Fear Pt. 2 - Control
Summary
Send us a textIn this episode of The Uproot Project Podcast, Christian, Chris, and Whitney dive into the theme of control and how it plays out in both our personal lives and in the larger community. Whitney kicks things off with a mindfulness moment, helping us connect with our bodies and notice where we feel like things are slipping out of our control.From there, we get personal—sharing stories from our childhood that shaped our need to control things as adults. We dig into how this need for...In this episode of The Uproot Project Podcast, Christian, Chris, and Whitney dive into the theme of control and how it plays out in both our personal lives and in the larger community. Whitney kicks things off with a mindfulness moment, helping us connect with our bodies and notice where we feel like things are slipping out of our control.
From there, we get personal—sharing stories from our childhood that shaped our need to control things as adults. We dig into how this need for control shows up in religious spaces, especially for leaders, and how over-identifying with certain roles can lead to fear and resistance to change. We also call out how rigid teachings can trap people, holding back their freedom and growth.
We don’t stop there. We zoom out to talk about bigger societal issues like wealth distribution and the justice system, pushing for more equity and compassion in these areas. We wrap things up with a powerful prayer for courage from Cole Arthur Riley’s Black Liturgies, reminding us all to find bravery and rest in the face of fear.
Related Links
Related Links
- Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley - Instagram
- Heartbreak High on Netflix - Netflix
- Jesus Revolution Documentary - IMDb
- Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Wedding Photos - Instagram
Calls to Action
- Mindfulness Moment: Listeners are encouraged to take a moment to connect with their bodies, especially in areas where they feel out of control.
- Engage with the Podcast: Follow The Uproot Project Podcast on social media platforms and visit their website for more content.
- Reflect on Personal Growth: Consider how over-identification with roles and fear-based control might be impacting your life and relationships.
- Support Equity and Compassion: Reflect on societal issues discussed and think about ways to support more equitable and compassionate systems in your community.
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Thanks for listening & keep living fully, learning openly, and loving deeply.
- (00:12) - Introduction and Mindfulness Moment
- (03:07) - Discussion on Control and Childhood
- (06:48) - Managing Emotions and Control in Adulthood
- (11:20) - Societal and Political Implications of Control
- (24:00) - Personal Narratives and Identity
- (43:32) - Prescribing Your Suffering to Others to Validate Your Choices
- (56:39) - Resistance to Change Produces Violence
- (01:14:31) - How's Your Narratives Working for You?
- (01:26:42) - Choose Relationship Over Being Right
- (01:31:17) - Avoiding Cookie-Cutter Spirituality
- (01:36:27) - The Church - Right vs Relevant?
- (01:42:07) - The Need for Courage
Creators and Guests
Host
Christian Barnes
Christian Barnes is an avid reader and spiritual seeker on a journey of excavating and rebuilding the tenets of her faith one belief at a time. She is a proud mom and wife who believes in the power of connection and creativity. She cherishes the moments spent with friends and family, sharing food, laughter, and love. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, you can find her painting her nails or watching football.
Host
Christopher Barnes
Chris Barnes is a pastor, theologian, and mystic leading The Tree Community, a progressive Christian space in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to creating inclusive environments that encourage people to live fully, learn openly, and love deeply. With over two decades of ministry and church experience, Chris helps individuals deconstruct toxic beliefs, relearn truths about God, and grow into their full potential. Through The UProot Project Podcast, he explores faith, mental health, and spirituality in a pluralistic world. His approach emphasizes grace, presence, and intentionality, guiding others toward authentic transformation and a deeper connection with the divine.
Host
Whitney Weathersby
Whitney is a very Black, queer, neurodivergent, recovering church kid and intuitive therapist who is all about deep conversations and disruptive cackles. She is the friend who will pull your card while making you laugh because while healing is hard work, it never gave stuffy. Known for what her friends have dubbed 'Whitney-isms,' you can count on her to unwittingly drop a gem that will shake things up – and to immediately forget what she said. A student of Black feminism, womanism, and decolonial thought, her perspectives are grounded in the liberation of all people—collectively and individually. Whitney’s work centers the experiences of marginalized folks, amplifying often silenced voices, and holding space for the messy, nonlinear path to self-actualization. Whether in therapy sessions, on the podcast, or in everyday conversations, she brings a mix of radical honesty, irreverent humor, and a deep sense of care, leaving people feeling both seen and challenged to grow.