“Amish, Etc” Podcast: An Interview with Esther Miller

The finale of Nat Geo’s 10-part Amish: Out of Order series airs Tuesday night at 9 p.m. eastern. It’s been an enjoyable series to watch. I think they’ve managed to blend information and entertainment together in a way that works better than maybe the Hutterite series has so far. I think my favorite cast member was 24-year-old Esther Miller. I would have liked to have seen more of her story, simply because I find it most compatible with my own experiences over the past 20 years exploring Amish settlements.  I like her sunny disposition, strong faith, and the fact that she still has very warm words about her Amish upbringing.  She left the Amish before she was baptized into the church and still has a close relationship with her parents, who remain in the Amish faith. Most Amish churches won’t shun if you leave before baptism and some churches – like the one in Yoder – will lift the shunning as long as you join another Christian church. Esther grew up in the community of Yoder, Kansas which at one time was about as far west as the Amish  went.  Of course now you can find Amish settlements in Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico.  Yoder is a charming community and home to a very traditional Amish church.  Esther briefly tried a modeling career which was featured in one episode of the show, but she just didn’t find that avenue of expression compatible with her Christian faith. But she wouldn’t mind appearing on the small screen again sometime in some type of Christian acting role.  Esther was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule (listen and you’ll find out why:) to record an “Amish, Etc” podcast interview. Click play below.