Sacred & Strange
Welcome to Sacred & Strange — the official podcast of The Porch Missional Community & Coffee Roasters.
Hosted by Jason Urena, Sacred & Strange is a space where theology meets mystery, story meets spirit, and nothing is too weird to talk about. Each episode features honest conversations with guests from all walks of life—exploring the sacred moments that shaped them, the strange encounters that stretched them, and the passions that make them who they are. From deep theology to cryptids, church wounds to comic books, revival to the mundane, this is where the wild and the holy collide.
Brew a cup, open your mind, and join the journey.
Sacred & Strange
Faith and Vulnerability w/ Kyle Melnick
In this episode of Sacred and Strange, host Jay speaks with his close friend Kyle about their formative years, personal growth, and spiritual evolution. They discuss their history together, moving from their youthful struggles with cooking to their shared experiences at a ministry school. Kyle opens up about his journey from a conservative religious background to encountering a more compassionate view of God, and how this transformation has influenced his life, faith, and relationships. The conversation delves into the challenges and importance of vulnerability, the impact of Kyle's mother's illness, and his insights on emotional health and attachment styles. The episode concludes with reflections on the intersection of spirituality and emotions, and Kyle shares a fascinating UFO encounter before wrapping up with a prayer.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:31 Early Memories and Friendship
02:49 Kyle's Background and Faith Journey
05:13 Life at Ministry School
07:45 Formative Experiences and Personal Growth
16:27 Vulnerability and Emotional Honesty
22:31 Coping with Loss and Maintaining Core Values
25:17 Pursuing a Career in Social Work
26:34 Understanding Attachment Styles
27:20 Personal Journey with Vulnerability
28:33 Challenges in Therapy and Marriage
31:53 The Church and Vulnerability
34:41 Experiencing Trauma and Therapy
42:09 UFO Encounter Story
47:02 Interdimensional Theories and Beliefs
49:31 Final Thoughts and Prayer