133. When the Church Looks Away: Chronic Illness, Faith, and the Call to Love with Claire Staples and Sarah Perry

What happens when the body of Christ forgets its own?

In this powerful episode of The Bad Roman Podcast, Claire Staples (The Clarity Podcast) and Sarah Perry (Voluntarism in Action) join host Craig Harguess for a conversation that exposes the gap between what churches preach—and how they treat the chronically ill. Drawing from their lived experiences within the LDS Church and broader Christian communities, they explore what it means to suffer in faith while being ignored by the very institutions meant to offer support.

Both women share how chronic illness is often not only misunderstood but actively stigmatized within religious settings. Instead of being met with compassion, those with long-term illnesses are often sidelined, silenced, or blamed for their own suffering. Their stories are a sobering look at how churches—particularly those entangled with state-aligned ideologies and cultural expectations—can lose sight of Christ’s command to care for "the least of these."

The Hidden Burden: When Suffering Meets Silence

Claire and Sarah’s experiences reveal a troubling pattern: while churches may rally around someone facing a temporary injury or illness, chronic conditions are another story.

• Church leaders suggested their illnesses were spiritual failures—evidence of insufficient faith or unrepented sin.

• Expectations to “perform” remained unchanged, even when health was failing.

• Requests for help were met with cold bureaucracy or outright neglect.

As Sarah put it: “People hear the word ‘disease’ and they lose it.” The fear of illness—and the discomfort it brings—often leads communities to withdraw rather than draw near.

These moments beg a difficult but necessary question: Are we building churches that reflect Christ, or churches that maintain appearances?

A Return to the Gospel’s Core

Rather than offering cynicism, this episode calls for renewal. Claire and Sarah ground their critiques not in bitterness, but in Scripture. They point to the life of Jesus and the stories that define what it truly means to follow Him:

• The Good Samaritan reminds us that love is inconvenient—and that holiness is shown in how we treat those others ignore.

• Jesus’ healing of lepers challenges the impulse to keep our hands clean when our neighbors are in pain.

• The story of Job warns against the human tendency to explain away suffering with judgment.

These biblical examples offer more than comfort—they offer a roadmap back to the kind of faith that moves toward people, not systems. As Claire noted, “We need to bring it back to basics, back to home and family. Then we would all know Jesus better.”

What the Church Can Do Better

The conversation also offers tangible steps for churches and individuals who want to support chronically ill members with more integrity and compassion:

• Educate congregations on the realities of chronic illness.

• Offer support that doesn’t hinge on a person’s ability to serve or attend.

• Resist the temptation to “fix” suffering with theology—start by listening.

• Build inclusive spaces that reflect the full diversity of the body of Christ.

Claire and Sarah challenge the tendency to outsource care—whether to medical institutions or church programs—and remind us that the call of Christ is personal. The Gospel is not a system; it is a way of being with one another.

Faith in the Midst of Pain

Perhaps the most transformative thread in this episode is the reimagining of suffering itself—not as a sign of divine punishment, but as a crucible that can deepen intimacy with Christ. Both guests reject the prosperity gospel’s promise of health as a sign of favor, and instead point to the promise of God’s presence through the valley.

Suffering doesn’t disqualify us from God's love—it draws us deeper into it.

As Claire shared, “I don’t think I would have fully understood what Jesus did for me on the cross if I hadn’t suffered horrendously at no fault of my own.”

This conversation is a challenge—and an invitation. A call to rethink what it means to be the Church. A reminder that faith is not proven by perfection, but by how we love one another through imperfection, weakness, and pain.

Connect With Our Guests:

Claire Staples – The Clarity Podcast

Claire shares faith-centered conversations on recovering from high-demand religion, chronic illness, and returning to Christ-centered living.

• Podcast: The Clarity Podcast on Spotify

• Instagram: @theclarity.podcast

• YouTube Channel: The Clarity Podcast on YouTube

• Website + Nonprofit: ChronicallyBeautifulLife.com

  • Learn more about the Chronically Care Project and donate or contribute to care packages for the chronically ill.

Sarah Perry – Voluntarism in Action

Sarah volunteers with VIA, a liberty-rooted nonprofit providing direct aid and resources to communities in need—without state involvement.

• Organization Website: viaction.org

• Instagram: @voluntarism_in_action

  • Support ongoing humanitarian campaigns (e.g. Gaza relief, Congo gardens, US seed kits)

  • Sign up to receive free spring gardening kits (US-only) to promote food sovereignty

• Blog: VIA’s website also features resources on mutual aid, self-sufficiency, and disaster relief.

Episode Timestamps:

(0:02) Introduction to the Bad Roman Podcast

• Guests Claire Staples and Sarah Perry join to discuss chronic illness and the church

• Previous Episode with Claire: From Mormon LDS to Freedom in Christ: Unveiling Lies in Medicine, Government, and Religion

• Previous Episode with Sarah: Christian Ethics and Stateless Societies: The Anarchist Approach of the Perry Family

(0:22) Exploring Christian Responsibility in Healthcare

• Discussion on whether Christians are doing enough for the sick

• Questioning the comfort with government management of healthcare for Christians

(0:45) Claire and Sarah's Background with Chronic Illness

• Both guests share experiences with chronic illness in the LDS (Mormon) Church

• Instances of being shunned or misunderstood due to their health conditions

(2:11) Claire's Nonprofit Work

• Introduction to the Chronically Care Project, supporting those with chronic illnesses

• Insights gained from working with chronically ill individuals globally

(4:30) Sarah's Experience with Chronic Illness and Church

• Growing up with vague symptoms in an abusive family

• Expectations and disappointments within the Mormon Church community

(7:41) Church Leadership Response to Illness

• Sarah's experience of being shunned by church leaders for being sick

• Discussion on the importance of temple recommends in Mormon culture

(12:07) Comparing Church Experiences to Cult Documentaries

• Craig draws parallels between the guests' experiences and cult-like behaviors

• Reflection on the control and hierarchy within religious organizations

(17:21) Cultural Influences on Church Attitudes Towards Illness

• How state and government attitudes infiltrate church culture regarding chronic illness

• Examples of church leaders' responses to requests for help and understanding

(25:48) The Role of Medical System in Church Attitudes

• Discussion on the church's reliance on mainstream medical systems

• Critique of outsourcing care to doctors instead of providing community support

(30:28) LDS Church's Relationship with Government and Healthcare

• Exploration of the church's investments in medical and pharmaceutical industries

• Comparison of church tithing to government taxation

(36:06) Scriptural Solutions for Caring for the Sick

• Analysis of the Good Samaritan parable and its relevance to chronic illness care

• Discussion on Jesus' treatment of lepers and its modern application

(49:33) The Book of Job and Suffering

• Interpretation of Job's story in relation to chronic illness and faith

• Exploration of spiritual warfare and demonic influences on attitudes towards suffering

(1:03:38) Why Bad Things Happen to Good People

• Discussion on God's role in suffering and the nature of a fallen world

• Personal story from Craig about his niece's cancer diagnosis

(1:12:26) God's Love and Community Support

• Reflection on God's nature as love and the importance of community in times of suffering

• Craig shares positive experiences of support for his niece

(1:15:11) Closing Thoughts and Resource Sharing

• Claire and Sarah share information about their projects and podcasts

• Encouragement for listeners to engage with resources for supporting the chronically ill

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94. Faith, Fitness, Stewardship with Adam Braud

About this Episode

Imagine having a personal trainer, functional nutritionist, author, and pastor all rolled into one guest. Well, we certainly did! Join us as we get up close and personal with Adam Braud, a man who has dedicated over three decades to Christian ministry and uniquely combines it with his passion for health and fitness. 

Using Adam’s book Faith and Fitness: Integrating Physical Health and Spiritual Growth As we navigate through the discussion, we dissect the pivotal role of lifestyle choices in shaping our holistic health. We unwrap how taking care of our bodies can lead to a more fulfilling life and deeper self-perception and what that has to do with Jesus. Adam broadens our understanding of stewardship, shedding light on its significance beyond mere physicality. Adam provides insight into the significance of disciplined health goals, good sleep, and self-care that goes beyond surface-level or guru-style health advice. 

We wrap up this enlightening episode by debunking health myths and discussing diets and weight loss strategies. Are you curious about the cold plunges or intermittent fasting? Adam's insightful advice on tailoring health strategies and tools to individual needs will clear your doubts. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or a health journey newbie, this conversation is an excellent guide to caring for your physical body as part of your spiritual growth. So tune in and be inspired to better steward your health!

Connect with Adam Braud:

E-Book

Adam's Website

Instagram

Facebook

1:41 Who is Adam?

• Personal trainer and pastor

• Travel to more countries than states

• E-book Author

3:15 Health Awakening of Covid

• Memphis Judo & JuJitsu

• Vitamin D

7:10 Faith and Fitness

• Focusing on spiritual growth while ignoring physical health

• Treating the body like an amusement park vs. a temple

• Vanity vs. health

• Fellowshiping over exercise

• Fear of being perceived as shallow

• Fat-shaming, being fatphobic

• Fear of being overweight

• External and internal confidence

• Healthspan vs. Lifespan

• Quality of life vs. quantity of life

• God’s creation includes us

• Be a steward of your body

24:40 Diseases of Lifestyle and Affluence

• COVID shutdown of gyms but not fast food lines

• Use common sense before blindly trusting the government

• Eating for nourishment vs. energy

30:50 Three Major Reasons Christians Nelgect Caring for Their Physical Body

• Poor teaching/discipleship on the topic

• Focused on winning people to the Lord vs. taking care of the self

• Paul the “full Gospel”

• Enternity/inevitability of death and not caring about caring about our bodies

• Comparison to others and feeling of “it’s too late”

• Health is a journey and the only way on is to start taking steps

• Getting 1% better is still getting better

• Progression is not linear, it compounds, your 100% in a year can be you 150% today

39:29 Living like an unsupervised kid with diet and sleep

• Proverbs 29:18

• Where there is no vision people cast off restraint

• We need to have a vision for our health – it constrains us, and allows us to have direction vs. being all over the map

• Emotional healing of chocolate, pizza, and beer

• Want-based vs. need-based

• Taking responsibility for yourself and your health

• Discipline is a good thing

• Joco Willing “discipline equals freedom” – if I am disciplined I have margin to have fun

• Prioritizing sleep 

• Daylight savings time and heart attacks

• Importance of sleep

• Alezhezimers, dementia, hormones, regulation of systems

• Mental health diagnosis and sleep

53:48 One-size-fits-all plan for diet?

• Basic Principles: 

• Not overeating is one of the best things you can do

• High-quality foods i.e. whole foods (if it walked on the earth, swam on the see, came out of the ground or a tree) that require some digesting

• If it’s in a box think twice about it

• Everyone is an individual and processes things differently

• Try to keep processed sugars down

• Prioritize protein 

1:00:27 Intermittent Fasting & Cold Plunging

• Both are tools in the health space

• Intermittent fasting can be a stressor

• Protein shortage with intermittent fasting (protect your muscle mass)

• Cold Plunge can be great for joint pain

• Energizing effect because of shock

• Can have testosterone and brown fat effects over time

• Nothing in the health space is a cure-all end-all – it’s not secret knowledge, don’t fall into the trap of guru knowledge and snake oil

1:11:05 Where to connect with Adam

• E-Book

• adambraud.com/

• Instagram

• Facebook

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81. Unmasking the Truth Behind COVID-19 with Jeffrey Hann

About this Episode

In this eye-opening episode of The Bad Roman, we dive deep into the complex world of the COVID-19 pandemic with our guest, Jeffrey Hann, author of the book titled Covid-19 – Short Path to you’ll Own Nothing and You’ll be Happy. Our conversation covers a wide range of subjects that challenge the mainstream narrative, offering valuable insights and thought-provoking discussion points.

We begin by exploring Jeffrey's background, which includes experiences in the military, political analysis, libertarianism, and the rave scene. He shares his unique method of critical thinking, which involves grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and how it has helped him to examine various topics, including climate change and anarchism.

As we discuss the absurd behaviors during the pandemic, such as mask exceptions and social pressure, we question the validity of mask usage and whether they may be doing more harm than good. We also delve into the role of police (aka policy enforcers) in enforcing bad policies and ponder whether we truly live in a free country.

The conversation turns to the controversial mRNA vaccines and the reasons to be suspicious of their rapid development and rollout. We discuss the potential link between vaccines and various health issues, as well as the lack of accountability by those in power.

In exploring the fine line between conspiracy and questioning, we discuss the digital dollar push, potential new viruses, and the possible use of the vaccine as a biological weapon. We then examine who has profited from the pandemic and question whether the government cares more about profits than the long-term health of its citizens.

As we cover the erosion of self-sufficiency and market unpredictability, we touch on the voluntary reporting system of adverse vaccine experiences (VAERS) and the concept of "safe and effective." Finally, Jeffrey shares his understanding of Christ as an anarchist who fought against tyranny and offers insight into his book "COVID-19 to You'll Own Nothing and You'll Be Happy."

Don't miss this fascinating and thought-provoking episode that challenges the status quo and encourages critical thinking on the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Jeffrey Hann:

BOOK

WEBSITE: Journalistic Revolution

Episode Timestamps:

1:06 Why Jeffrey is on the show

• Paul Perol

2:00 Jeffrey’s Background

• PLUR (peace, love, unity) in the rave scene

• Military, political analyst, author

• Libertarianism, Ron Paul

5:02 Trivia Method of Critical Thinking

• Grammar, logic, rhetoric

• Climate Change and anarchism

7:24 Writing to Refine Rhetoric

• Jefferies articles

•  19,000-word report on covid in 2022

• Chapter layout and intention

11:36 Critical thinking

• Kerry Baldwin

• Absurd behaviors during covid

• Mask exceptions and social pressure

16:51 Is there a valid case for masks the way most people use them?

• Self-responsibility

• The challenge of using a mask properly

• Mask ratings, sealing, fit, and wear time, proper PPE use

• Could the mask be making you sicker?

• Keeping your hands clean

24:36 Is our food safe/helping keep us healthy?

• Public indoctrination

• Mcdonald’s was open and gyms were closed in Covid

• Defending the cops for enforcing bad policy

• Do we live in a free country?

• People forget very fast

• Gold Fish Mentality

30:18 The Thin Blue Line

• Modern-day redcoats

• Policy enforcers are the boots on the ground violating our rights

• 13th Amendment

• Free of slavery unless convicted of a crime

•  Supreme Court – no obligation to protect and serve

• Public Schools foster blind obedience to authority

35:17 Reasons to be suspicions of the mRNA Vaccine Push

• Gene Therapy

• Hard to find information

37:07 Policy Enforcers, Guns, and State Power

• Do you want the government to have guns?

• 2and Amendment is intended to be a check on the government not citizens

• Government is not static

• Global Tyranny is what we are headed toward

• Was covid a test to see how the global population would react?

• If anyone should not trust the government it’s Christians

• Jesus was killed by the state

44:24 The Vaccine Chaos and Future Health Cautions

• Religious exemptions

• Spike proteins and mRNA vaccine

• Buffalo Bills NFL player Hamlin collapse

• Could it be vaccine related?

• Australia Database

• RSV

53:59 Lack of accountability by those in power

• Arresting Trump for money vs mass murder

• Trump brought us the vaccines

• Liability free with the FDA and government funds

• Ohio Derailment

59:52 The fine line between conspiracy and questioning

• “Man in the middle attacks”

• Information scrubbing

• Is the vaccine a biological weapon

• The digital dollar push

• Has the next virus already been developed?

• Vitamin deficiencies 

• D & C & Zinc

1:11:08 Who profited from the pandemic?

• Pfizer and Moderna stock

• Its connection to members of Congress (most owned stock)

• Fauci patented HIV sequence

• Making money off taxpayer money

1:16:10 Does the government care about your long-term health or profits?

• Vaccine Commercial Marketing

• Vanguard and Black Rock own most of everything we buy

• Seed Oils

• Our food system has been poisoned

• Fresh eggs & meat vs. store-bought

• Increase in the price of eggs

1:23:33 Erosion of self-sufficiency and market unpredictability

• Lack of a unified American Culture

• Are we being infiltrated from within or destroying ourselves?

1:29:11 VAERS

• Voluntary reporting system of adverse vaccine experiences

• What is “safe and effective” — how much time is needed to know

1:35:03 Jeffrey’s Understanding of Christ 

• Jesus was an anarchist

• Against tyranny

• Balenciaga Runway Show

• Stantanism

• Sam Smith's Unholy Performance

• God is a pure source of consciousness

1:43:40 How to find Jeffrey’s book and where to learn more about him

• Book: Covid-19 Short Path to you’ll Own Nothing and You’ll be Happy

• More writing and website: Journalistic Revolution

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17. Kerry Baldwin - Asking Better Questions

In this episode, Kerry Baldwin is back to talk about her new courses designed to help people of all ages become critical, reflective, thinkers and why this lost skill is becoming more and more crucial. Craig and Kerry begin their conversation by taking a look at how both the public’s and the government's responses to COVID-19 have shifted since April.

They next dive into Kerry’s course where we are invited to reconsider how we think about thinking, learning, and what actually is wisdom? This episode is not about answers, rather it is a beacon to the importance of crafting the question to precede any answer.

Timestamps and resources to start learning more:

1:17 Who is Kerry Baldwin

• Kerry’s Facebook page

• Coronavirus New Mexico

• Governor of New Mexico - Michelle Lujan Grisham

5:51 Shifts in public attitudes toward COVID-19

• Bad Roman Episode #2 with Kerry Baldwin

• Friedrich Hayek quote about  the fatal conceit

• Oedipal mother 

11:16 Are coronavirus measures removing our humanity?

• The immune system

• Coronavirus mortality rate

• Crime against humanity?

13:35 Kerry’s Socratic Seminars

• What is it, who is it for?

• A brief history of the Socratic method

• Socrates

  • His death 

• Ignorance as a starting point for learning 

  • Ignorance vs. stupidity

• Intellectual humility

21:36 Materials Kerry uses in her course and why

•   Middle schoolers

  • The Tuttle Twins Series

  • Kerry’s created lessons

• High schoolers

  • Lessons for the Young Economist, Robert Murphy

  • Out of Frame Series. The Foundation for an Economic Education

• Adults

  • Murray Rothbard’s For New Liberty

  • Lessons & discussions on education, faulty reasoning, manipulation and more!

• Weekly Zoom discussions to practice the Socratic Method - learning how to ask good questions 

26:53 Social media contrasted with the Socratic method

28:41 Importance of participation in the Socratic method...aka why you can’t skip the Zoom call

• Benefits of a coach in facilitating an open learning environment

• Starting with asking questions and feeling safe asking them

• Answering questions you weren't’ prepared for

33:58 How does this method teach critical thinking?

• Different skill levels in thinking - 6 Stages

  • Unreflective thinker

  • Reflective thinker

• Socrates definition of wisdom - the more knowledge you have about the world the more you realize how much you don’t know 

• Those with less knowledge believe they know more than actually do - Dunning-Kruger Effect 

• Socratic method as a way to learn about the world and self

• How can these skills help us with social media?

40:09 Understanding how true statistics can be framed to manipulate us

• Correlation vs. causation 

43:04 Kerry’s Socratic seminars vs. lecture-style classes  

• What does learning look like to you?

• Permission to fail and be wrong

• Teacher pouring knowledge into student vs. engaged learning

•  Forced vs. voluntary engagement/participation

50:00 Why we need more people involved in asking good questions and productive methods of conversation

• It’s ok not to agree, in fact, we don’t want everyone to agree with us

• It’s not about “putting someone in their place”

• Social media and the desire to be right, even without understanding why you may be right (or wrong)

53:16 Learning more from being right than being wrong

• The “gut punch” of being wrong

• Getting comfortable with not knowing

• Bruised egos

55:37 What skills do students develop?

• Compare and contrast, clarifying issues conclusions and beliefs, understanding the difference between over-simplification and generalization

• “Feelings care about facts”

• Intellectual humility, courage, and integrity

• Independent thinking, self-awareness, fair-mindedness

• Perseverance, confidence, and reason

• And more!

57: 41 Feedback: What people have said of Kerry’s Socratic Seminars 

• Don’t underestimate kids!

• Giving kids a safe environment to make mistakes and what they will reveal they know

1:01:00 What we can learn from younger generations

• Why “old people” may be stuck in their ways - what’s going on in a child’s brain?

• Neuroplasticity

1:04:25 Kerry’s plugs

• Website: courses.meereliberty.com

• Facebook group

• Sign up for a course!