Gary Brightman is a Hong Kong based writer and filmmaker who shares his story of turning some of the dreams into realities. Dreams like moving to Hong Kong, attending film school, making documentaries, and finally opening Vibe, the coolest used book and vinyl record store in the city.
Go Beyond the Pale with Gary Brightman!
Episode Index:
1:33- (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss staycation in Hong Kong
8:28- Conversation with Gary Brightman begins
15:00- Gary is “bit” by the Hong Kong bug
19:42- Paying the bills vs. following your dream
21:08 - Going to film school
28:56- Opening a book and music store
31:02- “Vibe” as a community space
Vernon Pitout is an entrepreneur and business coach who has been a friend of Steve & Tammy for many years. On today's episode they reminisce on their spiritual journeys, discuss the pros and cons of leaders with a vision, and explore some of the challenges the church faces in the 21st century.
Go Beyond the Pale with Vernon Pitout!
Episode Index:
1:30- (Intro) Steve & Tammy reminisce over the church they started 25 years ago as well as how to deal with the crazy of a polarised world. 21:24- Conversation with Vernon begins
24:48- Doing Good in Church but questions arise
35:38- Thoughts on Worship
43:16- God deals with everyone individually
50:53- Understanding real Freedom
1:04:04- The Pros and Cons of Visionary Leadership
Lori Marty has had a long journey. Growing up in a Pentecostal home she went on to become a missionary to Pakistan and eventually a Vice President at Word Entertainment, one of the largest Christian music companies in the world. However it was these experiences, along with others she shares that forced her to seriously re-examine her faith. In the process she traded her "certainty" in for "ambiguity" and has become much happier and content in the process.
Go Beyond the Pale with Lori Marty!
Episode Index:
1:50- (Intro) Tammy discusses dealing with depression and mood
17:57- Conversation with Lori begins
19:18- Decluttering house
25:28- Evangelicalism: Weird…but Safe
29:14- How Lori inspired Steve to become a missionary
32:49- Experimenting with Calvinism
39:51- Positive Church community
47:23- Being taught not to trust non-Christian “experts”
50:50- Loving family who love Trump
56:52- Being a Vice President at Word Music
59:54- Why working with Christians can make you question Christianity
Kevin Miller is a screenwriter and filmmaker whose works encompass a number of documentaries including "Expelled" with Ben Stein and the film "Hellbound" which examined various Christian perspectives on the notions of hell. On today’s episode Kevin shares with Steve & Tammy about his faith Journey as well as his newly released documentary J.E.S.U.S.A which examines the roots of Christianity's age old alliance with nationalism, violence , and Empire.
Go Beyond the Pale with Kevin Miller!
Episode Index
1:42- (Intro with Steve & Tammy)
10:23- Kevin shares his faith journey background
20:47- How Kevin got into filmmaking
28:26- “Hellbound” and what’s the point of the Gospel with no hell
36:17- Kevin’s new film J.E.S.U.S.A. reminds Steve why he is still a Christian
47:23- Christian non-violence and the problems it presents
1:01:54 - Christianity’s entanglement with Empire from Constantine to America
Alia Eyres holds a Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Centre and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University, where she was also a member of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Rowing Team. She shares with Steve & Tammy her journey that led her out of the world of corporate law to become the director of Mother's Choice, a Hong Kong based charity bringing hope and new stories to vulnerable teenage mothers and families across the city.
Along the way Alia shares about the racism she encountered growing up as a “mixed race” child, how kindness and hospitality were instilled in her by her parents, as well as how her faith in Christ has sustained her through life’s challenges.
Go Beyond the Pale with Alia Eyres!
Episode Index:
:35 (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss the effects of the COVID-19 virus
15:27- Conversation with Alia Eyres begins
21:51- Mother’s Choice
23:17- Coming from a mixed race, faith, culture family
30:02- Learning Hospitality, Generosity, and Kindness from a young age
40:45- Leaving law to lead Mother’s Choice
47:57- Alia learns that God is better than she ever thought possible
Sara Morano is a world traveller and ultra marathoner who just happened to run into Steve on the 1,100 mile Via Francigena pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome. Sara shares her journey on the ancient pilgrimage as well as the stories of reaching the top of the Alps with Steve.
Along the way she shares about training as an ultra marathoner!
Go Beyond the Pale with Sara Morano
Episode Index:
1:11 - (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss the Via Francigena, the Coronavirus, and spiritual deconstruction
26:29- Conversation with Sara begins
29:29- Running the Comrades Marathon in South Africa
37:06- Making room reservations on the Via Francigena
42:25- Sara reaches the top of the Alps with Steve
54:05- Miracles on the Via Francigena
South China Morning Post and RTHK film critic James Marsh sits down with Steve for our annual Oscar predictions show. That's right we take a short break from our usual show format questioning Life, the Universe, and Everything (whose answer we all know is "42") to discuss the best films and performances of 2019. James will give his predictions on who will be taking home the gold at the 2020 Academy Awards as well as some thoughts on those that got snubbed along the way.
Go Beyond the Pale with James Marsh!
Episode Index:
5:06- Predict Best Supporting Actor
Tom Hanks, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"
Anthony Hopkins, "The Two Popes"
Al Pacino, "The Irishman"
Joe Pesci, "The Irishman"
Brad Pitt, "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood"
20:06 Predict Best Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates, "Richard Jewell"
Laura Dern, "Marriage Story"
Scarlett Johansson, "Jojo Rabbit"
Florence Pugh, "Little Women"
Margot Robbie, "Bombshell"
36:34- Predict Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo, "Harriet"
Scarlett Johansson, "Marriage Story"
Saoirse Ronan, "Little Women"
Renée Zellweger, "Judy"
Charlize Theron, "Bombshell"
44:02- Predict Best Actor
Antonio Banderas, "Pain and Glory"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood"
Adam Driver, "Marriage Story"
Joaquin Phoenix, "Joker"
Jonathan Pryce, "The Two Popes"
59:24- Predict Best Director
Martin Scorsese, "The Irishman"
Quentin Tarantino, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
Bong Joon-ho, "Parasite"
Sam Mendes, "1917"
Todd Phillips, "Joker"
1:17:21- Predict Best Picture
"Ford v Ferrari"
"The Irishman"
"Jojo Rabbit"
"Joker"
"Little Women"
"Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood"
"Marriage Story"
"Parasite"
"1917"
We start 2020 unplugged! Thats right, no guest, no interview...just Steve & Tammy talking about what they are hoping to do holistically, fiscally, and all around emotionally for the new year...and the new decade! Along the way we discuss minimalism, healthy eating, and yes, even Tiny Houses!
Go Beyond the Pale in 2020 with Steve & Tammy!
In this special holiday bonus episode of Beyond the Pale Steve journeys to the land of Israel and interviews some of his International travel companions about highlight experiences from their time in the Holy Land.
Go Beyond the Pale in Israel!
Episode Index:
00:17- Steve (USA)
6:46- Danny (Israel)
15:01- Ryan (UK)
19:30- Christina (UK)
25:19- Georgina (New Zealand)
27: 58- Kaze (Hong Kong)
In this episode we catch up with Ojo Taylor, formerly of the Christian punk band Undercover. Join us as we discuss pretty much everything from sin and ethics, to whether America can still be the bulwark of stability it has been in the past. Along the way Ojo questions whether Christians should be promoting a God that requires a blood sacrifice in order to forgive....and other hot button topics.
Go Beyond the Pale with Ojo Taylor!
Episode Index:
1:13- “(Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss how to love people radically even when its hard
21:47- Talk with Ojo Taylor begins
22:22- When your country goes off the rails
32:28- How Ojo’s friends have reacted to his “de-conversion”
37:06- Evolving beyond the “Volcano god”
40:01- Should we fear or embrace “secularisation?”
53: 30- Ethics & Sin
1:07:19- Some hope for America
1:16:32- When Christian musicians lose their prophetic voice
Educator and Bible teacher Jonathan Mellen shares how adversity has shaped his attitude and approach to life. Along the way he shares his story of being a "missionary kid" whose Christian faith now continues to grow in ways he hadn't expected
Go Beyond the Pale with Jonathan Mellen!
Episode Index:
1:03- (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss Rob Bell, why Jesus wants to save Christians, and how to see the whole human race as family
21:10- Conversation with Jonathan begins
24:28- How Jonathan first came to Hong Kong
43:04 - How our faith matures
47:20 - Authenticity in Christianity
50:01 - Suffering and Glory
58:56- What is the church for?
Author, teacher, and monastery preacher Brad Jersak joins us to discuss his new book and how Christianity can recapture a more "Christ-like" identity. Along the way Brad shares his own journey and the struggles that have shaped his understanding that God is always loving and on our side.
Go Beyond the Pale with Brad Jersak!
Episode Index:
1:05 - (Intro) Steve and Tammy discuss faith, weight loss, and the Rugby World Cup
18:08- Brad Jersak shares his story
28:19- Bad atonement theory is not the Gospel
36:49- Brad’s dark night of the soul
43:07- Learning from people rather than “targeting” them
46:34- Discussing Brad’s new book “A More Christ-like Way”
48:47- “Christians” vs. “Christ-followers”
57:08- Brad shares with Tammy some steps to help her develop a contemplative faith without jettisoning the Holy Spirit
1:06:17 Brad contemplates walking the Camino de Santiago
1:07:22- A more Christ-like Way is inclusive
Beyond the Pale celebrates it's 100th episode by sharing the journey of David Hayward aka "the Naked Pastor". David is a former pastor turned cartoonist whose satire and critique of Christian culture has helped many Christians around the world re-think what following Jesus might actually look like. Along the way David shares his own story that we know will inspire you on yours.
Go Beyond the Pale with David Hayward!
Episode Index:
1:04- Intro with Steve and Tammy on the 100th episode
16:40- Conversation with David begins
21:16- David's journey
35:30- Exploring beyond the church's "invisible line"
49:30- Developing spiritual health when "deconstructing"
54:16- The Church still has so much to give
Australian Brett Moore is an International lawyer who shares his journey of being involved with the Christian Charismatic movement, leaving the legal world for a time to attend Fuller Seminary, and eventually finding his faith land in the Episcopal (Anglican) Church. Along the way Brett opens up about his own experiences of being a victim as a young boy in the sex abuse scandals rocking the Church recently.
Go Beyond the Pale with Brett Moore
Episode Index:
1:00 - (Intro) Steve and Tammy answer a listener’s questions
24:48 - Conversation with Brett begins
30:28 - More flexible theologically getting older
38:10 - Entering and (mostly) leaving Charismatic Christianity
54:40- Good and Bad ways of relating to God
1:14:05 - Church Life in '90s Hong Kong
1:31:20 - Trying to balance Bible scripture and experience
1:53:25 - Brett opens up about his own experiences being abused as a child in the church
Emily Eldridge is an International artist whose murals and illustration work have taken her to places as far away as Hong Kong, Barcelona, and Berlin. She shares with Steve & Tammy some of the struggles as well as the joy that has come from following her artistic passion. Along the way Emily discusses her faith and how that has shaped her on the journey.
Get ready to go Beyond the Pale with Emily Eldridge!
In Part 2 of our talk pastor and author Derek Vreeland discusses what it means to "Practice Resurrection", how his own faith has matured over the years, and then gives some advice to Christians who are deconstructing their beliefs. Along the way Derek shares three books that has helped shape his faith on the journey!
Get Ready to Go Beyond the Pale with Derek Vreeland!
Episode Index:
1:20 (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss podcasts, Hong Kong, and CBD oil
14:48: What it means to “Practice Resurrection”
20:48: Untangling the “knots” of Reformed Theology
24:54: Faith turning from “water” to “wine”
32:30: Advice for “deconstructing” Christians
43:20: 3 books and authors who have shaped Derek Vreeland
Pastor Derek Vreeland joins us to discuss his new book "By the Way" where he unpacks the idea of discipleship and shares some things he's learned on his journey that could help you "Follow Jesus"
Go Beyond the Pale with Derek Vreeland!
Episode Index:
1:21 - (Intro) Steve & Tammy share a bit on the Old Testament and how to navigate it
15:49 - Interview with Derek begins
21:26- Derek’s journey
29:46 - Bringing Critical thinking and experience together
34:52 - Charismatic experience and meeting Brian Zahnd
46:40- The draw of liturgy on charismatics and evangelicals
49: 40- Forming discipleship habits
53:14 - Forming prayer habits
What happens when patriotism runs amok? When it goes from something good and positive into something twisted and a little weird. My brother Andrew Hackman explains "fetish" patriotism and why its not helping a world that could use a little help right now.
Go Beyond the Pale with Andrew Hackman!
Episode Index:
1:48: (Intro) Tammy’s Birthday at our favorite restaurant
18:28 - (Interview Begins) What is Fetish Patriotism?
24:00 - “Loving your country like an adult and not a 4 yr old”
31:02 - The problem with Christian Nationalism
44:12 - Combating Tribalism
48:48 - Not being “offended” is good for your health
My brother Andrew returns to the show to discuss a number of topics including social media, faith, and how "loving your enemy" works even if you don't believe in God. Along the way we'll also talk about how to engage those weird, uncomfortable Bible bits.
Get Ready to Go Beyond the Pale with Andrew Hackman!
Episode index:
2:05 (Intro) Steve and Tammy discuss the impact of social media
20:20 Interview begins
25:17 “I’m an Atheist”
30:40 Engaging with people on Facebook
38:00: Ignoring those uncomfortable Bible bits
48:29: Thinking and Overthinking
1:10:48 A faith without agenda
Tony Bottagaro is an award winning playwright, author, filmmaker, and speaker who serves as Special Advisor on National and International Affairs to the Chamber of the Americas. Tony shares with Steve & Tammy how the message of God's Love has shaped his journey and given him the opportunity to address the United Nations, officials at the Pentagon, and even have an audience with the Pope.
Go Beyond the Pale with Tony Bottagaro!
Show Index:
1:36 (Intro) Steve & Tammy share a live report from the Philippines
12:23- Interview with Tony begins
15:13- Planting a Seed of Love
25:55- Meeting the Pope
29:59- Pushing people to “convert” just pushes people away
37:20- Tony and Steve share anecdotes about their friendship
46:47- The power of an act of kindness
52:12- Faith communities also need to hear the message of God’s love
In Part 2 of our interview, Kristian Holmes shares his ongoing journey as he and his wife forge a new path of relationship with God outside the normal church structures. Along the way we discuss the Holy Spirit, embracing Mystery, and why you can't "un-see" what you have seen.
Go Beyond the Pale with Kristian Holmes!
Episode Index:
1:07 (Intro) Steve & Tammy talk about how Richard Rohr’s “The Universal Christ”
22:18: Interview begins- Experiences with God
29:26- “Same issues, different churches”
36:23- Forging a new way of doing Life
56:26- You can’t “unsee” once you have seen
Kristian Holmes shares of his journey that took him out of a trajectory towards senior church leadership. When an understanding of what Christ had done unraveled his grace vs. law paradigm, he and his wife had no choice but to blaze a new trail outside the church structure and the security, financial stability, and identity it had provided. Along the way they discover a God way bigger than they originally known.
Go Beyond the Pale with Kristian Holmes!
Show Notes:
2:15 (Intro) Steve & Tammy talk about what prayer looks like for them
27:27: Talking the Camino de Santiago
35:48: Kristian describes his spiritual journey
39:19: Introduced to “Universalism”
41:08: Kristian becomes “Born Again”…again
51:45: …but Fundamentalism doesn’t like to let go
58:50: How to connect with God outside of the church structure
Brian Zahnd returns to share with us topics from his new book Postcards from Babylon: The Church in American Exile. Along the way Brian discusses why so many American Christians have traded "the Way of Jesus" for religious nationalism as well as explaining to Tammy what "the Satan" actually is.
Go Beyond the Pale with Brian Zahnd!
Show Notes:
1:42: (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss the sudden passing of Rachel Held Evans
16:00: Why the Jesus Movement Generation has embraced religious nationalism
20:44 Playing the “Jesus Card” in refuting religious nationalism
25:02 Liberating Jesus from “the Red, White, and Blue”
29:47 Front lines of Christianity: San Francisco or the Bible Belt?
36:36 What is “the Satan”?
Brian and Peri Zahnd return to share with us their pilgrimage on the Camino Portuguese; the 160 mile adventure running through Portugal and ending at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Along the way they share stories we hope will inspire you to perhaps walk your own Camino one day.
Go Beyond the Pale with Brian & Peri Zahnd!
Efren Gonzalez is a travel vlogger and filmmaker whose Youtube videos chronicling his journeys have been an inspiration and valuable resource for those planning their own pilgrimage. On today's episode Efren shares some "tales from the trail" including his most recent adventure across Europe on the Via Francigena.
Go Beyond the Pale with Efren Gonzalez!