Leaving Religion & Those We Leave Behind

When you leave religion, and have family and loved ones that are still in, the holidays can be a tough season. In this episode I share some suggestions for how to navigate family during the holidays so that you can have a beautiful experience. Join my upcoming mastermind group.https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/elevatedmastermindLet's stay in touch!IG: @amanda.joy.lovelandFB Amanda Joy Lovelandwww.amandajoyloveland.comYouTube: Amanda Joy Loveland

Liz comes from a unique background being almost royalty within the polygamist community. Her grandfather was Rulon Allred and he was the prophet of the Apostolic United Brethren (or the AUB) until he was murdered in 1977 by a rivalry group. Later in 2014 until just this year, her father was the prophet of the AUB. Growing up polygamist she loved it but had experiences to where she was shunned by the neighbors when they would find out that she was part of a polygamist church. The AUB was a break off from the original teachings of the Mormon church and believed that they were keeping the celestial, higher law alive by living polygamy. If you have watched sister wives, with Christine Brown, they are a part of the AUB and Christine is a relative of Liz's.At 16 years old, Liz chose to join the mainstream LDS church. She had to wait until she was 18 years old in order to fully join because she came from polygamy. The AUB teachings were so similar to the mainstream Mormon church that often she would have a hard time remembering which was from what religion. She shares that she was quite happy with both religion and she was following her internal compass. She practiced mainstream Mormonism for years until her sister shared a memory that she had at young age of very inappropriate sexual acts with the leaders of the AUB. With this revelation Liz was forced to sit with the linage of what her sister had experienced and all the men that took advantage of their power. The string that pulled the sweater for her was when her dad became the prophet of the AUB. She saw that there was a line from hr dad to her grandfather, to Brigham Young to Joseph Smith and see there was an abuse of their power. This is a truly powerful episode and one that you will want to listen to.Links:Join my upcoming Life Elevated Mentorship group starting Nov 27th. https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/elevatedmastermindLet's stay in touch!IG: @amanda.joy.lovelandFB Amanda Joy Lovelandwww.amandajoyloveland.comYouTube: Amanda Joy Loveland

Talking about epigenetics, the world stage, politics, the astrological events affecting all of us and oh yes, religion too. We are diving deep into beautiful topics today! I was thrilled to share some space with Caryn Terres as she shares her wealth of knowledge of astrological events that are impacting us and affecting our politics right now. I didn't think we would talk about politics, but we dive into it with some interesting questions to ponder. Do you really know how a bill is made? If you don't, go to Caryn's website and you will see where you can get a FREE pdf that teaches you about this.Caryn shares about her background in the Catholic Church, then moving to Utah and joining the  Unitarian Universalist Society church and then the Mormon Church for 18 months before she was kicked out. Caryn shares a unique perspective growing up in Utah not being Mormon and the perspectives gained from different religions. This interview was fun, crazy thought provoking and filled with lots of information you will be grateful you know now. Connect with Caryn through her website: https://www.heartwombleadership.com/Get your copy of Magdalene Codes here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG3DKJSM?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ts_PJ8A423SX4BKDXSVZQ83 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG3DKJSM?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ts_PJ8A423SX4BKDXSVZQ83)Learn more about my Elevated Life Mastermind: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/elevatedmastermindLet's stay in touch!IG: @amanda.joy.lovelandFB Amanda Joy Lovelandwww.amandajoyloveland.comYouTube: Amanda Joy Loveland

 Have you ever thought that being raised in religion taught you to be disconnected from your body? My next guest shares how disconnected she was to her body when she started learning about nutrition and recognized how out of touch she was. This was part of why she had disordered eating. She noticed that she felt she couldn't trust her body and what it was telling her. It didn't feel safe to her in her body was a huge realization. Join me today as I sit down with Rebecca Hambright as she shares her journey of going through her religious upbringing in the Southern Baptist Church. Her father had left their religion when she was in her youth and she watched the division in created within her home. In their faith, divorce was never an option. Later she goes to a Christian university which she struggled with especially the shame that came there. Rebecca shares that confusion was her overall feeling as she started to really explore who she was. Stepping out of the environment of the Christian school assisted her in really beginning her deconstruction out of her religion, especially as she started to have more of a relationship with herself.Join us in the conversation as Rebecca shares more about her journey with health, nutrition and connecting more with her body and what it wanted.Rebecca Hambright MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Wise Heart Nutrition. Connect with Rebecca by visiting her website at: http://www.wiseheartnutrition.com/ or follow them on IG @WiseHeart_NutritionSecure your seat today for my upcoming Inner Guru Activation Call. October 30th at 10am MSThttps://www.amandajoyloveland.com/activationLet's stay in touch!IG: @amanda.joy.lovelandFB Amanda Joy Lovelandwww.amandajoyloveland.comYouTube: Amanda Joy Loveland

 Sit back and enjoy this beautiful conversation I had with Aaron Trembath. We met at a recent retreat and I loved our conversations and the depth we were able to go to. Aaron has a wealth of knowledge in many things but one in particular, philosophy. In today's episode Aaron shares that he became his  own abuser as he held the religious gun to his head. A truly profound analogy that I think many people can relate to.  Aaron shares his journey through religion and how he felt the religion left him. Religion is not spirituality. You will want to join us in the conversation.Are you wanting to attend one of Aaron's classes? Connect with Aaron through his email: aaron.michael.trembath@gmail.comLinks: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/activationLet's stay in touch!IG: @amanda.joy.lovelandFB Amanda Joy Lovelandwww.amandajoyloveland.comYouTube: Amanda Joy Loveland

Have you ever considered that having boundaries with God / Spirit is a very healthy thing? This is a new concept for most people and something that we should discuss more. Join me today as I sit down with Michelle Wilding as we have a beautiful and interesting conversation around the filters that the voice of god can come through. Diving into the pendulum swing that can happen when we leave and some of the spiritual pitfalls after leaving religion.Are you being a victim to what God is telling you to do?What are the results you are getting out of your life? Are you liking them?This episode really covers so many great insights, thoughts and tools to assist you in navigating the waters after leaving religion. You are not alone! To listen to Michelle's first episode with me where she shares her story of leaving, go here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BenHUKSPCXm5s6agDlC7I?si=Si7V7KY9TKKyCGAISNvdgwLinks:To see more about Michelle & Amanda's upcoming training, click here: https://www.thesoco.org Grab my latest book to assist you in your faith transition: https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those+we+leave+behind&qid=1665446189&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those+%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1Looking for more tools? Click here to grab my guided meditation bundle to assist you in unwinding the energetics out of your field so that you can see and feel more cleanly. https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligiontools

Leaving religion is not an easy thing to do. In fact it's quite difficult as you now get to unwind all the beliefs you have carried AND you move into a place where you are judging yourself, questioning your beliefs, wondering if you made a mistake and so much more.What do you do? Will it ever get better?Join me as we dive into some of the hard truths about leaving religion. I share some tools that will help you along the way.Later in this episode I take you in a guided meditation that will assist you greatly.Links:Want more tools to assist you in letting go of old programs and beliefs?https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligiontoolsOrder your copy of my Leaving religion book:https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VJZLYGIDGFTI&keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those&qid=1654055556&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1

Today I am talking about the triangle of dissempowerment and how christianity is smack on it! Also diving a bit into Joseph Smith, Jesus, Christ Consciousness, self mastery and so much more. This episode is a bit more of a deep dive into deeper truths within spirituality and I am excited to have this conversation with you.Need help with you uncoupling from religion? Head to my website to grab your leaving religion bundle. Click this link to receive 20% off your order: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/offers/kFjGjqQc?coupon_code=LEAVINGRELIGIONTo listen to Hugh Vail's podcast that I reference click here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1J4mG7y5MFbjeZGKVWRo6I?si=nxGUx2yGR4O73tujpjXG-AAre you on my email list yet? Make sure to subscribe! https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/

After a beautiful and raw first episode I, along with several others, were left wondering about more of Rachael's story. I was grateful when she agreed to sit down with me again.Sharing about her journey as a child, being an olympic junior medalist, growing up within the mormon religion, her marriage and how they chose to navigate things like how they wanted their children to view the human body, a bit different than what the church teaches.This is a beautiful episode as Rachael shares that she still feels called to go to church and be a part of opening doors to other possibilities. To join my next INbody Retreat Experience head over to https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/inbody

Sitting down with Hugh Vail is always such a pleasure. I am hoping we will make this a more regular occurrence. Hugh is someone who knows scriptural text very well as he's made it part of his studies. As we dive into the scripture, "for god so loved the world he sent his only begotten son" and if there is a more accurate translation, we engage in a fascinating conversation about truths. Hugh share's about a recent conversation with a client of his that leads to an interesting discussion about the lgtbq+ community and actual scriptural text around truth. "a man shall not lay with a boy" was not to say that same sex attraction was not okay, but that a man should not lay with a boy. Simple truths.Is it possible that there are more accurate truths within scriptural text and reframes that could allow for you to deprogram out of religion? Have you ever heard of the phrase plant sacrament? Hugh heard this one day and then had it synchronistically come up later in a conversation which led him to an experience with a plant sacrament that is beautiful. Life is not a random series of events, but is working in your behalf. There is truth in all things, are you paying attention to what the truths are trying to share with you?Join us for this insightful conversation!LINKS: Head to Hugh's website to learn about his upcoming events: https://www.mustangmedicineevents.com/Follow Hugh on his social accounts:TicTok @Cowboy_JesusIG @mustang_medicine_FB @mustangmedicine1

This is a unique episode where we dive into some healing work together. While this wasn't planned, it was exactly perfect. Rachael steps into her vulnerability and allowing herself to be fully seen in this episode which is such an inspiration to us all! When we allow ourselves to be seen, we allow for true healing and the ability to fully accept and love ourselves.Rachael shares a bit about her story through leaving the mormon church and at the end of the episode I found myself wanting to know more of her story! So, we will be sharing another episode next week of her full story in her choice to step out of religion and out of her marriage. Join us for a beautiful episode. If you would like to be a guest on my show and are wanting to work through a few of your blocks or pieces you are having a difficult time letting go, email me at aj@amandajoyco.com.Connect with Rachael:Email: rachaelsbeautyparlor@gmail.comIG: Rachael.wheeler.376Join my private facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leavingreligionReady to claim all that you are? Join me at my next retreat experience: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/inbodyFor more tools to assist you in stepping out of religion: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligiontoolsGrab my latest book! Leaving religion, a guide to finding your spiritual center after religion: https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FUQQ23L4I458&keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those&qid=1655217437&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

Kami Mitchell & Shelby Smith and I got to sit down together, via zoom, as they shared their epic and beautiful story of deconstructing from religion, leaving toxic relationships and cultivating their friendship which brought them together in a beautiful way.On this episode both women share their stories of growing up mormon, getting married, and their journeys through many paths in their lives. They share how they first met and had this epic moment of soul recognition. During this episode they share pieces around how they were taught to believe that they had to earn their worth and that emotions were not safe, unless you were happy. A big piece for both of them was finding their inner truth and the quickest way that they found this was through self love. "Once I tasted that godness within, that love within me grew and finding that love allowed for me to start developing the trust back for myself. Instead of giving authority over me, I started coming back to my own truth."Have you heard of the kinsey scale? It is a truly interesting scale and the research behind it is quite interesting. You can read more about it here: https://kinseyinstitute.org/research/publications/kinsey-scale.phpKami & Shelby offer the thought that if there is any curiosity within you it may be your soul / heart asking you to experience something different. The universe is always conspiring in our favor.A bit more about Kami & Shelby:Shelby and Kami, partners both in life and in business,  are celebrators of the human experience!  Over the last decade,   they have co-created and held retreats to invite others to get back in touch with their whole selves through movement, breath, sound, touch, music, emotional release, and play.  These two have done the work inside, and within the last five years,  have answered their heart call, leaving toxic marriages, outgrowing the walls of organized religion, releasing old patterns, rewriting old programs and digging deep to identify the lies they tell themselves, to find truth. They believe in humanity and invite us all to slow down, behold the creators that we are, and BE magnificent, by being all of you. Both Shelby and Kami are trained in reiki, BARS, Heart Theta, presenting, energy, healing touch, Tantra, mindset shifts, loving all that arises, emotional clearing/release, movement and flow, shadow work, heart mentoring, play and inner child work.  They are certified cuddlers as well, and are published contributing writers in several co-authored books.  They are thrilled and honored to BE with all those who are choosing into the INbody Retreat!To follow Kami & Shelby on social media on IG: @yinyang_shelby & @kamsterdance You can also text Shelby at 208-709-0904 OR Kami at 435-229-0513.Get your spot today at our upcoming INbody Experience! https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/inbodyGrab my latest book on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CU4NMG55H62Y&keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those&qid=1658200798&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those%2CaLooking for more tools to assist you in deconstructing after religion? https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligiontools

How many social norms are you accepting in your life because it is what you are told to believe and be? What about my current environment am I accepting because it's a social norm? Marriage is one of those that is entered upon and not fully creating a conscious relationship.Chip and I have a conversation around relationships and the abuse that happens with men.  One of the commonalities that I have been noticing in my conversations is that men often lose themselves in their relationships, especially when they are in a traditional religion relationship. As Chip shares, he served a mission and then did the next step of finding a wife and put his wife and his children above his own wants and needs. This is so common. Did you know that about 1 in every 6 to 7 men will be a victim to domestic abuse?  Did you know that:The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men.In 2020, men died by suicide 3.88x more than women.On average, there are 130 suicides per day.White males accounted for 69.68% of suicide deaths in 2020We create our own experiences. Sometimes things happen we cannot control, but how we respond we can control. The more you can step into the learning in each relationship, with eyes open, it will propel you into more and more of yourself asking to be seen.Have you been building a life be design or letting life push you around and creating a world that you do not love? We have the ability to build a life by design. Our lives are defined by the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we tell others.To Chip, the phrase strive satisfied shows the ability to be okay with what is and hope to have dreams and desires. To follow Chip Hopper, head over to his website: https://www.bookjedi.comIG: @chiphopperFB: @chiphoperWanting to be apart of my upcoming group mentorship program? Email me aj@amandajoyco.com for more info. Starts July 6th.Grab my latest book! https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FUQQ23L4I458&keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those&qid=1655217437&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

Are you feeling like you are in the fire? How can you navigate the fire when you are in it and how can you see the gifts?When we are leaving religion, or going through any transitions in life, it can feel as if we are being put in the fire. It feels painful, I get it trust me. And, there is beauty in this fire as it's burning away more layers of those places within that are asking to be deconstructed. This assists you in becoming more clear in who you are. My book, Leaving Religion a Guide, is a powerful tool to assist you in your deconstruction. In this episode I share a bit about how this book came to life, the challenges that I faced while writing and publishing this book and I share one of my most vulnerable chapters around shame.Come join my group mentorship program geared to assist any of you that are moving through transitions in life right now. The group starts July 6th and is packed with freebies, weekly calls, daily accountability and massive support and tools. This course will fill up quickly so snag your spot today. And, if you join my gift I want to give you an autographed copy of my book for free! Email me aj@amandajoyco.com to secure your spot. To get my book, head over to amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15D40RVX90IO8&keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those&qid=1654713416&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1Grab my meditation bundle: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/offers/kFjGjqQc/checkoutAre you enjoying this podcast? Please leave me a review!

GrabTerina had an unique experience leaving the church. Going from devout Mormon to reading the Gospel Topic Essay's and two weeks later crying in her bishops office knowing she was  being done. Join me as I have a beautiful conversation with Terina, who is a life coach, as she shares some valuable tools that assisted her in her transition out of Mormonism. Grab my latest book, Leaving Religion a Guide! https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Religion-Those-Leave-Behind/dp/1952566487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VJZLYGIDGFTI&keywords=leaving+religion+%26+those&qid=1654055556&sprefix=leaving+religion+%26+those%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1To follow Terina:http://www.terinamaldonado.comhttps://www.instagram.com/terina_maldonado/https://www.facebook.com/HealEmpowerEducate https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdt726Xv/https://www.linkedin.com/in/terina-maldonado-49129b201/Grab her book, Fear to Freedom: Stories of Triumph After Leaving a High Control Religion https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08D89DNTY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_3YH4KKX14D5WDRBMJAQ1

Where are we not allowing those in our circles to be seen and heard, especially with our men? Where are you not allowing yourself to own all parts of yourself and recognize the wholeness of all that you are?It is time for us to pick up crosses, to burn them, to stop the suffering and to embody and be seen for all that we are. 

Join me and Keira Poulsen as we talk about the books that have been burned. There have been so many women in our history that have written sacred books that were burned and or destroyed. Often these women were also killed, burned with their books, as a heretic for speaking truth. How amazing and fortunate are we that we live in a time where we get to speak our truth, we get to write sacred books and publish them without fear of death!Are you feeling the call to write your sacred book? If so, join us next week for our writers retreat and step through the gateway to this stunning writers experience.It's time to for your message to reach the world.Join us: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/writersretreatTo learn more about Keira Poulsen, connect with her here:https://www.keirapoulsen.com/IG: @keirapoulsenFB: @keirapoulsenTo listen to my previous episode with Keira,  check out episode #27https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fP1lDecf5wWYDeLuMwR5H?si=lk__205jSJGqljHy0ZotBg

My guest, Hugh Vail, has spent thousands of hours combing through scriptural texts and finding the true meaning in the translations of the scriptures. For example, the word perfect  is not translated correctly. Perfect actually means whole. So it's about our wholeness as we are all whole. Sin has a truer meaning of missing the mark. Is it possible by having a different perspective on some of the ancient stories it can help you to have more peace? Is it possible that religion is a necessary first step in learning about spirituality and ancient wisdom?Hugh shares some of his formula that has taken him years to create around how to move through and let go of your story.  Are you still holding onto your wounded story?Our conversation dives deep into scriptural truths, ceremonies, the endowment and more. We talk through ancient stories and ancient wisdom that you will want to dive into with us!To follow Hugh and to learn more about what he does head to his website.LINKS:https://www.mustangmedicineevents.comIG: @mustang_medicine_To grab your ticket for our upcoming event head to: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leanin

Solocast. As Easter is coming up it is common to wonder what we celebrate now after religion. In this episode today I am diving into this time of year, plus touching on some pieces from the Mormon conference that was experienced for many. What if there was a comment made about members who leave being compared to Judas, why does it matter?We have been taught, conditioned and programmed as to who Jesus was. He was not what we have been taught to believe and many of us have been or are still living in the shadow of the cross. It's time to see the shadow and step into the light.Where are you holding to places within that are not allowing for new truth and experiences to come in?Where are you needing to let go and heal parts of you?What gets to be re-birthed?Book referenced: The Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott, PHDGrab your ticket today for my upcoming speakers symposium! April 24th in Highland, UThttps://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leanin

Today I am sitting down with the beautiful Anna Ship. Anna shares her fascinating story of growing up in New Mexico. At a young age she experiences abuse, her mother passing and then her father leaving her life. Adopted by her aunt, Anna had many changes in her young life and is now Mormon with her adoptive family. The church, Anna says, was a safety blanket to her. It offered her comfort. The idea of Zion, she says, "this was it." In the community that she grew up in. "I embodied everything about the church." Later on in life, after a marriage that she gave everything to - even sacrificing herself, she had experiences through her church that rattled her beliefs. For fourteen years, Anna shares, she was hustling to be the number one woman in her husbands life. It created a prison and she discovered that she was stuck. Her priesthood leadership was not great at the time and the experiences that she had with them would have caused her to leave. She was ready to walk away as she lost all respect for priesthood leaders. A book came into her life, "How to Love" by Thich Nat Hanh and it was a godsend to her at this time in her life. Anna shares that she still has a lot of love for the church and still holds that there are a lot of truths there, she just now believes that it's universal. During a conversation with her mother she asked Anna, "do you believe that God's work never fails? It's God's work and glory to bring past our eternal life, that's not our work. Our job is to love and we are on God's work table." This rang true to Anna.Later, during a conversation with her bishop where she was not going to get her temple recommend, he said, "you know it's okay not to have a recommend. It's okay if it take a long time."  Anna shares that this was the first time in the church that she felt someone was telling her it was okay to have the journey. With this thought that it's okay to have the journey and the belief that everyone is on God's work table, gave her permission to allow the pieces to fall. God has me. There is no space he's not LINKS:To join me in my upcoming speakers symposium grab your ticket here: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leaninAre you feeling the call to write your book? Come join my upcoming retreat May 12th-15th! https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/writersretreatThe Book How To Love by Thich Nhat Hanh https://www.amazon.com/Love-Mindfulness-Essentials-Thich-Nhat/dp/1937006883Grab my guided journey for the death and rebirth cycle. Are you feeling that something gets to die? This is a stunning practice and one that you will find extremely helpful. https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/offers/nHjFkTTY/checkout

Probably one of the hardest parts about leaving religion is telling your family, am I right? Is that one of the reasons you still stay is because you don't know how your loved ones will react?Today I am diving into tips and tools with how to navigate this part of your journey. Remember that fear is just excitement without the breath. Come join my speakers symposium! Grab your seat today: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leanin

My guest today is Cyndi Markey who used to be a Jehovah's Witness. Did you know that Jahova's witnesses' cannot celebrate birthdays? They cannot socialize with people outside of their church family unless it's for work or school. Cyndi shares with me about how growing up women and children were to be seen and not heard. In High School Cyndi was able to take a class that was not an approved class from the church. She loved her teacher and he taught her critical thinking skills. She later received a scholarship but couldn't accept it as higher education was frowned upon. At 18 years old she met a guy that she loved and as nature would have it, they had sex. Cyndi was given a public reproof in front the of the church for her sin and if you were not shown to be sorry enough, you would be ex-communicated from the church. She had been told that if she disassociated herself before she was dis-fellowshiped that it would be better for her as she could still be with her family. She learned quickly that this was not the case, in fact this was much worse. Cyndi moved to Tennessee and her family followed her, she was stalked by her family and members of her church as they were trying to save her soul.  She moved from Tennessee to Arizona and then to Chicago to live with her grandmother. In Chicago she tried to establish some sort of normalcy. To her normalcy looked like establishing routines, getting a car, a job, getting friends and having a sense of community. As Cyndi tried to unpack the previous years of her life it was painful and she attempted to take her life at 21 years old. She later married a man, divorced and then had a few other marriages. She asked herself, "Why can't I find the keys to happiness?" This question propelled her into finding her healing. Cyndi breaks down finding happiness and yourself in 4 steps:1. Know Yourself2. Trust3. Teach4. Love SelfYour heart knows, Cyndi shares. Build your own resilience. Did you know there are more neurons in the heart than there are in your brain? Cyndi is now a heart math practitioner and shares some fascinating information about the power of the heart. Cyndi was an author on a book Fear to Freedom: Stories of Triumph After Leaving a High Control Religion. Get your copy today! https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Freedom-Stories-Triumph-Religion/dp/0228825652/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647314520&sr=8-1To connect with Cyndi, visit her website: https://www.cyndimarkey.comAre you signed up for my emails yet? https://amandajoyloveland.mykajabi.com/optin?preview_theme_id=3223780Grab your tickets for my upcoming speakers symposium, Lean Into Your Light. https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leanin

Do you know what the dark night of the soul is? What about upper limiting?Today I am sharing a bit more raw and candid conversation about the dark night of the soul, what it is and also about upper limiting.One of my favorite poems by Marriane Williamson says, " Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness That most frightens us. We ask ourselves Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God. Your playing small  Does not serve the world.  There's nothing enlightened about shrinking  So that other people won't feel insecure around you.We are all meant to shine,  As children do.  We were born to make manifest  The glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us;  It's in everyone.And as we let our own light shine,  We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we're liberated from our own fear,  Our presence automatically liberates others."Want to work with me? Are you ready to put down what isn't serving? Let's chat. Email me aj@amandajoyco.com

I am mixing things up a bit today as I had the privileged of sitting with one of my favorite people, Angie Shockley. Unlike my previous guests, Angie was not raised Mormon but raised as more 'protestant'. Angie's grandfather was a huge influence in her life. At a young age, her grandfather enlisted in the military and later was deployed during World war 2. He was severely injured and while pleading with god for his life, he made the vow that if his life was saved he would devote his life to serving him. His life was saved and he dove into reading the bible, later creating his own non-denominational church. He became a preacher, if you will, and raised his family in a religious setting that has some fairly strict rules, like women do not wear pants.At around 14 years old, after a comment made from a woman in her church, Angie got up and walked out of the building and decided she would not go back. This was somewhat accepted in her family and was really never talked about.Angie shares her beautiful story of life through these moments, her relationship with her grandfather after she left, her parents, her marriages and especially her year of being alone while she truly found herself. Angie and I also talk about trauma and some tools to navigate it.As a Shamanic practitioner, teacher, business owner and someone who works with youth every day Angie brings with her a vault of wisdom and inspiration. This is another truly beautiful episode! Links:To connect with angie head over to her website: http://www.livingmindfullyaware.comYou can follow her on IG at: livingmindfullyawareIf you would like to contact her directly, her email is: mindfulangie@gmail.comAlso, if you are feeling a souls call to join my next retreat head over and secure your room: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbindMy speakers symposium is coming up April 24th. Grab your tickets at: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/breakingthrough

Sitting down with Mimi Knowles; songwriter, singer, producer and former Mormon. One of the lines from his recent single that just released seemed perfect for today's podcast, "I have made a whole lot of changes, but I am still myself."This interview is a colorful & fun conversation and one that you will for sure enjoy! In my conversation with Mimi, nothing was off limits. We talk about his Mormon mission to Italy. His mom leaving the mormon church, later his wife leaving too which was difficult for Mimi at the time. Mimi shares his struggles, what he went through and how he navigated through the emotions after his wife left. Mimi shares, "there's one time Jess came with my daughter to Sacrament and Quincy was asking about people on the stand. And she's like, who are they? Jess said, that's the bishopric you'll never be able to be one of them because you're a woman. And I'm like, that's just facts. Yeah, just facts. And that was kind of the the tipping point for me wanting to leave. My wife identifies as pan, I'm a person of color. I have daughters. And I couldn't associate myself or align myself with anything that makes my people or communities feel lesser than right. I want my daughter to believe she can be whatever she wants to be. And I don't want her to grow up in an institution that's like you can you can only like be this if you conform."Mimi shares the he felt he should be clear with his followers and shared a post that he was leaving the mormon religion. He was surprised that he had 100% of DM's coming in that commented. Most of them commenting that they wished they could make a post like he did. It was eye opening for Mimi. He felt grateful he has a support system as others don't have the same. Check out Mimi's latest single! It will get stuck in your head, it's SO GOOD!https://open.spotify.com/album/2mznwMw4KkGwIvoUlhSWkA?si=ggqrmdECT6mo0jWr8qQEHA https://open.spotify.com/album/2mznwMw4KkGwIvoUlhSWkA?si=ggqrmdECT6mo0jWr8qQEHAOTHER LINKS:https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/breakingthroughhttps://www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbind

Talk about a powerful interview! I sat down with Sabby Espinoza, a 17 year old who felt the call to choose out of religion even though her mother is still in. Sabby has been through challenging experiences so far in her life including divorce and her brother taking his life at a young age. As Sabby continued to question truths, which seems to be her natural state, she unwinds more or more of what she no longer chose to believe in.Talking through questions she has, how she is navigating her journey now of finding her personal truths you will want to join me as I sit down with Sabby Espinoza!Links:https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbindhttps://www.amandajoyloveland.com/relationshipcourseFollow me on IG @amanda.joy.loveland

On a soul level, why did I choose Mormonism? This is a question that Katie Jo shares that she had asked herself to understand some deeper truths.Navigating through mormonism as a child, then a youth and then later as a young mom Katie Jo says that because of her nature she had the belief that just because you say it, doesn't make it true. Through her journey she shares about her eating disorder that she had for over 20 years that led to utter rejection of self, the idea that she couldn't keep up and it continued to spiral her down with feelings of lack of self-worth. Through these emotions Katie Jo attempted to take her life and then connects with someone shortly afterwards and she becomes pregnant at 19 years old. She marry's the father and they make their way to the temple. Katie Jo shares that she really wanted to teach her only things about God that was love. The "sunbeam" type level of learning. God is love. Through this Katie Jo shares that she believes this assisted her own healing that God loved her and was helpful as she went through the loss of the death of her second child at only 18months old. After a few years, Katie Jo is a single mom to three kids and worked several jobs. One of them was as an artist. She was asked to paint a drum for someone and soon found herself being in the "woo woo" world - a place she had not known - and she was known as the drum lady. Katie Jo shares how the drum became such a healing gift to her and that the sound of the drum took her to spaces where she could truly heal. As Katie Jo has navigated some hardships in her life, especially the death of her child, she shares, "there is no getting through, there is only walking on.""Spirituality is a path of knowing you are one with the divine"This is a stunning episode!Katie Jo is creating a co-collaborative book called The Untold Stories of Motherhood. To find out more, join her call on Feb 8th at 10am to get more information with becoming an author on this book. To connect with Katie Jo:Find her on IG @katiejodrum or @sagecanvasHer websites: www.katiejodrum.comAnd make sure to grab your spot in my next retreat! Head to: www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbind

Could you go back into a mormon ward and teach after you have left? What if God told you to, would you listen?Today I sat down with Keira Poulsen who shares her unique story of how religion broke for her and how she went back in. While Keira teaches in Relief Society she doesn't consider herself mormon. Keira shares, When I was 29, which is 10 years ago, religion started to break. And it felt like my deepest foundation was shaking, and I didn't know how to climb out. And I kept saying, like, Oh, I'm gonna just have this really great story that I doubted. And then it came back, right? And then it was like, year after year. It was like, oh, like, I don't that story is not happening. Like, I like it's not I'm not finding my way out of the doubt. And it's interesting, because it wasn't like, a lot of people's stories were like, Well, I started reading about Joseph Smith I started looking into it was like, none of that mattered to me. Like the gospel was always true for me. It was that the experience at church felt like a mockery. And I just don't do well in that energy. So I'd be sitting in Relief Society, just like praying, like, Oh, I just want to feel the spirit. I just want to I want to feel like nourished and how I used to feel. And instead I was just pissed. Like, what is this bullshit? Like, nobody knows what's actually happening. Like, no one is talking about God, no one's talking about Christ, like what is happening? And it was like this anger. Like why? Like, why? Keira shares how sad she was when church died for her. She truly grieved when she left.You will want to listen to this extremely unique and beautiful episode!LINKS:Get your FREE Creating with The Divine Course from Keira: https://keira-poulsen.mykajabi.com/opt-in-80b5402a-9954-478e-ba49-b38c49119dc8Check out Keira's website: http://www.keirapoulsen.comTo listen to Keira's pocast click here: https://theawakenpodcast.libsyn.com/release-and-create-newMake sure to snag your spot for my March retreat! https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbind

Kayla shares how her interracial marriage has created some difficulties, especially within the family dynamic. She shares how her husbands family, being Hmong, found a natural place within the mormon church. After her babies, Kayla had severe postpartum that never really went away. As she visited her doctor to get on medication she wondered what was really underneath the depression. As she asked this question some pieces started to unravel. She ended up on google researching abusive personalities and as she did she started seeing how the mormon church seemed to fit some of the qualities she was reading. As she continued down this path pieces started coming together for Kayla.As Kayla made the decision to leave, her husband decided he would start to go again which was very difficult for her as you can imagine!Kayla offers some beautiful perspectives on culture within relationships, especially within the church. Come join me for another beautiful episode!LINKSSnag your spot at my next retreat!https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbindIf you are looking for more support I recommend you join a private group on Facebook called Empowered Former LDS.

Her unraveling was started because of the massive amounts of good in the world. Yes, you. heard that right! My latest guest was SO fun to chat with! I found myself captivated by her story as it is truly unique and beautiful! Being raised by parents who literally felt that God told them to marry, doubting was never an option for her as she was a bi-product of a god ordained marriage. She was special and mormonism was a part of that sacredness. As she has different events occur, as Keri comments it was the goodness in the world that started it, her belief system started to unravel. Get this, as she decided to leave Mormonism her husband decided to join! So, after she left he got baptized. How unique is this?Keri shares that once she became more honest with herself, doors starting opening. "struggle is evidence that something needs attention"Are you feeling the call to come to my retreat? There are 6 spots left!  Snag your spot at: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbindIf you are ready to shift your life and are wanting to work one on one with me, I have one spot available. Email me at aj@amandajoyco.com so that we can schedule a call to see if my three month program is a fit for you. 

Feeling the powerlessness in watching her world unravel, Joy realizes she has a choice. She ultimately regains her power by trusting herself.In my latest episode Joy shares her experience of raising her family within the mormon church only to start having experiences that felt off. That felt incongruent. As Joy started to question these incongruencies, her world felt like it started to crumble. Most of her faith crises happened while her second son was serving his mission. Joy shares how open she was with him and how they still, to this day, have very open and honest conversations as she has left and her son has chosen to stay in. Have you felt the darkness of the choices you are making come in and leave you feeling alone? Do you wonder if you are being tempted by Satan? You are not alone! Joy shares that starting with trusting yourself is one of the biggest pieces that she found helpful for her.Having challenges with her Stake president, Joy felt powerless until she recognized that she had a choice. You will want to hear this part of her story.Come join me as Joy shares her powerful story.Links: Joy recommends the book, The book of longings by Sue Monk Kidd. You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143111396/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_Q3DEBR4AP4YG43MF7T60Registration now open for my retreat! Go to www.amandajoyloveland.com/unbind to snag your spot.Grab my book! Love & The Space in Between: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Spaces-Between-self-discovery-relationships/dp/B09MG18YYT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BC2IB6EUMMG6&keywords=amanda+joy+loveland&qid=1641357703&sprefix=amanda+joy+lovel%2Caps%2C443&sr=8-1Take my relationship quiz to access my free mini relationship course! https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/quiz

I like you, just the way you are.My guest today is one of great wisdom and resources and I was thrilled to sit down with Jon Ogden!After going through his own faith crises, his main one on his mission in Ventura California, Jon co-founded a company called Uplift Kids. Uplift kids is a beautiful landing place for those who are still wanting something after religion. Through their online library and lesson approach they offer resources through many different religions and through science as well.  "We integrate the best of modern science and ancient wisdom."Jon asks the beautiful question, are you honest in your pursuit of truth, beauty & goodness? This is a question that he posed in his book that he wrote called, When Mormon's Doubt. LINKS:Head over to https://upliftkids.org to get your membership started today! Use coupon code, "holidays" for $10 off your membership. This code is only good until Sunday night so snag your membership today!Follow Uplift kids on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upliftkids/Grab Jon's book, When Mormon's Doubt! https://www.amazon.com/When-Mormons-Doubt-Relationships-Quality-ebook/dp/B01D7T93CQFor Jon's Medium writings, check him out on his webpage at: https://jonogden.medium.comLast but not least, you can grab my book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MG18YYTAnd head over to my website to take my relationship quiz and get access to my mini course: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/quiz

Today I sat down with my 19 year old son! I knew I wanted to have him on the podcast as having a perspective from a teenager offers some interesting insights. Lucas shares his story of having a divorced household where one parent had left Mormonism and the other was still very much Mormon. At the age of 10 years old his parents went through a divorce and his mom also left Mormonism. Lucas shares his journey navigating the waters of two households, divorced parents and religion. He offers some valuable insight that will be of value to all of you parents that are worried as to how to navigate leaving religion with your children. I am excited to share this interview with you all!Grab my new book, Love & The Spaces in Between here:https://www.amazon.com/Love-Spaces-Between-self-discovery-relationships/dp/B09MG18YYT/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=love+%26+the+spaces+in+between+amanda+loveland&qid=1639365166&sr=8-1Take my relationship quiz and get access to my mini course for free: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/quiz

Today's episode is another raw and powerful episode. Talk about living under extreme patriarchy! My interview today was both challenging and profound to listen to. Camilla had a childhood that was unique to many others. At a young age, her parents got divorced and her and her siblings were told that later they would be told why they were getting a divorce., Fast forward a few years later, after her mom has gotten remarried and she's told by her new cousins that they cannot hang out with her because of who her dad is. Camilla, at age 11, then learns from her cousins that her dad was a pedophile. You can imagine how difficult that was for her to hear. Sharing her story through continual challenges with her dad, with why she chose out of Mormonism. This is another episode you will want to make sure you listen to. Are you feeling the call to share your story? Send me a message!Also, make sure you are subscribed to my email list! Go to www.amandajoyloveland.comFollow me on IG and Facebook @amanda.joy.loveland

This interview was truly a unique pleasure of mine and I was honored to facilitate this conversation. Not only will you enjoy listening to this interview because of his beautiful accent, being from South Africa, but his story is captivating and fascinating.Nigel shares about his childhood, experiencing his parents getting divorced and being raised by his mother that had very little financial support. Not long before his parents divorce they had joined the LDS church. Throughout Nigels life the LDS church had weved in and out. In his late teens, Nigel had experiences that felt like a logical conversion. Certain scriptures made sense to Nigel.Serving in the military for two years, then serving and LDS mission, Nigel was a man who was determined to create a stable and solid life. There were several events in his life where things spoken at General Conference, speaking negatively about the LGTBQ+ community, or more truths of the doctrine that were understood by Nigel that eventually created a knowing inside that this wasn't right. It took some time for Nigel to come clean about how he was feeling and the hardest person to tell was his beautiful wife, Beverly. While she is still choosing to stay in the LDS faith Nigel has chosen out and they are supportive of each other. Although it did take some time to work through their emotions. This is another beautiful story that you will want to listen to.Make sure you are subscribed to my email list! Head over to www.amandajoyloveland.com Also, follow me on social media on IG @amanda.joy.loveland

Sharing her experiences of growing up in Alabama, going to college at Auburn University, enjoying her youth and eventually getting pregnant. Being a Mormon girl and now getting pregnant was not a part of her plans. Kate shares vulnerably her story through sexuality, pregnancy, marriage, divorce and her struggles through all of it. Moving back to Utah was an interesting experience for Kate at a young age as she ended up working as the VP of the Orem Utah institute for the church worldwide. Sitting at the table with some 'high up' people in the mormon church Kate saw more the business side of religion. She witnessed the members being a lot more intellectual than using prayer and heart. Shortly into her 11 year marriage Kate felt alone, then had a difficult time getting pregnant and having several miscarriages. After being told to bridle her tongue by her bishop through the end of her marriage, Kate knew she was done with religion and her marriage.Sharing her tools that she has learned, especially with womb health, is beautiful. You will want to listen to this beautiful story!Connect with Kate! Find her on IG @katestrongworld or on her website www.mystrongworld.comMake sure we are connected! Sign up for my emails at www.amandajoyloveland.com

Today it's just me and I wanted to talk about how important it is to truly allow things to die.On today's episode I dive into a few topics like why it's difficult to trust your intuition and practices you can do to help strengthen it. Also talking about your relationship with God & Jesus and allowing things to die so that something new can be grown.Are you curious with what you now get to bring in as new spiritual tools or beliefs? The Gaia episode mentioned is called: The Power of the HeartMake sure you are subscribed to my email list! Head over to my website at:www.amandajoyloveland.comIf you feel the call to share your story, email me at: aj@amandajoyco.comAre you looking for some guidance with navigating your spiritual transition? Currently I have a few spaces open for one on one client work. Email me at aj@amandajoyco.com

Michelle vulnerably shares stories from her youth about her father stepping out of the church, her mom still staying in and taking her and her siblings, feelings of confusion with her Dad leaving and after getting pregnant as a teenager having her ward rally around her.Sharing her journey of spiritual evolution, which included reading the CES letters and moving through some anger, Michelle has found peace within herself and a love for those who choose to stay in. In order to find her peace she did some deep diving into the mormon to try and make some sense out of what she had read in the CES letters.  This included talking with both a man who was over the seminary program and someone that was doing an ex mormon podcast. Michelle also shares about her daughter Brielle's accident that put her in a coma for some time. During this time Michelle found comfort in reading A Course in Miracles and a phrase that kept running through her head, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exist. Here lies the hand of God."Continue following Michelle in her journey and follow her on IG @michellemoney and also follow her newest adventure @foreall   www.foreall.comMake sure you are subscribed to my email list!www.amandajoyloveland.com

Sharee shares about her struggles in having the courage to share her story of Mormonism, trusting God and her previous marriage where drug addiction was a massive problem. Sharing about her naivety that all you need to do is to go to church and it will all be okay, God will take care of everything.One day walking into her kitchen there was a needle, a ball of heroin and a spoon. She instantly called the police who said they couldn't do anything as he wasn't active using and was caught. Sharee had four young children at home and this was very difficult to hear as she wanted to protect her children. Sharee shares how she lost herself for awhile. Everyone's needs were above her own, the trauma of being in an unhealthy relationship and moving through life. She was exhausted.Sharing, “It's almost like I see an image of a young woman that's just got her head down, that she's doing the things that she's told do and never really looked up to see what had happened. I didn't. And that's a very accurate articulate image, because that's exactly how I felt like when all of this came to the forefront. I came up, it was almost like I came up for a gasp of air, like I'd been swimming. I came up, I looked around, I didn't recognize the surroundings. And I was like, so probably some cognitive dissonance happening.”

As a mormon, Wendy was a superstar in her LDS culture. As she says, it fed her ego. So when she felt to leave, she collapsed. It was a slow burn coming out. Having a thriving  practice  while she was mormon she was very much trusted until she left. When she left her practice went with is.Deconstructing and deprogramming is part of Wendy's world. It is what she now helps so many others do, especially with their faith transitions.Wendy shares that having grace and compassion with yourself as you move through your transition is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.In her business now, she so beautifully assists others in their transitions using the dragonfly as a symbol to guide others in leaving. You will want to hear more about this!Connect with Wendi!http://www.wendijensen.comEmail: wendi@wendijensen.comFB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2389666891074742/?ref=shareTikTok @empowered.exodus Her books:Peculiar Transition:https://www.amazon.com/Peculiar-Transition-Healing-Trauma-Mormon-ebook/dp/B07DKW7TMM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a%20peculiar%20transition&qid=1606773467&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR3r3tOoPvMz12Mu-SyurzJRluwrkt9tWWQwyDkK7iKjFFbfTE3lHxgpS30The Healing Questions Guide:https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Questions-Guide-Relevant-Activate/dp/151182574X/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?cv_ct_cx=the%20healing%20questions%20guide&dchild=1&keywords=the%20healing%20questions%20guide&pd_rd_i=151182574X&pd_rd_r=174766ff-1b04-4919-b2fe-1fc82580fe0e&pd_rd_w=2YLkb&pd_rd_wg=lfO6m&pf_rd_p=1835a2a9-7ed8-48dc-ad07-fcd7527bd2bc&pf_rd_r=6ZFTRC7VH70EK9KV286E&psc=1&qid=1606773500&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c&fbclid=IwAR3jp-3_JXkXwUKW1d23PZT7G9CARFmN15meY-JwnzS8rid3WNShPCLUrRkAs always, connect with me on my website!https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/

Holly shares her powerful story through religion, connections with Jesus and her experience being broken wide open. So many of us on our spiritual journeys wish we could just have all of our spiritual abilities to turn off overnight. Well this essentially happened to Holly and as you will hear from her, this was not easy. Holly shares her experience of feeling & experiencing everyone's pain created a dark night of the soul moment for her where she didn't know what her life was, if she was married, had kids, etc. Holly started seeing energy, feeling and experiencing things she had never experienced up to this point.Growing up in Orem, Ut and still living there Holly shares her experience through leaning into all that she was and embodying what that meant in her community. This is a very unique story and one that I am sure you will deeply enjoy.Connect with Holly at:www.bodyoflight.com@holly_semanoffGet registered for our heart opening retreat:www.amandajoyloveland.com/heartopening@amanda.joy.lovelandAlso, for those interested in one of the spots for the private leaving religion program email me at aj@amandajoyco.com

When is the last time you gave up something sacred to show your love for someone else? How many of us need to expand our awareness and understanding of the LGTBQ+ community and show more love to these members that are around us? Do we need to expand our personal social circles to have more diversity?I got the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Jacob Dunford who shares his story of being Gay and navigating being Mormon. One of my favorite parts about Jacob's story was his parents absolute support and love for their son. They are truly a beautiful example to us all.Jacob works at Encirle which has a beautiful slogan, "no sides, only love.' They embody a culture and an environment that there is a place for everyone at the dinner table. Jacob shares, "What does that really break down to? Mormon or atheist, or anything in that spectrum? gay or straight? Male or female, Republican or Democrat. There's a place for you at the dinner table. That's our motto. That's our methodology. That is how we go about everything. "Jacob also shares that he feels that a lot of people within religion and outside of religion are looking for a way to show up for the LGBTQ community in the way they know how. "So often what happens is we sort out people of religion and people who have left religion into  two groups that can't communicate." Jacobs feels strongly about being someone that wants to be that person who reaches accross the isle and bridged the divide and he's doing damn good job at it. There were several beautiful pieces of this interview that I was so honored to listen to and now share with you. Let's assist the world in building bridges, of holding and giving unconditional love for everyone. To learn more about encircle go here:https://encircletogether.org/Follow Jacob on IG @jacobdunfordGet signed up for my Leaving Religion Course here:https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligioncourseReady to reignite your heart with your souls purpose? https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligioncourse@amanda.joy.loveland 

Even before her birth, Audrey's family system was quite unique and somewhat divided.  One side of her family being very orthodox Mormon and the other side being less traditional, her Grandmother a feminists in nature, and then later having her father and mother divorced as her father came out as being gay.Having her family be so secretive about her youth, Audrey was forced to really do her own diving into her healing & her personal work to find true peace. Her story is both heartfelt and painful to listen to as she went through some pretty difficult and challenging circumstances through her youth. Being sexually abused by her step-uncle, then being taken to the bishop instead of counseling as she needed to repent for her sins to becoming pregnant at 16 years old and being kicked out and many other things that pull at your heart. Audrey shares her beautiful story of a emancipation from her religion and her family of origin. Find Audrey at  https://www.thebreathingco.com or her Instagram @thebreathingcoJoin my heart opening retreat! https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/heartopeningLeaving religion and looking for some help? My 13 week Leaving Religion course launches Nov. 9th. Reserve your spot at https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligioncourse

Are you a victim to the culture of Mormonism? Have you experienced being shamed for who you were or what you were choosing because your loved ones chose the Mormon culture over you? Well you are not alone! My guest today is the amazing Jessie Funk. You may have heard about her, @dearauntjessie, from her singing and sharing her talent with EFY. Maybe  you have seen her speak, or seen her work with the youth, her books that she's published or more recently her events and retreats that she is facilitating. Jessie is a power house and I was thrilled to have her on the show today!Jessie shares that for years she clung onto the phrase, "a testimony is found by the bearing of it".  She felt that if she did all the little things, held onto faith, tried to do her very best to be as sincere as possible, as loving as possible, you name it that it would help her with her testimony in the Mormon church. But, it never worked.She shares that her transition out of Mormonism could be described as 'death by 1,000 paper cuts'. You can be happy and free. You can and will be blessed, even when you leave religion.See the magnificence of who you are. For more about Jessie's retreats go here: www.Especiallyfortruth.com Find her on IG & TickTock: @especiallyfortruthFor my 13 week leaving religion course go to: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligioncourseFor our Heart Opening Retreat go: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/upcoming

Sitting down with Trevor Winn today. Trevor shares that he felt he left over his ego and egotistical values. Where his mind and heart were going were not in alignment with the church, Trevor felt he was living in hypocrisy.  Having some interactions with the Mormon leaders over some disciplinary council that his wife was going through, Trevor went to his wife's defense. He was told that this wasn't okay by the mormon authorities which seemed contrary to the family values that the church seemed to hold.Trevor shares that he wishes that he would have given people more credit. He made per-determined decision that certain relationships die and he burned bridges that he wishes he didn't. Leaving religion Trevor shares that he consciously let the pendulum swing and he became and alcoholic. Trevor had resentment towards the church, towards the members and he felt that he went from the addiction of Mormonism, of religion, to an addiction of alcoholism.  Connection and addiction are opposite of each other, so the cure for addiction is connections.Life is like a ball of yarn and religion is just one thread in that yarn. Sometimes we have fear about what else will be untangled if I pull this one string but it should not stop you from moving forward. When you can accept where you are at in your life, where you have been, you are now able to accept others on their path.Books Referenced: The New Earth - Eckart TolleFour Agreements - Don Miguel RuizThe Surrender Experiment - Michael SingerThe Four Agreements are: BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORDDON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLYDON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONSALWAYS DO YOUR BESTJoin us in Springdale, UT for our upcoming heart opening retreat. Details here: www.amandajoyloveland.com/upcomingReady to lean in to your healing and dive into my 13 week leaving religion course? Details here: www.amandajoyloveland.com/leavingreligioncourse

Sitting down with Adam Nugent today was an absolute pleasure! Adam questioned if his spiritual experiences were because of ‘the church' or if it was because they were just spiritual experiences because he was serving and helping people. Talking about the culture, his mission, marriage, divorce you name it.Everyone has access to a higher power, spiritual experiences, without religion. You can find more about Adam here:https://nugentgoodnews.com/http://www.foresightmgt.com/

Today I am talking to Chris Shurian who was an absolute pleasure! His way of story telling captures your heart and engages your mind. Come join us as Chris shares about his journey through joining the church, he was not raised in the LDS church, to going on a mission, getting married  in the temple to later on leaving the mormon religion because he started asking questions within himself. Questions like, why am I going to church today? Why am I putting on a suit?As Chris trained for an iron man he tells about how the time he had to himself really started allowing space to start asking the questions within himself. This is another beautiful episode and I am honored to be sharing Chris' story with you all. 

Today I am talking with the truly gifted Christy Foster. Christy is someone I met through doing personal session of Psychosomatic's and she is the only teacher licensed in the USA! She is an amazing women who has so much wisdom.  Come join us as Christy shares her journey.  At a very young age Christy moved with her family to Montana to be a part of a Polygamist community that her Father was one of the founders of. She knew in her teens that this was not what she ultimately wanted. At 18 she moves from Montana to Utah to live with her sister and has a clear answer that she is done with that religion. As she steps out of her faith, she shares the challenges and the growth that came with what she went through. Christy also shares some amazing tips with the body and how to help yourself when you are going through the process of leaving. This is truly another beautiful episode!You can find more about Christy here: https://christyfoster.co/

I got to sit down with my first guy! I was thrilled to have Tony Gerber on my podcast and to have him share his journey and his perspective from the masculine.  Side note, he's quite funny and easy to listen to!Born and raised in Mormon religion it was Tony's language. It wasn't something he bought into, it was just his reality. Going to Rick's college, serving a Mormon mission, all provided experiences where Tony started question what spirituality really meant to him. He started finding that he struggled with the idea of anyone telling him what his relationship with God should be. Sharing his thoughts and wisdom on moral superiority, the patriarchy,  family experiences including a bit of his wife's challenges with religion. Tony supported a lot of the core beliefs associated with the Mormon religion but he didn't align with the organizational government of the church. Sharing nuggets like, "Every time we are not being authentic with yourself it's nature pushing us to examine something within ourselves." or "A negative expression of masculinity is when a man tries to dominate and control.  Men & women should council together." You will love this episode! I know I did. Find more about Tony and his upcoming men's retreats at: www.tribeofpassage.com

Talking with Becky Adams. Becky comes from a family system of Polygamy and she couldn't wait to get married as she wanted to join the Mormon church so she could feel that she fit in. Her story is quite a fascinating one, talking about polygamy and  the gifts she gained from this experience through her youth to becoming Mormon and living that life for several years. Through some very personal experiences, including a cancer diagnosis, a deep connection with a friend, choosing out of her heterosexual marriage, witnessing the judgement that happened ultimately propelled Becky to choose out of the Mormon religion. As Becky goes through more of her healing journey to finding herself, which included Shamanism, she finds a deep connection with God that she didn't know existed and is so encompassing that it is now a part of her every day life. There are so many beautiful experiences that Becky shares and beautiful wisdom. You can find Becky on her Instagram @rabecca