In this powerful conversation, host Bruce Reyes-Chow sits down with Dr. Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar to discuss their new book We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Together, they explore how ritual, prayer, song, and community become vital tools in the fight against poverty and injustice. Despite the darkness of our current moment—from rising authoritarianism to devastating policy cuts—Liz and Sharon remind us that hope is not naive. It's real, attainable, and already blooming in grassroots movements across the country.

From free dental clinics in churches to Jericho walks around detention centers, they share concrete examples of communities living into a vision of abundance and justice. They challenge us to move beyond performative allyship, to sing together, to take action together, and to remember: we get there together or we don't get there at all.

This is a conversation about reclaiming faith traditions rooted in liberation, staying grounded in difficult times, and the radical possibility that poverty could actually end—if only we had the political will.

Dr. Liz Theoharis is a theologian, Presbyterian pastor, author, and anti-poverty activist. She serves as the executive director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice and co-chairs the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. A biblical scholar with decades of organizing experience, Liz has been working in poor and low-income communities for 30 years, fighting against Christian nationalism and advancing a vision of "everybody in, nobody out." She is co-editor of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Liz on Instagram

Charon Hribar is a song leader, cultural organizer, and social ethicist who serves as the managing director of cultural strategies and communications for the Kairos Center and co-director of Theo Musicology and Movement Arts for the Poor People's Campaign. A PhD holder who grew up in a steel worker family in Western Pennsylvania, Sharon has spent over 20 years building movements that connect struggles across education, healthcare, and environmental justice—all grounded in culture, ritual, and song. She is co-editor of We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor. Connect with Charon. Charon on Instagram

• The origin story of "We Pray Freedom" and why this collection of liturgies matters now
• Hope in action: Real examples of grassroots organizing transforming communities
• Beyond plug-and-play liturgy: How to engage authentically with ritual and avoid performative justice
• The reality of poverty in America: Why 140+ million people are poor or low-income, and why ending poverty is actually possible
• The power of song and ritual: How collective practices break isolation and reinforce shared humanity
• A dying mule kicks the hardest: Understanding our current moment as the birth pangs of a new world
• Practical grounding: How to stay connected, take action, and avoid overwhelm in these times

• We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor (Broadleaf Books)
• The Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice

Here is the trailer for Episode 76 of The Amalgamation Podcast: We Pray Freedom: A Conversation with Charon Hribar and Liz Theoharis

The full episode drops on Tuesday, November 4th, so be sure to subscribe where you listen to podcasts. Paid Subscribers to The Amalgamation Newsletter gain early access to the full episode.

Thanks for listening!

The Amalgamation Podcast, paired with The Amalgamation Newsletter, focuses on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith, and more. With humor, kindness, and conviction, each episode shares passions and projects and invites the listener to join Bruce and his guests to co-conspire for good.

The Amalgamation Podcast is hosted by Bruce Reyes-Chow, produced by Emmie Hix, edited by Dessiree McFarland, with music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron. Show inquiries can be sent to: theteam@reyes-chow.com.

Flamy Grant is a shame‑slaying, hip‑swaying, chart‑topping drag performer and singer‑songwriter who blends folk, gospel, and roots music to tell stories of resilience, faith, and liberation. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Flamy’s work reimagines the intersections of queerness and spirituality — challenging religious trauma and reclaiming sacred belonging through art and performance.

Her debut album Bible Belt Baby soared to #1 on the iTunes Christian chart and was named one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023. Her 2024 follow‑up CHURCH hit #8 on the iTunes Country chart, cementing her as a vital new voice in progressive spiritual music. A winner of the 2023 Kerrville New Folk contest and nominee for Artist of the Year at the 2025 International Folk Music Awards, Flamy uses her platform to advocate for inclusion, authenticity, and the divine within us all.

(Her name is a nod to pop icon Amy Grant — a joyful act of reclamation and reverence.)

In this episode, host Bruce Reyes‑Chow sits down with Flamy Grant for a conversation that’s equal parts fabulous and faith‑filled. Together, they explore the intersections of drag, spirituality, and authenticity — and how art can become a sanctuary for the marginalized. From performing in churches to topping the Christian charts in full drag, Flamy shares her journey of reconciling queerness and faith while unlearning shame and embracing joy.

This is a powerful, funny, and deeply human conversation about what it means to reclaim the sacred on your own terms.

• How drag became a spiritual practice and source of healing.
• What it means to find holiness in queerness.
• The story behind Bible Belt Baby and CHURCH.
• Navigating the backlash and beauty of being a drag artist in Christian spaces.
• How to build communities rooted in radical inclusion and joy.

• Flamy Grant Official Site
• EPK & Press Info
• Flamy Grant on Instagram
• Listen to Bible Belt Baby
• Listen to CHURCH

Be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review The Amalgamation Podcast wherever you listen.

The Amalgamation Podcast Team: Emmie Hix (Producer), Dessiree McFarland (Editor), Merissa Magdael‑Lauron (Music)

Rev. Bruce Reyes‑Chow is a 3rd‑generation Filipino/Chinese American speaker, writer, and coachsultant exploring topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is the author of six books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He and his wife live in San Jose, CA, surrounded by too many animals and houseplants.

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