Meet At The Well with Mariana Podcast

S1 Ep. 4 | Reality in Ruins: Truth, Disreality, and the Cost of Conspiracy

Meet At The Well is a podcast and writing space by Mariana Herrera Mosli—writer, poet, and seminary scholar whose work lives at the intersection of theology, storytelling, and lived experience. An ESL learner turned English Literature graduate, Mariana explores faith, healing, and becoming through biblical literature and story. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology with an emphasis in Women and Ministry, and is working on her first poetry collection, Thorns & Honey (forthcoming Spring 2027). An Invitation to Meet In Person This summer, I’ll be gathering with a community of writers, artists, and thoughtful voices at Cultivate 2026 [https://www.thewayback2ourselves.com/store/p/cultivate-2026-retreat-rooted-greenville-sc-june-19-21] in Greenville (June 19–21), and I would love for you to join me. If you’ve found yourself drawn to the kinds of conversations we hold here—honest, nuanced, rooted in faith but open to the hard middle—this space will feel like coming to the table in real life. We’ll be joined by voices like Amanda Held Opelt [https://substack.com/profile/36493747-amanda-held-opelt], Stephen Roach [https://substack.com/profile/129035499-stephen-roach] (of The Breath and the Clay and Makers and Mystics Podcast), Ben Palpant [https://substack.com/profile/164935489-ben-palpant] of The Rabbit Room [https://substack.com/profile/149781501-the-rabbit-room], alongside communities like Solum Literary Press [https://substack.com/profile/153514448-solum-literary-press] and The Clayjar Review [https://substack.com/profile/199579530-the-clayjar-review]— Deidre Braley [https://substack.com/profile/102225952-deidre-braley], Matthew Nash [https://substack.com/profile/114132290-matthew-nash], The Village Poet [https://open.substack.com/pub/thevillagepoet], Edward Holmes [https://substack.com/profile/56531309-edward-holmes], Rosa Lía Gilbert [https://substack.com/profile/19977251-rosa-lia-gilbert], Allana Walker [https://substack.com/profile/159535514-allana-walker], Kimberly Phinney [https://substack.com/profile/122923004-kimberly-phinney] and so many others shaping thoughtful, creative, and faithful work in the world. I’ll also be there, hosting conversations rooted in Meet At The Well—creating space for the kinds of encounters we talk about here. There are fewer than 30 tickets remaining. If this resonates, I’d love for you to be part of it: Click here to learn more! [https://www.thewayback2ourselves.com/store/p/cultivate-2026-retreat-rooted-greenville-sc-june-19-21] When Faith Feels Unrecognizable For many of us, the faith we inherited no longer feels like the faith we recognize. What once felt like good news has, at times, been entangled with power, fear, and a kind of certainty that leaves little room for others to belong. And if you’re anything like me—or like many of you who gather here at Meet At The Well—you might be asking: How did we get here?And how do we stay rooted in Jesus without losing each other? Recently, I had a conversation on the podcast with historian, theologian, and author of Reality in Ruins, Dr. Jared Stacy, PhD [https://substack.com/profile/9333836-jared-stacy-phd], that helped name what many of us have been sensing—but didn’t quite have language for. Because naming something is not the same as tearing it down. Sometimes, it’s the first step toward healing it. When Stories Shape What We Believe In our conversation, we explore how storytelling shapes belief—how the stories we inherit, repeat, and protect can either open us toward truth… or close us off from it. We talk about: * why certainty can feel so compelling (especially in uncertain times) * how faith can get tangled with identity, politics, and fear * what it costs to hold onto belief—and what it costs to question it * and how we might begin to move toward a more honest, grounded, and human faith… into the great unknowing. The Cost of Living in the “Hard Middle” I know conversations like this can feel heavy. Especially if you’ve: * lost relationships over political or theological differences * felt disoriented by what’s being said or done in the name of Jesus * struggled to reconcile the love of Christ with the exclusion you’ve witnessed * or found yourself somewhere in the “hard middle”—not fully at home anywhere If that’s you, you’re not alone. Naming Without Abandoning There has also been critique around this kind of work—suggesting that naming these realities is somehow an attack on evangelicals. But I want to say this with care, especially as someone who was formed in the outskirts of these spaces: In many of these communities, naming dysfunction is often experienced as betrayal. And that makes conversations like this costly. And yet— naming a problem is not the same as abandoning a people. In fact, it can be an act of love. Because you don’t name what’s broken if you don’t still believe healing is possible. Healing make look a lot more like bringing uncertainty back to the table. A Different Way Forward At Meet At The Well, we’re not here to draw harder lines. We’re here to break barriers, not people. To make space for: * honest questions * complicated stories * and a faith that doesn’t require certainty to remain rooted in Christ A faith that can sit at the table with difference.A faith that resists the urge to reduce people to categories.A faith that still believes transformation is possible—on all sides. If you’re trying to make sense of all of this…If you’re holding both grief and hope…If you’re learning to follow Jesus without needing to have everything figured out— This conversation is for you. Watch the Episode Meet At The Well — featuring Dr. Jared Stacy Episode Highlights * Why conspiracy theories function more like stories than arguments * How identity and belonging shape belief * What “disreality” means and why it matters * The cost of leaving deeply held beliefs * Why truth must be encountered, not enforced * How the Church can recover discernment in a fragmented world * The invitation to live faithfully in uncertainty Thanks for reading Meet At The Well! This post is public so feel free to share it. About Dr. Jared Stacy & Reality in Ruins Dr. Jared Stacy is a theologian, ethicist, and former evangelical pastor. He received his Ph.D. in moral and practical theology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. His work focuses on the intersection of theology, politics, extremism, and conspiracy theory within American evangelicalism. His book, Reality in Ruins: How Conspiracy Theory Became an American Evangelical Crisis [https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Ruins-Conspiracy-American-Evangelical/dp/0063453754], examines how conspiracy thinking has shaped modern evangelical identity—and how it has contributed to a fractured sense of truth, community, and witness. His work has been featured in Time, NPR, NBC News, the BBC, and Christianity Today [https://substack.com/profile/235020034-christianity-today]. Book Giveaway + Invitation to the Conversation I have one extra copy of Reality in Ruins by Dr. Jared Stacy—and I’d love to place it in the hands of someone who wants to sit with this conversation more deeply. Not to win an argument.Not to prove a point.But to stay at the table a little longer. To enter: * Listen to the latest episode of Meet At The Well * Rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify * Leave a comment below sharing: * what challenged you * what gave you a new perspective * or what you’re still wrestling with I’ll choose one winner and send you a copy. Giveaway closes: May 10th, 2026Winner announced: May 11, 2026 Final Thought Conspiracy thinking promises secret knowledge—a way to separate insiders from outsiders. But the Gospel tells a different story. As Jared reminds us, truth is slow. It is weird. It is received, rather than possessed. Truth is not something we control. It’s Someone we encounter. And that encounter doesn’t draw harder lines. It draws us back to the well—where we are known,and still invited to become. Let’s keep the conversation going—together. From the well, Mariana Meet At The Well is a reader-supported space—built slowly, honestly, together. If this work matters to you, consider becoming a paid subscriber for $5/month. Your support makes it possible to keep writing, challenging dehumanizing rhetoric, and holding space for others. Get full access to Meet At The Well at meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe [https://meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

S1 Ep.3 | Getting Through What You’re Going Through

Summary In this heartfelt conversation, poet Tanner Olson discusses the themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of connection through his writing. He shares insights on navigating life's challenges, the role of presence in relationships, and the power of poetry to meet readers where they are. The discussion also touches on the significance of slowing down, the impact of grief, and the journey of creativity, culminating in the anticipation of his upcoming book, 'Getting Through What You're Going Through.' Takeaways Tanner's poetry resonates across generations and experiences. Writing is a way to meet readers where they are emotionally. Hope is a fierce and resilient force in difficult times. Presence and listening are vital in human connection. Grief can lead to resilience and determination. It's important to slow down and be present in the moment. Creativity requires boundaries and self-care. Writing can help process pain and grief. Honesty and sincerity in writing connect with readers. Life is a gift, even in its imperfections. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Tanner Olson's Work 02:03Exploring the In-Between: Writing Style and Language 06:14The Role of Hope in Poetry and Life 11:52Navigating Grief and Resilience 15:51Defining Hope: A Personal Perspective 20:10The Power of Presence in Difficult Times 24:43Writing as a Tool for Healing 27:35The Essence of Honest Writing 31:07The Importance of Paying Attention 32:30Slowing Down and Embracing Imperfection 33:27Navigating Stress and Boundaries 36:42The Myth of 'Making It' as a Writer 40:10Creating Poetry: Behind the Scenes 43:19The Gift of Life: A Poetic Reflection 48:17Hopes for Readers and the Journey Ahead Get full access to Meet At The Well at meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe [https://meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

S1 Ep.2 | Border Walkers, Belonging, & the God Who Meets Us in the In-Between

Guest Name: Kimberly Phinney Summary: In this episode of Meet at the Well, Mariana Mosli and Kimberly Phinney explore the intersections of art, faith, and community. They discuss the concept of 'border walking' for navigating the complexities of life and faith, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and community in fostering meaningful conversations. The conversation also touches on the significance of the Woman at the Well as a model for transformation and the role of Christian artists in today's culture. Ultimately, they highlight the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. Get full access to Meet At The Well at meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe [https://meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Episode 1: The Woman at the Well & Why It Matters Today

Welcome to the very first episode of Meet At The Well!   Today, we journey back to Jacob’s well in John 4, where a simple request for water sparks the longest recorded conversation Jesus has with anyone in the New Testament—not with a religious leader, but with a Samaritan woman many would have overlooked. In this episode, we’ll explore: * The cultural and historical backdrop of John 4 * How Jesus models dignity, curiosity, and truth in hard conversations * What "Woman at the Well Theology" invites us into today * The principle of charity—and why connection, not combat, is the goal * How storytelling bridges the sacred and the secular one word at a time If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds—too sacred for the secular, too secular for the sacred—this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned: * John 4:1-42 (Biblical text) * Genesis 16 (Story of Hagar, referenced briefly) * Principle of Charity (for more on this communication approach, check out The Principle of Charity by Michael Patrick Lynch and Scott Aikin or visit [this overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_charity [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_charity] * Affective Science (exploring emotional regulation, connection, and communication) Need Support? If today’s episode stirred things in you and you’re looking for help, you're not alone. Here are some resources: * BetterHelp Online Therapy (https://www.betterhelp.com/ [https://www.betterhelp.com/]) – access licensed therapists from anywhere * Psychology Today Therapist Directory(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists]) – find local support based on your needs * NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://nami.org/Home [https://nami.org/Home]) – mental health resources, support groups, and education Connect with Me: * Substack: https://meetatthewell.substack.com/ [https://meetatthewell.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meet_at_thewell/ [https://www.instagram.com/meet_at_thewell/] If you found today's conversation meaningful, it would mean so much if you subscribed, shared, or left a review. It helps others find this space too. Until next time— Come thirsty. You are welcome here. Get full access to Meet At The Well at meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe [https://meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Introducing Meet At The Well Podcast

Welcome to Meet At The Well, a podcast for the weary, the misfits, and those living in the hard middle—too sacred for the secular, too secular for the sacred. Rooted in “Woman at the Well” theology, this is a space for raw, honest conversations about faith, belonging, and the questions that don’t always have easy answers. Hosted by Cuban-American writer, poet, researcher, and visual storyteller Mariana Herrera Mosli, each episode invites you into a rhythm of reflection, storytelling, and transformation. Here, we break barriers—not each other.  If your heart has been searching for a place to wrestle, rest, and be seen in the in-between—you’ve found it. Subscribe now, and let’s begin. Get full access to Meet At The Well at meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe [https://meetatthewell.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]