NoneLife

I think that, if anything, we as a nation and as individuals have not mourned or eulogized our pandemic dead enough.  I don't think we've processed the great numbers of loss, or the compound sadnesses of not only the deaths of family members, but being unable to be with them to say goodbye.  In this episode, in between the 2-year anniversary of her passing and the 1-year anniversary of her burial, I share the eulogy I gave my mother.

I talk about the Masking performed by many Neurodivergent individuals.  But this masking is occurring in a society where general personality masking - i.e. 'hiding' your 'bad feelings' (sadness, frustration, anger) is taught from early youth as correct behavior.  Meanwhile, those of us who have deconstructed from previous faiths are familiar with a practice of "church masking" - where we try to display feelings and beliefs we do not feel.  

How have religious views towards self-harm affected our greater societal views - and in some places, even the laws? Isn't it better to offer support and comfort to someone who is struggling? This episode covers painful topics - please be advised of TW's and take care of yourself. 

My alma mater, Benet Academy, cannot stay out of the news lately.  I share my thoughts regarding the hypocritical and harmful actions towards their highly qualified Coach, as well as a couple stories regarding what it is like - what it is really like - to be a young person in that school's environment. [TW: this episode discusses sensitive topics including self-harm & inappropriate conduct]

Happy winter holidays!  Did you know that many different cultures celebrate the winter solstice? There are so many holidays this time of year - but Christmas is one of the most popular, with holiday shopping significantly impacting multiple economies.  This episode provides a few talking points to push against the silly idea that there is any "fight" whatsoever against Xmas.  Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and fantastic New Year!

Special interview!!! The Humanity Pages (thehumanitypages.net) is a new blog that is "dedicated to helping ourselves grow, learn, and evolve through the sharing of stories, thoughts, ideas, or inspirations."  I'm fortunate to speak with the creator, my dear friend Chris LeBrun, regarding his intentions for the site.  We also discuss his ongoing efforts to try and make the world more inclusive.  

A more inclusive world is a better world for all, yes?  But how, exactly, can we be “more inclusive”? This episode discusses normalizing and positive consequences, and what the backfire effect is and methods to counteract it.   We wrap up by recommending several different social media sites that might help expand knowledge through exposure to various topics.

DonorsChoose.org is an organization that allows you to give directly to classrooms in need.  This special, short episode gives you all the information you need to know about how to make a teacher's dream come true for their students.  

1 in 5 American adults will experience mental health challenges, yet more than half will not seek treatment.  This is partially due to stigma affecting how we collectively view mental health.   This episode discusses causes of mental health challenges (it is NOT weakness or lack of faith!) and simple steps that ANY of us can take to lessen the stigma on this highly important topic.

Sexism is wrong.  It's pervasive, but it's wrong.  Call it out with me, won't you?  Whether it's using humor to reframe old, nonsensical stories about a made-up woman, or telling a child that the length of her shorts has nothing to do with an adult's disrespect - there are steps that any and all of us can take to make the world safer. 

If you've left a belief system, at some point you may hear from someone you know, who feels compelled to share their concerns about your life choices.  This episode provides options for how to reply - or not - to these messages.  You have the power and right to elect not to respond, or to give a brief acknowledgement, or to "flip the script," and more!

There is no "wrong" way to express your gender - there just isn't.  Language is arbitrary, and changes over time.  Gender constructs differ around the world, and also change over time.  The way in which we identify ourselves will  - guess what! - change over time.  There is nothing wrong with you.  Whoever you are; you are valuable, and you deserve respect and love.  Show off your pronouns, they are beautiful.

Bonus content!  Hear more from the fantastic thoughts of both Melinda Wertz and C.S. Roberts.  This is the companion episode to the Importance of Rituals.

As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, what rituals can we create to help us honor the ones we've lost, bring closure to the worst of the crisis, and step into what comes next?  Why are rituals important; and how are rituals, religion, and theatre intertwined?  This episode explores what rituals have provided for us over the past 70,000 years.

If you or a loved one has recently left a harmful community, then know that you are loved and valuable.  I wish you well, and wish you strength to move through this transition.  This episode examines different kinds of cults, the reasons that victims become indoctrinated, and references expert advice on moving through this painful phase.  Hopefully together we will be able to make the world a healthier place.

Special episode only available temporarily.  Learning about the upcoming Conference on Religious Trauma and access a discount code. 

The anti-choice, anti-woman, anti-abortion ideology corrupted the term "pro life" in reaction to Roe v. Wade in 1973.  This episode describes the gross misuse of the term from a religious point of view, and also provides an overview of how our nation approached a woman's rights on this subject (spoiler alert: the approach was much more liberal than you might think!)  If you're interested in, or tired of, the propaganda touted by an extreme reactionary movement, then learn how and why it is time to reclaim the term "pro life!"

This special episode talks about donating items we no longer want to keep - and how to know whether we are doing this with the greatest impact. Donations can be a way to help others - but can also tug at our heartstrings as we struggle to separate our memories from our possessions.

A special short episode, talking about what I believe is one of the current most urgent humanitarian crises in our country: the crisis at our southern border.   Clouding this crisis is an ongoing reference to this as a political issue.  We, the public, are told this is a problem with immigration.  I believe this is inaccurate.  This is a problem of ethics.  It is a problem stemming from the view that some of us are less deserving of human respect and decency than others. 

Don't take our word for it! Learn about the science and psychology reinforcing why amplifying positive news has such great benefits.  Hear one of our favorite stories which occurred just this past winter in Chicago. 

Special Episode!!! M, a member of a foster family, says there are not enough resources to prepare children to welcome new foster siblings into their home. She shares advice, drawn from her own experiences and other children in foster families. 

The awkwardness of approaching life milestones, such as marriage, without a "traditional" ceremony.  Also: the power of amplifying positive news.  References at: nonelife.org.

Welcome to NoneLife! In Episode 1 learn what it means to be a "none." We also talk about why challenging yourself can make you a better person. References at: nonelife.org.