Resetting Faith and Failure: Kate Bowler on Love, Survival, and Belonging in Uncertain Times

Hungry for More?

In this episode, Moj sits down with writer, historian, and thought leader Kate Bowler to explore what it means to live through crisis and still choose joy, ambition, and connection. From a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and unexpected survivorship to diasporic loneliness and cultural upheaval, Kate brings radical honesty to a conversation about faith, resilience, and rebuilding.

This isn’t just another episode. It’s an invitation to question the stories we’ve been told about faith, failure, and what it means to keep going when the world—and your life—falls apart.

You’ll hear:

• Why “everything happens for a reason” can do more harm than good
• How surviving can make you hungrier for life
• The failures—and the potential—of faith communities today
• What it means to create love and care in an individualistic world

Moj and Kate reset the algorithm on power, vulnerability, and what it means to belong to each other.

This episode is for anyone navigating grief, seeking meaning, or trying to live courageously—even in the face of fear.

🎧 Hit play and step into Episode 3 of Reset the Algorithm.

**************

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Exploring New Beginnings and Growth

06:28 Cancer Fueled My Ambition

13:02 Overcoming Fear to Embrace Ambition

19:39 "Christian America and Cultural Division"

24:32 Mennonites: Community Through Interdependence

26:18 "19th Century: Faith, Charity, and Contradiction"

29:50 The Dangers of Answering Unanswerables

35:32 "Embrace Service, Reject Isolation"

37:05 "Self Care vs. Community Care"

40:36 Global Gender Apartheid Crisis

42:48 Women's Rights and Legal Challenges

***************

RESOURCES

Don’t miss the resources shared by Kate Bowler in this episode:

• Current favorite book: Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle
• Social Account recommendation: @mariaevbowler reflections on creativity and slowing down.
• Support RIP Medical Debt — an organization working to eliminate crushing medical debt for individuals and families across the US

***************

STAY IN TOUCH

✦ Today’s Guest: Kate Bowler ✦

Visit Kate’s Website

Listen Kate's Podcast "Everything Happens"

Follow Kate on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

For more episodes and resources, click here

Missed Episode 2? Go catch up before diving into this one. Click here

✦ Connect with Moj✦

• Get raw insights, behind-the-scenes moments & exclusive clips on Substack: Moj Mahdara
• Watch full episodes on YouTube
• Follow Moj on Instagram | Tiktok | LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• Follow Reset the Algorithm on Instagram | TikTok

🎧 Don’t just scroll—catch up before the next one drops.