conversation about the complexities of Black faith in the United States. Robert Monson is an artist, scholar, and thought leader on faith with a provocative perspective on all things spiritual. Contend with Robert on twitter: @robertjmonson
Episode 63 (It's Something - Talking The Derek Chauvin Verdict)
April 21, 2021 07:02 - 21 minutes - 30 MBIn this episode, Corey shares his thoughts about the verdict, another incident of anti-Black violence, grief, joy, and the complexity of justice.
Episode 62 (Talking All Things Deconstruction) with Phil Drysdale
April 14, 2021 07:36 - 55 minutes - 75.9 MBIn this episode, Corey talks with Phil Drysdale (Deconstruction specialist) about the reasons people deconstruct their faith, racism, privilege, and spirituality in the UK. Contend with Phil: On Insta: @phildrysdale
Episode 61 (Who's to Blame -Talking Purity/Rape Culture) with Tiffany Bluhm
March 31, 2021 07:12 - 39 minutes - 54 MBIn this episode, Corey talks to Tiffany Bluhm who is the author of Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up. She is a speaker, writer, and podcast co-host of the podcast Why Tho, a show answering the existential and nonsensical questions we ask ourselves, with author and speaker, Ashley Abercrombie. She speaks at conferences and events around the world, and her work has been featured in Publisher's Weekly, Sojo, The Jenny McCarthy Show, and more. Con...
Episode 60 (I Am - A Divine Realization) with Jo Luehmann
March 24, 2021 07:21 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBTrust us, just listen! IT'S SO GOOD!!!
Episode 59 (The Church of A**holes) with Melissa Florer Bixler
March 17, 2021 07:17 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBCorey has a conversation with Melissa Flores Bixler who is a Mennonite minister and has radically re-imagined what a faith community in the US Can look like. Contend with Melissa: On Twitter: @MelissaFloBix
Episode 58 (People Who Happen To Be White) with Louiza "Weeze" Doran
March 10, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 60 MBThis is a fun episode with our new friend Weeze! Corey and Weeze talk about race, women, anti-racism, and so much more. Tune in! Contend with Weeze: On Insta: @accordingtoweeze And sign up for webinars with Weeze at: https://accordingtoweeze.podia.com/weeze
Episode 57 (I Grew UP Black - A Lament For Forgetting)
March 03, 2021 07:00 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBThis episode is a lamentation of how Black people can lose their connection to heritage to survive. Contend with us: On IG: @existentialpodcast
Episode 56 (The Divine Strength of Black History) with Lettie Shumate
February 24, 2021 07:03 - 48 minutes - 67 MBIn this new episode, Corey has our friend and sister historian Lettie Shumate back on to talk about the rich history of Black Americans, why we celebrate Black History Month, and the significance of making the study of Black history a lifestyle. Contend with Lettie on Instagram: @sincerely.lettie
Episode55 (The One About Chaos, Newness, and Curiosity) with Jen Kinney
January 27, 2021 07:10 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBIn this episode, Corey and Jen talk about the insurrection at the capitol, the new year, and how to engage with family and friends about social change.
Episode 54 (The Divine Mrs Witherspoon) with Tony Caldwell
December 16, 2020 07:15 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBThis is a conversation with Tony Caldwell who is a podcast host and mental health professional about God, trauma, grief, church, and social change. Contend with our Guest: On Insta: @tonycaldwell Contend with us: On Insta: @existentialpodcast Become a Patron: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 53 (Token Negroes) with Cedric Lundy and Sanchez Fair
December 09, 2020 07:19 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MBThis is a conversation with the hosts of Token Confessions Cedric and Sanchez. It's an honest dialog about faith, history, politics, and the United States with 3 Black men who know what it is to be tokenized by white evangelicalism. Contend with our guests: On Instagram: @tokenconfessions Contend with us: On Insta: @coreyevanleak and @existentialpodcast On Twitter: @coreyevanmusic Our Patreon: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak
Episode 52 (Heaven on Earth) with Jo Luehmann
December 01, 2020 07:00 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBThis is a conversation about faith, church, and accountability with Jo Luehmann who uses her voice to advocate for people who have been harmed by church and clergy. It's a hard-hitting, authentic, and honest conversation. Contend with our guest: On Insta: @joluehmann and @dobetterchurch On Twitter: @joluehmann Contend with us: On Insta: @coreyevanleak and @existentialpodcast On Twitter: @coreyevanmusic Join our Patreon community: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak ...
Episode 51 (That's Interesting. Tell Me More) with Kelly and Dan Matlock
November 18, 2020 07:20 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBThis is an intellectually honest conversation with two church planters who entered into a deconstruction journey while planting a church in Texas as part of a conservative evangelical denomination. This is a conversation that every person of faith (especially Christians) should hear! Contend with our Guests: On Insta: @kellymatlock On Twitter: @danmatlock and @kellykmatlock Contend with us: On Insta: @coreyevanleak and @existentialpodcast Join us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/c...
Episode FIFTY (The Gift of Not Knowing)
November 10, 2020 07:02 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this monumental episode, Corey makes the case that curiosity is the natural state of being human and that certainty interferes with that natural state. Contend with us: On Insta: @existentialpodcast and @coreyevanleak On Twitter: @coreyevanmusic Join our Patreon Community: http://patreon.com/coreyevanleak