This week we’re joined by award-winning author, journalist, and public speaker Jonathan Merritt! Jonathan wasn’t just a “pastor’s kid,” his father was the president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Steeped in conservative evangelicalism, his life took a turn during college when he decided he wanted to be a religion and spirituality writer. Jonathan lost himself in his work, publishing several books, writing articles for prominent publications, and earning two graduate degrees. From the outside looking in his life appeared to be on track, but nobody knew that this rising star in progressive Christianity was a closeted gay man. Then he was publicly outed… and his whole world turned upside down. Jonathan is a truly prolific person with a one-of-a-kind perspective, and we love his approach to faith, family, and community. He just published his first children’s book, “My Gunkle & Me,” a story about a boy whose gay uncle shows him that his little differences make him special. It’s a wonderful book that we absolutely recommend to anyone with kids in their life! Follow Jonathan on Instagram (@jonathan_merritt) and X (@jonathanmerritt), check out his podcast Seekers & Speakers, for more information go to www.jonathanmerritt.com.