The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber

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Forget the selfies and social media updates of everyone at their best, three-time New York Times best-selling author Nadia Bolz-Weber’s new podcast, The Confessional, invites guests to share stories about times they were at their worst. Guests talk honestly about what led to that moment, what they learned from it, and how they changed as a result. A former stand-up comic and a recovering alcoholic, Bolz-Weber is a Lutheran Pastor and the founder of House for All Sinners and Saints, in Denver, Colorado.

Everyone needs grace and healing, no matter your beliefs. Step into The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber - a carwash for people’s shame and secrets.

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Recent Reviews
  • Aubrey Painter
    Beautiful host
    I love the interviews that Nadia conducts. I wish that there were more. I miss her shows. Her questions have made me look into myself as well. It is also interesting to feel like you are understanding another so well with her questions and without shaming. Thank you.
  • WIskies
    This is beautiful
    Thank you Nadia and all of your guests for the vulnerable honesty brought forth in these episodes. Your blessings to wrap up are pure food for the soul.
  • one radio junky
    Still on the air?
    Love your sympathetic interview. Is your confessional still going under a different title?
  • Paradigm Shift, Y,all!
    Compassion
    I love the compassion in this show. The compassion for our imperfections, mistakes, regrets, shame—-our humanity.
  • shelley yak
    I miss this
    I miss this podcast so much! Please return & make more episodes!!
  • Chuck Dumpster
    Ya could have chosen any title.
    Off the rip, ya gotta female comedian, A bigot would say: “odds are pretty good she ain’t breaking the mold”. And it would be understood obviously it was meant as a joke. But that was prior to the status-quo-approved, establishment-approved, capitalist-approved, “radical, grass-roots, rebellion” that rattled all the uptight honkies of upper, lower, middle & no class. I mean, when has their ever been an organic struggle where the police politely stood back to allow the limp-wrist to bravely hurl the first brick? Never has the message of the opressed revolutionary been so “edgy and appalling” that it was broadcast and encouraged by mainstream news organizations, owned by weapon-manufacturers and pharmaceutical conglomerates. The same conglomerates with a well-documented history of suppressing, targeting, mocking, poisoning and killing, these marginalized groups!! And what other time in history could the fallout from these events be so misrepresented, and then re-written as a “victory for minority groups” or”voices being heard” or “a reflection of the struggle”? subjectivity is their objectivity, Reality is their Funko -Pop Fantasy-fortress. With corporate crafted rhetoric that served only to encourage the most mentally unwell amongst these poor pawns of psychological operations to dive deeper into their delusions. Where their enemy is easier to identify than a bad-guy in a Super Mario video game!! Yet, their so-called enemy has nothing against them and simply has been a pawn in a rich mans game, just like you!! With that being said, theres already a well-established podcast titled “Confessionals” with Tony Merkel, so obviously the name choice, probably wasn’t a coincidence!! Theres already people seeking out a podcast with virtually the same name. Free advertising!! As far as the christian aspect goes, we are allI well aware of the spiritual awakening occurring. So it is difficult to not notice the trend-riders taking advantage of this as of late. No hate, I am stoked if more people popularize the message of our Lord & savior, as that IS the goal. Also, a righteous message of redemption = Always good. And Good people congregate around this Word of Our Lord and strengthen our souls. The bible is clear and uncompromising on its stance on more than a few morals, choices and lifestyles. Its not really up for interpretation. Those of us that have read , absorbed & understood God’s message on homosexuality are not to blame for the Bibles contents and judgement. We heed Gods word. That doesn't mean we treat these people in a derogatory or ignorant way. its been written there for all to see and seek salvation, forgiveness and grace. Thats why its wild, these fringe and outlier groups that want to radicalize based on perceived bigotry , VAST ignorance of psychology, philosophy and Government , and contradictory actions & standards & values. (I would be sane and rational to assume at least 50% of their membership is intelligence agencies of one form or another) These are attention starved sociopaths who enjoy destroying beauty. They always justify it with some recycled, trite, stale subversive/edge-lord philosophy about the beauty in pain and flaw and perversion and sickness. This podcast fits in to that culture so perfectly that i am convinced the title was lifted from a better show as a demonstration of edge-lord mockery and subversion. For God sake, ya don’t gotta find Christian God, but learn what true spirituality entails and focus on how to rise above the imagined l(egotistical) persecution, as well as the all-too-real persecution. Learn to listen with an open mind and heart and stop projecting your own close-minded-ness onto any Church-goer, when you have NEVER once had a substantial exchange with one!! Quit acting like just because you are well versed in all the generalized stereotypes of a certain religion that you know mans soul!!. Hate whitey? Go to a baptist church with a preacher of color.!! Talk to them!! Learn!! Grow!! Also, has it ever crossed your minds how fishy it is that Christianity seems to be the only organized religion in USA that is 100% okay to openly mock and criticize with no backlash from religious groups??!!?? Even though these exact same criticisms would likely apply to at least one of the other Abrahamic religions ,and yet they never are!!!! , You cant even be critical of Israels treatment of Palestinians without getting called antisemitic. And go ahead and see what happens when you depict Mohammed in any fashion, at all.!!! Anyways, avoid this podcast. unless your goal is to gain the largest unearned sense of superiority. Sanctimony and victimization has become an art form to these insufferable “Can’t-be-wrongs” Avoid.
  • micfie
    Thank you for this beautiful podcast!
    Really missing & hoping for new episodes of this courageous truth-telling healing podcast on this platform. I would always play it en route to a hike in the forest, as I kneel down to the trees as my altar. It is utterly sacred. Thank you.
  • Loganfool
    Wow
    I need this. Thanks.
  • D in Santa Cruz
    Interviews are thoughtfully challenging
    Nadia is an amazing interviewer. I love a mind bending interview where I can reflect on what is said for awhile and come away with something that is life changing in perhaps a small or big way. Highly recommend.
  • Granted27
    Inspiring and wickedly truthful
    Nadia has a unique way of untangling complex issues and finding the humanity, the joy, the love and the truth. That's some kind of talent. I love this podcast.
  • Kzigg1987
    Awesome Podcast
    I love this show! It’s so raw and compelling. It would be great if more seasons were added 🙂
  • e_wells1
    Love this podcast!
    One of my favorites!
  • crazystuff
    So Thankful
    This podcast hits all the right notes—great storytelling, compassion, thoughtful discussion, and even a bit of humor. Highly recommended!
  • Agatis Robusta
    Gratitude
    Thank you for holding a sacred and compassionate space for these courageous voices to come out with the bare truth. Every story touches me and unveils the illusion of our isolated egos. Thank you for giving opportunity for Grace to reach us.
  • CarlyGAYth
    Release
    The release I feel when I listen to this podcast is unlike aything I've ever experienced. Hearing the conversations between Nadia and her guests, I feel my jaw unclench and my fists loosen-- I soften and open myself. This podcast is a sacred space; salvific in its content and redemptive in its delivery. Thank you, Nadia.
  • amfm450
    Real conversation
    Thanks Nadia for creating such a wonderful platform for people to be vulnerable to tell their stories in a safe space with out judgement. I love all of your words of wisdom u share…truly spiritual. 🙏
  • pippi frasher
    Relief
    I don’t think I could put it more succinctly than the previous poster. What a beautiful podcast
  • lastkidstanding
    Boring
    Really,really boring!!
  • SammehSamSammeh
    Hardcore Atheist-hardcore approval
    The reason I fully embrace Atheism is embodied by Nadias theology. Everything that is wrong with religious ideology is the way humans use it to not bridge gaps, they embrace the worst parts of religion to alienate others. They use it to enunciate the worst part hints of humanity-homophobia, racism and hate. The more narrow minded the person seems to be, the louder they preach “Gods Word”. Love has nothing to do with it. Nadia wrangles religion from the iron-clad grasp of the religious right and breathes new life into what I think religion was intended to be. She speaks of love, acceptance, and brotherhood among every race, creed, and sexual orientation. She is the light the world needs to turn to. Reading the religious fanatics who are so sure in their interpretation of right and wrong review this podcast is just proof that Nadia is on the right path, doing the right thing.
  • ruah studio
    More please.
    More please.
  • AmyKuwait
    Wow! Yes. Thank You.
    Bless each of the guests who have had the courage to be so vulnerable in order for the rest of us to learn and grow. I am sure it is challenging to find guests willing to share their stories. But, my compassion muscle grows & strengthens with each episode. I thank each of you for the seeds of understanding & forgiveness you have planted.
  • MontanaLlama
    Would recommend!
    There is something about hearing confessions in such a loving setting that has made me look at mistakes I have made in my life that I have not addressed. Leading me to start conversations with people I wouldn’t have otherwise. So thankful for this podcast!
  • mariejulieee
    Twisted.
    Even people with a small amount of discernment could see that this woman twists scripture. Way too many references but one of them is calling God “they” and “her”. The Bible forever warns us that there will be false teachers deceived and being deceived. This is definitely one of them.
  • PoshPig
    This podcast cost The Moth a subscriber.
    I first heard an episode while listening to an episode from The Moth. After hearing a forced “free” promotion for something call the Confessional podcast embedded into a Moth episode, I realized I had enough of this homogenized, unoriginal content and will unsubscribe. It’s not the storytellers - I’ve been to several live shows and they are as wonderful and inspiring as ever - it’s the production of the show and its capitulation to what probably amounts to nothing more than better numbers. The Confessional really is an exclamation point on the run-on sentence that has become NPR productions. Being a ‘pastor’ and relying so much on profanity to sound relevant isn’t edgy, it’s just awkward.
  • tomigirl32
    Stellar pod
    I love this podcast! Every single episode taught me something, made something a bit easier, or eased some pain/shame I had been holding on to. Thank you for this work of love!
  • AJA41
    Wow!
    Powerful. Raw. Necessary. Relevant.
  • Sewing Maddie
    The confessionals
    I love every episode that you have had. Thank you!!
  • Cattastically
    An Atheist’s Appreciation
    This podcast is like going to therapy for your self hatred and shame. Nadia peppers in some religion but without the cliches and religious shame people often experience. I appreciate how this podcast gives me the ability to have a new perspective on some of my shame that allows me to show myself compassion.
  • GriefRabbit
    Blessings
    I love this podcast but especially the blessing at the end. My heart is filled up every time I listen ❤️
  • pgh reviewer
    Transformative
    This podcast has changed my spirit. I love Nadia’s insight, compassion and grace. A favorite episode was Megan Lavery’s, she was brave and so fluent in telling her story. If you haven’t stepped into The Confessional yet, do it, your heart will thank you.
  • wellexcuseme
    The host of the show revels in using the F-word
    As long as the hostess stays out of the way, the stories are great. But then she slips in some profanity to show she’s real, and frankly, it weakens the podcast.
  • thelayabout
    Uniquely Earthy Revelations
    These meetings! Interactions of a level I haven't heard since leaving home. People ready to talk about what went wrong and importantly what part they played in it. No victim- whining, just two people making room for real growth and sincerity. I used to work for a person who said "If I was going to get hit by a bus, I'd want to ..." some life goal or make an apology. This show manifests my bosses' wish. It's gorgeous.
  • Christine Henry Snow
    A thousands ‘thank you’s to Nadia
    Every single episode has positively impacted my life. I was so bitter towards Christianity after being raised in an extremely conservative version of Christianity. If being a Christian meant throwing stones, I didn’t want any part of it. To this day I feel I am an outcast amongst my immediate family who all still follows the teachings of the Southern Baptist Church and prays for my salvation. Last time I visited my parents I attended church with them. I found my name on the back of the bulletin under prayer requests for salvation. Talk about humiliation. To have my eyes opened to the possibility of faith in God without the judgment and egos of “Christians” has helped me to reconsider God.
  • Andrea_Sanae
    Brilliant
    Nadia so masterfully helps her guests to realize their vulnerabilities and humanity- that their mistakes were not fully of their own doing. She guides them to the lessons their past has taught them, and the redemption they have undergone but may not appreciate. If she isn’t a trained therapist, she is one in practice. Her groundedness, compassion, and love are so moving- I am an atheist, but would join Nadia’s flavor of religion in a heartbeat 🤍. Thank you for your work.
  • mdeschmoo
    Hooked after 1st episode but...
    This could easily become my next favorite podcast - just hoping the host will quit throwing out the f- word. It diminishes the podcast and the stories will be just as powerful without it. Why unnecessarily turn off listeners? Not afraid to hear it now and then for emphasis but it loses impact and becomes offensive when used so casually.
  • Erin E 1234
    LOVE
    I love this podcast, but I wish the Better Help ad wouldn’t play twice in a row :/
  • zxwabc
    Concept is good
    I like the idea of this podcast. Unfortunately the host thinks she can preach a false gospel and even more unfortunate is how many people do not seem to notice are care. You can’t make something into something just bc you want. She does swear a lot and that can feel like she’s interrupting. Makes her seem younger then she is. Maybe that’s the new thing.
  • alishaembroidery
    An honest blessing
    Nothing can touch your soul like an honest story. I stumbled onto the confessional a year ago and I’ve found it to be soul expanding and cleansing. Thank you, Nadia for your raw and beautiful blessings. I look forward to every one.
  • TRM1980
    Listen!
    I left organized religion because I could no longer reconcile the teachings to what I’ve always known to be true: that My Constant is love. Full stop. This podcast redeems that belief in the power of love, little by little. Hearing people like Joshua Harris, whose (former) message is one I’m STILL deconstructing 25 years after the fact, come back and say “hey, you know what? I didn’t get it right and I’m sorry,” brings a tiny bit of healing to my spirit. Take a listen, you won’t regret it!
  • Colormusic7
    Love this podcast
    Nadia is the voice of gods grace
  • kbeksk
    Love everything g minus the sermon at the end
    Love everything but the end. Kind of triggering.
  • aklevapyasdnil
    Chills and goosebumps
    I left the church 20 years ago because I never felt at home. I have tears pouring down my face after the Josh Harris episode. Nadia, you have something so important to say. I want the world to hear it. Thank you.
  • KHNSN4
    Must listen
    Nadia brings her experience, her wisdom, and grace to each episode. Well, maybe it’s more that she conveys God’s wisdom & grace in a very human way. The individualized blessings at the end are absolutely wonderful.
  • CrystalDee
    The Voice We Need to Hear
    Nadia Bolz-Weber is the voice we need to hear. She holds the space for us to process what we are feeling. Her books on theology helped me reconcile my thoughts as a progressive Christian. This podcast adds the layer of forgiveness we all need. Forgiving others is one thing, forgiving ourselves is a huge hurtle. Come to The Confessional with the heart of empathy and understanding. Leave with a sense of comfort in you’re not alone in your failings. There is a place, and a story, for everyone in The Confessional.
  • BroncosRockies88
    Love the podcast
    I really enjoy listening to this podcast and the stories (confessions) that the people share and how they have worked through them. I am a big fan of Nadia and if you don’t get her emails you need to.
  • LearningLotus
    So happy you are back!
    I was so happy to hear Nadia’s podcast this week. I had missed hearing her open- hearted, healing words. Such a balm for my soul.
  • OnlyInOrlando
    Come Back!
    I was thinking the same thing this week. Listening to others courageously navigate the tricky waters of forgiveness, especially self forgiveness or even just redemption in some degree or another is humbling and inspirational. Makes the rest of us think we might be able to do it too. Maybe, peace is possible for me too...someday.
  • jrog888888888
    Come back!
    I miss your podcast!
  • SimonSez44
    Where are you?
    I always looked forward to listen to this podcast as I found inspiration in it. I hope it returns soon. Simon
  • Willow OB
    Love it Nadia
    So good!!
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