In this eye-opening and deeply honest episode of "Stuff God Never Said," host Audrey Cauthen sits down with her friend Mark Brown—author of the beloved children’s book series Zen Pig—for a raw and encouraging conversation about wandering, searching, and ultimately finding faith.
Mark’s unique journey takes us from a strict Southern Baptist childhood through teenage rebellion, atheism, and years deeply immersed in Buddhism, New Age spirituality, and even a polyamorous marriage. As Mark bravely shares about his struggles with anger, loss, and disillusionment with the Church, he drops the pretense and invites us to witness the scenic route—one filled with detours, heartbreak, and surprising moments of grace.
🎙️ What to Expect in This Episode:
- Mark’s transition from “foaming-mouthed atheist” to a practicing Christian
- The critical moments that reshaped his understanding of science, wonder, and the metaphysical
- A vulnerable look at alternative relationships and the realities of a polyamorous marriage
- The deceptive appeal of New Age beliefs, and the life-altering realization that brought him back to Christ
- Why meditation, mindfulness, and self-discipline aren’t at odds with the Christian faith
- Honest talk about church hurt, religious culture, and rethinking what faith should look like
- The power of keeping faith simple and always coming back to “call your Dad”
Whether you’ve questioned faith, felt burned by religion, explored other philosophies, or simply long for real talk about what faith actually looks like, Mark’s story will both challenge and encourage you. Audrey and Mark don’t shy away from the harder questions—about sin, identity, marriage, healing, and the lies we often believe about God—but finish with hope and a clear invitation to step into honesty and relationship with Jesus.
You’re not alone if your road to faith hasn’t been a straight line. This inspiring episode will help you see that redemption is possible for everyone, no matter how far you’ve wandered.
🔗 Connect with Today’s Guest:
- Get your free copy of Zen Pig: https://freezenpig.com
- Follow Mark and Zen Pig on Instagram: https://instagram.com/zenpigbook
- 📧 Have questions for the show or want to connect? Email us at: sup@stuffgodneversaid.com
🌐 Learn more, catch all the episodes, and find additional resources: www.stuffgodneversaid.com
If this episode resonated with you, please hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with a friend. Someone you know needs Mark’s story of hope, reality, and the God who always welcomes us home.
Timestamps, show notes, and resource links will be updated here—check back for more!
#FaithJourney #Testimony #NewAgeToJesus #Polyamory #Deconstruction #SpiritualJourney #ZenPig #ChristianPodcast #StuffGodNeverSaid #MarkBrown #AudreyCauthen
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 "Siren Song of Secular World"
05:21 "Relationship with Christ Explanation"
14:09 Struggling for Spiritual Connection
16:00 Embracing Multifaith and Meditation
24:38 Refining Through Emptiness
27:45 "Game Nights and Brick Walls"
35:50 Questioning Beliefs Spiral
38:48 Navigating Faith and New Age Beliefs
44:03 Faith Meets Evidence
49:27 "Sinner's Perspective Shift"
57:42 Worship Creator, Not Creation
01:00:01 Faith in Divine Guidance
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