The Union Podcast

Episode #112 : Jason & Theresa Mellard On The Roots of Same-Sex Attraction

This Union Podcast episode features Jason and Teresa Mellard sharing their deeply personal journeys with same-sex attraction, offering an honest exploration of identity, the lasting impact of childhood experiences, and the transformative power of faith and authentic community. Through their story, they invite listeners into a conversation about healing, truth, and what it means to walk in freedom. Jason also draws from his work as a coach for Christian men, where he helps individuals navigate questions around identity, sexuality, and spiritual growth. He shares insights from walking alongside men who desire to live in alignment with their faith, emphasizing the importance of brotherhood, accountability, and addressing the deeper heart issues that often shape behaviour and belief. Together, Jason and Teresa highlight the role their marriage has played in their ongoing journey. Teresa offers a meaningful perspective on partnership, grace, and restoration, sharing how their relationship has been shaped by honesty, resilience, and a shared commitment to God’s design. Their story reflects both the challenges and the hope found in pursuing wholeness together. In this episode, they discuss practical steps toward healing, the importance of understanding God’s compassion, and how to embrace an authentic identity rooted in Christ—offering encouragement to anyone seeking freedom, clarity, and deeper connection. Key Topics -Roots of same-sex attraction and childhood experiences -The role of belief and feelings of separateness -The importance of understanding God's compassion -Practical steps for healing and identity restoration -The significance of community and vulnerability Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:57 Navigating Identity and Same-Sex Attraction 06:02 Common Themes in Same-Sex Attraction 09:56 The Role of Family Dynamics 13:57 Understanding the Roots of Attraction 17:46 Turning Points and Personal Growth 25:42 Journey to Identity and Peace 29:14 The Role of Faith and Community 31:04 Understanding Same-Sex Attraction 34:07 Navigating Relationships and Expectations 39:24 Surrendering to God for Freedom 46:37 Reframing Attractions and Emotions 52:07 Words of Encouragement to the Younger Self Jason Mellard Resources https://jasonmellard.com/ [https://jasonmellard.com/] YourIdentityNow.com [http://YourIdentityNow.com] - https://youridentitynow.com [https://youridentitynow.com] SSA Quiz - https://ssaquiz.com [https://ssaquiz.com]

The Union Podcast Episode #111- Jay Stringer On Deciphering Desire: How We Love, Grow & Heal

In this episode of The Union Podcast, Bryan and Bonnie Pue sit down with therapist and author Jay Stringer to explore the heart behind his powerful new book, Desire. Building on the groundbreaking insights of his previous work, Unwanted, Jay invites us to move beyond behaviour management and into a deeper, more honest engagement with the stories shaping our longings. For many, the conversation around desire—especially within Christian spaces—has been reduced to avoidance, suppression, or shame. But what if desire is not the enemy? What if, instead, it is a doorway into healing? Together, we explore why desire has been so widely misunderstood, how curiosity can become a pathway toward freedom, and what it looks like to hold both personal responsibility and compassion in tension. Jay unpacks how our sexual and relational patterns are often rooted in past wounds, and how paying attention to them—rather than numbing or controlling them—can lead to deeper transformation. Bryan and Bonnie also engage Jay in a thoughtful reflection on the life of King David, asking how we might understand even profound moral failure through the lens of desire, formation, and unmet longing. Whether you’re wrestling with shame, confusion, or fear around your desires, this conversation offers a hopeful and grounded invitation: your story matters, and healing begins with curiosity, not condemnation. In this episode, we cover: • What led Jay to write Desire and how it expands on Unwanted • Why desire has been misunderstood in the Church • The limits of behaviour management and the invitation to deeper self-understanding • How curiosity helps heal what shame has distorted • Holding together repentance, responsibility, and compassionate self-examination • A fresh lens on King David’s story • Practical first steps toward healing for those feeling stuck in shame. Learn more about Jay’s work and find Desire wherever books are sold. https://jay-stringer.com [https://jay-stringer.com] @jay_stringer_ Dont miss out on The Called Conference on April 10th & 11th in Abbotsford, BC Register Here [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-called-conference-2026-tickets-1981461724357?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl]

Episode #110- Kyla Gillespie: From Transition To Transformation

We’re honored to welcome Kyla Gillespie from Renewed & Transformed Ministries back to The Union Podcast for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. In this episode, we get to talk with Kyla about her new book “Transformed” which documents her journey of physically transitioning, living as a male named “Bryson” for six years, and the life-altering moment when she encountered Jesus and began the path of de-transitioning. With honesty and courage, she opens up about her upbringing in a Christian home, the ache of her father’s absence, the strain on her family relationships, and the deeper identity questions that shaped her story. Bryan and Bonnie thoughtfully explore themes of identity, sexuality, and faith, creating space for a conversation marked by both compassion and conviction. Kyla reflects on what it meant to lay down one name and reclaim another—embracing “Kyla” not just as a name, but as a testimony to redemption, belonging, and the healing power of love expressed through community. The episode also highlights the heart behind the upcoming Called Conference, centered on sexual discipleship and spiritual formation—an initiative closely aligned with Kyla’s mission to equip churches and individuals navigating questions of gender and identity. This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and deeply relevant for church leaders, parents, and anyone seeking to hold truth and grace together. Kyla’s story is ultimately one of surrender, restoration, and a call for the Church to become a place where transformation is met with unwavering love. Register For The Called Conference 2026 [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-called-conference-2026-tickets-1981461724357] For more info on Kylas work visit- www.kylgillespie.com [http://www.kylgillespie.com] Follow Kyla on Social Media- @kylagillespie.14 Pre Order Your Copy of Transformed https://www.amazon.ca/TransFormed-Journey-Confusion-Reassignment-Detransitioning/dp/B0FCL13CD7 [https://www.amazon.ca/TransFormed-Journey-Confusion-Reassignment-Detransitioning/dp/B0FCL13CD7]

Episode #109: Gretchen Huizinga On Church Culture, AI and Human Relationships

In this episode Bryan and Bonnie sit down with Gretchen Huizinga to explore the mysterious and, to some, controversial topic of AI. This episode dives deep into how artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but a mirror reflecting human flaws, spiritual dangers, and divine opportunities. Gretchen Huizinga, a Christian scholar at the intersection of AI ethics and theology, shares eye-opening insights on how AI threatens to replace human voice and voice, risk idolatry, and influence the fabric of church life and personal identity. She highlights startling realities—AI coaching into self-harm, monopolizing productivity, and subtly replacing our ability to wrestle with difficulty—pushing us toward dependence rather than dependence on Christ. You'll discover: -How AI's roots in secular humanism clash with biblical truths about human worth and divine image -The biblical principles that challenge us to steward technology responsibly instead of succumbing to idolatry -The dangers of outsourcing our moral, spiritual, and relational development to machines -Why the church must reclaim its voice and lead as countercultural stewards of authentic humanity in an AI-driven world -Practical guardrails rooted in the fruits of the Spirit, especially self-control, to resist the subtle seduction of ease and efficiency -This episode is perfect for church leaders, Christians navigating a tech-saturated culture, and anyone concerned about AI's influence on our souls and society. As Gretchen reminds us, in a world increasingly dependent on AI, the true voice and presence of God remain essential—our hope, our guide, our greatest treasure. Don't miss this urgent call to reflect, resist, and reclaim what it means to be fully human created in God's image. Activation begins in your heart and your stewardship—listen now and join the conversation shaping the future of faith and technology. To stay up to date with Gretchen's work visit- https://www.gretchenhuizinga.com [https://www.gretchenhuizinga.com] For Gretchen's dissertation on Righteous AI - https://aiandfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/RIGHTEOUS-AI-THE-CHRISTIAN-VOICE-IN-THE-ETHICAL-AI-CONVERSATION.pdf [https://aiandfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/RIGHTEOUS-AI-THE-CHRISTIAN-VOICE-IN-THE-ETHICAL-AI-CONVERSATION.pdf]

Episode #108: Awkward Conversations For Parents

In this episode of the Union Podcast, Bryan and Bonnie Pue reflect on 2025 and the cultural realities shaping families today before confronting one of the most urgent challenges parents face: talking honestly about sexuality, identity, and relationships. Introducing Bonnie's new book, Awkward: Conversations About Sex and Culture, they challenge the idea that silence protects children and instead call parents to lead with courage, clarity, and presence. The conversation moves from why these discussions matter to when and how to start them, addressing age-appropriate topics and the real barriers parents face—including shame, fear, and unresolved past experiences. The hosts also engage cultural pressures surrounding gender ideology, urging parents not to outsource formation to culture. The episode closes with a direct charge to parents: become students of your children, seek wisdom over comfort, and engage the hard conversations now—because formation is already happening. Get your Copy of Awkward 📖 [https://www.amazon.ca/Awkward-Gospel-Centred-Conversations-Culture-Parents-ebook/dp/B0FWK65CDW] Watch On YouTube [https://youtu.be/9fbJVe7XHs4] Watch On Rumble [https://rumble.com/user/TheUnionPodcast]