Confessions of A Reformer

Season 5: Episode 33
In this episode, Mike sits down with author, researcher and LGBTQ advocate Kathy Baldock to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Forging A Sacred Weapon.
For decades, many Christians have been taught that opposition to LGBTQ people has always been the historic, biblical position of the Church.
Kathy's extensive research tells a very different story. Whether you're deconstructing your faith, seeking a more historically informed understanding of homophobia and the Bible or simply curious about how theology evolves over time, this conversation offers essential historical context and thoughtful reflection.
If this episode was meaningful to you, consider subscribing, sharing it with a friend, and leaving a review. Your support helps more people discover conversations that encourage thoughtful faith, historical honesty, and compassion.
Kathy Baldock | YouTube | Reformation Project | 1946 The Movie
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Season 5: Episode 32
Michael Passons, formerly of the iconic Christian group Avalon, joins me to tell the story behind the voice so many of us grew up hearing. In this episode, Michael shares how he got into Avalon, what it was like to be kicked out after being honest about being gay and the long road toward reclaiming his story. We talk about the cost of belonging in Christian music, the grief of being erased and the courage it takes to come back in your own name. Michael also opens up about publicly coming out and releasing a new version of Avalon’s biggest song, “Testify to Love.” This is a conversation about faith, exile, survival, and what it means to finally sing the truth.
Michael Passons
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Season 5: Episode 32
Erica Smith is an award winning sexuality educator and consultant with 25 years of experience. She developed the Purity Culture Dropout™️ Program to help people learn all of the sex education that they missed growing up in purity culture- sex ed that is accurate, queer inclusive, trauma informed, compassionate, and comprehensive. She has since worked with hundreds of people to help them learn about healthy sexuality after high control religion and was named one of the Most Influential LGBTQ+ Leaders in 2025 by The Philadelphia Gay News. Throughout her career, she has provided comprehensive sex education and advocacy to young women and LGBTQ+ youth in Philadelphia’s juvenile justice system, worked in abortion care, and supported HIV positive youth, transgender adolescents, and their families. Erica is the author of The Purity Culture Recovery Guide: The Shame-Free Sex Ed You Deserve.
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Erica Smith Website | Instagram |Threads

Season 5: Episode 31
In this episode, Mike brings Tyler Williamson back onto the show after interviewing him two years ago when he left ministry and came out. The two men have had very similar journeys and in this conversation, they talk about what the last few years out of the closet and out of Evangelicalism have been like.
⁠⁠⁠⁠Everything Numa
Tyler's Coming Out Interview
Tyler's interview about spiritual abuse and leaving the last ministry he worked for.

Season 5: Episode 30
Promise has a new book coming out called "Gospel of Lies!" In this episode, Mike and Promise talk about listening to worship music again after years of walking away from the Bethel world, what living in Finland has been like for Promise as an American and her new book.
Gospel of Lies: Pre-order
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