In the first episode of "Untangled", we, Damian, a psychodynamic psychotherapist, and Joan, a Uniting Church minister and PhD candidate in spiritual care, introduce our podcast's purpose: exploring the Bible and spirituality through ten guiding principles. Key principles include God as love, the Cosmic Christ, Trinitarian theology, the Bible as a living document, the harm caused by weaponised religion, curiosity, equal collaboration, and respect for Indigenous Australians and their spiritual wisdom. We begin our journey with Mark’s Gospel, emphasising first impressions and mutual learning. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Damian and Joan discuss reading the Gospel of Mark for the first time. Damian shares his first impressions, and they discuss significant concepts, such as the Kingdom of God. Damian hears about John the Baptist baptising Jesus in the Jordon River, and a voice from heaven saying, 'Listen to him'. Oddly enough, as soon as Jesus comes onto the scene, he's sent out into the wilderness and is tempted by a strange power and they talk about the difference between power over and the power of love. There's so much going on they only make it to verse 13. Tune in next time to hear them talk about the rest of the chapter. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Damian wants to read the bible but doesn't know where to start. Joan explains how the bible is a collection of smaller books. They discuss how these ancient stories evolved into books and how those books ultimately came together to form the Bible. Damian asks Joan about when they were written and why we call these books scripture. If you already know this stuff, you can skip on to E3 where they start reading Mark's gospel. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Picking up where they left off, Joan and Damian explore the second half of Mark chapter 1. Damian shares his first impressions, and they discuss Jesus' time in the wilderness as a retreat space where he refined his message before beginning his work. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Joan and Damian are finally up to reading chapter 2, where Jesus gets stuck into healing people. They discuss big themes like sin, paralysis, dissociation and restoration that come along with healing. Damian's not convinced about the physical healing stuff, but they psychological healing makes lots of sense. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Another lively discussion about Mark's gospel, where in chapter 3, more disciples are called. Jesus is accused of being possessed by a demon. Damian is stunned that some people would drop everything and follow him, while other people really don't like what Jesus is doing. Despite the authorities' concerns, Damian is warming to this man who can heal people when life's challenges wither their hands and hearts. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Mark 4, the tone of the gospel changes as Jesus starts teaching people using parables. Damian and Joan listen to the stories and untangle the symbols and metaphors that point to a way of being rather than a directive. Damian adds insights from psychotherapy as they explore theological concepts and Jesus' teaching about peace. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From parables in the last chapter, this chapter is all about healing. Jesus heals three people. A legion of demons possesses a guy who doesn't want to be healed, but is healed when Jesus puts the demons into a herd of pigs; a woman reaches out and is healed by just touching Jesus; and a girl wakes up from her deathbed when her dad pleads for help. How does Jesus do it? What makes healing possible? Joan talks theology, and Damian connects with the psychological healing that happens when people become free. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jesus has been out and about for a while when he returns home to a very unimpressed group of family and friends. He sends his disciples out to do some healing work without him, and Joan and Damian discuss the concept of repentance. What on earth is that about? There's a Game of Thrones-like bit in the middle of the chapter with a child being used by her mother to order an innocent man's beheading. The last two stories are a bit more palatable with Jesus feeding crowds and walking on water, but are a bit hard for Damian to believe. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Mark 7, there's a lot of discussion about how to interpret the law. Damian likes Jesus' radicality and can see that the lawyers are trying to trick him into breaking some of the old rules. Jesus is pretty rude to a foreign woman who crashes a dinner party, and somehow she stays long enough to convince him to change his mind. Damian is impressed by Jesus humanity and the way he can listen to her from an undefended stance of love. Contact us via email: joananddamian@gmail.com (mailto:joananddamian@gmail.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.