To our loyal listeners, guests and supporters, What can we say after a long invigorating podcast journey of vulnerability, transparency, and healing? For the transformation and reconciliation of broken relationships inward and outward? For the genuine laughs and the tears? For the overwhelming love poured out? All we can say is thank you. Thank you…

In our final episode of the 12 step series, we tap into the power of pausing and listening. Why is this simple practice so difficult and yet very crucial to our recovery journey? Is a spiritual awakening even possible? Steps 11 and 12 state: (Step 11) “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood H…

As we near the end of our 12 Step series, the grief gang talks about what it is to live a life of continued inner and outer processing and why self kindness matters. In step 10 we: "Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it." Resources: www.aa.org Hosts: Rob Gregerson, Katie Pendergast, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Ian Gr…

Dun, dun, dun... we've finally arrived at the long-awaited steps that has our stomach in knots: making amends. The grief gang shares personal stories while pondering if this step actually brings the greatest sense of relief in our recovery. Maybe it isn't as bad as it seems? As always, there's lots of laughs, a few gasps, and a treasure chest full …

As the dreaded "amends steps" approach, we take our 12 step series to Ian's 1930's yacht where we ponder the meaning of humility, why preparatory steps like this one are important and then ask one important question... are we actually in control? Step Seven states: "Humbly ask Him to remove your shortcomings." Hosts: Rob Gregeson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, …

In a bit of a detour, the Mass Exodus crew explores the cultural, spiritual and personal impact of Adam McKay's Oscar nominated 2021 film, "Don't Look Up." Is there a deeper message embedded within this movie that we can learn from? Are the characters more than just set pieces to the plot? How does this film reflect our own aspirations and struggle…

As the 12 episodes of the 12 steps continues, we await for the emotional surgery of toxic characteristics about to take place in the next step. Patience is a virtue, as the old proverb says! Step 6 states: "Were entirely ready to have God remove all of the defects of character." Hosts: Rob Gregerson, Katie Pendergast, Ian Green, RhiAnnon Kaspar Web…

By this point in our 12 step series, we've admitted we're powerless, asked for the help from a higher power, and sorted through our stinky trash of toxic behaviors and misdeeds. Now comes the time to talk about it with those around us. On this week's episode, we cover step 5: "Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nat…

This is the story of a woman who grew up in a cult and experienced constant oppressiveness, brain washing, and abuse at the hands of its leaders and members. Eventually, Kristin Warnaca left it all behind to become an ambassador of healing and wholeness on the other side. Yes, it's as unbelievable as you might imagine. Guest: Kristin Warnaca (www.k…

We're getting into the muck, folks! As we approach the fourth step in our adventurous 12 step series, we ask one glaring question... how do we find the courage to look deep within ourselves in a vulnerable, yet safe way? In step 4... "We made a searching and fearless inventory of ourselves." Hosts: RhiAnnon Kaspar, Katie Pendergast, Rob Gregerson, …

For the next hour, the grief gang sludges through the thick marsh of AA's third step and ponders the issues surrounding control, spiritual context, selfishness vs. self-care, and why labeling ourselves matters. Step 3 states: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him." Hosts: Ian Green, RhiAnnon Ka…

Our sign-off to each episode is, "Never stop searching for questions" and to some, this may seem a bit odd. Isn't it supposed to be, "Never stop searching for answers?" On this episode, we talk about transitioning from a life of holding answers into a life of following questions and why this is a bridge to inclusivity, peace, and adventure. Hosts: …

It's the second step of the 12 step series and the grief gang ponders this statement: "We came to be aware that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." Hosts: Katie Pendergast, Ian Green, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Rob Gregerson Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: @themassexoduspodcast Contact Us: the.mass.exodus.pod…

It's our first of a dozen episodes on the powerful, practical, and pivotal recovery program known as the 12 steps. The grief gang dips their toes in the murky waters and explores this statement: "We admitted we were powerless over [insert addiction], that our lives had become unmanageable." Resources: Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book) by Bill Wri…

After a year of holding churches, faiths, and religions under the Mass Exodus microscope, we're left with another question... what next? Many people's lives have been saved by Alcoholics Anonymous and more specifically, the 12 step program. In the next dozen episodes, we are going to look at each step and ask ourselves, what is it about this progra…

**WARNING! This episode uses sexually graphic language and may not be suitable for children.** Sometimes uncomfortable and honest conversations lend themselves to much needed healing and that's what you are about to encounter on today's special episode. Back in 2007, our hosts and long time friends, Rob and Maggie had a brief romantic relationship.…

264 million people worldwide are inflicted by depression and the numbers keep growing. On today's episode, Rob, RhiAnnon and Ian talk about their own struggles with various mental health issues, as well as theories on why depression is a mass epidemic and healthy practices to cope with the dark cloud of it all. In the latter half, we pull apart the…

I'm stupid. I'm ugly. I'm a failure. I'll never find love. God hates me. It's common to internalize negative self-talk and on this episode we'll examine the reasons why. We'll unravel how culture, communities, and belief systems perpetuate our deprecating inner dialogues while sharing our own personal experiences along the way. Finally, we'll offer…

The Mass Exposure crew peels back the festering anger and hostility towards others (and possibly ourselves) in order to find out why and how resentment effects us all. Hosts: Ian Green, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Rob Gregerson Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: @themassexoduspodcast Contact Us: the.mass.exodus.podcast@gmail.com Support…

Emotions, addictions, isolation, rejection, fear, mental illness. These are the topics we will be focusing on in our new series, The Mass Exposure. Rob, RhiAnnon, and Ian openly share their thoughts, experiences, and insights about the things we like to hide and keep secret. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, Ian Green, RhiAnnon Kaspar Website: www.themassexodu…

Here at The Mass Exodus, we have a certain cohost who is clueless to the world of Evangelical Christian pop culture. She never sported a WWJD bracelet, never learned how to kiss dating goodbye, and never belted out the anthemic lyrics to "Awesome God" at a youth conference. In this new series called Rhiactions, RhiAnnon gives her immediate take on …

*Warning: This episode contains sexually explicit language and themes. On this episode, Rob shares a recent story about lying to his wife, the confession, and her (surprising?) response. This leads to further discussion about the church's influence on sexuality, shame and body image. Hosts: Rob Gregerson & RhiAnnon Kaspar Website: www.themassexodus…

Visions of rollerblades and Jesus holding your feet. Angels, demons and animal familiars. Energy healing and Old Testament magic. In the "spirit" (see what we did there?) of Halloween, the MassEx Mystics get curious about the mysterious spiritual side of life! Hosts: Stefan Schmidt, Maggie Baxter, RhiAnnon Kaspar Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.c…

In this jam-packed episode of belly laughs and tears, new co-host Maggie Baxter (yes, THE abortion girl!) returns to share more of her crazy story (including a recent pastoral exit). Then Rob, Rhi, and Stefan give updates about their own personal journeys over the past year. Finally, we reveal some thrilling new ideas for the future of The Mass Exo…

Our wonderful friend, writer and spiritual enlightener, Katie Pendergast joins us to dive deep into a very (and we mean VERY) raw and vulnerable conversation about parental abandonment, the process of grief, and the dreams and desires of restoring all that might not be lost. Katie's Blog: www.katiesaurus.com Hosts: Rob Gregerson & RhiAnnon Kaspar W…

Pastor Michelle Wilkey of David's United Church of Christ (Dayton, OH) shares the heartbreaking and heroic story of finding her true identity and pastoral calling following many years of condemnation and abandonment from her church leaders, friends, and family. Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: @themassexoduspodcast Contact …

On today's episode, we chat with our new friend and cohost, Maggie Baxter about her experience of getting an abortion and why she insists it was Jesus that guided her in the process. We also discuss the church's struggles in holding differing opinions, common misconceptions about sexual identity and abortion, as well as some ideas for communal reco…

The Maxodus Trio discusses the importance of the Bible, how it has been used (or misused) as an authoritative figure, and whether or not it should be relevant today. As well, Rob tells the disastrous story about the first time he preached. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram…

In the 2nd half of our conversation with our friend Ian, we dive deeper into what it means to be seen, why vulnerability is uncomfortable, what we do with the unknown, and ways to pursue recovery. Be sure to listen to Part 1 & 2, as well! Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: @themassexodusp…

Sometimes it's difficult to have honest conversations about personal struggles without feeling judged and rejected. Often, this is especially true within the church. Today, our good friend Ian joins us to hold a transparent and vulnerable exchange about addiction, recovery, community and finding your true self. (It's one of those episodes where you…

On today's episode, host Rob Gregerson shares his church exodus story of how a chance meeting with a rowdy crowd of recovering alcoholics unexpectedly changed his life and ultimately, his faith. This is the first of 3 episodes on the topic of addiction, community, and belonging. Host: Rob Gregerson Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Ins…

Today's guest, a former Seventh-day Adventist turned therapist, shares with us her story of being raised in a confined faith community, the questions that led to her exodus, and the healing she experienced on the other side. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, Stefan Schmidt Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: @themassexoduspodcast Contact …

On today's Stale Wafers episode, Rob, RhiAnnon and guest host Ben Slager discuss the physical toll it takes to participate in a modern day church service, all while sharing some ideas on how to prepare your body for such a strenuous task. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, and Ben Slager Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram:…

When talking about a church exodus, it's natural to only focus on the troubling times while dismissing the good ones. Grief is complicated like that. But today, the Maxodus Trio reflects on some of their positive experiences and their hope for the church going forward! Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt Website: www.themassexodus…

The Maxodus Trio makes it rain with a discussion on church and money, while Stefan shares a story from his dumpster diving days! Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: @themassexoduspodcast Contact Us: the.mass.exodus.podcast@gmail.com Support Us: www.patreon.com/themassexodus…

Stale Wafers is a new mini-episode series on The Mass Exodus Podcast that's dedicated to light-hearted discussions surrounding common church practices. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt On today's episode, the Maxodus Trio breaks down the snacking ritual known as communion. Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagra…

It's family day! Kelly Bauer (Rob's sister) joins us to share her crazy and hilarious stories of childhood a-ha moments, HS youth group adventures, mission trip rebellion, an unusual college outreach program and what ultimately led to her church exodus. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: …

The Maxodus Trio ponders the perplexing Holy Trinity, plays a round of "Build-a-God," and shares in their love of 80's pop songs featuring gospel choirs. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: The Mass Exodus Podcast Contact Us: the.mass.exodus.podcast@gmail.com Support Us: ww…

On today's episode, Lauren Slager joins us to chat about her upbringing in a small town Evangelical community, the famine of human needs enforced by religion, and how she finds hope, beauty, love, and perhaps the real Jesus in managing a pediatric psychiatric unit. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar Lauren's Suggested Resources: Northwest Justic…

The Maxodus Trio discusses heaven, hell, and other afterlife possibilites, while RhiAnnon reveals the adorable animal she'd like to be reincarnated as. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt Some Helpful Resources on the Afterlife: Love Wins by Rob Bell - Written by an ex-emergent pastor. A fast read with both academic and pop sensib…

On today's episode, Jeff Voogt joins us to discuss growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, the struggle to hide his sexual identity from the church and his family, and the loss he endured in eventually coming out. Host: Rob Gregerson Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Instagram/Facebook: The Mass Exodus Podcast Contact Us: the.mass.exodus.podcast@gma…

Meet your Mass Exodus hosts... a bipolar ex-pastor, a former Jehovah's Witness door knocker, and a spiritually enlightened nomad of evangelical descent. Join us as we sort through the debris of church, religion, and spirituality. Hosts: Rob Gregerson, RhiAnnon Kaspar, Stefan Schmidt Website: www.themassexoduspodcast.com Facebook/Instagram: The Mass…

For many of us, the church as we've come to know it has an expiration date. We're here to find out why and discover what's next. Welcome to The Mass Exodus Podcast!The Mass Exodus Podcast による