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Ken welcomes PhD Candidate, writer, and educator, Rebecca Rae Ross. Podcaster and author, Brad Onishi, made the introduction. "Ken - here is a perfect person to interview on your podcast," he said.  He was right. Rebecca's passion is energizing her dissertation's focus. She combines her journey from ultra-conservative home-school in eastern Washington State to Christian college to Master's Degree to fully credentialled high school English teacher. With a keen interest in the way language is used to hold people in abusive, often toxic places, Rebecca is a captivating storyteller with a timely message. She openly shares her conservative evangelical family pedigree. It places her squarely in the center of biblical fundamentalism's heartland. Listen in to get the particulars. You will recognize the well-known names. Rebecca's is a story of transformation - from an immersion in a world dominated by the most ardent apologists for complimentarianism to a liberation of spirit, claiming agency and more than egalitarianism, finding her true self. Don't miss this remarkable conversation. SHOW NOTESSupport the show

Ken Fong stumbled across an opinion piece in the L.A. TIMES by Osamudia James, Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina. Entitled - Florida’s censorship of ‘diversity’ efforts are a tantrum born of white guilt - Kemp agreed the article is worthy of full discussion. The author's phrase, "white innocence," underscores the claim made by Robyn DiAngelo in her now classic book, White Fragility. White folks instinctively resist real conversations about race, often with vigor. Ken Fong wanted to know if The Beached White Male agreed: Is white folks' common claim to "innocence" a factor in the Anti-Woke, Anti-CRT campaign that this article calls a childish "tantrum"? In response, Kemp shares his journey - from conservative white Boomer to host of his progressive podcast. He identifies as "white," but deplores "whiteness." The two Kens explore their personal stories that confirm the good professor's thesis. They call out the Florida governor's highly politicized crusade against D.E.I. (diversity, equity, and inclusion) for what Kemp calls "whiteness at work." SHOW NOTES Become a Patron www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Ken welcomes tenured UCLA Professor and prolific author, Dr. Robert Chao Romero to the podcast. They discuss his new book: Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation. CRT and “Wokism” have become misappropriated political tropes across the country. Dr. Romero and Jeff Liou have collaborated on a compelling book that makes an important contribution to the conversation, bringing correction, insight, and inspiration. The terms CRT and “WOKE” have been weaponized in a way that distorts their intended meanings and adds to our political, social, and spiritual polarization. A deeply committed Christian, Dr. Romero has been teaching CRT for many years in both undergraduate and graduate courses at the university, long before the terms appeared on the public scene. Equipped with a master's degree (UCLA) a law degree (UC Berkeley) and a Ph.D. (UCLA), Robert is uniquely positioned to demystify the controversy and represent a biblical perspective that challenges the popular notions that are being used to silence history, perpetuate misinformation and fuel racial animosities. SHOW NOTES Become a Patron www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

After a few weeks break, Ken and Betsey reunited at their imaginary beach and catch up on the headlines. The passing of the popular pastor and author Tim Keller signals the loss of an unusual evangelical: theologically and socially conservative, but a fresh, intelligent, innovative voice who left a lasting impact on the city of New York and beyond. Ken offers a review of his current read, The Other Evangelicals - A Story of Liberal, Black, Progressive, Feminist, and Gay Christians―and the Movement That Pushed Them Out. Ken names some of them: Harry Emerson Fosdick, Tom Skinner, Jim Wallis, Nancy Hardesty, Virginia Mollenkott, and Ralph Blair to name a few. Betsey and Ken raise the question: "Who decides who is an 'Evangelical'"? The New York Times predicts that the former president is the inevitable nominee of the Republican Party. His lock on a base that measures 30-35% of the voting public makes him virtually unbeatable. That base holds firm even in the face of a flurry of legal challenges, which include massive civil penalties, sanctions and even jail time. The rising number of Republican challengers doesn't change the calculation. If anything, it makes Tr**p's nomination all the more likely. Betsey compares and contrasts the political styles of the governor of Florida and the Secretary of Transportation - DeSantis vs. Buttigieg. She favors the latter. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Dr. Peter Enns returns to the podcast to discuss his brand new book Curve-ball - When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming* or How I Stumbled and Tripped My Way to Finding a Bigger God. Pete admits it's the longest title in the history of publishing. The popular professor, author (see show notes for his many other books), and podcaster (The Bible for Normal People) drops his guard like never before sharing his spiritual and intellectual journey from his days as an aspiring baseball player to progressive Christian thinker. "Wrestling with God and Scripture is very old and completely normal. Actually, it's God-activated," he says. In reviewing the book, Ken and Pete talk about Noah, Jonah, and Jesus as archetypes in the struggle. Richard Rohr, David Bentley Hart, Thomas Oord and Rachel Held Evans get honorable mention as guides. Evolution is a major "curveball" for many Christians. Pete is especially interested in the chaos and "weirdness" of physics and quantum mechanics, all of which have opened Pete's mind and heart to a much bigger and more profound notion of God. While Pete avoids the clichéd use of the over-used and misappropriated descriptor, "deconstruction," he traces a normal, natural, and healthy evolution in our understanding of faith and our relationship to the God of the Universe. SHOW NOTESBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Professor, comedian, podcaster and now author, R. Scott Okamoto returns to the podcast to discuss his new book: Asian American Apostate - Losing my Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University (Ev.U.). After reading the volume cover to cover, Ken shares his written review which will appear on the Amazon site featuring Scott's book. Throughout Scott's college and graduate school life, he identified as a committed evangelical Christian, working closely with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Earning his B.A. at the University of California at San Diego and then his M.A. at the University of San Francisco, Scott began teaching as an adjunct at a high-profile evangelical university (Ev.U.) in Southern California. Within a few years, he became popular a full professor in the English department. But as he taught, privately, his Christian faith began to unravel. The conservative political culture, the exclusivist fundamentalism, the racial insensitivities, and the gender debates all contributed to what he now calls a complete deconstruction of his faith. After leaving Ev.U., Scott created a safe space for others to discover freedom, identity, and community outside the structures and strictures of high-demand religion and conservative politics. He tells his story and theirs in this episode of the podcast, his new book, and his many interviews as host of his own popular podcast - Chapel Probation. SHOW NOTES. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

If you missed the Coronation, you'll want to tune in here. Ken welcomes back author, historian, columnist, and lay minister in the Church of England, Martyn Whittock. It's a lively conversation between a curious American and a scholarly Brit. Ken acknowledges the appearance of excess, the residual of colonialism, and the confusion over the cozy Church/State dynamic. That said, Ken then explains his personal family connection to London, to the former Prince Charles, and to the King's carriages - and how he finds the pomp and circumstance so moving. From his home in Bath, England, Martyn shares his perspective on the historic celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III in London, the first in 70 years. Charle's mother, Queen Elizabeth, was crowned in 1953. Martyn just published a comprehensive article in Brittain's Christian Today explaining the 1,000 years of coronation history at Westminster Abbey in London. Martyn gives a first-person response to the grand celebration that captured the rapt attention of the nation, the Commonwealth, and the world. The ceremony was filled with symbolism, much of which Martyn explains. Ken quizzes his guest on the future of the monarchy and the nature of his "Christian nation" as it compares to the American version of Christian Nationalism. Martyn relays 1,000 years of history in which the monarch evolved as non-political and Parliament emerged as a secular governing body, today with a professing Hindu as Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak). Martyn shares his thoughts on the two couples in the spotlight - William & Kate and Harry & Megan.   Martyn also introduces his new book to be released in the Fall: American Vikings - How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America SHOW NOTES - See Martyn's books, TV appearances, and published articlesSupport the show

Ken and Betsey review her visit to Southern California, which included a visit to the high desert "Super Bloom" of poppies and spring color, an evening conversation around the topic "Reimagining the Church," and a tour of Ken Fong's beautiful Japanese garden. Joe Biden is an official candidate for the Democratic nomination for a second term as POTUS. Polls predict a rematch of the two aging politicians - Biden v. Tr**p - as "most likely"... but the majority of Americans don't want it. The annual Correspondents Dinner put Joe Biden in the spotlight. Noting his stellar performance, it led  Ken to the conclusion that "maybe he can do it." There's yet another firing at a high-profile evangelical college in the Mid-West over ANTI-WOKE/ANTI-CRT - Professor Julie Moore at Taylor University. Secretary Pete gets the credit for the theme of Biden's campaign: Freedom!SHOW NOTES - including photo galleries from Crystal Cove, the Super Bloom, and Ken Fong's Garden. Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Ken welcomes the popular scholar, professor, author, and podcaster, Dr. Peter Enns. Pete's podcast, The Bible for Normal People ("the only God-ordained podcast on the internet") has a broad and wide reach, exploring the sacred text along with his co-host Jared Byas. They have interviewed a wide range of scholars from many religious and theological backgrounds. Ken especially appreciates his watershed book, The Sin of Certainty. The two share their journeys through seminary, and Pete gets candid about his experience at Harvard where he completed his dissertation and earned that Ph.D. Pete's early book, Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament, sparked a controversy that led to his departure as full professor at Westminster Theological Seminary. Pete candidly shares the awakenings he experienced in those formative days and the freedom he enjoys today. SHOW NOTESBecome a Patron - www.patron.com/beachedwhitemale Support the showSupport the show

Ken welcomes professor, fellow podcaster, and author Dr. Brad Onishi back to the podcast to talk about his new book - Preparing for War - The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism and What Comes Next (release date: January 3, 2023). A long-time friend of the podcast, Brad has been busy after a major event in Denver focussed on Christian Nationalism last month with a large audience both live and virtual. It featured major influencers and thinkers including Robert P. Jones,  Sam Perry, Katherine Steward, Larycia Hawkins, and his podcast partner, Dan Miller. In addition to his regular podcast, Straight White American Jesus,. Brad is releasing a series on The New Apostolic Reformation with Professor Matthew Taylor, Ph.D. It's an expose on a growing movement advancing an extreme dominion version of Christianity. Brad introduces his book which traces what we now know as Christian Trumpism from the 1960s to the present in the context of his own personal journey - beginning with his conversion in high school in Orange County (CA); the great mid-west and Southern migration to California, the John Birch Society, The Crystal Cathedral and Robert Schuller, his own Friends Church (predominantly white) and Friendship Baptist Church (predominantly black), to Dr. James Dobson and his secular eugenicist mentor, Dr. Paul Pompenoe. Onishi fills in the background on two Jericho Marches, featuring Eric Metaxas, Michael Flynn and Alex Jones,  which were a prelude to the January 6 Insurrection. Finally, the two discuss the ways in which American Evangelicalism finds its roots in The Lost Case Narrative of the South. SHOW NOTESOriginally aired December 2022Purchase Brad's new Book: Preparing for War - The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism--and What Comes Next   Become a patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Podcasters Ken Fong and Ken Kemp come together again as The Two Kens to unpack the drama of an historical moment in American political history - a former President of the United States was indicted by a Grand Jury and arraigned on thirty-four felony counts. While the nation debates the merits of the case brought by District Attorney Alvin  Bragg before Judge Juan Merchan, the Two Ken's reflect on the import of bringing Donald J. Trump into the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse accused of falsifying official records relative to the payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence. In his introduction to the podcast, Kemp takes time to comment on another major event: the expulsion of two young lawmakers from the Tennessee House of Representatives, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. Support the show

Ken and Betsey's week in review - Wisconsin overwhelmingly elects Janet Protasiewicz as progressive Justice to the State Supreme Court and sends a message to a Republican-ruled Legislature. It's an indicator of public reaction to the draconian legislation advanced by extreme conservatism. In Betsey's Chicago, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's successor, Brandon Johnson has been elected. Ken and Betsey share a love for the Windy City and discuss the political climate there. The same day as the election,  former President appeared before prosecutor Alvin Bragg and New York Judge Juan Manuel Merchan to be formally indicted on 34 criminal counts as the world watched. The two discuss reactions from both detractors and supporters of the proceedings. The Tennessee Legislature became the focus of a massive student protest prompted by the horrific shooting at a Christian school in Nashville. Three elected legislators (The Tennessee Three - Justin Jones, Justin Pearson, and Gloria Johnson) joined in the protests and faced an expulsion vote by a Republican-controlled Assembly. Betsey closes by asking Ken about Easter plans, then sharing her own.Support the show

Ken welcomes fellow sojourner and podcaster, Tim Whitaker. Tim is "Creator and Facilitator" of The New Evangelicals, a highly popular and widely followed non-profit that sponsors podcasts and commentary that appear regularly on YouTube, Instagram, and TikToc. His productions include everything from short spots to full-length interviews, In his conversation with Ken, Tim tells his story - from home-schooled kid to drummer in a worship band to sold-out Jesus-follower to high-energy podcast host. As his view of the gospel expanded, he began to resist evangelical Trumpism and then consider the validity of Pro-Choice, then develop LGBTQ sensibilities. As a consequence, Tim's lead pastor ceremoniously dismissed him from his cherished role as lead drummer in the worship band. That moment triggered a period he calls "deconstruction." Tim brings a truthful and direct challenge to an evangelicalism that has become a voting block for right-wing political causes, election denial, conspiracy theories, Christian Nationalism, the Trump cult, and a distortion of what Tim believes to be biblical Christianity.  Ken and Tim have interviewed many of the same influencers, authors, and activists including  Brad Onishi, Lisa Sharon Harper, Kristen Kobes Du Mez, Pete Enns, David Gushee, Jemar Tisby, Diana Butler Bass, and Ben Cremer. Tim has also welcomed other notables to his podcast such as Anthea Butler, Matthew Taylor, Katherine Stewart, Tripp Fuller, Katelyn Beaty, Sam Perry, Andrew Seidel, Dante Stewart, and Dr. Russell Moore. Tim calls out people like Charlie Kirk, Sean Feucht,  Candace Owens,  and John MacArthur among others as perpetrators of false narratives that have misled many.  It's a lively conversation you won't want to miss. SHOW NOTES - Including links to Tim and  THE NEW EVANGELICALSSupport the show

Today's Beach Talk begins with a review of the 100th Episode aired last week with guests Darcy McKenzie and Ken Fong. Ken and Betsey turn their attention to the tragic shooting at the Covenant (Elementary) School in Nashville, Tennessee where three 9-year-old students and three adults, including the school's headmaster, were brutally murdered. The shooter was quickly taken out by courageous first responders who arrived on the scene within minutes. The perpetrator used legally obtained automatic weapons to terrorize the school. Ken and Betsey reflect on the reports of the shooter's identity. They affirm that the killer is entirely responsible for the heinous crime, no question. However, the manifesto left behind by the perpetrator indicates that Audrey Hale identified as transgender. It raises questions about the conservative school's treatment of the LGBTQ community and the shooter's experience there as a young student. Right-wing politicians and religious zealots across the country have targeted transgender individuals, young and old, with all manner of restrictive, moralistic and sometimes draconian legislation and policies.  Ken turns the conversation to a new subject. He shares his most recent read - Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church by Katelyn Beaty. Ken asks Betsey about here experience with "The Billy Graham Rule" in her role as an editor for Christian organizations.  Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Lerone A. Martin, Ph.D. is Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute (MLKREI) and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University. A prolific author, lecturer and influencer, Dr. Martin discusses his most recent ground-breaking book, The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover: How the FBI Aided and Abetted the Rise of Christian Nationalism with Ken. Thanks to a series of requests to and lawsuits against the FBI under the Freedom of Information Act, Martin has acquired a treasure trove of documents hidden for decades in the Bureau's file cabinets. This new biography of the man whose name became synonymous with the Federal Bureau of Investigation takes us into the up until now neglected religious and spiritual underpinnings of Hoover's life and mission. Of surprising interest to Ken, the book convincingly connects the dots between the lifelong FBI Director Hoover and evangelicalism's early champions: Billy Graham, Carl F. H. Henry, Dr. Nelson Bell, and Christianity Today. But the story Lerone Martin tells in his new book is much larger, exposing and expounding a virulent form of Christian Nationalism (Americanism) all the way back to the 1920s. Dr. Martin, whose academic career takes him from Oral Roberts University (first-year undergraduate and athlete), Anderson University (B.A.), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Emory University (Ph.D.), shares his personal journey as a minister and now professor and Director of the MLKREI at Stanford University. SHOW NOTESSupport the show

Rev.  Ben Cremer, Campus Pastor at Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, Idaho, has a social presence that is getting a significant and growing response. Ken stumbled across his lengthy essay Ben called, "Myths We Believe" in which he details things he was taught to embrace, but he's had to unlearn. The article beautifully tracks Ken's journey, too. Ben was Home-schooled (K-12) in "a deeply conservative environment in rural Idaho - as far right politically and theologically as you can imagine." Today, he pastors a satellite campus of a progressive, affirming United Methodist congregation in a conspicuously red state. Just recently, Ben appeared on the local ABC Affiliate (Channel 7) in politics and religion piece in which a local television journalist gave extensive interviews to two Pastors: Blaine Conzatti and Ben Cremer. Conzatti, a very conservative pastor (The Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches) and political activist (President of Idaho Family Policy Center), and Ben. Ken and Ben unpack his long journey from those early home-school years (with a curriculum rooted in the "Christian Identity" movement that denied the Holocaust, argued that slavery was good because it introduced Africans to Christianity, and separation of the races is God's design, and much more) and on through college and graduate school where he learned to read books and pursue his curiosity. His passion for ministry took him through seminary and into a small, traditional, conservative church that mirrored Idaho's deep red conservatism. Lonely, underpaid and full of questions, Ben slipped into a dark spiritual depression. In this vulnerable and open interview, he tells his story of recovery, redemption and transformation - finding a faith that is open, fresh and alive. SHOW NOTESSupport the show

Ken Kemp and Betsey Newenhuyse celebrate 100 Episodes of their regular podcast series "Beach Talk." The first Beach Talk aired August 26, 2020, began as an "experiment," but has run for over two years. It's been a near-weekly conversation around headline events from the Democratic Convention through the election, the insurrection, impeachments, mass shootings, political jockeying, reading books, religious and spiritual commentary, calling out villains, and celebrating heroes. To celebrate this milestone, they welcome two cherished friends who are also fans of Beach Talk - Ken Fong (host of Asian American the Ken Fong Podcast and the Two Kens series co-host with Ken Kemp) and Darcy McKenzie (see podcast interview with Ken). SHOW NOTES.Support the show

Ken welcomes the former guest of the podcast, Dr. Scott Chesebro.  Ken stumbled across an essay written by Scott that triggered a conversation around "First Voice Pedagogy" - a teaching philosophy that guided Scott's nearly four-decade career as the Director of the Chicago Center. The essay tells the story of Dr. Chesebro's appearance in a Florida courtroom to offer a character witness to an Imam accused of terrorist activities in the wake of the 9/11 attack on America. Scott reveals the definition of "First Voice." The Center welcomed undergraduate students nationwide to spend a semester living in the South Side of Chicago. They would earn full academic credit towards their various degrees. A seasoned sociology professor, Scott introduced his students to the rich diversity of ethnic neighborhoods, a wide range of religious expression, the arts, cuisine, musical traditions and styles, and a wealth of cultural identities. This immersion in the bountiful heritage of the South Side brought into sharp focus issues of race, gender, and religion - and no religion.  Soon after 9/11 brought down the Twin Towers in Manhattan, Dr. Chesebro learned that a nearby Mosque on the South Side had been vandalized. Scott took the initiative and within days, had his students sitting on the carpet of the Mosque in dialogue with the local Imam and his Muslim friends. It's a "First Voice" experience for his students. What happens next is a story we all need to hear.  SHOW NOTES Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Betsey and Ken are approaching a major milestone - 100 Beach Talks! In another wide-ranging discussion, they talk about California, hit by a serious snowstorm. Philip Yancey has made his difficult health news public. Ken and Betsey reflect on the impact of this prolific writer that editor and author Betsey Newenhuyse describes as the "Gold Standard" of Christian literature.  Yancey's news triggers reflection on the realities of aging. Betsey takes Lent seriously and shares some of her annual rituals around the season. The terrible derailment in Palestine, Ohio becomes a political football at the expense of those who have suffered extreme hardship. Kevin McCarthy released a truckload of material from January 6 to Tucker Carlson. Ken shares his experience with Table Talk participants who attended an Evening with Nikole Hannah-Jones at the University of Southern California (USC). Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/beachedwhitemaleSupport the show

Ken welcomes writer, speaker and personal coach, Jill Nagle. Jill listened to Ken's Podcast online and recognized their common commitment to anti-racism. Jill's career focus has been "helping white people think about anti-racism." She recognizes that in this polarized world, relationships in the context of race and ethnicity are not getting better - they are getting worse. Jill's passion is to challenge assumptions and heal divisions. A published author, her stated goal is to show how white people will benefit from dismantling white supremacy. She pursues a "trauma-informed" approach in her training program working from "the inside out." A strong feminist, Jill shares her journey into the field of anti-racism and her life-changing encounter with her partner and friend, activist Cleo Manago.  She is open about her religious background, which as you'll see, is very different from Ken's. It's a fascinating conversation you need to hear. You'll find Jill and her partner at https://www.evolutionaryworkplace.com/Support the show