Shows / Follow the Leighder
Follow the Leighder
Follow the Leighder is a scholar-led society and culture podcast hosted by theologian, USAFR veteran, and MTS graduate Leigh Larson. Each episode brings historians, theologians, women's advocates, and public intellectuals into honest conversation exploring history, faith, travel, and women's empowerment. 245K+ followers across five platforms. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. followtheleighder.com
Episodes
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Telling Blackfeet Stories on Screen | Ivan MacDonald, Emmy-Winning Filmmaker
I chat with Ivan McDonald, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and member of the Blackfeet tribe, discussing his journey in storytelling and the importance of…
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Hunters, Conservation, and Public Lands | Project Upland
We talk about the importance of conservation, the role of hunting in wildlife management, and the challenges faced by conservation efforts in the current…
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Where Federal Abortion Policy Stands Now | Katie O'Connor, NWLC
I chat with Katie O'Connor, the senior director of federal abortion policy at the National Women's Law Center, discussing her journey into social justice, the…
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Religion, Extremism, and the Myth of the American West | Betsy Gaines Quammen
Author and historian Betsy Gaines Quammen chats about the exploration of cultural views of landscape, the spiritual relationship with the land, the impact of…
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Science, Feminism, and Witchcraft | Mary Maksoud (@thesteministwitch)
Mary Maksoud, The Steminist Witch, coves topics such as AI literacy and ethics, spiritual healing, NLP, hypnotherapy, Hawaiian lineages, colonization…
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What's at Stake in Montana's Supreme Court Race | Judge Amy Eddy
I interviewed Judge Amy Eddy, who discusses her journey into law, her experiences as a district court judge, and her candidacy for the Montana Supreme Court…
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From the Navy to Climate Activism | Megan Glancey
I interview Megan Glancy, a Navy veteran and political activist, discussing her journey from a patriotic upbringing in Texas to her experiences as a woman in…
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A Veteran Gets Real About Military Culture | @AngryMaleVet
@AngryMaleVet explores the diverse reasons individuals join the military, the influence of political rhetoric on military missions, and the importance of…
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Child Care Is an Economic Security Issue | Amy K. Matsui, NWLC
I interview Amy K. Matsui, Vice President for Child Care and Economic Security at the National Women's Law Center about the critical issues surrounding…
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Why an Evangelical Pastor Walked Away | Brian Recker
The conversation features Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor who has undergone significant deconstruction in his faith journey, discussing his…
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Raised Christian Nationalist, Now Progressive | April Ajoy
April Ajoy shares her journey from a deeply Christian nationalist upbringing to a progressive Christian perspective, highlighting the impact of purity culture…
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Power Dynamics in Conservative Christian Marriages | Chelsea Kim Long
Chelsea Kim Long shares her journey of deconstruction and reconstruction within Christianity, exploring the impact on her identity, marriage, and the concept…
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How Empire Shaped the Language of the Bible | Dr. Samantha Bise
Dr. Samantha Bise chats about the Christian language, the journey to faith, the language and empire in the Gospels, the Enneagram and its significance as a…
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Progressive Christians Need Better Messaging | Alexis Rice & Carter Brown
Alexis Rice and Carter Brown stop by to chat about the intersection of progressive Christianity, politics, and women's rights, exploring the impact of…
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Deconstructing Masculinity and the Savior Complex | Larry the Sociologist
Larry the Sociologist shares insights on the impact of systems on society and the process of deconstructing masculinity. Additionally, it discusses the toxic…
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From Strict Pentecostal to Liberation Theology | Naiomi Gonzalez
Naomi Gonzalez shares their journey from a strict Pentecostal upbringing to exploring theology, politics, and liberation theology. They discuss the impact of…
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Christianity, Colonialism, and the Church's Trauma | Dr. Bradley Melle
Dr. Bradley Melle discusses the entangled history of Christianity, colonialism, and indigenous peoples, exploring the church's present dysfunctions and…
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What Astrology Says About the Great Reset | Anak Rabanal
Anak Rabanal, a practical astrologer, shares her spiritual journey, career evolution, and insights into astrology, the zodiac, and planetary retrogrades. She…
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The Black Church and American Christian History | Dr. Jemar Tisby
Dr. Jemar Tisby shares his faith journey, the role of the black church in shaping theology and activism, and the importance of understanding black Christian…
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Finding Faith in Nature | Stephanie Jones, Naturalist
Stephanie Jones and I laughed and chatted about the intertwining of nature and faith, exploring the spiritual connection to the natural world. It also…
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What Do Disciples of Christ Believe? | Rev. Terri Hord Owens
The conversation with Reverend Terri Hord Owens covers her journey to ministry, the introduction to Disciples of Christ, the openness and freedom of theology…
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From Cult Upbringing to Combat Veteran | Ben C. (@pressxprepeat)
Ben C. shares his journey from being a combat veteran to his experiences in the military and the challenges he faced. He discusses his transition from a cult…
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Quantum Theology and Rural Faith | Zac Cannon
Zac Cannon and I chat about storytelling and spirituality, exploring the author's rural upbringing, spiritual evolution, and the challenges of parenting a…
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Poetry as Resistance After Bad Theology | Marla Taviano
Marla Taviano, an author, shares her journey of discovering and embracing poetry as a form of resistance and healing. She discusses the impact of poetry on her…
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Christian Zionism, Israel, and Empire | Dr. Kathleen McCallie
The conversation delves into the complex history and religious significance of Palestine and Israel, exploring the impact of Christian Zionism, political…
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Moral Injury and the Marine Corps | Dr. Andrew Perera
Dr. Andrew Perera shares his personal journey, highlighting the complexities of moral injury and the distinct nature of the Marine Corps experience. The…
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Why Military Chaplaincy Has to Be Interfaith | Chaplain Jared Anderson
Army ChaplainJared Anderson talks about the crucial role of chaplains in providing specific support, protecting humanity in war, and the need for clinical…
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Living With Blindness, and How AI Helps | Ed Worrell
I talk with Ed Worrell, President of the Montana Association for the Blind, about his personal journey, challenges, and adaptation to blindness, the use of AI…
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Disability Advocacy After a Brain Injury | Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson, founder of Electric City Opportunities, talks about his personal journey of overcoming a traumatic brain injury and incomplete paraplegia to…
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Walking the Camino and Stealing My Religion | Liz Bucar
We talk about author Liz Bucar's experiences with the Camino de Santiago, the distinction between religion and spirituality, and her academic work that informs…
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Menopause Is a Whole-Body Issue | Amanda Otterman (@menohealthnurse)
Amanda Otterman, a Meno health nurse, shares her journey from nursing to menopause education and advocacy. She highlights the renaming of PCOS and the…
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Forced Retirement as a Trans Space Force Colonel | Col. Bree Fram (Ret.)
Col. Bree Fram shares her experience of forced retirement and administrative leave, advocacy for transgender service members, the role of Space Force, decision…
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Religion, Politics, and Military Service | Julie Roland, Former Navy Lt. Cmdr.
I talk with Julie Roland about her global perspective gained from military service, the intersection of religion and politics, and the importance of diversity…
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Christian Nationalism at the Air Force Academy | Mikey Weinstein, MRFF
I talk with Military Religious Freedom Foundation founder and CEO Mikey Weinstein. He talks about the prevalence of Christian Nationalism at the Air Force…
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Iran, Hezbollah, and China: A Special Ops View | Col. Alex Simmons (Ret.)
Colonel Alex Simmons, a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Officer, shares insights on Iran, Hezbollah, China's influence, and the post-9/11 foreign policy…
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Transitioning While Serving in the Army | Maj. Kara Corcoran
I chat with U.S. Army Major Kara Corcoran and her experience of transitioning in the military and the support and acceptance she received during and after her…
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The Little Shell Tribe and Landless Indigenous People | Chris La Tray
Chris La Tray and I talk about the history and restoration of the Little Shell tribe, the advocacy for landless indigenous people, and authoring three books…
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Alaska Native Energy, AI, and National Security | Dr. Len Necefer
Dr. Len Necefer and I cover a range of topics including Alaska Native corporations, national security concerns, the impact of energy prices on Alaskan…
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Belonging and the Church in East Texas | Paul Haygood
I chat with Paul Haygood, a progressive Christian who seeks to build an interfaith community in Tyler, Texas. We discuss his research on membership and…
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Democracy, the Military, and Military Spouses | Laura O'Dea
I talk with legal forensic analyst Laura O'Dea about concerns with democratic institutions, the impact of military service on perspective, progressivism in the…
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How Purity Culture Lives in the Body | Jenny McGrath
I chat with Jenny McGrath about purity culture and its impact on the human body, somatic experiencing, and mental health therapy.
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Economic Trauma and Women's Leadership | Annie Logue, CFA
I talk with Annie Logue about leadership roles in Junior League and League of Women Voters. We also explore the impact of economic trauma, racial integration…
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Menopause, Women's Health, and Refugee Care | Dr. Shelagh Larson
I chat with Dr. Shelagh Larson, WHNP, about women's healthcare, menopause, and access and support for refugee women.
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Inside the World's Unrecognized Countries | Eric Czuleger
We chat about Eric Czuleger, geopolitical analyst, and his exploration of unrecognized territories, the Peace Corps experience in Albania, and observations on…
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Why Two Montana Women Are Running for Office | Holland & Graham
Valynda Holland is a candidate for state senate in MT-11 and Lela Graham is running for house in district 21. They collaborated and joined on the podcast to…
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From Marine Combat to Veteran Advocacy | Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, IAVA
Dr. Kyleanne Hunter talks about her journey from Marine combat to policy advocacy, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based advocacy and the impact of…
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Small Farms vs. Corporate Ag and Data Centers | Avery Claire Wrigglesworth
Avery Claire Wrigglesworth shares her experience of running Lily Hill Cattle and the challenges of small farming in the face of corporate operations and AI…
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From Nursing to Holistic Women's Health | Josie Makin
Josie Makin, the owner of Wild Roots Mobile IV, shares her journey from nursing to holistic health, emphasizing the importance of women's health and wellness…
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Cascade County's Budget, Schools, and Data Centers | Eric Hinebauch
Montana's Cascade County Commissioner Eric Hinebauch stops by to discuss challenges in public education, impact of funding cuts on public services, public…
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A Buddhist Military Chaplain on Religious Harm | Anya Powers
Anya Powers, a Buddhist chaplain and USAFR veteran, shares her journey from a military background to ministry, her experiences in the military Chaplain…
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Crime and Child Safety in Cascade County | Sheriff Jesse Slaughter
I chat with Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter about crimes in our county and state, including sex and child crimes.
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Veterans, Tribal Sovereignty, and a Senate Run | Michael Black Wolf
I chat with Michael Black Wolf, a US Senate candidate from Montana, to discuss his background, campaign, and key policy issues, including veterans' rights…
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Christian Zionism and Second Temple Judaism | Rev. Jon Umbdenstock
I chat with Whitefish, MT UMC pastor Jon Umbdenstock about Christian Zionism, Second Temple Judaism, and their implications on national and religious…
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Chattin' with Dr. Katie Curry, Children and Tech
Dr. Katie Curry discusses the intersection of parenting and neurophysiology, highlighting the impact of technology on parenting and child development.
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Creating the Life You Love | Beth Caldwell, Esthetician
Beth Caldwell, the owner of BC Beauty, shares her journey as an esthetician and skincare expert in Montana and her recent speech to Junior League's Women's…
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The Cult of Trump and Authoritarian Mind Control | Dr. Steven Hassan
Dr. Steven Hassan, a cult expert, shares his insights on authoritarian mind control, his experience with cults, and the cult of Trump. We talk about his…
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Hegseth, Military Leadership, and a Senate Run | Lt. Col. Amy McGrath (Ret.)
Lieutenant Colonel Amy McGrath stops by to discuss her campaign for Mitch McConnell's Senate seat in Kentucky. We talk about her military career, the impact of…
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How Cults and Authoritarians Play the Long Game | Knitting Cult Lady
I chat with Daniella Mestyanek Young, Knitting Cult Lady, about the rise of authoritarian leadership, the long game of cult movements, and the need for a…
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Tarot, Reiki, and a Witches' Co-Working Space | Aly Kravetz
I chat with Aly Kravetz and her co-working space 'Witch Work.' We talk about the history and practice of Tarot and Reiki and how she supports spiritual and…
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Running for Congress in Jacksonville | Brit Robinson, FL-4
Brit Robinson of Jacksonville stops by to chat about her run for Congress in FL-4, her SAFER System approach, ICE, and more. Learn more at…