God Talk with Medene and James

James Reding & Medene Presley
  • 4.8 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Unfiltered conversations about faith, justice, and lived experience. Medene is a black Catholic with Pentecostal roots (COGIC), lay minister, and theologian with expertise in scripture, inter-religious dialogue, and psychological integration. James is a gay Catholic, lay minister, and theologian with expertise in practical, narrative, and liberation theologies. At a time when millions of us are disaffected and disaffiliating from the faith we grew up with, especially Christians, God Talk provides a dialogue about faith and life that is honest and unassuming. We hope our videos can benefit those of us who feel the need to deconstruct and reconstruct our religion. And we hope to challenge the status quo of institutions that often serve and protect themselves, rather than the people. We believe in social justice, we practice prayer & ritual from multiple traditions, and we welcome disagreement and argument. Welcome to God Talk with Medene and James!

  1. Roots of Faith and Love: Connie & Beth's Story

    3D AGO

    Roots of Faith and Love: Connie & Beth's Story

    Cradle Catholics raised on the prairie of Northwest Iowa, Connie Koeck and Beth Derr are true Midwest gals. Educators, moms, and church choir members, these women credit the influence of their parents - James' grandparents - for shaping them to be active in faith and good works. As we discuss their past, present, and future, the sacredness of life and our life stories is evident. Each of us are children of God. Each of us has gifts and talents. And each of us can learn to laugh if we know to not take ourselves too seriously! These are James' aunties, Aunt Connie and Aunt Beth. We are grateful to them for Zooming in from Dyersville, Iowa! This is God Talk.

    1h 15m
  2. ICE, Mamdani, Inflation, and Volunteerism: Medene POPS OFF!

    FEB 10 · BONUS

    ICE, Mamdani, Inflation, and Volunteerism: Medene POPS OFF!

    Medene pops off on things happening in the world. Take it or leave it, but here's his perspective! ICE, Zorhan Mamdani, Inflation, Venezuela, Fellowship, Volunteerism, and more.

    9 min
  3. Overcoming self-hatred and homophobia while serving God & neighbor: James’ story

    JAN 20

    Overcoming self-hatred and homophobia while serving God & neighbor: James’ story

    Trying to balance the soul enriching formation of small town country folks with the hustle and bustle of big city adulting. James gives insight into his self and soul by exploring his vocational call to Christian ministry, his self-actualization as a gay man, and his sacred call to serve the Lord and His Church/Creation. From Kentucky to Los Angeles, James details the conscious transformation he has went through in his life. This is a story about finding your true self in Christ; discovering the confidence to choose you (accepting your whole self), and overcoming self-hatred. This is God Talk! #catholicchurch #gaycatholic #gaychristian #vocation #vocationstory #faith #faithjourney #selfactualization #lgbt #lgbtq #happinessjourney #catholicpodcast #kentuckystory #losangelesstory

    48 min
  4. Agnosticism, Embedded Theology, and Religious Family Trauma: Sara's Story

    JAN 13

    Agnosticism, Embedded Theology, and Religious Family Trauma: Sara's Story

    How do we bring our questions to God, about God, and how do we question the “answers”? In this episode we unpack the things we are taught and told about faith, religion, and spirituality, in attempt to make sense of it all. Do we believe in God in the ways we were told we are "supposed to", and how has that changed for us over time? Family trauma is explored; church hurt is re-examined, and our embedded theologies are deconstructed through religious education and human experience. As you watch, think about what you believe, why you believe that, and how those beliefs either add to or subtract from the quality of your life and the world around you. This is Sara's story. This is God Talk. #evangelical #exvangelical #fundamentalist #christianity #church #familytrauma #religioustrauma #agnosticism #agnostic

    55 min
  5. Queer Theology, Black Church, and Bringing Our Whole Selves to Ministry: Jared’s Story

    JAN 6

    Queer Theology, Black Church, and Bringing Our Whole Selves to Ministry: Jared’s Story

    So many hide who they are in the church out of fear: fear of persecution; fear of ostracism, and more! What does it look like to live without fear; without self-judgment; self-hatred? A great theological educator, Jared Anderson-Minor, of Los Angeles helps us live further into this brave and Godly proud reality, while also speaking truth to power! Listen to his story; hear his intentions, and then wonder about the areas in our own lives where we are not expressing or experiencing our most authentic selves and souls. This is God Talk!

    48 min
  6. Real Story of Christmas Censored by the Archdiocese of Boston

    12/16/2025 · BONUS

    Real Story of Christmas Censored by the Archdiocese of Boston

    After decades of abortion cemeteries, clinic rosaries, and trodding middle and high school students to DC marches, the Archdiocese and Archbishop of Boston have drawn a sacral line against ethical-political engagement at a simple sign pointing to the realities of ICE in 2025. The real story of Christmas is one of danger and vulnerability in the face of empire, of an out-of-town pregnant mother denied shelter as her water breaks. Let's remind the Archbishop of Boston, and let us pray and act for the safety and humane treatment of our immigrant brothers and sisters.

    6 min
  7. Recognizing A Prophetic LGBTQ Leader from the Past: Tyler & the Story of Fr. Tom Oddo

    12/09/2025

    Recognizing A Prophetic LGBTQ Leader from the Past: Tyler & the Story of Fr. Tom Oddo

    Tyler Bieber, author and higher education administrator, has penned a new book detailing the life of one of America's first Catholic priests to openly minister to LGBTQ people, Fr. Tom Oddo, CSC. A capable speaker and professor, Fr. Tom's first major pastoral audience was Dignity USA, the groundbreaking national organization for LGBTQ Catholics. He served warmly and bravely, bringing light to many and capturing the attention of his superiors at a young age. The story of this shepherd turned university president is one of prophesy fulfilled yet incomplete. Tyler's book is Against the Current: Father Tom Oddo and the New American Catholic, published by Unencumbered Press. You can order it wherever books are sold.

    53 min
  8. Advent: A Season of Contemplation

    12/07/2025 · BONUS

    Advent: A Season of Contemplation

    These four short weeks before Christmas can be for more than shopping and full calendars. Colder days and longer nights are a summons to contemplate our existence in God.

    4 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Unfiltered conversations about faith, justice, and lived experience. Medene is a black Catholic with Pentecostal roots (COGIC), lay minister, and theologian with expertise in scripture, inter-religious dialogue, and psychological integration. James is a gay Catholic, lay minister, and theologian with expertise in practical, narrative, and liberation theologies. At a time when millions of us are disaffected and disaffiliating from the faith we grew up with, especially Christians, God Talk provides a dialogue about faith and life that is honest and unassuming. We hope our videos can benefit those of us who feel the need to deconstruct and reconstruct our religion. And we hope to challenge the status quo of institutions that often serve and protect themselves, rather than the people. We believe in social justice, we practice prayer & ritual from multiple traditions, and we welcome disagreement and argument. Welcome to God Talk with Medene and James!

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