In Pursuit of Meaning is a podcast where diverse beliefs and life experiences converge. Join host Chase Christiansen as he explores the stories, spiritual experiences, and philosophies that shape who we are. Through raw, human conversations with guests from all walks of life—religious and non-religious alike—this podcast delves into what gives life meaning, even in the face of doubt and uncertainty. It's an invitation to connect deeply, challenge perspectives, and embrace the universal search for meaning.
Seeking God Every Day: A Conversation with Minister Paul Granger
In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with minister and podcaster Paul Granger, who has spent the past two decades serving in various ministries. He currently works full-time with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and hosts the podcast Where Did You See God?, where he explores how people experience the divine in everyday life.
We dive deep into Paul's personal journey—how he was drawn to ministry, the challenges and revelations he's encountered, and the most profound lessons he's learned over nearly twenty years of service. We also engage in a raw and thought-provoking discussion about theology, the nature of God, and the problem of evil.
Some of the big questions we explore:
What are the core tenets of Christianity?
How does Paul reconcile God’s goodness with the existence of suffering?
What does he believe about hell, the afterlife, and divine justice?
If someone spends their life alleviating suffering but doesn’t believe in God, would they still be condemned?
In our scripture discussion, Paul shares passages that hold deep personal meaning, and I offer my own perspective, leading to an engaging back-and-forth on faith, doubt, and human purpose.
Paul is a genuinely wonderful human being, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!
Connect with Paul Granger:
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/09iYlqdR8ZOuzu9hZXV3wb?si=a04adb73768f447d
Website: https://www.wheredidyouseegod.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wheredidyouseeGod/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WheredidyouseeGod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheredidyouseegod/
3 Mar 2025
LGBTQ+ Affirming Christianity: Romell Parks-Weekly on Theology, Identity, and Belief
In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with Romell Parks-Weekly, the spiritual leader of The Sanctuary in Saint Louis, and an Overseer in the Church of the Everlasting Kingdom. Romell is a theologian, author, and LGBTQ+ advocate who has dedicated his ministry to affirming and uplifting the queer community within Christianity.
We discuss his journey—from growing up religious and coming to terms with his own identity, to becoming a minister and ultimately leading an openly gay-affirming church. We dive into theological discussion about scripture, dogma, and the misconceptions surrounding Christianity and homosexuality. We also explore broader existential and spiritual questions, including the nature of God, the problem of evil, and what it means to find purpose in life.
As an atheist and former Mormon, I also share my personal struggles with spirituality while raising my children outside of organized religion. Romell offers insight on cultivating a child’s spirituality without dogma, and we reflect on the evolving role of faith in an inclusive world.
This is a deep and thoughtful conversation about faith, identity, and the intersection of religion and personal belief. In my opinion, Romell represents the best of Christianity. He's a truly wonderful human being and it was an honor to talk with him.
Where to connect with Romell:
Website: https://www.rparksweekly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/overseerparksweekly
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rparksweekly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rparksweekly
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rparksweekly
24 Feb 2025
Breaking Free: Josh B Morton's Journey Out of Jehovah's Witnesses
In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with Josh B Morton, an ex-Jehovah's Witness, speaker, and author of Jehovah's Fucking Witnesses. Josh shares his powerful journey of breaking free from the intense control of his religious upbringing and reclaiming his identity.
We explore what life was like growing up as a devout Jehovah's Witness, from indoctrination and the intense feelings of shame and guilt. Josh opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to question his beliefs, his experiences with doubt, and the challenges he faced when stepping away from the faith.
We dive into the complexities of leaving a high-control group, unlearning harmful teachings, and navigating life beyond religion. Throughout the conversation, Josh offers insights into religious trauma, personal growth, and how he found the courage to share his story through his book.
This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned their beliefs, experienced the pain of religious control, or sought a life of authenticity and freedom.
Where to connect with Josh:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshbmorton
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshbmorton
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@joshbmorton
Website: https://mailchi.mp/8b83f2d9184d/jbm-newsletter
17 Feb 2025
War, Awakening, Psychedelics, and the Path to Healing with Susannah Stokes
After serving two combat tours in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps officer, Susannah Stokes found herself questioning everything she once believed. What started as a military career dedicated to structure and discipline eventually led her down a completely different path—one of spirituality, healing, and guiding others through deep transformation.
In this episode, Susannah shares her journey from the battlefield to becoming an energy priestess and psychedelic guide. She opens up about her early experiences with faith, the challenges she faced as a woman in the Marine Corps, and how war shaped her understanding of the world. We discuss her spiritual awakening, her work with psychedelics, and the importance of integration after these profound experiences. Susannah also speaks about co-founding House of Embodied Metamorphosis, a faith-based organization that uses plant medicine to help others heal and reconnect with themselves.
This is an open and deeply honest conversation about war, trauma, purpose, and the search for something greater. Whether you're curious about psychedelics, questioning your beliefs, or simply drawn to stories of profound personal change, this episode is one worth listening to.
Find Susannah’s Work:
Website: Metamorphosis.Ventures (https://metamorphosis.ventures)
Instagram: @embodiedmetamorphosis (https://www.instagram.com/embodiedmetamorphosis)
Susannah’s Instagram: @susannahroses (https://www.instagram.com/susannahroses)
10 Feb 2025
From Mob Lawyer to Mindfulness Mentor: The Transformation of Bob Martin
In this episode ofIn Pursuit of Meaning, I sit down with Bob Martin—a man whose life journey is anything but ordinary. From serving as a lawyer for the mob to becoming a corporate consultant, restaurant owner, and now a professor of wellness and mindfulness coordinator at Elon University, Bob’s path is one of radical transformation.
We explore his early experiences with religion and spirituality, his time navigating the legal world of organized crime, and the profound awakening that led him to Taoism and mindfulness. Bob shares insights from his bookI Am the Way, which reimagines biblical teachings through the lens of Taoism, and discusses the challenges and beauty of mixed-faith marriages.
We also dive into some of life’s biggest existential and spiritual questions, examining the nature of meaning, belief, and what it means to live a fulfilled life. Bob offers practical wisdom on meditation, mindfulness, and overcoming personal struggles with spiritual practice
Where to Find Bob Martin:🌎Website: https://awiseandhappylife.com/
📌Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/awiseandhappylife
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-martin-995b30127/
3 Feb 2025
Grief, Energy Healing, and the Search for Meaning with Angela Clement
Ep. 3: Grief, Energy Healing, and the Search for Meaning with Angela Clement
Grief is one of the most profound and painful experiences we face as humans—but what if it could also be a path to healing and transformation? In this episode, I sit down with Angela Clement, a certified grief coach, speaker, writer, and healer, to explore the complex nature of grief and how we can move through it in a way that fosters growth rather than despair.
Angela shares her personal journey of loss and how it led her to a deeper understanding of grief as a process of awakening. We discuss the difference between grief and mourning, the importance of outward expressions of loss, and the surprising role energy healing can play in emotional recovery.
We also dive into existential and spiritual questions—what happens after we die, whether life has inherent meaning, and how Angela has experienced guidance beyond herself. Along the way, I share my own experience with grief—not from the loss of a loved one, but from losing deeply held beliefs that once gave me comfort.
If you've ever struggled with loss, questioned the meaning of life, or wondered how to find joy again after profound pain, this conversation is for you.
Where to Find Angela Clement:
📖 Awakening Through Grief: A Spiritual Journey of Healing and Transformation After Loss
🌎 https://www.healingenergy.world/
20 Jan 2025
Navigating Health, Spirituality, and Purpose with Dr. Lynn Carey
In this episode of In Pursuit of Meaning, I have a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Lynn Carey. With a background in chiropractic and nutrition, and nearly two decades of experience running her own practice, Dr. Carey reflects on what she’s learned about health, healing, and self-expression.
We talk about her early life and how her views on spirituality and meaning have evolved. She shares insights from her career in chiropractic, exploring the body’s natural ability to heal and the challenges people often face in that process. Dr. Carey also opens up about her personal self-healing journey and offers ideas on how others might begin their own.
The conversation touches on some big existential questions: Does life have inherent meaning? What happens after we die? And how do our beliefs about these topics shape the way we live? Dr. Carey also shares her thoughts on why self-expression is essential for well-being and how she incorporates spiritual practices into her life.
This episode is an open and honest exploration of health, purpose, and the deeper questions we all wrestle with. Join us for a conversation that’s as reflective as it is grounded.
Where to Find Dr. Lynn Carey:
📖 Awakening Through Grief: A Spiritual Journey of Healing and Transformation After Loss
🌎 Website: https://www.creatingmydesiredlife.com/
📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.carey.54
▶️ YouTube: @dr.lynncarey
📸 Instagram: @dr.lynncarey
13 Jan 2025
Faith Over Fear - Finding Purpose with Michael Rosenberg
In this inspiring episode, transformational speaker and coach Michael Rosenberg shares his journey from a successful 11-year corporate sales career to a life of alignment and purpose. After experiencing a profound spiritual awakening in 2020, Michael left the corporate world to embark on a global quest to rediscover his true calling.
We explore Michael’s early experiences with spirituality, the catalyst behind his awakening, and the fears he overcame to embrace a path of authenticity. Michael offers powerful insights and advice for those feeling stuck in unfulfilling careers or searching for purpose in their lives.
Together, we discuss what it means to embody "faith over fear," how to navigate uncertainty, and how even atheists can benefit from adopting this mindset. Michael also dives into existential and spiritual questions, including his thoughts on the concept of God, the afterlife, and creating meaning in our lives.
Michael is a truly wonderful human being, and I enjoyed every minute of our conversation.
Where to Find Michael Rosenberg:
🌎 Website: https://www.wakeupwithmike.com/
📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakeupwithMike
📸 Instagram: @wakeupwithmike
🎵 TikTok: @WakeUpWithMike
6 Dec 2024
Damn Everything but the Circus
Welcome to the debut episode of In Pursuit of Meaning! In this introduction, I share the heart behind the podcast—exploring life's biggest questions through meaningful conversations. I talk about my personal journey of faith, doubt, and finding purpose after losing belief in God. I explain why I'm passionate about connecting with people from all walks of life to discuss topics like spirituality, meaning, and the human experience. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this podcast is about empathy, curiosity, and connecting on a deeper level. Join me on this journey, and let's explore what gives life meaning together.
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