JACKIE ALWAYS UNPLUGGED
Unplugged, authentic conversations with a preacher, pastor, and thought leader who has walked with women of faith for decades.
Asking the hard questions, dealing with the real issues, seeing the Scriptures from a new lens. These conversations put words to your female experience, ennoble you as Jesus intended, and encourage you to bring your full self to the table. We’re reshaping our view!
Search podcast episodes:
#124 - Faith, Power, and Abuse: Confronting Narcissism in the Church and Politics
On today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Sarah Bucy Klingler, a tireless advocate for victims of church-related harm, as we explore the harrowing stories and systemic failures that often leave survivors marginalized and voiceless.
On today’s episode, we’re talking about: •Abuse in Evangelical Churches – The episode highlights widespread abuse scandals in Protestant churches, exposing how power and secrecy enable harm.
• Narcissism in Church Leadership – Chuck DeGroat explains how churches can foster narcissistic cultures that prioritize image, suppress dissent, and protect abusive leaders.
• The Cost of Whistleblowing – Speaking out against abuse has heavy consequences, yet biblical prophets and faith leaders model the courage to do so.
• Parallels in Politics – The Trump administration mirrors narcissistic church leadership, using chaos, gaslighting, and media manipulation to maintain control.
• A Call to Action & Hope—Inspired by faith leaders and activists, this episode encourages listeners to resist oppression and work toward a more just and compassionate world.
Links:
Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church
https://www.amazon.com/When-Narcissism-Comes-Church-Community/dp/0830841598
The Ezra Klein Show https://youtu.be/K8QLgLfqh6s?si=ApVdkYjcVE57pJ1O
Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
https://zondervanacademic.com/products/revelation-For-the-rest-of-us
#123 - Beyond Borders: A Journey into Franciscan Teaching
In today’s episode, Shawn Small explains the difference between frontier and border teaching. Similar to geographical borders, border storytelling is clear and definite. Figuratively speaking, borders are designed to contain people or keep them out. Border teaching aims to stop the flow of movement and imagination.
When we discuss frontiers, we're referring to a more dynamic and adventurous context. Every explorer we study embraces the idea of venturing into the frontiers. There’s an ebb and flow, along withthe excitement and uncertainty of discovery in this frontier language. Frontier teachers can make us feel uneasy because they lead us into unexplored territory and expect us to take responsibility for our discoveries along the way.
Today, we will explore the woods of Franciscan teaching. Some of what you will hear about original goodness and the primacy of the Incarnation may challenge your understanding.
However, Jackie will guide us through Church history, reassuring us that these concepts are not new but quite ancient. If we embrace this journey, we may find our faith expanding and our perception of God much more significant than we ever imagined.
Suggested Reading Links
Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blessing-Putting-Rightful-
Place/dp/1451496761
Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi
https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Love-Alternative-Francis-
Assisi/dp/1632531402
#122 - Happy Birthday Steve
Many people's work takes place in obscurity, often without big celebrations or news stories. Yet, their contributions speak volumes about what it means to be human and perhaps even how to be more human. Today is my husband's birthday. As many of you know, Steve is the founder and President of Water Is Basic.
What you may not know is how he has dedicated his life to serving vulnerable communities in parts of Africa in ways that have nothing to do with water. After today’s episode, you will gain a newfound admiration for Steve and all the others who work behind the scenes to improve the lives of others. You will also realize that I am married to a real-life Indiana Jones.
Happy birthday, my love!
#121 - A marriage convo with Steve and Jackie
On January 23rd, Steve and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary—what a long time! I thought it would be fun for us to reflect on our marriage and discuss how our ideals about marriage have evolved over the years.
To be honest, I’ve shared the questions I’d like to discuss with Steve, but he hasn’t shared his answers with me, so I have no idea what to expect.
If I were to summarize, most American Christians view marriage as a choice between two people who love each other. Many would choose to have a religious ceremony officiated by a priest or minister and obtain a marriage license from the government. For many Catholics, marriage is considered a sacrament, a concept that emerged in the 1500s. In contrast, many Protestants view it as a covenant, also developed in the 1500s—though there are slight differences in terminology and understanding. We have often heard statements like “Marriage is not about happiness; it’s about holiness,” attributed to Calvin in the 1500s.
We’ve also been taught that “marriage helps keep a man from sexual sin,” a notion stemming from St. Augustine in the 400s. In our Christian communities, marriage is often viewed as the ideal standard, and in some cases, it can become an idol, a perspective influenced by the Puritans in the 1600s. It’s interesting to note that these ideas did not exist in the early Church.
So, how have ideas around marriage evolved, and what on earth does it look like to be married to Steve Roese?
#120 - Exploring the Incarnation with Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler
This Advent season, we’ve been delving into the profound mystery of the incarnation—the incredible truth that Jesus chose to come to us in the flesh. This exploration has been deeply influenced by my studies with the Franciscans, prompting me to reflect on the idea that Jesus would have chosen this path even without the fall. What does this mean for us?
#119 - Women, Power & the Story of Joanna
On today's episode, we talk with Beth Allison Barr to get her take on why this phenomenon is the reduced visibility of women in the Church. We hope this discussion will help Gen Z women know there are women like Beth and us at The Marcella Project who get it and are here to help them find their place to belong.
#118 - Why Gen-Z Women Leave the Church
On today's episode, we talk with Beth Allison Barr to get her take on why this phenomenon is the reduced visibility of women in the Church. We hope this discussion will help Gen Z women know there are women like Beth and us at The Marcella Project who get it and are here to help them find their place to belong.
#117 My Body, My Choice Part 3 (REPOST)
I get that we want to bring down the abortion rates, but restricting women’s bodily agency is and always has been problematic and dangerous for women. So, I felt uneasy. So, I decided we’re going to talk about it. And what I want to do is speak specifically about the Scripture and science pertaining to abortion.
#116 Emotions, Elections, & Hot Topics
I get that we want to bring down the abortion rates, but restricting women’s bodily agency is and always has been problematic and dangerous for women. So, I felt uneasy. So, I decided we’re going to talk about it. And what I want to do is speak specifically about the Scripture and science pertaining to abortion.
#115 Emotions and the Election
It occurred to me, that when we talk about hot topics, whether it’s abortion, immigration, racism, or book bands - well there’s more at play than just what we think. We bring our experienced reality, our emotions, and preconceived beliefs to the table. Emotions play a role in how we think.
So maybe we should start there.
#114 My Dad Died
Summer started like any other summer. Steve packed our car full of fireworks and drove to New York to celebrate with family at Mom's lakehouse on Arnold Lake on the 4th of July. All of my kids flew in, and their partners joined them this year. It was so much fun. All four siblings, their partners, nieces, nephews, and friends joined us, totaling about 70 people. We always cook a lot because we love our food.
I must say, a highlight this year was the 50 lobsters Kimmy brought from Maine and Johnny's banana cake. My friends said it must be laced with something because you can't stop eating it. And then my dad died, and I learned that death is a part of living.
#113 "Unveiling Truths: Mary Evans' Insights on Biblical Women and Beyond"
Join Jackie in this special episode as she introduces Mary, a remarkable octogenarian whose passion for biblical scholarship spans half a century. Mary's wit and deep insights into the New and Old Testaments, especially regarding women in the Bible, captivate Jackie from the moment they meet in Amsterdam. Despite the serious nature of her work, Mary's British charm and humor shine through, making her a delight to listen to. As Jackie's season finale guest drops this July 4th, Mary Evans brings a unique perspective from her esteemed career at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology and the London School of Theology.