Dan Tilson and co-host John Byram answer listener questions about annulments, same-sex attraction versus acting on it, family rejection, and how to respond to homophobic comments in church. They reflect on pastoral failures, the complexity of church processes, and practical ways to show care and challenge harmful language—calling the church to be like Mary, who holds things together amid brokenness.

Dan Tillson’s opening remarks at the launch party for the newly published book Theology for the Unwanted. Using the image of postwar rubble and the story of Vatican II, they argue that true moral life grows from grief, risk, and rebuilding connection, and invite those who feel excluded—gay, divorced, or worn by rules—to reclaim their place in the church.

Daniel Tillson and co-host Jon discuss Tilson’s new book, Theology for the Unwanted, exploring his journey from a conservative Catholic upbringing to intern work at the Vatican, coming out, and the church’s response to marginalized Catholics. The episode covers discernment, church teachings versus lived reality, same-sex blessings, and how theology can guide those who feel pushed out of the Church toward dignity and belonging.

Hosts Dan and Jon explore Luke 5's parable of the new wineskins to ask how the Church can keep its core truths while renewing structures to meet modern human needs. They discuss Vatican trivia, Thomas Aquinas, Monsignor Massimo Lapponi, and a rising number of bishops calling for a fresh look at anthropology, pastoral care, and church discipline. The episode examines three bishop types—administrators, theologians, and pastors—and considers gradual, compassionate approaches to issues affecting gay and divorced Catholics, mental health, and everyday struggles, while previewing the forthcoming book Theology for the Unwanted.

Hosts Dan and Jon mix light conversation and candid storytelling with deep reflection, from a government shutdown anecdote and two truths and a lie to memories of study abroad and encounters with St. Francis’s spirit in Pope Francis. They explore the balance between charity and spirituality, discuss Respect Life Month and the March for Life through a theological lens rather than a purely legal one, and tease Dan’s forthcoming book, Theology for the Unwanted.

Vatican correspondent Colleen Dulle joins hosts Dan and Jon to discuss her book Struck Down, Not Destroyed and her reporting on the Synod, canonization, clericalism, and the ongoing abuse crisis. The conversation weaves personal testimony, practical ministry from Sant’Egidio, and reflections on holiness, evangelization, and how the Church can better listen and heal. This episode balances reporting from Rome with intimate stories about grief, mental health, and community, offering both critique and hope for renewal within the Catholic Church.

Host Dan and co-host Jon sit down with theologian Brandon Ambrosino to explore his book Is It God’s Will?—a frank conversation about where God is in tragedy, the role of randomness and divine presence, and how Jesus’ suffering shapes Christian responses to pain. Our guest proposes a shift toward a relational understanding of God's power and presence, focusing on the meaning of "God is with us" (Emmanuel). The episode also addresses practical faith questions: how Christians should accompany suffering people, reinterpretations of the cross and resurrection, and hopeful reflections on the Catholic Church’s teaching and pastoral outreach toward LGBT people.

Hosts Dan and Jon explore how the Church can move mercy from abstract theology into real encounters. They discuss pastoral responses to LGBT/same-sex attracted Catholics, divorced and remarried people, IVF parents, immigration work, and the controversy around a Chicago award for Senator Dick Durbin. Through personal stories — tattoos, homeless outreach, and an Oppenheimer quote — the episode emphasizes listening, proximity, and relationship as the heart of mercy, urging listeners to ask questions and share their stories.

Hosts Dan and Jon tackle tough pastoral topics—from IVF, annulments, and same-sex couples to questions about sexual ethics—while tracing how Catholic moral teaching developed from medieval monks to modern debates. Using Aquinas’s framework of action, circumstance, and intent and Father Fumagalli’s symbolic action theory, they show why sharing personal stories matters for a more compassionate, sensible Church response.

In this episode of Theology Forward: The Unwanted, hosts Dan and Jon talk with hospital chaplain Matthew about suffering, empathy, and how the Church can accompany those who feel marginalized. They discuss St. Catherine of Siena, clinical chaplaincy, and personal stories of coming out to explore how pain can open the way to compassion. Matthew shares his journey from seminary to chaplaincy, explains inherent versus avoidable suffering, and urges a church that listens and stays with people in their wounds—offering presence and mercy before scripted responses.

Hosts Dan and Jon return from summer breaks to discuss communion laws, parish side‑eye, and how culture shapes enforcement of church rules. They mix personal stories (honeymoon travel, drumsticks, a Navy baptism) with pastoral questions about addicts, divorced‑and‑remarried Catholics, and same‑sex attracted parishioners. The episode argues the sacraments exist for people’s salvation, urges mercy over rigid policing, and highlights the Eucharist as both truth and communal unity — a call to welcome and accompany those who feel unwanted.

In this episode of The Theology for the Unwanted, join Dan and Jon as they welcome a remarkable guest, Justin from Empty Chairs, who shares his journey of growing up in a devout Catholic environment while exploring his personal identity. Justin candidly discusses his experiences of discerning a vocation, grappling with his sexual orientation, and the pivotal moment of coming out at 25. The conversation explores the broader implications of creating a welcoming environment within the Catholic Church for those who often feel marginalized. The hosts and Justin reflect on the challenge of maintaining one's faith while embracing one's identity and how, in their hopes and dreams, the Church can become a more inclusive and understanding community. With raw honesty and humor, they tackle the Church’s culture of secrecy, the pressures of fitting into preconceived roles, and the importance of authentic love and acceptance. Discover how they envision a future where Catholicism is not about rigid conformity but genuine connection with God and people. Listen in for an engaging discussion on building an empathetic church that listens before it speaks.

Join us in this insightful episode as hosts Dan and Jon dive into an engaging conversation with Matthew, a special guest from the Sant'Egidio community in Washington, DC. Matthew shares his journey of reconversion to the Catholic faith, revealing how his struggle with materialism and a mental health crisis led him back to the church. Despite differences in political viewpoints, Matthew and Dan explore the profound connection they share through their faith. The discussion takes a thoughtful turn as Matthew describes the contrasting experiences of attending traditional Latin Mass and the challenges faced by parishes in fostering a true sense of community. With candid reflections on how the Eucharist should not only symbolize the body of Christ but also unify the church, the episode delves into the cultural and theological shifts that have influenced modern Catholicism. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how faith, friendship, and prayer intertwine in the vibrant Sant'Egidio community, providing a beacon of hope and unity. As they share personal stories and encounters, the hosts and guest uncover the importance of living out the Gospel in everyday life while addressing the pressing issues of division and exclusion within the church. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of faith, community, and the transformative power of the Eucharist.

Welcome back to another contemplative episode of Theology for the Unwanted. Hosts and Jon explore the nuanced evolution within Catholicism, addressing its shifts from ancient catacombs to modern chapels. Dive into the juxtaposition of rich historical traditions and the necessary openness to new forms of spiritual expression. Join the discussion on the balance between maintaining beautiful architectural heritage and the need for a faith that actively engages with the world's contemporary challenges. This episode deeply considers the role of human dignity and the unique contributions each individual brings to the church's understanding of God, inspired by the insights of Czech theologian Father Tomáš Halík.

Join us on this episode of "Theology for the Unwanted" as we sit down with Dan and co-host Jon to explore the nuances of striving for an ethical and authentic life as a gay Catholic. Reflecting on personal stories, theological insights, and recent church developments like Fiducia Supplicans, we delve into the complexities of discernment, authenticity, and the evolving role of the Catholic Church. From heartfelt personal experiences to broader discussions on theological progress, this episode invites listeners to reimagine faith in a modern context. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how time, love, and unity can help bridge divides and bring deeper meaning to our shared spiritual journeys.

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of Theology for the Unwanted podcast, hosted by Dan with co-host Jon. In this special episode, we are joined by Cade from the Intrinsically Ordered podcast, who shares his personal journey of leaving the traditional Catholic Church in pursuit of a more authentic and fulfilling life. Explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating identity, faith, and personal beliefs outside the confines of organized religion. Cade reflects on his experiences within the Catholic community and discusses the radical transformation that ensued after stepping away from traditional religious expectations. Together with Dan and Jon, Cade delves into topics such as inclusivity within the Church, the evolution of Catholic teachings, and the search for a deeper understanding of holiness and morality. This episode is an invitation to embrace the complexity and beauty of individual journeys in faith and life.

In this special episode of the podcast, host Dan is joined by co-host Jon and special guest Jeremy, known from TikTok as "ACatholicDad." Dive into a heartfelt discussion about the journey of converting to Catholicism. Jeremy shares his experiences of transitioning from Protestantism in the South to becoming an evangelical Catholic, using social media as a platform to express his faith. Listen as they explore the nuanced dynamics between cradle Catholics and converts, and the importance of unity and understanding within the church. The episode also sheds light on the role of the Eucharist and offers insights into the welcoming of converts, emphasizing that everyone's journey is unique and valuable. Whether you're a cradle Catholic or a recent convert, this episode provides a compelling look into the personal stories and theological insights at the intersection of faith and community.

Join us on a thought-provoking journey exploring the intersection of faith and identity in the Catholic Church. This episode delves into theological insights about how God sees us and how we can understand and embrace the diverse ways God has created each of us. Discover a new perspective on sexuality through a theological lens and learn about the Church's evolving understanding of love, identity, and human dignity. With personal stories and reflective discussions, we aim to foster a deeper relationship with God and each other, amidst societal and cultural challenges.   Recommended readings and listening: Francis of Assisi - The Great Courses  on Audible. By Ronald Herzman and William Cook. Catholicity and Emerging Personhood on Amazon by Fr. Daniel Horan Roper, William. "The Life of Sir Thomas More." Internet Modern History Sourcebook, compiled by Paul Halsall, Fordham University, Aug. 1998 Alison, James. "Learning the Truth About Matters LGBTQ+ and Organic Christianity with James Alison." YouTube, uploaded by Immanuel Presbyterian Church Tacoma, 10 May 2022 "What Does the Scholarly Research Say About the Well-Being of Children with Gay or Lesbian Parents?" What We Know, Cornell University Pontifical Biblical Commission. "What Is Man?" (Ps 8:5): An Itinerary of Biblical Anthropology. Vatican.va, Holy See, 30 Sept. 2019

We’ve all had THAT confession. Learning how to reframe the ideas of penance and reconciliation. And what to do if a confession goes bad.

Welcome to the Theology for the Unwanted Podcast, where hosts Dan and Jon explore the challenges faced by many Catholics trying to find their place within the church. In this debut episode, they delve into the complexities of bridging personal stories with universal theology, highlighting how understanding and embracing diverse journeys can make the church more inclusive and holy. Join Dan and John as they recount their own journeys in faith, discuss the polarization seen within the Catholic community, and emphasize the significance of listening to each other's experiences. Through heartfelt conversations, they aim to create a supportive space for all listeners, recognizing the value of each individual's unique path in the collective quest for truth. With a focus on the importance of unity and understanding amidst diversity, this episode encourages open dialogue and mutual respect, setting the tone for future discussions on a wide range of theological issues impacting Catholics worldwide. Tune in and be part of a conversation that seeks healing, acceptance, and a deeper connection to faith.