Unmasking Ourselves (Part 2): Being Human is the Assignment
In this second part of our two-part conversation on vulnerability, we dig even deeper into what it means to live authentically in a world that encourages performance over presence. From comparison culture to the curated chaos of social media, we explore how our craving for connection is often blocked by the pressure to present a filtered version of ourselves—one that’s shiny, safe, and acceptable.
But here’s the truth: we’re not made to be perfect—we’re made to be human. And being human means messy emotions, unexpected grief, awkward conversations, and showing up anyway. We talk about what it takes to unmask in real life, not just online, and how deep transformation often starts with simply being seen.
This episode is filled with personal stories, bar conversations, TikTok reflections, theological insights, and some good old church kid humor. Come laugh, reflect, and breathe with us as we name the tension between performance and presence—and commit to choosing humanity every time.
Episode Highlights
📌 Vulnerability and visibility: Why we fear being seen for who we really are
📌 Performance fatigue: The physical and emotional toll of curating your identity
📌 Social media & comparison culture: The danger of filtered living
📌 Pastors, pedestals, and the problem of spiritual perfectionism
📌 Capitalism and the commodification of identity and relationships
📌 Deep canvassing: Why facts don’t change minds, but connection might
📌 Bonnet confessions, bar therapy, and why leaving the house helps
📌 What Jesus teaches us about being misunderstood and unfiltered
📌 Performance fatigue: The physical and emotional toll of curating your identity
📌 Social media & comparison culture: The danger of filtered living
📌 Pastors, pedestals, and the problem of spiritual perfectionism
📌 Capitalism and the commodification of identity and relationships
📌 Deep canvassing: Why facts don’t change minds, but connection might
📌 Bonnet confessions, bar therapy, and why leaving the house helps
📌 What Jesus teaches us about being misunderstood and unfiltered
Notable Quotes & Reflections
💬 “We love the idea of God, but we hate the reality of God. Because the reality of God requires something from us.” – Christopher
💬 “You can’t actually influence people if y’all don’t think y’all on the same ground.” – Whitney
💬 “We’re not allowed to be too angry, too sad, or even too happy. Because being fully human is inconvenient in a capitalist society.” – Christian
💬 “When God shows up outside your narrative, you crucify Him. That’s what happened then—and it still happens now.” – Christopher
💬 “You don’t have to trust everybody to be vulnerable. You just have to trust yourself.” – Whitney
💬 “Social media doesn’t invite conversation—it distills it down to base emotion.” – Christopher
💬 “You can’t actually influence people if y’all don’t think y’all on the same ground.” – Whitney
💬 “We’re not allowed to be too angry, too sad, or even too happy. Because being fully human is inconvenient in a capitalist society.” – Christian
💬 “When God shows up outside your narrative, you crucify Him. That’s what happened then—and it still happens now.” – Christopher
💬 “You don’t have to trust everybody to be vulnerable. You just have to trust yourself.” – Whitney
💬 “Social media doesn’t invite conversation—it distills it down to base emotion.” – Christopher
Closing Thoughts
Being human is the assignment. And while it might be easier to stay masked, filtered, and polished, it’s not where the healing lives. In a world full of performance, choosing presence is resistance. Choosing empathy is rebellion. And choosing to be seen—messy, glorious, and real—is holy work.
If this conversation opened something in you, we’d love for you to share it, leave a review, and keep rooting with us. 💜
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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.