Can you stay rooted in a faith tradition even when you disagree with some of its teachings? What does it mean to follow your conscience and still be faithful?

In this episode, Brother Jay talks with Salina Bear: a Catholic feminist, lay theologian, and content creator about the complex and often misunderstood role of conscience in the life of faith. Together, they explore what it means to honor tradition without surrendering the call to think, question, and grow.

From Salina’s own journey into Catholicism to her bold engagement with feminist theology and moral discernment, this conversation invites listeners into a deeper reflection on belonging, obedience, and the spiritual life beyond fear.

Whether you're Catholic, curious, conflicted, or somewhere in between, this episode offers space to wrestle with your own questions—and maybe even make peace with them.

About our guest:

Salina Bear is a Catholic feminist, lay theologian, and content creator whose work centers on passionate exploration of Catholic tradition. She writes at the intersection of contemplative faith, feminist theology, and creative living, with a particular commitment to combining love of tradition with critical thinking. With bold honesty and deep inquisitiveness, Salina gently invites fellow believers out of fear and into spiritual formation. When she’s not reading papal documents, she’s probably rearranging her furniture, sipping an iced coffee, playing Baldur’s Gate 3, or getting lost in a very large fantasy novel. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their cat, Blue. Find her on TikTok @salina.bear and on Substack @salinabear.

What if Jesus was never meant to be trapped in dogma or confined to Sunday mornings? In this episode, author and mystic Keith Giles joins us to talk about his journey from evangelical pastor to spiritual freedom-seeker. We explore the process of deconstruction, the Cosmic Christ, and the hidden gospels—Thomas, Mary, and Truth—that open doors to a deeper, non-dual vision of faith. Whether you're spiritual but not religious, rethinking Christianity, or longing for a more open-hearted path, this conversation invites you to rediscover Jesus beyond the walls.

Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the 7-part "Jesus Un" book series series. He has been interviewed on CNN with Anderson Cooper, Coast to Coast Radio with George Noory, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang’s “Tell Me Everything." He co-hosts The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and his solo podcast, Second Cup With Keith which are both available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Podbean or wherever you find great podcasts. His latest books, "The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas" and "The Quantum Gospel of Mary and the Lost Gospel of Truth" are both currently on Amazon's Best-Sellers list in multiple categories. He blogs at TheQuollective.com and www.KeithGiles.com. Keywords: Jesus Unbound, Keith Giles, deconstruction, Cosmic Christ, non-dual Christianity, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, leaving church, mystical Christianity, spiritual but not religious

In this episode, Br. Jay talks with author and contemplative Carl McColman about his winding spiritual journey, from Lutheran roots and pagan circles to his Roman Catholicism with Buddhist insights and becoming a lay Cistercian.

They explore the meaning of mysticism, the value of interfaith wisdom, the tension between institutions and inner experience, and the healing power of silence and story. Carl also shares insights from his newest book, Read the Bible Like a Mystic, and opens up about his evolving reflections on gender and spirituality.

If you’ve ever felt both at home and at odds with religion, or if you’re curious about the contemplative path, this conversation offers depth, warmth, and a gentle invitation to the mystery.About our Guest: Carl McColman a spiritual director, author, retreat leader, and speaker on mystical spirituality and contemplative living. His books include Read the Bible Like a Mystic, The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart, and Unteachable Lessons. He is one of the co-hosts of the Encountering Silence podcast, and maintains a Substack newsletter (www.anamchara.net) and a blog (www.anamchara.com). Carl’s approach to contemplation and mysticism is joyful, inclusive and expansive; with a dedication to exploring the common ground between faith traditions, with a particular interest in the connecting points between Christian, Buddhist and Pagan wisdom. Carl lives with his wife, artist Fran McColman, in Clarkston, Georgia, near Atlanta.

In this four-parts in one episode of The Friary, Br. Jay opens up about his unexpected return to Christianity, being an Anglo-Catholic, a Franciscan-in-formation, and yes, still very much himself. From a letter to his closeted, anxious teenage self to the beauty of an ecumenical Pride service, from saints who played practical jokes to a week of both Eucharist and tater tots, this one’s for the spiritual misfits, the holy messes, and everyone trying to follow Jesus with both heart and humor.

Bring your doubts, your sass, and your secondhand cassock. You’re welcome here.

Was Jesus gentle or fierce? The answer might depend on who was standing in front of him. In this 3-minute reflection, we look at how Jesus responded to the hurting—and to the proud.

In this first episode under our new name, The Friary, Br. Jay shares the story behind the change and the quiet shift that’s been happening in my life and soul. Then he offers a spoken word reflection on awe, wonder, and the God who shows up in grocery lines, golden skies, and steaming cups of tea. Come on in, there’s space for you here.

What if church had no walls and the sermon came from the wind in the trees? In this episode of Neon Alchemist, Brother Jay sits down with author and eco-theologian Victoria Loorz, author of Church of the Wild and Field Guide to Church of the Wild, to talk wild churches, sacred conversations with nature, and why John 1 might not be about “the Word” but about a divine conversation echoing through creation. Bring your hiking boots or at least your imagination.

Book: Church of the Wild

Book: Field Guide to Church of the Wild

Website: Wild Church Network Website: Center for Wild Spirituality

What if following Jesus didn’t mean signing up for a religion, but learning a way of living, rooted in compassion, simplicity, and deep connection with others and the earth? In this episode, we explore the radical love Jesus showed to outsiders and misfits, how he resisted judgment and embraced mercy, and the quiet spirituality he practiced in nature. It’s an invitation to return to what’s real, not dogma, but presence.