Jesús Canchola Sánchez: From a Gay Identity to God’s Redemption in Escape from Natura Meta
- Beto Gudino
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
¡Amigos, get ready for a raw and redemptive episode of Christian Podcastᵀᴹ! Beto here, and our latest chat with Jesús Canchola Sánchez hit us right in the soul. This Mexican-American writer and filmmaker, who published his first story at seven and produced for Telemundo’s Las Comadres con Gloria B., took us on a journey from rebellion to revival. From his children’s book Pepito Has a Doll to his dystopian novel Escape from Natura Meta, Jesús’s story—from identifying as a gay man to embracing his Catholic faith—is a powerful testament to God’s grace. Catch this episode on YouTube or Spotify, because Jesús finding Jesus is a story you need to hear. Let’s dive in!
A Prodigal’s Path: From Rebellion to Return
Raised in Chicago by a Mexican family, Jesús Canchola Sánchez was a creative prodigy, publishing in his school newspaper at seven and later honing his playwriting in New York City’s theater scene. But by 13, he was done with faith, skipping Catholic confirmation classes to draw with kindergartners. “I didn’t want to go to church,” he shared, kicking off a decades-long exploration of secular ideologies, radical politics, and identifying as a gay man—a path shaped by personal trauma and a search for meaning.
His early work mirrored this season. Pepito Has a Doll, inspired by the mischievous Mexican chistes character, tackled bullying and non-traditional masculinity with a secular slant on sexuality and gender. His indie film Bittersweet Waters (Aguas Dulces), a romance between two men, shone on the festival circuit. Yet, Jesús felt a “void.” His creative and personal life lacked fulfillment, pushing him to question everything.
His abuela, a 96-year-old pillar of faith, became his guide. Her relentless prayers and love—firm in her convictions—led Jesús back to Chicago and the Catholic Church. “She met me where I was at,” he said, echoing the prodigal son’s return to a father’s embrace (Luke 15:11-32). Completing his confirmation as an adult marked a surrender to God, transforming his identity and purpose.
Escape from Natura Meta: A Dystopian Faith Quest
Jesús’s renewed faith inspired Escape from Natura Meta, his first novel, set in a post-Great Wars Midwest strip from Chicago to Mexico. The story follows Gabriel, a young man in a faithless totalitarian state ruled by the “benefit of all” ideology. Guided by dreams of his ancestor Beatriz (named after Jesús’s abuela), Gabriel seeks hidden Bibles and Christian communities, growing from boy to man while finding faith.
“It mirrors my journey,” Jesús told us. Written during COVID, when churches were closed while secular spaces thrived, the novel questions the state’s grip on our lives. “It made me think about the insanity,” he said. From Texas cowboys to Mexican drug traffickers (a real-world nod to struggles many Mexican families face), Gabriel’s adventure blends dystopian thrills with spiritual awakening.
Jesús wants this story to reach those “dabbling their toes back in faith,” especially young men and Latinos who’ll vibe with Mexican cultural gems—like our doble apellido pride (shoutout to Jesús Canchola Sánchez and Beto Gudiño Dávila!). Its themes of growth, truth, and redemption resonate in a world pushing secular idols.
Love That Redeems: Lessons from an Abuela
Jesús’s biggest lesson? Love like his abuela—meet people where they are without compromising faith. “She never negated her beliefs but loved me fiercely,” he said, offering a roadmap for reaching those “in the mud” (like the prodigal son among the pigs). It’s Gospel love—redemption, not judgment.
Beto’s story of wearing leggings to kindergarten and playing with dolls sparked a real moment. “Today, people might mislabel that,” he said. Jesús nodded: “There’s a difference between playful exploration and pushing an agenda.” Though Pepito Has a Doll had a secular lens, its anti-bullying message still holds, even as Jesús’s creative voice now sings for God.
What’s Next for Escape from Natura Meta?
Jesús is crafting a sequel, Escape from False Prophets, and eyeing a Spanish translation for Latin America, an audiobook, and maybe a film or series. As a filmmaker, he sees Gabriel’s story on screen, but he’s rebuilding his network after stepping away from past identities. “Not everyone’s open to my story now,” he admitted, trusting God for the right connections.
Grab Escape from Natura Meta at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or any bookstore (order it if not in stock!). Follow Jesús on his personal website or X for updates. He’s calling readers—especially those questioning faith or identity—to co-create this world with him.
A Redemptive Cause: Handmade Bags from Jalisco
Quick shoutout to Mili’s heart-driven project! She’s selling handmade bags crafted by inmates in Jalisco, Mexico, at christianpodcast.com. Every bag sold funds parties for kids whose parents are incarcerated, breaking cycles with love. It’s redemption in action, just like Jesús’s story.
From Blasphemous to Divine: The Emoji Wrap-Up
We wrapped with our signature “From Blasphemous to Divine” emojis, and Jesús nailed it:
Blasphemous: “Loving oneself so much you become your own god.”
Skeptical: “When politics become your identity.”
Inspired: “Children—their innocence has such opportunity.”
Holy: “Truly loving yourself and your neighbor as yourself.”
Divine: “Jesus Christ.”
Let’s Talk!
Jesús’s journey—from a gay identity to God’s redemption, from Pepito Has a Doll to Escape from Natura Meta—is a call to return to the Father. Whether you’re a young man navigating identity, a Latino vibing with Mexican roots, or someone feeling a “void,” this episode is for you. What part of Jesús’s story hits home? How has love guided your faith journey? Drop your thoughts below, and like, subscribe, and share this episode on YouTube or Spotify. Let’s beat the algorithm so more hear how Jesús came back to Jesus!
Visit christianpodcast.com for more, and check out those Jalisco bags to support a redemptive cause. Thanks to FrontGate Media for connecting us with Jesús Canchola Sánchez. —see you next time!
Blessings,
Beto & Mili
Hosts, Christian Podcastᵀᴹ
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