Mike Maeshiro joins the podcast to share his experience as a former pastor recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, “Discerning of Spirits.” He now teaches on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction as a consultant and coach for gay men recovering from evangelicalism. As a social media influencer, he highlights the issues he sees from his perspective and our cultural problems with homophobia, transphobia and Christian hate.  Matt and Mike read through some of his messages and DMs from those unwilling to accept Mike as a gay man who preaches love and acceptance.  In Mike's own words, “Humans matter more than theology."

Mike Maeshiro joins the podcast to share his experience as a former pastor recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, &ldquo;Discerning of Spirits.&rdquo; He now teaches on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction as a consultant and coach for gay men recovering from evangelicalism. As a social media influencer, he highlights the issues he sees from his perspective and our cultural problems with homophobia, transphobia and Christian hate. &nbsp;Matt and Mike read through some of his messages and DMs from those unwilling to accept Mike as a gay man who preaches love and acceptance. &nbsp;In Mike's own words, &ldquo;Humans matter more than theology."

Each episode, we're joined by a unique panel of guests, as we unpack all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so much more. All the topics you're not allowed to bring up at a dinner party are dropped right back on the table.

Each episode, we're joined by a unique panel of guests, as we unpack all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so much more. All the topics you're not allowed to bring up at a dinner party are dropped right back on the table.

Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

Our hosts Matt, LeJon and Jo talk to guests about all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so on. The topics you can't bring up at a dinner party are dropped back on the table.

No Hate Like "Christian" Love with Mike Maeshiro

What does "Community" look like to you? Is it your neighborhood, favorite sports fans, or fellow churchgoers?  Whoever your tribe is and whatever your common interests and values, community is vital to our well-being. Matt brings some of his fellow Cleveland organizers and content creators to share their ideas and experiences with building community.  John Skrtic of the Cleveland Public Library has spent 20 years profiling Clevelanders and their stories.  Brian Lachman is the force behind The People's Flag of Cleveland, along with his new Foodbank fundraising organization, Homegrown Help.  And Kristin Mulcahy, aka KristininCleveland, creates content and organizes events for people of all ages, including KidsinCleveland Yoga.  We rarely see more than the polished event photos and videos, or testimonials from the successes along the way.  But building true community is messy.  It's hard.  It's sometimes grueling.  And not every villager helps create the village. The more we find ourselves divided by geography, politics, or social media, the harder it becomes to find the courage to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to enter into some of these spaces and relationships. For humans, though, we need fellowship, engagement and belonging. It's not about surviving, it's about thriving.

What does "Community" look like to you? Is it your neighborhood, favorite sports fans, or fellow churchgoers? &nbsp;Whoever your tribe is and whatever your common interests and values, community is vital to our well-being. Matt brings some of his fellow Cleveland organizers and content creators to share their ideas and experiences with building community. &nbsp;John Skrtic of the Cleveland Public Library has spent 20 years profiling Clevelanders and their stories. &nbsp;Brian Lachman is the force behind The People's Flag of Cleveland, along with his new Foodbank fundraising organization, Homegrown Help. &nbsp;And Kristin Mulcahy, aka KristininCleveland, creates content and organizes events for people of all ages, including KidsinCleveland Yoga. &nbsp;We rarely see more than the polished event photos and videos, or testimonials from the successes along the way. &nbsp;But building true community is messy. &nbsp;It's hard. &nbsp;It's sometimes grueling. &nbsp;And not every villager helps create the village. The more we find ourselves divided by geography, politics, or social media, the harder it becomes to find the courage to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to enter into some of these spaces and relationships. For humans, though, we need fellowship, engagement and belonging. It's not about surviving, it's about thriving.

The Beautiful Messiness of Community

Matt's Season 3 Birthday Episode is all about his favorite comicbook hero of all time: Superman.  Matt talks about why he loves the character so much and how it has represented hope throughout his life.  Several people from the 2025 Superman film join the episode to share their experiences working on the film.  Mike Wendt from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission talks about Cleveland being the inspiration for Metropolis and selling DC/Warner on its production values.  Actress Ashleigh Morghan, who played the LuthorCorp Scientist in the film, discusses her process and craft, as well as her love for the comics and characters.  And Megan-Kate Hoover, Animal wrangler and trainer, shares stories from the set, providing support and expertise with dogs, squirrels, turtles and cats for the big screen.  Plus Siegel and Shuster Society's former President, Mike Olszewski, gives some history on Superman, his creators, and all the ties to the city of Cleveland.  With co-producer Kayleigh leading the charge, friends of Matt pop in to roast and toast him for his big day, back on December 28th, 2025.

Matt's Season 3 Birthday Episode is all about his favorite comicbook hero of all time: Superman. &nbsp;Matt talks about why he loves the character so much and how it has represented hope throughout his life. &nbsp;Several people from the 2025 Superman film join the episode to share their experiences working on the film. &nbsp;Mike Wendt from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission talks about Cleveland being the inspiration for Metropolis and selling DC/Warner on its production values. &nbsp;Actress Ashleigh Morghan, who played the LuthorCorp Scientist in the film, discusses her process and craft, as well as her love for the comics and characters. &nbsp;And Megan-Kate Hoover, Animal wrangler and trainer, shares stories from the set, providing support and expertise with dogs, squirrels, turtles and cats for the big screen. &nbsp;Plus Siegel and Shuster Society's former President, Mike Olszewski, gives some history on Superman, his creators, and all the ties to the city of Cleveland. &nbsp;With co-producer Kayleigh leading the charge, friends of Matt pop in to roast and toast him for his big day, back on December 28th, 2025.

SuperMatt Returns

Less than 1 week before the Ohio Primary election of 2026, Bryan Hambley, a leukemia doctor and candidate for Secretary of State, sits at the Going There table to share his personal, professional and social viewpoints.  The focus of his campaign and political aspirations rests on the idea of fair elections and dismantling the gerrymandered maps.  What can a doctor bring to the table?  Tune in to learn more about this political candidate who stands alone at the line of refusing any corporate PAC money.  Although he would argue he isn't lonely because his values, morals and integrity are on his side.

Less than 1 week before the Ohio Primary election of 2026, Bryan Hambley, a leukemia doctor and candidate for Secretary of State, sits at the Going There table to share his personal, professional and social viewpoints. &nbsp;The focus of his campaign and political aspirations rests on the idea of fair elections and dismantling the gerrymandered maps. &nbsp;What can a doctor bring to the table? &nbsp;Tune in to learn more about this political candidate who stands alone at the line of refusing any corporate PAC money. &nbsp;Although he would argue he isn't lonely because his values, morals and integrity are on his side.

No Hate Like "Christian" Love with Mike Maeshiro

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