The Unlearning Podcast

On April 1st of this year, the Artemis 2 spacecraft launched into space with four astronauts, marking humanity’s first trip BACK to the moon in more than 50 years. The goal of this mission was to take astronauts back to the moon and complete a full orbit to photograph the dark side of the moon. Because of the way the moon orbits our planet, we have only seen one side. We have never seen the part of the moon that is always facing away from us. To participate on this mission, each astronaut must very specific and very strict requirements.  In addition to having a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or math, they had to pass NASA’s physical exam. They needed to be perfect - no sore joints, no history of broken bones - no health problems whatsoever. Furthermore, each astronaut to be able to maintain their blood pressure during stressful moments, keeping it steady, no matter what. I’m telling you right now, I could never be an astronaut.  Watching the astronauts bolt up into space last week made me wonder about the requirements of the Christian faith – this subtle belief that we have to be perfect. But then it made me consider the idea of us putting a requirement upon God. Have you ever proclaimed, along with Thomas, your need to see the wounds in Jesus’ hands, the gash in Jesus’ side, in order to believe? Have you ever felt like you needed proof of God’s love, proof of God’s providence in order to keep going on? To feel any kind of hope? This episode explores Christian hope. To learn more about Ashley's work, visit ashleylhengst.com

On today's episode, Ashley draws upon the great Lewis and Clark adventure, proposing the idea that the Christian life is even greater. She takes a look at Doubting Thomas and the challenges of having faith when what we see all around us incites fear. To learn more about Ashley's work, you can visit ashleylhengst.com

On today's episode, Ashley invites listeners to consider how patriarchy influences romantic relationships. This episode was originally presented at the Queer Christian Fellowship conference from January 2026, in Portland Oregon. To learn more about QCF and their amazing work, please visit https://www.qchristian.org/

This year marks 250 years since the declaration of independence for the United States of American from British colonial rule. In order to celebrate, Ashley unpacks a key moment in revolutionary history against the backdrop of Exodus 17. For more information on Ashley, please visit ashleylhengst.com

It is really hard to live without fear in today’s world. A brief glance at the current news cycle reminds us that there is so much to fear. Psalm 112, has a lot to teach us on this topic. As a companion psalm to Psalm 111, Psalm 112 reminds us that the world and its challenges will pass away but the work of God remains. To learn more about Ashley, please visit ashleylhengst.com

On today’s episode, Ashley unpacks the ideas the ways Philippians 2 has been used to unify people in an unhealthy way. Instead of calling people to unite under Christ, this passage is often used to pressure parishioners to obey clergy - especially when there is a challenge in the church, some financial burden, or a big decision being made by a denomination. Instead of a call to toxic unity, Ashley believes Paul’s message is a call for everyone (clergy included) to love and serve one another the way Jesus of Nazareth loved and served the people around him. The focus is Christ, the goal is Christ, and it’s all about Christ, even when we disagree on things.To learn more about Ashley, visit ashleylhengst.com

One of the biggest lies of our American culture today is the idea that judging others is our civil right. Especially if we do so “quietly” on social media or at church. On today’s episode, Ashley unpacks the sarcastic gratitude of the pharisee in Jesus’ parable in Luke 18 on humility. The parable is a sharp and compelling warning that is for all of us. To learn more about Ashley, please visit ashleylhengst.com

On today’s episode, Ashley provides encouragement for anyone who believes they are laboring in vain. By looking at Isaiah chapter 49, listeners can find inspiration in remembering God’s promises. To learn more about Ashley, check out her website at ashleylhengst.com

On today’s episode, Ashley shares a talk she gave at the spiritual event for Altadena PRIDE 2026. To learn more about the queer community in Altadena, CA check out https://altadenapride.org/. In this episode, Ashley unpacks hows Peter walking on water towards Jesus reflects the excitement and anxiety of coming out of the closet. She reflects back on the groundbreaking show, “The L Word” (2004-2009) and the sapphic classic “Loving Annabelle” (2006). To learn more about Ashley visit ashleylhengst.com

On today’s episode, Ashley proposes the idea of “church membership,” and encourages a deep commitment to a healthy local church. Ashley discusses CS Lewis’ book “The Screwtape Letters” and shares a reading of 1st Corinthians 13, read by the members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Altadena, CA. For more information on Ashley, visit ashleylhengst.com