Welcome to the I Tried to Be Straight Podcast! We both grew up in Christian culture where being gay wasn't acceptable. After years of struggling with our sexualities, we both recently came out of the closet. We're here to unpack those journeys, and learn more about the struggle of accepting your sexuality in a culture where it's not ok to be gay. We're entering into the stories of others, digging into theology, learning more about gay culture, and trying to give you a little insight into just how hard it is to try to be straight.
No More Trying to Be Straight - Why We're Done Wrestling With Sexuality
In this final episode of this era of I Tried to Be Straight, Nate and Susie reunite to close out a series that has been so close to our hearts.
We reflect on where we started, how far we've come, and what it means to finally live without the constant tension of wondering whether being gay is somehow at odds with being a Christian. We chat about how our faith and identity have evolved, and the unexpected peace that comes when you stop trying to fix what was never broken.
As this chapter of the podcast comes to a close, it’s not a goodbye, but it is the end of this era. But stay tuned, because there will still be more ahead!
22 Jan 2026
I Was Afraid God Wouldn't Love Me If I Came Out Gay
For a long time, Davidson believed loving himself came with conditions. That if he came out, he might lose his faith, his family, or God’s love altogether. So he stayed quiet, faithful, afraid, and disconnected from himself.
In this episode, Davidson shares how coming out wasn’t about rejecting God, but finally believing he was still loved by God. He opens up about the moment he realized he couldn’t fully love himself while hiding, the fear of being disqualified, and the surprising ways honesty deepened his faith instead of destroying it.
8 Jan 2026
The Megachurch Trying to Turn Gay People Straight - Bethel's Changed Movement
Judah went to Bethel’s School of Supernatural Ministry to learn tools to go into ministry. Instead he found himself getting pushed into Bethel Church’s Changed Movement, a new ex-gay therapy program built on declarations, demon-casting, and false hope. In this episode, Judah shares what really happened behind the scenes: trusting leaders who said change was coming, being used as a testimony while nothing actually changed, and the quiet damage of being told you’re broken. This is the truth about Bethel’s secret gay “healing” ministry and how no one is actually changing.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
566,889
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
75 ratings
Spotify
4.7 / 5
159 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
89
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
84
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