Exmormonology lives on. Let's talk about it.

Also, Wildflower Weekend is 6 weeks away and I want you to join us. Sharing words from previous Wildflowers who attended last years Wildflower Weekend and the exact reason why you should carve out time in your life so you can experience what this healing retreat is all about.

Have you ever had a conversation with a stranger that ignited a sparked your brain? This happened this morning as Jim and I were having breakfast at a cafe in Provo Utah, we happened to have an amazing conversation with someone else who was doing what we were doing, eating. I share that conversation with you today. I invited James to join me today on the podcast because, well, he was there and we ended up having our own several hour conversation that was started by this happenstance meeting today with a stranger. We also discuss what we think is the exmormon echo chamber and the Barbie movie. I would love to hear your thoughts too.

Let's dive into religious scrupulosity and the Doug Fabrizio's Radio West Episode last week. Radio West is a Salt Lake City radio/podcast show. I was a bit triggered by a few things said by a guest on last weeks show and I want to talk about it, what it means and what it may mean to you. Working your way out of religious scrupulosity is possible. For many it stops the minute your religious beliefs dissipate, for others it may take years to unravel. Either way, I want to talk about what is happening for those of us who tend towards the scrupulous ways of religiously believing, even when we did not know it was a thing that was happening to and within us.

Wildflower, you have life to live and a brain to guide you to whatever it is you desire. On The Unorthodox Woman Podcast, I show you how to do just that, be your own brain guide.

While I know that the title of this episdoe may sound like I want to take on the whole affirmation community (if that is a thing), that is not the case. I do believe there is a missing step in the process of how we have been taught to do affirmations.

So, this week, I want to teach you the missing piece and speed up the process of getting you to what you want to believe about yourself. This way you get to where you want to go with your life a whole lot quicker! If nothing else, you get to the beliefs you want to believe in a more holistic, moving way, sustainable way.

You may be developing an obsession, or at minimum a fascination, with things like televangelists or Shiny Happy People.

Me too!

This week I dive into why this happens, what is happening in your brain when you watch and how this is an important part of your healing.

I also address the "script" used by most of the religious people in your life when you share the news that you are leaving your religion. It is the script that show that the indoctrination is working.

Let's talk! I have so much to share with you this week.

It was the summer of 1990, shortly after I was married, when my husband and I embarked on a journey to Flaming Gorge Lodge (in Utah) where we would work for the summer saving for college tuition. I worked as a waitress at the diner. It was a magical, beautiful summer up top a glorious mountain.

In this week's episode of The Unorthodox Woman, I recount a remarkable encounter with a charming lady who happened to be working alongside me for a few weeks. While I can't recall her exact age or even remember her name, she appeared to be in her late 60s or maybe even 70s. (as a 20-year-old, she seemed "old" to me at the time.) Little did I know that she would impart a lesson that has stayed with me for over 30 years. It involves coffee, a beverage I was not allowed to drink as an active believing member of my church. I have a feeling this story will help you with whatever you are struggling with, as it has helped me with my own struggles throughout my life.

Raise your hand if you have ever asked a friend a question that starts with

"Is it bad that I...?"

Yeah, me too. Yep, I see you! Hello, we have a lot in common. This question is rich for the corners of your conditioning to explore.

This week, let's dive into all things guilt and the psychology behind why it may be hard for you to make decisions. Your social, religious, spiritual and familial conditioning comes in hard and fast when the possibility of potential guilt or regret come into play.

I want to zoom out and get a big picture of what is going on in your brain when you ask a question like this. So, grab your earbuds and get your brain ready for some critical thinking! 

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Unorthodox Woman Podcast, where we dive into the fascinating topic of self trust. Get ready for a refreshing perspective on how to navigate decision making and embrace your instincts.

We have all heard the phrase “trust issues” tossed around, but let’s challenge that narrative and explore why it is time to leave it behind. Join me as we embark on a journey to boost your self trust, empowering you to take the helm of your own life’s ship, no matter what others may think, do or say about you. It is time to discover the limitless possibilities that await when you trust yourself.

*Plus a snippet on Mary Tyler Moore as an Unorthodox Woman.

June is a special month, filled with vibrant rainbows that illuminate our communities. It's a time when we come together to celebrate and show our unwavering support for our queer friends.

However, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone shares the same level of acceptance and love. This reality reinforces the significance of celebrating and uplifting the voices of our queer loved ones. As allies, we have a responsibility to stand beside them, amplifying their experiences and advocating for their rights. It is crucial that we make conscious choices with our resources, ensuring we don't support organizations that oppose equality.

One powerful way to become a better ally and understand the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community is through education. By learning about the rich history of the LGBTQ movement in the United States, we gain invaluable insights into the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. This history is a tapestry woven with the resilience, courage, and determination of countless individuals who fought for their rights and the rights of future generations.

In this week's episode, we embark on a journey through time to explore key players and events that have shaped and propelled the fight for equality in the LGBTQIA+ movement in our country. By delving into these stories, we can deepen our understanding of the struggles faced by the community, the milestones achieved, and the ongoing work that lies ahead.

Each chapter in this history reveals the strength and spirit of a community that refused to be silenced, pushing boundaries and demanding recognition. From the Stonewall Riots in 1969, where transgender women of color led the charge against police brutality and ignited a global movement, to the activism of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, who championed LGBTQ rights until his tragic assassination - these stories serve as reminders of the power of collective action and the transformative impact it can have.

Learning about the LGBTQ movement's history fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the progress we've made while acknowledging the work that remains. It allows us to challenge prejudice and discrimination, inspiring us to create inclusive spaces where all individuals can live authentically and without fear.

By embracing the past, we pave the way for a more equitable future. So let us honor the struggles and celebrate the triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ movement by educating ourselves, elevating diverse voices, and standing alongside our queer friends with unwavering support and love.

Are you ready to take back control of your emotions and the thoughts that keep you up all night, feeling stuck in anxiety or worry or fear or shame? ( just to name a few uncomfortable emotions) Let's talk about they psychology behind your brain and why you think and feel the way you do. I often refer to my coaching as thought work, but it is so much more than that. It is feeling work too. It is "work" because it takes time to rewire your brain and the habitual way you think and feel. No matter if you have left your religion, a relationship or you are working on body image and/or everything in between, the tool I teach in this episode will help you as you continue your healing. Thought work is the beginning of getting curious about all of your swirling thoughts. I will couple this with feeling our feelings in another episode, but this week, let's talk more about your brain and how you can add thought work to your healing journey.

It is time to connect with the younger you. Your healing is important. When you slow down and take the time to heal the parts of you that need you, you will be better for it. You will not be as triggered as you may currently be in the corners of your life. Let's dive into why this is so important. The younger you is waiting to hear from you. What would you say to her/him/them?

If you are serious about improving your mental health, you must start with awareness. If you do not see the literal soundtrack your brain plays for you everyday, how will you know what to change or even how to improve? We are not looking for perfection, that is not a thing, but we can make huge changes in our life if we start paying attention to the ticker tape of thoughts you have swirling around in your head. Those thoughts are 100% affecting your day to day life.

The thoughts in your head are laying the ground work to your emotional health.

Our collective religious, social and familial conditioning has most likely effected you in ways you may not see yet. I coach you through busing out of the boxes we were metaphorically placed in from the minute we were born. We will be unlearning a lot of what has contributed to a constricted way of thinking and living. You get to create your own personal renaissance and it all starts now! What do you want that to look like? How many iterations of yourself do you want to have fun exploring? What areas of life do you find yourself stuck in even tho you have left a lot of your past ways of thinking and feeling behind? These are all issues we will be discussion on the podcast. If you struggle in any area of your life, as most of us humans do, you are in the right place!

Experiencing your high demand religion initial shelf break and subsequent faith crisis is so hard! It is emotional, earth shattering and very overwhelming. Just when you think you are starting to get your footing and everything will be okay, you get hit with another shelf break. Deconstructiong mormonism is the first step. Quickly you learn that there is another shelf that comes tumbling down. Are you ready for it? Let's dive into this topic this week and talk about how this happens, why this happens and how it is a good thing.

About a month or so ago, a friend, a former Jehovah Witness, asked me a really great question, Is Healing An Illusion? I loved this questioning so much that I created a podcast around it. Let's dive into when healing does feel like an illusion and why and what you can do about it so you do not get stuck in the pain of reliving your pain/trauma again and again and again. If you feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster of emotions all the time or that your healing is taking way too long, then this episode of Exmormonology is a very important one for you to listen to Wildflower.

This is part 2 of my conversation with Emily Robinette! Enjoy the rest of our convo as we talk about all things post mormon related and how life coaching has helped speed up some of Emily's healing, not just with mormon related topics but also all of LIFE. Tune in as we talk about how unraveling your mormon brain takes time, years actually. What is the strangest place your mormon brain has shown up on this side of life? Seriously post mormon humor is one of my most favorite things. Laughter is really the key piece to your healing. When you get to the place of laughter, you know you are on the right track. You got this wildflower!

This week in Exmormonology Land I invited Emily Robinette over for a conversation and to be on the podcast. We talk about all things faith crisis; the freedom we feel post faith crisis and also the rocky road we navigate after we leave the church, ie. high demand religion. You know that Exmormonology is all about helping you heal and work through religious trauma. Healing is not linear. It has ups and downs and joy and pain. Come be a fly on the wall while we discuss it all. Emily had her initial faith crisis in 2019 and has spent the last several years working through the tough issues that we all have to work through in finding our way back to ourselves, after the world as we knew it comes crashing down around us. I think you will really relate to what Emily has gone through on her personal faith crisis journey.

Last December I created a podcast 12 days in a row and called it The 12 Days of Post Mormon Christmas. The goal? To help you this time of year. This year, I pulled out the best snippets and put them all in one podcast episode. So, if you are working through a lot of thoughts and feelings about Christmas and Family right now along your own personal post mormonism journey, tune in. I give you specific tools and helps for you so you do not feel consumed with guilt or frustration or anger as you celebrate a holiday that may leave you with a bunch of confusion. You may be in the "The holidays ain't what they used to be" frame of mind, I hear you 100%. Nothing like seeing baby Jesus to bring up your religious trauma. Let's dive in and reclaim a holiday in a way that feels better now that you are on this side of the fence.

I am excited to share with all y'all wildflowers a conversation I have with my friend and fellow life coach Allison Crow. Allison just released her new book Unarmored: Finding Home in the Wild Edges of Being Human. Allison was raised a devout Christian in the south, Texas. Although not raised mormon, Allison has experienced her own faith crisis. I know you will love our discussion and we ebb and flow about life and heartbreak and healing and busting out of the "being a made up woman my religion taught me to be," type of thinking. 

The title of this Exmormonology Episode sums up this week's episode, it is a little bit all over the place, but as you listen I have a feeling you will understand. I tap into some pretty tender emotions and I want to share them with you in hopes that you can relate and see and hear what healing sounds like. Healing does not mean you have landed at the top of healing mountain where rainbows and butterflies live forever and ever and you dance around in gleeful joy and you no longer feel grief, pain or heartache. It means that you learn to hold the space for the tender side of healing and you do not make it mean that anything has gone wrong or that you are not healing. Healing ebbs and flows. Healing takes time. Remember wildflower, there is no rush and no race to this process. Just you and all the time you need. Thank you for letting me walk this path with you. Grab a cup a something and a blanket and maybe even a tissue and let's talk, you and me. Exmormon / Post Mormon / Life beyond mormonism.