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Heretic Happy Hour

Quoir
Christianity
Christian Nationalism
Deconstruction
Donald Trump
Spirituality
Progressive Christianity
Religious Trauma
Social Justice
Theology
Mental Health
Evangelicalism
The Last Of Us
Evangelical Christianity
Trump
Fascism
Universalism
Quantum Theology
Racism
Empathy
Community

Heretic Happy Hour is an unapologetically irreverent, crass, and sometimes profound conversation about the intersection of culture and the Christian faith. Hosts Keith Giles and Matthew J. Distefano, alongside a rotating panel of guest hosts that include theologians and therapists, professors and prophets, mystics and misfits, pull no punches and leave no stones unturned. For some serious sacred c... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes460Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianitySpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Heretic Happy Hour

Latest Episodes

In this week's bonus show, the guys catch up with what is going on in the world, plus a call into the hotline.

If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We'll get to your calls on next Friday's Bonus Show. Or, yo... more

In this week's main episode, Matthew chats with therapists Mark Karris and Anna Clark Miller about her new book, For God's Sake, a book about religious trauma syndrome and how those who suffer from it can find healing.

If you want to call in to the ... more

In this week's bonus show, the guys recap Matt's debate/discussion on Theology by the Pint.

If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We'll get to your calls on next Friday's Bonus Show. Or, you can email Matthew... more

In this week's main episode, Keith and Matthew chat with long-time friends of the show, Lisa Sharon Harper and Doug Pagitt, about the current state of faith and politics in America.

If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Evan McClanahan
Pastor at First Lutheran in Houston
First Lutheran, Houston
Episode: BONUS SHOW: Debate Recap
Karen Tibbals
Former corporate executive turned Quaker historian, writer on Quaker history and theology
The Collective contributor
Episode: #276: Meet the Quakers with Karen Tibbals, Adria Dicapua, and Michael Sherman
Adria Dicapua
Lawyer, educator and conflict resolution specialist with Quaker-influenced ministry
Earlham School of Religion board advisory and School of the Spirit course facilitator
Episode: #276: Meet the Quakers with Karen Tibbals, Adria Dicapua, and Michael Sherman
Michael Sherman
FUM coordinator of North American and Caribbean ministries; former pastor and camp program director
Friends United Meeting
Episode: #276: Meet the Quakers with Karen Tibbals, Adria Dicapua, and Michael Sherman
Evan McClenahan
Pastor from First Lutheran Houston, Texas
First Lutheran Houston
Episode: BONUS SHOW: Thoughts on This Week's Debate
Danny Bryant
Priest, Abbot of the Order of Berrigan and Day, author and spiritual director
St. Mary of Bethany Parish; Order of Berrigan and Day
Episode: #274: The Order of Berrigan and Day with Danny Bryant and Flo Oakes
Flo Oakes
Priest, children's pastor, author on children's spirituality
St. Mary's; Little Prayers for Ordinary Days
Episode: #274: The Order of Berrigan and Day with Danny Bryant and Flo Oakes
Gil Stafford
Author, life coach, former Episcopal priest
Quoir Publishing
Episode: #271: Why Do We Write? with Desimber Rose, Stuart Delony, Gil Stafford, and D.T. Bryant
Leigh Larson
Researcher focusing on religion, politics, and Christian nationalism; author of Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader / The Heritage Happy Hour panelist
Episode: #270: Iran and White Christian Nationalism with Doug Pagitt and Leigh Larson

Hosts

Keith Giles
Host of Heretic Happy Hour; co-host frequently contributing; part of the rotating guest panel
Matthew J. Distefano
Co-host and frequent contributor; head host in some eras; engages deeply in theological discussions and book projects

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 518 ratings
  • Came across this just a few months ago and love it! Great content, conversion, humor, and rooted in love and the desire for spirituality to change our world for the better!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    ebodnaruk
    5 months ago
  • Heretics Galore

    A foul mouth farmer and a washed up minister combined their talents to present alternative truths to already corrupted exvangelical heretics and deconstructing Bible believers. Both were contributors to Patheos and have written and published books directed toward an audience of seekers of truth in this era of lying politicians and oligarchs seeking to win the rigged zero sum game of all for me and none for you. Their podcast is the perfect wake-up tonic on bleak winter mornings when even the sun... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Atamaganai
    United States5 months ago
  • Making fun of Charlie Kirk getting shot

    Real loving and Christlike example in Episode 254 when you make a joke about tpusa and the irony of them selling turtle neck shirts. Keep showing your true character, while you claim otherwise. You are exactly who you claim to hate.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    nepower
    United States7 months ago
  • Seven mountains Heresy

    A fascinating discussion featuring a panel of progressive Christian leaders and teachers on the emergence of fundamentalist doctrine as the primary governing authority principle in the United States. What does the white evangelical Christian faction fear? What is the founding principle regarding religion in the Constitution? How can progressive citizens stop the Christian nationalists from turning the USA into a narrow sectarian nation? Be a part of the discussion by calling in your questions an... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Atamaganai
    United States9 months ago
  • Dave in New Mexico

    Can’t believe it took me so long to discover you guys. Better late than never, right! I always have some great takeaways after every episode. Keep bringing the knowledge. Much respect

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dcpruyn
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show for thoughtful, thought-provoking conversations and humor.
Critiques include complaints about ad placements and occasional historical cherry-picking.
Some reviews note the show challenges orthodox views and encourages critical research.

Top Christianity Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#274: The Order of Berrigan and Day with Danny Bryant and Flo Oakes
Q: Is the Order of Berrigan and Day open to individuals or churches, and what would they have to do to join?
The order is open to individuals and churches alike, with a flexible process to join and contribute, including involvement in funds for mercy work and interfaith collaboration.
#274: The Order of Berrigan and Day with Danny Bryant and Flo Oakes
Q: So Flo, what is your involvement with this?
Flo Oakes describes her role focusing on children's spirituality within the movement, emphasizing ethical, trauma-informed approaches and the empowerment of caregivers in nurturing faith.
#274: The Order of Berrigan and Day with Danny Bryant and Flo Oakes
Q: So in your introduction, Danny, I mentioned this Order of Berrigan and Day. Tell us what is the Order of Berrigan and Day and what's it all about?
Danny Bryant explains that the Order integrates Dorothy Day and Daniel Berrigan's example into a non-capitalist, interfaith, and deeply ethical approach to mercy work, focusing on the works of mercy and making the mission accessible beyond traditional church structures.
BONUS SHOW: Hotline Messages and What's to Come
Q: How can listeners find meaningful spiritual practices that feel authentic rather than ritualistic obligation?
They emphasize trying diverse approaches (arts, nature, service, community) and experimenting with new practices to discover what nourishes the soul, then making those practices into sustainable rituals that fit each person uniquely.
BONUS SHOW: Hotline Messages and What's to Come
Q: What is the practical, visible, transformative benefit of exploring quantum theology, beyond abstract discussion?
The hosts describe quantum theology as a tool for seeing beyond labels and divisions, fostering empathy and humility, and guiding practical transformation in daily interactions with others. It's not just theory but a way to listen, relate, and live more compassionately.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heretic Happy Hour

What is Heretic Happy Hour about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A bold, unguarded conversation at the intersection of culture, faith, and skepticism. Across episodes, the show frequently covers theology, progressive Christian thought, social justice within religious communities, and the role of science and psychology in faith. The tone is irreverent but aims for thoughtful critique of mainstream religious narratives, with guests ranging from theologians and therapists to authors, activists, and educators. Listeners can expect long-form discussions, guest-led deep-dives, and a willingness to challenge sacred cows while keeping humor and personal vulnerability in the mix. A standout strength is its habit of blending rigorous ideas with accessible storytelling, making complex topics approachable for people... more

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To see how many followers or subscribers Heretic Happy Hour has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Heretic Happy Hour?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Heretic Happy Hour:

1. The New Evangelicals Podcast
2. Homebrewed Christianity
3. The Bible For Normal People
4. Religion on the Mind
5. The Tim & April Show

How many episodes of Heretic Happy Hour are there?

Heretic Happy Hour launched 9 years ago and published 460 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Heretic Happy Hour?

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What guests have appeared on Heretic Happy Hour?

Recent guests on Heretic Happy Hour include:

1. Evan McClanahan
2. Karen Tibbals
3. Adria Dicapua
4. Michael Sherman
5. Evan McClenahan
6. Danny Bryant
7. Flo Oakes
8. Gil Stafford

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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