Shift Happens
In a world increasingly marked by division, cruelty, and chaos, Shift Happens is your guide to navigating the social and political turmoil of our time with hope, integrity, and courage. Each week, we bring you conversation with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who are on the frontline of resisting white Christian nationalism, dehumanization, polarization, and apathy.
Together, we explore how to confront these challenges without mirroring them- how to resist cruelty without becoming cruel, combat anger without being consumed by it, and dismantle systems of injustice while remaining grounding in compassion and humanity.
Shift Happens isn't just about understanding the world; it's about empowering you to shape it. Tune in and discover practical insights, inspiring stories, and the tools you need to resist with resilience, love and purpose.
Change is possible because shift happens.
Episodes
122 episodes
Shift Happens: The Final Episode
Today is the final episode of Shift Happens. Thank you to each of you who've journeyed with us over these past several years. I cherish each and every story we told. Your voices made a difference to those who listened. Don't fret th...
Keri Ladouceur: The Post Evangelical Collective
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with Keri Ladoucuer of The Post Evangelical Collective. We dive into what a healthy christian spirituality looks like, what the church could be going forward and h...
Malcolm du Plessis & Phillip Joubert: Common Hymnal
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with Malcolm du Plessis and Phillip Joubert of Common Hymnal. We dive into Malcolm's work in liberation movements, including anti-apartheid work in South Africa, h...
Shane Claiborne: Long Term Resistance
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with author, activist and theologian, Shane Claiborne. We dive into how to be part of long term, non-violent resistance, Tony Campolo, the damage Trump is creat...
Danny Bryant: Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground (Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness Gospel)
In this episode of Shift Happens, host Joe Smith talks with author Danny Bryant, about his book Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground: Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness Gospel.We dive into white christian nat...
Dr. Jen Johannsen: Grounded w/ Jen
Guest: Dr. Jen JohannsenIn This Episode: • How systems work unseen in our lives • Ways we can regulate ourselves in the middle of all this dehumanization • We talk a lot about the Map of Consciousness and what...
Billie & Paul Hoard | Eucontamination: Disgust Theology & the Christian Life
Guest: Billie & Paul HoardTopic: We talk to authors Billie & Paul Hoard about their new book- Eucontamination: Disgust Theology & the Christian Life.In This Episode:•You'll s...
Sophia Zoe Kilmer: Trans Activist & Civil Rights Attorney
In this episode, Joe talks with Sophia Zoe Kilmer. We dig into the ongoing fight for civil rights and explore what it means to resist in meaningful ways.What You’ll Hear:Sophie's long history of resistance.Wha...
Madison Morrigan: "Muchness" as Resistance
This week Joe talks with one of his old youth group students and returning guest, Madison Morrigan. It is an incredibly dark season we find ourselves in and this episode is a bright light. You will walk away feeling uplifted and so ...
Keith Giles: The Quantum Gospel of Mary
This week, Joe talks with author and theologian Keith Giles about his newest book The Quantum Gospel of Mary and The Lost Gospel of Truth. To order Keith's book, click
Sophia Zoe Kilmer: Bonus Episode
For today's bonus episode, we listen to a recording of a conversation that Joe had with Zoe. She reached out and they hit record. If you don't know Sophia Zoe Kilmer, she is a trans activist and constitutional lawyer. Make sure to k...
Brian Recker: Healthy Masculinity and other stuff
Today, we talk to Brian Recker about healthy masculinity and a ton of other things. Make sure to click the link below to preorder his upcoming book Hellbent. To follow Brian, check out his work, invite him to speak, preorder his boo...
Ally Didier: Listener Story
Today we've got an amazing bonus episode for you. Listener Ally Didier reached out and wanted to share her story. It is super encouraging and full of hope. In a season where that feels like it's in short order, we hope Ally's story brings you a...
Nia Chiaramonte: I Hardly Knew Me
In this episode we talk with author Nia Chiaramonte about her book "I Hardly Knew Me" with is out July 8th. To follow Nia on Instagram, click HERE.To follow Nia's wor...
Dr. Kevin Bird: The History of Resistance
This week we talk with Professor Dr. Kevin Bird. Dr. Bird is a specialist in history of the American South and teaches (among other things) about how the historical narrative is often skewed to ignore the injustices we still feel th...
Cat Alvarado: Comedy as Resistance
This week, we talk with comedian Cat Alvarado.Joe and Cat talk about her story growing up in the church, her journey to where she is and how comedy plays a major role in how she sees the world. To learn more about Cat's comed...
Jennifer Solomon: Parenting with Pride
In this week's episode we talk with Jennifer Solomon. Jennifer Solomon (she/her) is the Parents and Families Support Manager for Equality Florida, leading the Parenting with Pride network. Jennifer’s advocacy work includes founding ...
Kristin Young: Taking Up Space as Resistance
In this episode of Shift Happens, Joe sits down with Kristin Young, Experience Pastor at Mosaic Church in North Carolina, for a powerful conversation about what it means to live fully in your voice, your body, and your...
Flamy Grant: Drag as Resistance
In this week's episode, we talk to ward-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Chart (the first drag performer to achieve this feat), was n...
Liz Charolette Grant: Knock at the Sky
This week, we talk with author Liz Charolette Grant. Joe talks to Liz about her debut book Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible. We dive into her back story, why she needed to write this particula...
J. Philip Newell & Cami Twilling: The Great Search
This week Joe talks with author J. Philip Newell and Director of the Sacred Earth Sacred Soul Center Cami Twilling. John Philip Newell is an internationally renowned Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the m...
Kevin Sweeney: The Cosmic Christ and The Concrete Jesus
In today's episode, Joe talks with author Kevin Sweeney. Kevin is the author of multiple books including, The Making of a Mystic and The Joy of Letting Go. Joe and Kevin jump into this new book that marries the mystic of the Cosmic ...
Lauren Cibene: Tiger in a Lifeboat
This week Joe talks with author of Tiger in a Lifeboat, Lauren Cibene. Lauren's debut book, is a unique story of deconstructing, traveling through India and learning how to reclaim trust. Her writing style will speak to you regardle...
Dr. Miche Van Essen: Foundationalism as Resistance
This week, Joe talks to returning guest Dr. Miche Van Essen. Dr. Miche is the Co-Executive Director of the Transmission Ministry Collective. TMC aims to connect and empower trans ...
Fred Harrell: Decentering as Resistance
This week, we talk to Fred Harrell. Fred is the Executive Director of Cultivate Pastors, a spiritual coach & director and the Director of New Church Cultivation for the Post Evangelical Collective.Among the many topics Joe and Fred d...