Logo

    Pray for Micah

    The Pray for Micah Podcast explores art, community, spirituality, and our cosmic (in)significance. Micah Chrisman, a Kansas City-raised writer, creative, and ex-evangelical, interviews various guests from all walks of life to discover our sacred connectedness.
    en39 Episodes

    People also ask

    What is the main theme of the podcast?
    Who are some of the popular guests the podcast?
    Were there any controversial topics discussed in the podcast?
    Were any current trending topics addressed in the podcast?
    What popular books were mentioned in the podcast?

    Episodes (39)

    Ep 39: “Being Agents of Love in the Face of Evil” w/ Rev. Jason Carle

    Ep 39: “Being Agents of Love in the Face of Evil” w/ Rev. Jason Carle
    In Episode 39, Micah hosts Rev. Jason Carle—America’s most epic boss on record to have ever supervised Micah Chrisman himself at one point. Jason serves as the pastor of Overland Park Presbyterian Church, where he has dedicated the past 14 years of his ministry. Originally from northern Wisconsin, Rev. Carle's upbringing took an adventurous turn when, at the age of 11, his father, also a Presbyterian pastor, was called to serve as a missionary on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The Carle family spent 5 years on the island before returning to the United States and settling in Blue Springs, MO. Today he is happily married to Melissa Carle, and together, they are blessed with two children, Roslyn (17) and Sam (15). In addition to his passion for open and inclusive ministry, Rev. Carle has a penchant for video games and intricate tabletop games with thick rule books. He embraces a wide range of interests, exploring activities often associated with the term "geek," and he takes pleasure in trying his hand at various geeky pursuits.

    Ep 38: "How Do We Maintain Our Humanity with New Technology?" w/ Asheville Friends

    Ep 38: "How Do We Maintain Our Humanity with New Technology?" w/ Asheville Friends
    This is a unique Pray for Micah Podcast experience where Micah and some new friends from Asheville, NC (Scott Asbell, Elijah "E" Schneidewind, and Luca Rade) decided to bust out the recording equipment to capture a deep conversation they were having while sharing a late-night hookah. They cover a range of topics from human consciousness, artificial intelligence, technological advancements, post-modernism, religious constructs, Christian mythos, and the consequences they have on culture, society, and future generations. About Scott Asbell: Ever playful and ever the student of the Paschal mystery, Scott Asbell dances through dizzying and often concurrent life, death, and resurrection journeys to joyfully and artfully weave his life well lived. Growing up in the spiritual worlds of Young Life and the Presbyterian Church, Scott now feels most at home in the perennial tradition, including and especially mystical/contemplative Christianity. He is a student of the Enneagram and Integral Theory and credits those energies for initiating and ushering him into the second half of his spiritual life. While business management and entrepreneurship has been a cornerstone of Scott’s life from an early age (he even bought and ran a bowling alley at the age of 21!), he considers his creative pursuits and endeavors to be his life’s purpose and work. A self taught musician and song writer, Scott writes and releases music under the names Cardinal Folk, Absolute All, and Wander Yonder. His other main creative endeavor is building tiny houses and creating DIY carpentry videos via YouTube under the moniker Slacker Scott. About Elijah "E" Schneidewind: Elijah "E" Schneidewind is a dedicated and innovative healthcare professional boasting over a decade of diverse experience across various domains including physical therapy, athletic training, personal training, nutrition coaching, massage and bodywork, and Arvigo therapy. He maintains an insatiable thirst for knowledge and is deeply committed to leveraging integrative and personalized approaches to enhance human health and well-being. E is driven by a mission to instigate positive lifestyle changes and promote overall wellness within his community. His core values revolve around nature, sustainability, justice, equality, peace, and love. Beyond his professional endeavors, E finds solace and joy in spending quality time with his beloved family – his partner, Lizzie, his faithful dog, Terkie, and two adorable cats, CoCo Bean and Daisy May. Together, they immerse themselves in activities such as gardening, cooking, homesteading, and engaging in building projects on their picturesque homestead nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. About Luca Rade: Luca is the founder of Flourish, a platform for everyone to find the guidance, healing, or training they need to flourish. He is the author of The Infinitely Pronged Hunger for Life, an alchemical and prophetic book of poetry, and The Journey of Being Alive podcast series. Having taught Contact Improv workshops and worked as a decision coach in the past, he is now creating Rewilding and Playfight containers in Asheville, NC to enable deep and primal connections between people and with the natural world. He holds a BA magna cum laude from Princeton University. Flourish emerged from Luca's years-long journey of embodying, awakening, grieving, and loving, which brought him into contact with dozens of guides, healers, and teachers and sparked his own explorations in guiding others. He experienced the challenges and confusions of finding and trusting the right guides, healers, and teachers outside of limited mainstream-sanctioned options. He realized that without the right digital platform, the new yet ancient aliveness emerging across the world today will not break through the grip of our society's disembodied and disconnected ways of being. Flourish is the Portal, the Ark, and the Trojan Horse for this emerging aliveness.

    Ep 37: "Hydrating the Soul with Spiritual Entrepreneurship" w/ Emmy Harr

    Ep 37: "Hydrating the Soul with Spiritual Entrepreneurship" w/ Emmy Harr
    The Pray for Micah Podcast starts off 2024 with another special guest and Kansas City friend, Emmy Harr. Ember, AKA Emmy, is a guide, transformational healer, mentor, soon-to-be published author, and a steward. She is the creator of Rippled Vibrations, a suite of group programs for Beings of Sacred Service (BOSS’s) to radically expand, connect, and detox their body, emotions, and spirituality through the means of electric living water in order to enter into a more hydrated way of life, and business. After creating her first 6-figure business at the ripe age of 26 through a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (the cleansing waters of the body), she knew she needed to hydrate the way she did things. Now Emmy guides others to hydrate the relationships in their lives. As a steward of the land, the body, Money, and children, she often sees life through the interconnectedness of movement, money, and water and brings a childlike ease to those around her. Emmy is passionate about bringing people to nature, as by turning to Nature – we turn to ourselves. She believes by leading with service, this is how we create an entirely new paradigm for this beautiful planet we call Mama.

    Ep 36: “Chrisman Lore & Leaving A Family Legacy” w/ Gordon & Shari Chrisman (Pt. 2)

    Ep 36: “Chrisman Lore & Leaving A Family Legacy” w/ Gordon & Shari Chrisman (Pt. 2)
    Join Micah for a 2023 Christmas special where he interviews his parents, Gordon and Shari Chrisman. Experience some their life stories and journeys, from falling in love to starting a family and serving in ministry together for over 40 years. This is pt. 2 of a two-episode series where fans get to hear some Chrisman family lore! Gordon Chrisman, holding his Master’s of Divinity and BA degree in InstrumentalVocal music education, has pursued his career in Christian ministry as Music Director/TV producer with Kansas City Youth For Christ, Youth Minister of Plaza Heights Baptist Church, and Senior Pastor of Celebration Community Fellowship. Now in his retirement, he serves part time on staff as Minister of Discipleship at First Baptist Church Grain Valley. A quiet man of deep faith, Gordon would rather enjoy a cup of coffee with a small group of men discussing the pressing issues of life, than to preach to crowds of thousands or be a featured performer on any platform. A humble man, Gordon Chrisman holds the highest honor that any man may attain in this life… he is deeply respected and loved by everyone who has ever known him. Now at the age of 71, Gordon could have comfortably retired, spending his weekends at the lake, and enjoying the fruits of his labors. Instead he has devoted his time to loving God and people in genuine relationships. He and his wife, Shari, have been married 43 years. They have five grown children and nine grandchildren. Shari Chrisman’s main claim to fame here on this Pray For Micah Podcast lies solely on the wonderful fact that she is Micah’s mom and Chief Prayer Intercessor for him! The true originator of the "Pray for Micah" movement. After a professional career spanning 5 decades, Shari has had a marvelous and totally fulfilling life as: Assistant Manager of the Kansas City Philharmonic, Assistant Manager of KYFC TV50, Drama Director/Writer for Kansas City Youth for Christ, Acorns & Oaks Homeschool teacher & mom, and Agency Manager for Allstate Insurance until retirement in 2021. Currently she devotes her time to travel & ministry with her husband of 43 years, mentoring her five children, enjoying her 9 grandchildren, and building relationships with women, encouraging them and equipping them to love God and others.

    Ep 35: “Chrisman Lore & Leaving A Family Legacy” w/ Gordon & Shari Chrisman (Pt. 1)

    Ep 35: “Chrisman Lore & Leaving A Family Legacy” w/ Gordon & Shari Chrisman (Pt. 1)
    Join Micah for a 2023 Christmas special where he interviews his parents, Gordon and Shari Chrisman. Experience some their life stories and journeys, from falling in love to starting a family and serving in ministry together for over 40 years. This is pt. 1 of a two-episode series where fans get to hear some Chrisman family lore! Gordon Chrisman, holding his Master’s of Divinity and BA degree in InstrumentalVocal music education, has pursued his career in Christian ministry as Music Director/TV producer with Kansas City Youth For Christ, Youth Minister of Plaza Heights Baptist Church, and Senior Pastor of Celebration Community Fellowship. Now in his retirement, he serves part time on staff as Minister of Discipleship at First Baptist Church Grain Valley. A quiet man of deep faith, Gordon would rather enjoy a cup of coffee with a small group of men discussing the pressing issues of life, than to preach to crowds of thousands or be a featured performer on any platform. A humble man, Gordon Chrisman holds the highest honor that any man may attain in this life… he is deeply respected and loved by everyone who has ever known him. Now at the age of 71, Gordon could have comfortably retired, spending his weekends at the lake, and enjoying the fruits of his labors. Instead he has devoted his time to loving God and people in genuine relationships. He and his wife, Shari, have been married 43 years. They have five grown children and nine grandchildren. Shari Chrisman’s main claim to fame here on this Pray For Micah Podcast lies solely on the wonderful fact that she is Micah’s mom and Chief Prayer Intercessor for him! The true originator of the "Pray for Micah" movement. After a professional career spanning 5 decades, Shari has had a marvelous and totally fulfilling life as: Assistant Manager of the Kansas City Philharmonic, Assistant Manager of KYFC TV50, Drama Director/Writer for Kansas City Youth for Christ, Acorns & Oaks Homeschool teacher & mom, and Agency Manager for Allstate Insurance until retirement in 2021. Currently she devotes her time to travel & ministry with her husband of 43 years, mentoring her five children, enjoying her 9 grandchildren, and building relationships with women, encouraging them and equipping them to love God and others.

    Ep 34: "Disobedient Women Exposing Religious Abuse" w/ Sarah Stankorb

    Ep 34: "Disobedient Women Exposing Religious Abuse" w/ Sarah Stankorb
    Renowned journalist, Sarah Stankorb, interviews with Micah about her newly released book "Disobedient Women" (Published August 8th, 2023), which is a culmination of her extensive reporting on women who bravely utilized the internet to expose abuse within evangelical communities. The deeply researched work provides long-overdue recognition to these women, who defied societal expectations of submission and silence. Sarah's articles and essays have been featured in prominent publications, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vogue, The Guardian, The Atlantic, CNNMoney—just to name a few—covering a wide range of topics such as politics, the environment, health, technology, religion, and cultural commentary. In June 2018, she was awarded a Society of Professional Journalists’ Excellence in Journalism, Best Community Issues Story award for "Rape Culture Lives Here." Hailing from Northeast Ohio, she draws inspiration from her upbringing in what some call the “Rust Belt”. Throughout her career, she has supported causes such as HIV/AIDS, environmental conservation, and workforce development. Sarah's passion for storytelling and understanding of ethics and religion have contributed to her remarkable body of work.

    Ep 33: "Rehabilitation Vs. Abilitation" w/ Kyle Hollins

    Ep 33: "Rehabilitation Vs. Abilitation" w/ Kyle Hollins
    In Episode 33, Micah hosts fellow Kansas Citian, Kyle Hollins. Kyle has traveled a road that is all too common to men and women that come from humble beginnings. He went through homelessness, drug sales, and gang life, which landed him incarcerated for 90 plus months. Today, he is a seminary student, attributed writer, and founder of Exile Promotions and Consulting, along with The Lyrik’s Institution. As Chief Executive Office of The Lyrik’s Institution, Kyle utilizes cognitive-based programming to support students to master in the Creative Arts and take part in paid internships to become market value assets. Between teaching, public speaking, and using the science of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Kyle is now able to give back to a community from which he felt he took so much from.

    Ep 32: "Exposing Common Myths in Theology" w/ Michael Camp

    Ep 32: "Exposing Common Myths in Theology" w/ Michael Camp
    Micah has the pleasure of interviewing Michael Camp, author of Confessions of a Bible Thumper, Craft Brewed Jesus, and Breaking Bad Faith. Michael is also the host of the Spiritual Brewpub Podcast. Despite experiencing spiritual abuse and burnout, Michael's path took a transformative turn as he sought answers to the dilemmas of his evangelical worldview. Through rigorous historical research and scholarly exploration, he made startling discoveries that liberated him from harmful theologies, leading him to embrace a vibrant path rooted in reality, historical facts, and the compassionate way demonstrated by mystics and social activists, as he believes Jesus exemplified. Michael's personal journey has inspired others on similar paths, and he now finds purpose in service-oriented organizations like Rotary International, where he spearheads humanitarian projects through Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups in Tanzania and Uganda. While no longer involved in traditional church settings, he recognizes the value of spiritual and service-oriented communities in fostering personal growth and making a positive impact.

    Ep 31: "Exploring the Art of Filmmaking" w/ DeVonte` Brown

    Ep 31: "Exploring the Art of Filmmaking" w/ DeVonte` Brown
    Film production, cinematography, and meaningful storytelling are some of the major topics discussed in Episode 31 between Micah and film producer, DeVonte` Brown. As a Detroit native planted in Kansas City, DeVonte` brings a variety of original perspective to every project as a cinematographer and film director. His passion for his craft and the respect he has for every crew member is something he holds dear. Coming from Detroit, MI, DeVonte` had to grow up faster than most. Although he wasn’t as well off as others, he made the best of the life he was given. Through all the hardship and life lessons, he has gained a hearty work ethic, a strong spirit, and a bright smile.

    Ep 30: "Environmental Justice Advocacy" w/ Beto Martinez

    Ep 30: "Environmental Justice Advocacy" w/ Beto Martinez
    In Episode 30, Micah interviews Beto Lugo-Martinez, a co-executive director at CleanAirNow where he serves as an environmental justice organizer. Based in Kansas City, MO, Beto is dedicated to amplifying community voices in the fight against environmental racism and addressing the systemic exclusion of frontline communities in decision-making processes. His own experience growing up near a petrochemical facility drives his work at the intersection of environmental justice, climate, and public health.

    Ep 29: "Faith-Based Entrepreneurship" w/ Cornell Gorman

    Ep 29: "Faith-Based Entrepreneurship" w/ Cornell Gorman
    Micah has the pleasure of hosting community advocate and colleague, Cornell Gorman, in Episode 29 of the Pray for Micah Podcast. Cornell has spearheaded remarkable increases in clientele and revenue, making a positive impact everywhere he goes. As the Operations Manager at LitFitness, he oversaw a remarkable increase in clientele, leading to a 30% revenue surge. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Fit City, where he attracted over 150 clients during its first summer. He became a content creator, generating content that has reached over 4 million organic views. In addition to this work, he also co-founded Generating Income for Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.), an organization dedicated to community enrichment through grant funding and event management, which has raised over $3 million dollars in its first 3 years. He is also a leader in his church and has inspired and empowered countless individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

    Ep 28: "Practicing Mindfulness & Self-Love" w/ Ingrid B.

    Ep 28: "Practicing Mindfulness & Self-Love" w/ Ingrid B.
    In Episode 28, Micah hosts Ingrid B. and they delve into breath work, mindfulness, and meditation practices that help us heal personal wounds and find ourselves through self-love. Ingrid was born in Mexico but raised in Kansas City with dreams to explore the world. Since her documentation status didn't allow her that privilege, she explored as much of the country as she could instead. Her corporate career took her to the NE, West, and PNW. Where she found healing and space to explore her spirituality. She began her spiritual journey in 2016 and has since found inner freedom, self-love and has fully embraced her body. Her life goal now is to help others find inner freedom and joy for life. To learn more about her book, "Live Intentionally: A Guidebook to Living Thoughtfully in 30 Days", and her community work, visit www.awakenwithingrid.com

    Ep 27: "Transforming Communities Through Art Advocacy" w/ Diosselyn Tot

    Ep 27: "Transforming Communities Through Art Advocacy" w/ Diosselyn Tot
    Micah interviews local creative, Diosselyn Tot, in Episode 27 of the Pray for Micah Podcast. Diosselyn was born in Guatemala but has made Kansas City, Kansas her home. She came to the U.S. at 6-years-old and began volunteering in her community at the age of 12. She is one of the founders of the Art Squad, which teaches art classes on street corners, in parks, and at Urban Station. Since its inception, they have painted over 50 murals in alleyways to abate gang graffiti and beautify neighborhood spaces. Today, Diosselyn sits on various boards in the Latino community with a focus on the arts, voting rights, and affordable housing. She is also a featured changemaker in DocuCourse: Art & Advocacy, a documentary film that follows her life journey as she uses art as a tool to nurture youth and transform her neighborhood.

    Ep 26: "The Trippy Experience That Is Life" w/ Lucille Cody

    Ep 26: "The Trippy Experience That Is Life" w/ Lucille Cody
    Micah and Lucy share a lot of laughs in Episode 26 as they discuss a range of topics like marijuana legalization in Missouri, the limitations of science and understanding consciousness, and the nature of God and reality. Lucille Cody is the host of the High & Doing Things Podcast, which is a real-time, unedited, unscripted show where you can hear some funny conversations about herself and other interesting humans. It’s also full of singing, interviews, field trips, & random commercials for things that do or do not exist in real life.

    Ep 25: "Empowering Creative Communities" w/ Jen Harris

    Ep 25: "Empowering Creative Communities" w/ Jen Harris
    Micah celebrates the 25th episode of the Pray for Micah Podcast by hosting poet Jen Harris. She is a writer based in Kansas City, Missouri. A sought-after performance artist, Jen is the founder and host of The Writing Workshop KC, whose mission is to nurture creative curiosity and inspire confidence within prompt-based writing workshops. She hosts weekly classes and offers creative coaching to private clients. Jen is a nationally-certified Recovery Coach and Peer Support Specialist. Through an aggressively vulnerable, trauma-informed lens, she unites strangers who share an interest in creative expression and facilitates the development of active, engaged, supportive, empowering writing communities.

    Ep 24: "Connections Between the Cosmos & the Psyche" w/ Jessie Van Der Vyver

    Ep 24: "Connections Between the Cosmos & the Psyche" w/ Jessie Van Der Vyver
    In Episode 24, Micah invites multidisciplinary creative, Jessie Van Der Vyver, onto the show to discuss his work in the community and his 2023 film projects that are in development. Jessie has worked in the commercial/narrative/television industry for over 14 years. He grew up as a "hardcore Christian", but over the past 6 years has made a shift in his beliefs. Together they share about their spiritual journeys, the meditation tools they use for personal growth and self-reflection, and how these practices reveal a deeper understanding of our collective consciousness.

    Ep 23: "Fighting for Real Justice" w/ Justice Gatson

    Ep 23: "Fighting for Real Justice" w/ Justice Gatson
    Micah starts off the new year by interviewing Justice Gatson, a Kansas City activist and founder of the Reale Justice Network. The nonprofit is a Black-led group advocating for a range of political and social justice issues that directly impact Black and Brown communities like birth justice, survivor support, participatory defense teams, community housing, "buy the block", and the community bail fund. In the episode, Micah and Justice discuss her upcoming documentary, DocuCourse: A Changemaker's Story—Bails & Bonds, which features her life's work and is set to release in March 2023. They also dive into the community projects and social issues that Justice is currently working on this year.

    Ep 22: "What Comes Next for Us Heretics?" w/ Katharine Strange

    Ep 22: "What Comes Next for Us Heretics?" w/ Katharine Strange
    Micah hosts Katharine Strange in Episode 22 of Pray for Micah and they discuss issues like "in" and "out" groups, political and religious radicalism, and the need for empathy and human connection. Katharine is a writer and activist based in Seattle, Washington. Her writing focuses on questioning received wisdom, particularly around marginalized groups and experiences. Her new Substack, Heretic Hereafter, focuses on spiritual next steps for those transitioning away from Evangelicalism.

    Ep 21: "Rethinking Everything" w/ Tim Rymel

    Ep 21: "Rethinking Everything" w/ Tim Rymel
    In Episode 21, Micah hosts Tim Rymel, author of Going Gay, which is about his personal journey from evangelical minister to self-acceptance, love, and meaning. Tim also authored Rethinking Everything, which examines the foundation on which American evangelical Christianity is based and explains how the relationship between this 300-year-old Christian sect and conservative politics began. He's also a contributor to the academic publication Negotiating Spiritual Violence in the Queer Community. He’s written hundreds of articles on the confluence of religion, politics and sexuality for HuffPost, The Good Men Project, Medium, and other outlets.

    Ep 20: "Becoming a Lifelong Learner" w/ Sharaden Staten

    Ep 20: "Becoming a Lifelong Learner" w/ Sharaden Staten
    To celebrate the 20th episode of the Pray for Micah Podcast, Micah hosts a longtime friend, Sharaden Staten, and they discuss his psychology research on the "Sandwich Generation" and the excitement of cultivating a lifelong learner's mentality. Sharaden is a local educator and musician. He's the creator of the Black Stacey band, which brings the spirit of "Electric Church" to the Midwest and pairs subtle notes of R&B, funk, soul, and rock, dramatically blending it into a raw, eclectic mix. At the end of episode, listeners will have the pleasure of sampling Sharaden's music as the two perform an impromptu tiny desk concert in Micah's podcast studio.