Right Side Up Podcast with Danielle Strickland

Danielle Strickland

welcome. I'm hoping it's here you will find subversive ideas, disruptive thoughts, experience and hope, some spiritual depth and genuine questions... this is a way of one beggar telling another beggar where to find some bread. I'm glad you are here. daniellestrickland.substack.com

  1. APR 1

    Brian Zahnd takes us to Prayer School

    Summary Pastor Brian Zahnd shares his spiritual journey from the Jesus movement to a more contemplative faith, emphasizing the importance of prayer, pilgrimage, and prophetic witness in today’s church. The discussion explores themes of deconstruction, renewal, and the transformative power of slow, intentional spiritual practices. “I try to write what I cannot not write.” Key Topics Spiritual journey from the Jesus movement to contemplative faith The role of prayer and prayer school in spiritual renewal Pilgrimage as a spiritual discipline and renewal tool The impact of cultural and political shifts on faith and church This book looks even more beautiful in real life! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brian Zahnd 02:51 Brian’s Journey and Transformation 05:43 Critique of American Christianity 08:32 The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening 11:09 The Importance of Liturgy and Community 13:42 The Future of Brian’s Work and Writing 16:36 Pilgrimage and Spiritual Practices 24:09 The Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Transformation 28:33 Walking into Peace: The Impact of Pilgrimage 30:03 The Slow Pace of Life: Embracing Simplicity 33:36 Contemplative Leadership: A New Model for the Church 38:12 Navigating Conflict with Grace: The Cost of Compassion 43:16 Finding Wisdom in Stillness: A Prayer for Patience Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
  2. FEB 11

    For the Love of Women: Uprooting and Healing Misogyny in Our World

    Summary In this episode of "The Right Side Up," hosts James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage in a profound conversation with Dorothy Greco about her book, "For the Love of Women: Uprooting and Healing Misogyny in America." The discussion delves into the complexities of misogyny, exploring its pervasive impact across various spheres of life, including healthcare, the workplace, and the church. Greco shares her personal journey, highlighting her experiences as a woman navigating a male-dominated world and the importance of addressing misogyny to foster healing and empowerment for women. The conversation emphasizes the need for men to listen, learn, and become allies in the fight against misogyny, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society. 'You can't heal what you won't name and talk about.' Takeaways * ‘You can’t heal what you won’t name and talk about.’ * ‘Misogyny is a persistent, insidious belief that men’s ideas are more important than women’s.’ * ‘If you don’t fit the stereotype, you feel the effects of rejection and identity issues.’ * ‘Change is hard work, and it takes a long time to challenge presuppositions.’ * ‘Men need to learn what it means to listen to and value women.’ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dorothy Greco and Her Book 01:04 Dorothy’s Background and Journey 08:55 Defining Misogyny and Its Impact 16:37 Men as Allies in the Fight Against Misogyny 23:55 The Role of the Church in Addressing Misogyny 30:16 Transformative Change and Empowerment for Women 40:35 Hope for Future Generations Follow more of Dorothy’s work here James, Danielle’s co-host, is the pastor of Wellspring Worship Centre in Toronto which you can find out more about here Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min
  3. 12/29/2025

    Hell Bent - How the fear of Hell holds Christians back from a Spirituality of Love with Brian Recker

    Summary In this conversation, James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage with Brian Recker, author of ‘Hell Bent’, discussing his journey from fundamentalism to a more expansive understanding of faith. They explore themes of deconstruction, the implications of hell in Christianity, and the importance of justice over punishment. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in spirituality and the liberating experience of finding Jesus beyond traditional frameworks. ‘I began, very strongly, to feel that who we were in Evangelicalism did not reflect the spirituality of Jesus’ Takeaways * Brian Recker’s book ‘Hell Bent’ explores the fear of hell in Christianity. * Deconstruction often begins with questioning fundamental beliefs. * The political climate can significantly impact one’s faith journey. * Grieving the loss of traditional faith structures is a common experience. * Finding Jesus outside of traditional frameworks can be liberating. * The concept of hell often reflects a punitive view of God. * Justice in Christianity should focus on restoration, not punishment. * Fear-based spirituality can hinder genuine connection with God. * Authenticity in faith leads to deeper belonging and community. * The journey of faith can be both challenging and transformative. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background Noise 01:53 Introducing Brian Recker and His Book 03:51 Brian’s Journey from Fundamentalism to Evangelicalism 07:26 The Impact of Politics on Faith 11:23 Deconstruction and the Search for Authenticity 14:45 Encountering Jesus Amidst Deconstruction 18:33 Prayer and Spiritual Practices 22:04 Listening to Marginalized Voices 25:40 The Concept of Hell and Its Implications 29:57 The Nature of God’s Justice 32:20 Rethinking Judgment and Redemption 33:56 God vs. Empire: A New Perspective 35:56 The Consequences of Spirituality 37:48 The Role of Hell in Faith 42:56 Love Over Fear: A New Approach to Faith 47:36 Connecting with the Right God 53:51 Finding Genuine Belonging Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

    55 min
  4. 11/11/2025

    Spiritual Flourishing in a Productivity-Driven Culture with Bette Dickinson

    Summary In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and Bette Dickinson explore the themes of spiritual flourishing, the importance of embodied encounters, and the need to dethrone the powers of industrialization in our spiritual lives. They discuss the significance of quality over quantity in spiritual growth, the role of relationships in flourishing, and the concept of creating an understory of mutuality. The conversation also delves into the cyclical nature of life, the importance of rest and dormancy, and God’s desire for our flourishing. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a prophetic imagination to awaken us to a different way of living that prioritizes connection and community. 00:00 Introduction to The Art of Vine Making 01:19 Spiritual Flourishing in a Productivity-Driven Culture 03:55 Embodied Encounters and Spiritual Formation 05:45 Dethroning the Powers of Disconnection 09:38 The Contrast Between Industrialized and Organic Approaches 13:26 Quality Over Quantity in Ministry 17:00 Creating an Understory of Flourishing 18:25 The Role of Shepherding in Deliverance 22:59 Awakening to Prophetic Imagination 27:46 Flourishing vs. Productivity 33:16 The Cycles of Life and Ministry 38:52 Seasons of the Soul 44:25 Embracing Flourishing and Surrender ‘Does God view us like a microwave?’ Takeaways * Spiritual flourishing is a journey that requires community engagement. * Embodied encounters with nature can deepen our spiritual experiences. * Dethroning the powers of industrialization is essential for spiritual growth. * Quality of spiritual life is more important than quantity of output. * Relationships are key to flourishing in our spiritual lives. * Creating an understory of mutuality fosters a sense of belonging. * Shepherding is a model for liberation and care in our communities. * The prophetic imagination can awaken us to new possibilities. * Each season of life has its own significance and purpose. * God desires for us to flourish and grow in our spiritual journeys. Check out Bette’s wonderful website here - https://www.bettedickinson.com/ Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

    46 min
  5. 10/09/2025

    The Justice of Jesus w/ Joash Thomas

    Summary In this conversation, Joash P. Thomas discusses his book ‘The Justice of Jesus’ and explores the themes of justice, faith, and the impact of colonization on modern Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices and the need for the church to engage in justice work without the constraints of colonial frameworks. The discussion also touches on the complexities of mission work, the role of empathy, and the call to live a flourishing life now, rather than focusing solely on the afterlife. ‘Justice is a communal exercise’ Takeaways * Joash wrote a book called ‘The Justice of Jesus’. * Justice should not be pigeonholed into biblical or social categories. * All justice is ultimately God’s justice. * We can’t change the past, but we can be faithful in the present. * The gospel centers marginalized voices. * Decolonization is essential for understanding justice. * Empathy is crucial in addressing historical injustices. * The church must engage in justice work today. * Mission work can have both beautiful and harmful outcomes. * Living a flourishing life now is a key aspect of faith. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Joash P. Thomas 02:41 The Justice of Jesus: A New Perspective 05:45 Decolonizing Justice and Faith 08:04 The Impact of Colonization on Justice 10:50 Understanding the Complexity of Colonization 13:37 The Duality of Good and Harm in Mission Work 20:04 The Complexity of Divine Action Amidst Human Atrocity 21:59 The Now of the Gospel: Living in Abundance 23:44 Reckoning with Colonial Narratives and Their Impact 26:09 Centering Marginalized Voices in the Gospel 27:56 Transformation Through Empathy and Understanding 29:43 Navigating the Tension Between Prophetic and Priestly Calls 32:16 Historical Trauma and Its Effects on Power Dynamics 36:16 Co-opting Liberation: The Need for Reflection 37:52 Hope in the Global Church: Moving Forward Together Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min
  6. 10/01/2025

    Revolutionising Relationships (pt. 2) - The Gift of Singleness w/ Karissa Sovdi

    Summary In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, hosts Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage in a profound conversation with Karissa Sovdi about the complexities of singleness within the church. They explore the societal and theological implications of viewing singleness as a problem to be solved rather than a valid and fulfilling life choice. The discussion touches on the idolatry of marriage and family, the importance of celebrating life milestones beyond traditional markers, and the need for genuine community and friendship. Karissa shares her personal journey of dismantling the ‘future wife’ identity and embracing the gift of singleness, while also addressing the burdens and misconceptions surrounding it. The episode concludes with practical advice for living a fulfilling single life and the importance of inclusivity in church communities. Check out more from Karissa at Surviving Christianity Unmarried ‘I never really identified as a person; I identified as a future wife’ Takeaways * Singleness is often viewed as a problem rather than a valid life choice. * The nuclear family is idolized in North American Christianity. * Celebrating milestones beyond marriage is essential for community. * Eternal life and fulfilment can start now, not just in marriage. * Celibacy and singleness can be gifts that allow for deeper connections with God. * Friendship is crucial and often overlooked in discussions about singleness. * Comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. * The church needs to create inclusive spaces for singles. * Marriage should not be seen as the ultimate goal or solution to loneliness. * Practical steps can help individuals embrace and celebrate their singleness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Karissa Sovdi 01:32 Exploring Singleness in the Church 03:50 Dismantling the Future Wife Identity 07:43 The Idolatry of Family and Marriage 11:02 Celebrating Life Beyond Marriage 14:41 The Gift of Singleness and Celibacy 18:50 Understanding Celibacy and Singleness 21:15 The Role of Friendship in Singleness 24:54 The Burden of Singleness in Church 29:37 Reimagining Community and Connection 32:11 Jesus’ Example of Singleness 35:17 The Crisis of Loneliness and Friendship 38:29 Practical Steps for Living Singleness Well 42:52 Conclusion and Resources Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

    45 min
4.8
out of 5
98 Ratings

About

welcome. I'm hoping it's here you will find subversive ideas, disruptive thoughts, experience and hope, some spiritual depth and genuine questions... this is a way of one beggar telling another beggar where to find some bread. I'm glad you are here. daniellestrickland.substack.com

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