You Can Be Both

You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are.As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.youcanbeboth.com for this and other resources.Join the You Can Be Both Community App https://youcanbeboth.mn.co/plans/1984569?bundle_token=a02f1c1a95e905aa187210545

You Can Be Both is a health podcast hosted by Lauren Lanzaretta, with 47 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Lauren Lanzaretta hosts You Can Be Both, a health show with 47 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #46

  “Unwanted" Same-Sex Attraction — Can You Stop Being Gay?

  Sep 27, 202630 minS1

  Can you really change your sexual orientation? And why is same-sex attraction “unwanted” anyways?In this episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren takes a deeper look at the “ex-gay” movement and the idea of “unwanted same-sex attraction.” She explores the difference between sexual orientation, trauma, shame, self-destructive behavior, and healing—and asks whether the goal should be changing your sexuality or actually healing from the experiences that shaped how you see yourself.Lauren also talks about religious trauma, internalized shame, the pressure LGBTQ+ Christians can feel to reject their sexuality, and the belief that you have to choose between being LGBTQ+ and having a relationship with God. In this episode: ️‍ Being LGBTQ+ and Christian ✝️ “Unwanted same-sex attraction” The “ex-gay” movement Sexual orientation, trauma & shame Can you change your sexual orientation? Christianity, homosexuality & judgment❤️‍ Healing vs. changing who you are⛪ Religious trauma and internalized shame Learning to live from love instead of fear❤️ Finding peace with God as an LGBTQ+ ChristianIf you’ve ever been told that being gay means you’re separated from God, this conversation is for you. ❤️You can be LGBTQ+. You can be Christian. And you can be both. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Hosted by singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, the podcast explores LGBTQ+ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, the Bible, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that you can be both. JOIN THE COMMUNITY: youcanbeboth.com/community LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OUE5Cnw4wOsCyYeVHzAif?si=UQLfKf5lTq6Zlx1BspX1lw&nd=1&dlsi=72b0ad4c14024c0c✨ LEARN MORE: youcanbeboth.comIf this episode connected with you, subscribe, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear that *you don't have to choose between who you are and your relationship with God.*#YouCanBeBoth, #UnwantedSameSexAttraction, #SameSexAttraction, #ExGay, #ExGayMovement, #GayChristian, #LGBTQChristian, #LGBTQChristians, #ChristianAndGay, #ReligiousTrauma, #LGBTQFaith, #FaithAndSexuality, #ConversionTherapy, #GayChristians, #QueerChristian, #ChristianityAndLGBTQ, #LGBTQHealing, #DeconstructingChristianity, #LGBTQPodcast, #ChristianPodcast

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  Episode #45

  He Was Gay, Christian & Celibate… Until He Questioned Everything

  Sep 20, 20261h 6mS1

  What happens when you’re gay, you love Jesus, and you’ve spent years believing those two things can’t coexist?In this episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with Brian Nietzel, LGBTQ+ advocate and co-founder of Renovus and the Making Things Right project, for an honest conversation about faith, sexuality, family, and finding peace with God.Brian shares his journey from conservative Christianity and years of celibacy to coming out, wrestling with Scripture, and realizing he didn't have to choose between being gay and following Jesus.They talk about coming out to his family, religious trauma, the “ex-gay” movement, deconstructing faith, LGBTQ+ Christians and conservative evangelicals, and whether it's possible to bridge the divide.Brian also shares why LGBTQ+ people don't have to be bridge builders—and how rediscovering the heart of Jesus helped him find freedom in his faith.In this episode:️‍ Being LGBTQ+ and Christian✝️ Faith and sexuality The “ex-gay” movement The Bible and homosexuality‍‍ Coming out to family LGBTQ+ Christians and evangelicals Deconstructing faith❤️ Finding peace with God ABOUT BRIAN NIETZEL Brian Neitzel is a longtime advocate helping Christians and churches move beyond doctrinal debates toward more thoughtful conversations around LGBTQ+ issues. He co-founded Renovatus in 2019 and launched the Making Things Right project in 2021. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Hosted by singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, the podcast explores LGBTQ+ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, the Bible, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that you can be both. JOIN THE COMMUNITY: youcanbeboth.com/community LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OUE5Cnw4wOsCyYeVHzAif?si=UQLfKf5lTq6Zlx1BspX1lw✨ LEARN MORE: youcanbeboth.comIf this episode connected with you, subscribe, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear that **you don't have to choose between who you are and your relationship with God.**#GayChristian, #LGBTQChristian, #LGBTQFaith, #GayAndChristian, #ReligiousTrauma, #Deconstruction, #ExGay, #LGBTQChristians, #QueerChristian, #FaithAndSexuality, #BibleAndLGBTQ, #YouCanBeBoth, #BrianNeitzel

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  Episode #43

  Gay, Christian & Married: Their Fight to Belong in the Church

  Sep 6, 20261h 18mS1

  What happens when two gay Christian men fall in love—but one of them is a pastor? In this deeply personal episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with Kade Rogers and Dr. Greg Neal, a married gay Christian couple whose journey brings together love, faith, coming out, church, and the struggle to live authentically.Greg is an ordained pastor and theologian who spent years wrestling with his sexuality, faith, and the fear of what coming out could mean for his ministry. Kade came from a very different background, but when the two met, a friendship unexpectedly grew into love.Their relationship challenged everything they thought they knew about faith, identity, and what it means to truly live openly. Together, they navigated the difficult realities of being a gay couple within the church while holding onto their love for God and each other.Their story is ultimately about love, courage, faith, and finding a way to belong without hiding who you are. In this conversation, we talk about: ❤️ Their love story and how they met✝️ Being gay and Christian Same-sex marriage and faith️‍ Coming out later in life⛪ Church hurt and religious trauma What the Bible actually says about homosexuality Conversion therapy and its lasting impact Facing hatred from other Christians Finding an affirming church What it really means for a church to be LGBTQ affirming❤️ Choosing love instead of fear Creating a church where LGBTQ people truly belongIf you've ever wondered whether you can be gay, Christian, and fully yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you:You don't have to choose between who you are and your relationship with God. You can be both. Subscribe to You Can Be Both for more honest conversations about LGBTQ identity, Christianity, healing, faith, and belonging. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Hosted by singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, the podcast explores LGBTQ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, the Bible, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that you can be both. JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITY: youcanbeboth.com/community LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OUE5Cnw4wOsCyYeVHzAif?si=Uq3s_dhUTXmZmTsHxneDTA ✨ LEARN MORE: youcanbeboth.comIf this episode connected with you, follow, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to choose between who they are and their relationship with God.#GayChristian #LGBTQChristian #GayCouple #Christianity #LGBTQFaith #GayAndChristian #ReligiousTrauma #ConversionTherapy #AffirmingChurch #YouCanBeBoth

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  Episode #42

  This Lesbian Christian MMA Fighter Refused To Give Up Being Gay -- Here's Why

  Aug 30, 202655 minS1

  What happens when you're told you can't be gay AND have a relationship with God? In this episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with professional MMA and bare-knuckle fighter Miranda Barber for an honest conversation about being lesbian, Christian, family rejection, relationships, faith, and finding your purpose. Miranda shares her story of coming out as a teenager, leaving home at 17, finding her identity in Christ, and learning not to let other people's opinions determine her relationship with God.She also talks about her career as a fighter, toxic relationships, resilience, and why she believes her fight is about so much more than what's happening inside the ring. This episode is for you if: • You struggle with being gay and Christian • You've been told your sexuality separates you from God • You've experienced rejection from your family or church • You're questioning whether you can be LGBTQ and still have faith • You're a gay Christian healing from religious trauma • You've struggled with toxic relationships or finding your worth • You want to hear an LGBTQ Christian perspective that is honest, hopeful, and unapologetic MIRANDA'S NEXT FIGHT Miranda's next bare-knuckle fight is October 23, 2026 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Follow her on Instagram for updates and fight camp coverage. ABOUT MIRANDA BARBER Miranda Barber is a professional MMA and bare-knuckle fighter, coach, mentor, lesbian, and Christian. She has spent 15 years in boxing and has competed in the Professional Fighters League. ABOUT YOU CAN BE BOTH You Can Be Both is a podcast for LGBTQ people of faith who have been told they have to choose between being queer and believing in God.Hosted by singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, the podcast explores LGBTQ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, the Bible, deconstruction, healing, and what it means to know that you can be both. JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITY: youcanbeboth.com/community LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OUE5Cnw4wOsCyYeVHzAif?si=0nGICoZsTFWvhUZ9jrb_Ww ✨ LEARN MORE: youcanbeboth.com If this episode connected with you, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to choose between who they are and their relationship with God. #LGBTQ, #LGBTQFaith, #GayChristian, #LesbianChristian, #ChristianLesbian, #LGBTQChristians, #YouCanBeBoth, #ReligiousTrauma, #FaithAndSexuality, #ChristianPodcast, #LGBTQPodcast, #MMA, #MMAFighter, #LesbianAthlete, #BareKnuckleBoxing, #MirandaBarber, #LaurenLanzaretta

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  Episode #40

  You Were Raised to FEAR God & Hell — But Here’s Why You Shouldn’t

  Aug 16, 202644 minS1

  What happens when the voice you were taught to believe was God’s voice becomes the voice telling you that you’re going to hell?In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Lauren sits down with licensed psychotherapist SC Nealy, an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist specializing in religious trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and relationship counseling, to unpack what happens when faith, identity, shame, fear, and trauma become intertwined.SC shares their personal experience growing up in an ultra-conservative evangelical environment, being taught from a young age to fear LGBTQ+ identity, and eventually finding freedom in embracing who they are. SC also opens up about being kicked out of a church after coming out, navigating religious trauma, and how those experiences ultimately shaped their work as a therapist.In this conversation, we talk about:• How to recognize religious trauma• The difference between guilt and shame• How high-control religious environments can impact LGBTQ+ identity• Why LGBTQ+ people can struggle with identity exploration after religious trauma• Why the fear of hell can remain even after leaving or deconstructing from the church• How religious trauma can affect your nervous system• Why you can intellectually know something isn't true while your body still feels unsafe• Practical grounding techniques for moments of fear, shame and anxiety• The impact of being rejected by your church or family• Whether you can be LGBTQ+ AND Christian• How to separate God’s voice from the messages we’ve been taught by people• Why healing often means moving away from black-and-white thinking• How finding safe LGBTQ+ community can help with healing• What it means to stay in religion while actively challenging oppressive systems• Why SC believes we should lean into curiosity instead of certaintyOne of the most powerful moments in this conversation is when SC explains that religious trauma isn't always one huge traumatic event. For many people, it's “a thousand cuts over time” — layer upon layer of shame, fear, rejection, control and messages that teach your body it isn't safe.And if you've ever left the church, accepted your LGBTQ+ identity, or begun deconstructing your faith but still occasionally find yourself thinking:“What if they're right?”“What if I'm going to hell?”“What if I'm doing something wrong?”SC explains why those thoughts and feelings can continue long after you've intellectually rejected the beliefs that caused them — and why healing isn't always about convincing your mind. Sometimes, it's about teaching your body that you're safe.We also talk about how community can play a powerful role in healing from religious trauma, especially for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced rejection from their families or churches. As SC explains, what is broken in groups can sometimes be healed in groups.SC's book, Healing Sacred Wounds, explores religious trauma and invites readers to ask questions rather than simply accepting someone else's answers. SC's goal isn't to tell people what to believe — it's to help people examine what they've experienced and decide what they believe for themselves.If you've experienced religious trauma, church hurt, spiritual abuse, Christian deconstruction, LGBTQ+ rejection, fear of hell, shame surrounding your identity, or confusion about how your faith and sexuality can coexist, this episode is for you.You don't have to choose between who you are and your relationship with God. JOIN THE YOU CAN BE BOTH COMMUNITYA safe community for LGBTQ+ people of faith:YouCanBeBoth.com/community SC Nealy's book — Healing Sacred WoundsLearn more at lgbtcounselingdmv.com/healing-sacred-wounds️ Subscribe to You Can Be Both for conversations about LGBTQ+ identity, Christianity, religious trauma, deconstruction, faith, healing, and learning that you really can be both.If this episode speaks to you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this.#YouCanBeBoth

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