When I pressed play on the Girls Gone Bible podcast it was like sitting in one of the half-million Los Angeles coffee shops, listening to Jesus-loving besties chat over their iced oat-milk matcha lattes.
Ari and Angela do their best to sound like your approachable older sisters, but they’re definitely the “cool girl” sort — beautiful and put together, with a 14-step skincare routine you’d never dream of replicating.
The "LA Girl" Evangelists
Arielle Reitsma and Angela Halili of Girls Gone Bible occupy a spot in Christian media that has both a wide appeal and a very specific vibe: the “LA Girl” evangelist.
They broke out of the acting and modelling world to spread the Good News, and, according to them, it was a much-needed conversion. They declare that Jesus has brought them much more joy and fulfillment than hustling to make it in “the industry.”
Episodes begin with a prayer or Scripture reading, and then they jump into conversation.
Blessedly, they avoid my biggest podcast pet peeve: a 20-minute catch-up of inside jokes that the podcast’s hosts giggle through before beginning the actual discussion. The conversations center on a particular topic and sometimes feature guests, often incorporating Scripture verses and other readings from the Good Book.
In the world of podcasters, Christianity offers a unique opportunity: to have completely countercultural takes and engage in a spiritually based larger conversation. Being set apart from the world, Christians can offer a refreshing perspective free of mainstream opinions.
That, in my opinion, is one of Angela and Ari’s strongest draws: They’re open about their beliefs and present them in an attractive, peaceful manner.
What Topics Does Girls Gone Bible Discuss?
I enjoyed their episode on dating and relationships, because, instead of repeating the usual Christian dating takes, they spoke with the understanding and fresh opinions of people who are peers with their listeners.
Their discussion began on masculinity and femininity, gender roles, and the dynamic between the sexes — with a rare positive perspective. They spoke encouragingly of the gift of masculinity and talked about how maturity has brought them greater appreciation for traditional gender roles, when paired with personal individuality and self-dependence.
Their episode “God of Provision” is also very insightful, discussing hard work, generosity, tithing, and more, with dependence on God to provide not just financially, but for everything.
What's Good About Girls Gone Bible?
At times, the hosts' breathy tones and Valley Girl accents put a bit of a strain on my Bluetooth speaker, and Catholic listeners may need to take a moment to adjust to Evangelical verbiage.
Ari and Angela are not without critique, but their Biblical interpretation and overall beliefs align with Catholic teaching. Their imperfections are part of their appeal to me, because they’re striving towards holiness with their equally imperfect listeners.
As a female twentysomething myself, I appreciate what they’re doing. Many Christian speakers provide useful life advice, but few understand what it’s like to figure out life and make a living in young adulthood …while incorporating a life of faith.
For young women with a foot in the working world and a foot in Christianity, Girls Gone Bible fills an important need.
As you can see above, Girls Gone Bible is available on YouTube, and on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The hosts have also written a devotional and are soon going on tour.
Image: © 2024, Girls Gone Bible
Sophia Sariego is a Los Angeles native working in the pro-life movement. She loves Eucharistic Adoration, making music, and hitting the beaches in her spare time.
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