Spiritual, Not Religious

Shawn Winburn, Mollie June Miller, and James Henry
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

We are a  podcast for young adults; we explore the intricacies of spirituality and religion in our world. We are creating a space for young people to come as they are, to listen with intention, and to discover divinity within themselves. 

  1. Shame, Guilt, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves- Part 2

    FEB 11

    Shame, Guilt, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves- Part 2

    In “Guilt, Shame, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves — Part 2,” the Spiritual Not Religious team continues their deep dive into the difference between guilt and shame and explores how the church has sometimes used both for formation—and, at times, for control. Drawing on insights from Brené Brown and faith-based counseling language that frames guilt as conviction and shame as condemnation, the conversation traces these dynamics through biblical stories like Genesis and Jesus’ response to the woman caught in adultery. Along the way, Shawn, James, and Mollie reflect on personal experiences of “church hurt,” the role of vulnerability and safe community in healing, and why religious culture so often fixates on sexuality. The episode closes with a hopeful reminder: we are not defined by our worst moments, and the path forward is rooted in truth, grace, and belovedness.

    1h 3m
  2. Guilt, Shame, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves- Part 1

    JAN 28

    Guilt, Shame, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves- Part 1

    In this first episode of a two-part series, the Spiritual Not Religious crew explores the difference between guilt and shame—and why confusing them can quietly shape our identity, relationships, and mental health. Guilt tends to focus on behavior (“I did something bad”) and can open a path toward honesty, repair, and growth. Shame sinks deeper (“I am bad”) and often thrives in secrecy, people-pleasing, defensiveness, and harsh self-talk. Along the way, the hosts reflect on how shame can become trauma, why naming what we feel gives us power, and how empathy and safe community can shrink shame’s grip. Part two will look more directly at how religion and the church have used guilt and shame historically—and what healing might look like now.

    59 min
  3. Safe Enough to Ask: Making Room for Gen Z’s Doubts

    JAN 7

    Safe Enough to Ask: Making Room for Gen Z’s Doubts

    In this episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, Shawn Winburn, Mollie June Miller Bachman, and cohost James Henry sit down with Dr. Tanita Maddox (Young Life’s National Director for Generational Impact and a Gen Z researcher) to explore insights from her book What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God. With warmth and humor (including a memorable “Ghostbusters of hot chocolate” backpack), Tanita shares how her decades in youth ministry led her to realize Gen Z isn’t “harder” so much as living in a different world—marked by anxiety, suffering on constant display through digital media, and a pervasive low-trust culture. The conversation centers on why Gen Z’s questions—like “Is God good?” “Do all people matter?” and “What is true?”—must be heard through their lived experience rather than answered with quick clichés, emphasizing the need for presence, humility, and genuine listening. Tanita and the hosts unpack “contextualizing the gospel” as an unavoidable (and necessary) practice, critique the church’s tendency to rely on “high-trust” assumptions in a low-trust era, and reflect on how Jesus models love over being “right.” The episode closes with practical encouragement for welcoming Gen Z—making space for doubt, taking small relational risks, and trusting that God can handle honest wrestling—along with ways to connect with Tanita and the podcast team.

    1 hr
  4. Thankful for Doubt: When Questions Deepen Faith

    11/26/2025

    Thankful for Doubt: When Questions Deepen Faith

    The hosts of Spiritual, Not Religious return from a two-month hiatus with a Thanksgiving-week conversation about being grateful for doubt. Shawn, James, and Mollie swap stories from their own faith upbringings—where questions were sometimes discouraged—and contrast that with the safe, curious spaces they now try to create for young and emerging adults. Drawing on biblical examples (Thomas, Peter, Job, the psalmists, Jacob, Abraham, Isaiah) and Kathleen Norris’ reminder that belief is a process rather than a product, they explore how honest questions, spiritual wrestling, and even anger at God can deepen rather than destroy faith. They talk about doubt as relational risk, a way of giving your heart—not just your head—to God, and encourage listeners to find trusted companions who can hold their questions without shame. The episode closes with the simple prayer, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief,” as a blessing for anyone navigating seasons of uncertainty.

    1 hr
  5. Everyday Faith: Beyond the Sunday Box

    10/01/2025

    Everyday Faith: Beyond the Sunday Box

    In this eleventh episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, Shawn, Mollie, and James explore why many young people say faith matters yet struggle to let it shape everyday choices. Drawing on campus ministry experience, Aramaic insights about wholeness and “shalom,” and the fruit of the Spirit, they contrast “looking spiritual” with actually loving people in concrete ways—kindness, courage, and integrity when it’s inconvenient. They unpack the tension between fitting in and standing out, the trap of compartmentalizing faith to Sundays, and how practices (do no harm, do good, and keep close to God) gradually ripen character. The episode lands with practical nudges—resist gossip, befriend “the other,” and carry grace into ordinary spaces—because you’re infinitely precious and made to live this love all week long.

    57 min
  6. Worship, Discipleship, and the Way of Jesus

    08/27/2025

    Worship, Discipleship, and the Way of Jesus

    In this tenth episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, hosts Shawn Winburn, James Henry, and Mollie June Miller Bachman welcome their very first guest, Bridget Williams, for a thoughtful conversation on the tension between following Jesus’ teachings and worshiping him. Bridget shares her spiritual journey from a Catholic upbringing to her current work with Appalachia Service Project in Kentucky, highlighting her exploration of diverse worship traditions. The group discusses how elevating Jesus too highly can make his example seem unattainable, whereas his life was meant to model a way of living accessible to all. Together they reflect on worship as more than weekly rituals—seeing it as awe, surrender, and alignment with God’s presence in daily life—and explore how spirituality can be lived out in community, service, and ordinary moments. The episode underscores the challenges and opportunities young adults face in reconciling faith, authenticity, and practice, while affirming that worship can take many forms grounded in love, presence, and action.

    59 min
  7. Denominations and the Search for Belonging

    07/16/2025

    Denominations and the Search for Belonging

    WE'RE BACK AND GLAD TO BE! In this thoughtful and spirited episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, hosts James, Mollie, and Shawn return after a springtime hiatus to explore the question that often confuses and overwhelms emerging adults: why are there so many Christian denominations, and do they help or hinder our spiritual growth? Reflecting on their own transitions—James’s move to a new church, Mollie’s recent marriage and upcoming travels—they dive into a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, and the search for meaningful community. The trio examines the roots of denominational differences, the role of doctrine and tradition, and the importance of humility, compassion, and belonging in spiritual spaces. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to trust their spiritual instincts, seek out communities where they feel loved and challenged to grow, and embrace the beautiful diversity of ways people encounter God.

    54 min
  8. Contemplative Practices for Real Life

    05/07/2025

    Contemplative Practices for Real Life

    In this heartfelt and often humorous episode of Spiritual Not Religious, hosts James Henry, Mollie June Miller, and Shawn Winburn dive deep into the power and accessibility of contemplative spiritual practices—especially for young and emerging adults navigating chaotic transitions and soul-deep questions. From centering prayer to breath work, yoga, journaling, and sacred word meditation, the trio shares personal stories and practical tools for grounding in God’s presence amid the noise of daily life. They introduce the concepts of consolation and desolation, encouraging listeners to embrace both as part of the spiritual path, and remind us that there’s no one-size-fits-all practice—only a deep invitation to explore what anchors you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, curious, or spiritually stuck, this episode offers grace, guidance, and an open door into deeper connection with the Divine.

    1h 17m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We are a  podcast for young adults; we explore the intricacies of spirituality and religion in our world. We are creating a space for young people to come as they are, to listen with intention, and to discover divinity within themselves. 

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Winburn, Mollie June Miller, and James Henry
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shawn Winburn, Mollie June Miller, and James Henry