How I turned being an online Theology Nerd into an actual job

Tripp Fuller

My friend and co-director of Theology Beer Camp, Sarey Conception, had me on her podcast for a unique and revealing conversation. If you have ever wondered how Homebrewed Christianity works and why it became my primary vocation, you will surely enjoy this. I doubt someone who wasn’t such a close friend would have gotten all this information from me.

Here’s Sarey’s Episode notes:

In this episode, we sit down with Tripp Fuller, the creator of Homebrewed Christianity, to explore his journey from casual theology pub discussions to building one of the most successful theology podcasts out there (5M+ downloads last year). Tripp shares how his early inspirations, technology, and a desire for community led him to the world of podcasting back in 2008. This episode is packed with insights on podcasting, community-building, and navigating online content creation while staying true to your passion.
Episode Highlights – I use AI to help me write these show notes:

The Origins of Homebrewed Christianity: Discover the humble beginnings of Tripp’s podcast, how a group of theology nerds in pubs inspired him, and the technological shifts (remember iPods and rewritable CDs?) that made it possible.

possible.

Theology Beer Camp: Tripp introduces us to Theology Beer Camp—his unique blend of summer camp nostalgia, deep theological conversations, beer, and karaoke. Find out why he believes this fun, engaging atmosphere is key to fostering a rich, meaningful community.

Evolution of Podcasting: Learn how podcasting has evolved since the early days and the challenges creators faced when monetizing and explaining the medium to the masses.

Sustainability in Content Creation: Explore Tripp’s philosophy on podcast longevity, building relationships with a niche audience, and staying motivated as a creator. He shares tips for avoiding burnout and creating content that is both fulfilling and sustainable.

Audience Growth and Engagement: Tripp offers insights into how his audience grew organically, shares download stats, and explains how long-form content plays a role in connecting with listeners.

The Branding Challenge: With increasing negativity around the term “Christianity” in the public sphere, Tripp discusses the dilemma of rebranding Homebrewed Christianity and why he’s committed to reclaiming the term.

Social Media and Algorithms: Tripp opens up about his complicated relationship with social media, how algorithms have impacted his engagement, and why he’s now focusing more on authentic community-building over viral popularity.

Advice for Content Creators: Whether you’re starting a podcast or building a platform, Tripp shares his best advice for finding your niche, building genuine relationships, and keeping the joy in your creative work.

Handling Criticism and Trolls: Learn how Tripp deals with negativity, hate mail, and online trolls—and how he sets boundaries to protect his mental energy and keep his focus on the positive side of community engagement.

Kevin Kelly’s “A Thousand True Fans”: Tripp reflects on the idea of building sustainable success by focusing on a smaller, dedicated audience and how this has shaped his strategy for long-term growth.

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