Screwed Up

And plot synopsis? We don't know s**t. That's the conclusion we've come to, after two seasons of Screwed Up Podcast and nearly a decade in New Age. We don't know why weird or inexplicable things happen, we don't know what happens after we die, and we are fine with that. So for our last episode, we decided to just have fun and go for a final round of things we wanted to bitch about! Here's the episode rundown: Will our podcast be archived? Actually, this one, we DO know! Using spirit guides as an excuse to be an A-hole: A New Age memoir. Why don't people ever talk about their mundane past life where nothing interesting ever happened?   Memory and DNA: maybe it's just science.* That documentary that will never see the light of day because everyone keeps getting murdered! Bob Saget! Gatekeeping and control. We say our thanks and goodbyes!   Some more topics that we would have loved to pick apart and discuss: Is everyone actually born “psychic” or with intuition? After years of teaching intuition development and realizing that making assumptions about everyone being “born with the same abilities” is both wrong and stigmatizing, Mimi thinks that no, not everyone can be empathic, intuitive or psychic. Are empaths just neurodiverse: part three. There is a facet of synesthesia that is called Mirror Touch, which is the ability to feel physical sensations in the same area of your body where someone else is experiencing it. This doctor [links to a video] wrote a book about how this helps him with his patients, and it is FA-SCI-NA-TING. Perhaps another time!   Thank you to our wonderful past guests: Jules Evans, Rev. Lindsey Turner, Mx. Randi Lee, and Ash Riley. Thank you to Kaz Windness for our logo! Thank you to everyone who supported us, talked about us to their friends, tagged us on Instagram to suggest us to their friends, and to everyone who followed us on social media, including our now-defunct FB page. We appreciate you all!   Credits:  Produced and edited by Mimi Bonhomme All songs copyright free. References:  *Turns out that yes, it is: https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/bioscience/can-memory-be-inherited/

In the nearly two years of us doing this podcast, we've discussed, in various ways, how New Age and spiritual communities foster an oppressive and hostile environment for anyone who isn't positive, healthy, happy or priviledged in some way. It's no surprise then that we decided to tackle head on spirituality, toxic positivity and ableism.  Specifically, we discuss how ableism shows up in New Age spirituality, for example with dismissive attitudes and comments that are meant to deny or negate a disabled person's experience, or through inspiration porn and other "Good vibes only" nonsense. Don't just take it from us, read up on other people's experiences with ableism in spirituality, or listen to what they have to say about it (the latter links to a TikTok video).  Here's the episode rundown:  We start with a sad announcement! Dr. Lana defines what ableism is Internalized ableism Shit New Agers say: closed chakras causing AIDS and other BS A brief history of ableism: puritans and the Medical Model Inspiration Porn Examples of how ableism shows up in New Age/spiritual circles Shit New Agers do: Mimi talks about an actual workshop that was created on "how to do mediumship like an autistic savant" How a positive-only mindset creates an unsafe environment for people with disabilities How to be inclusive and mindful about our internalized ableism, as spiritual entrepreneurs, teachers, coaches, etc.  Tips for social media Happy Holidays from Mimi and Dr. Lana! For resources and links discussed in this episode, please visit the episode's webpage at https://www.screweduppodcast.com/episodes/spirituality-toxic-positivity-and-ableism

We sat down to chat with business expert Ash Riley on spirituality and toxic marketing, ethics, trauma-informed messaging and so much more. Who hasn't seen a wellness influencer market themselves as being a "six-figure coach" or a new ager selling a pricey service they claim you could afford if you just asked "the universe to manifest the money" for it. These tactics are often employed by spiritual practitioners who use the Law of Attraction (LoA) as a way to manipulate vulnerable people into buying their services, and/or by spiritual practitioners who are new to spirituality. The latter often have no business training, but will be encouraged by "pop" spiritual coaches to start selling their services out of a sense of having to fulfill a God-given purpose. Some spiritual practitioners also often engage in aggressive marketing out of a need to survive. The entire spiritual business model is rotten, according to our guest, and based on deceptive, capitalistic models.  We invited Ash Riley to discuss with us the ways in which spiritual entrepreneurs can create conscious and trauma-informed, compassionate businesses that are no longer based on deceptive marketing tactics. Ash Riley walks us through what led her to create an online community to support professional spiritual entrepreneurs who want to align their spiritual business with their core values.  About our guest Ash Riley holds a B.A. in Journalism with a concentration in Strategic Communications and a minor in sociology. She is a business and marketing expert whose professional career spans nearly two decades, including four years as a business consultant for early stage tech startups. She's also a modern-day mystic, intuition development mentor and blogger who writes extensively about marketing and spiritual ethics on her blog, In My Sacred Space. Her writing advocates for a science-based, socially responsible, trauma informed spirituality. She recently launched an initiative to inform spiritual practitioners about toxic marketing practices in the wellness industry and establish a new paradigm for conscious business.  Here is the episode rundown: Channeling Erik and the beginning of Ash's spiritual journey Why does spirituality have such a big toxic marketing problem? What made Ash Riley leave spirituality, then come back How marketing's history is rooted in trauma Why spirituality shouldn't be your only source of income at first, or come from a place of need Dr. Lana re-tells us the story of how a charlatan once used the LoA to manipulate her into buying her services What is trauma-informed marketing, and how can spiritual practitioners apply it? How to stay authentic and true to your values in your spiritual marketing strategies Why spiritual practitioners should be at the forefront of the world's rising social awareness and no longer make excuses Dr. Lana explains how there needs to be more access to resources and knowledge from the mental health field to engage in preventative work Ash's Encyclopedia of Spiritual Terminology and Meanings For links and references mentioned in this episode, please visit our website at screweduppodcast.com

New Age's unhealthy obsession with spiritual, mental, and physical purity is nothing new.  We've all seen endless articles, blogs, posts and marketing campaigns that promise to help “cleanse” and “detox” you from all types of unwanted parasites that lower your vibration. This need to cleanse and keep your vibration high at all costs also ties into another staple of New Age beliefs: The Shift. The Shift is based on the idea that the world will go through a massive energetic “shift” that will trigger a worldwide spiritual awakening. The term is often associated with spiritual purity, in that new agers believe that only those who are enlightened or high vibrating enough will “survive.”  Some believe the “shift” to be a return to the “Divine Feminine,” where the world will be filled with nothing but “love and light.” As expected, this type of belief also opens the door to a myriad of unethical statements, where terms like “cleansing” are carelessly used to rationalize worldwide, tragic events like COVID and the millions of deaths it has caused. Special guest appearance by Mimi's cat Coquine! Here's the episode rundown: Dr. Lana explains the difference between the Shift and The Great Awakening The Age of Aquarius, henny! The emotional and historical baggage behind words like “cleansing” Why New Agers write or say deeply unethical things like COVID is “just the world cleansing itself” of “souls who wanted to leave the planet.” What is the attraction behind beliefs like The Shift, and how does it tie into cults like Q Dr. Lana explains why some people experience an emotional or cognitive disconnect when going through a collective trauma Mimi: knowing who you are, working on self awareness and being present in your physical reality should be the ultimate enlightened state of being, with no need to “awaken” to other people's truths and ideas Entities like Abraham Hicks and Kryon never predict worldwide events, but sure do have lots of opinions about them after the fact! Mimi talks about that time New Agers made fun of people grieving Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral burning down Please visit our website for references mentioned on the show!  Follow us on Instagram @screwed_up_podcast  

This week, Dr. Lana and Mimi return to their regular format and discuss Spiritual Narcissism and Savior Complexes in New Age. New Age spirituality can be an incredibly attractive place for anyone with a savior complex or need to fix others. While it's incredibly easy for some to get caught up in the flattery of people believing you have magical powers, it can unfortunately lead to charlatanism, false teachings, or abuse. We discuss possible reasons why some people believe they can heal diseases and what are the red flags to look out for when joining spiritual communities or teachers. Finally, Dr. Lana puts to rest the popular new age myth that all abusive relationships involve a narcissist or someone with Narcissism Personality Disorder.   Here's the episode rundown: Dr. Lana's disclaimer (also available on our website) Dr. Lana gives us brief definitions of the various savior complexes that exist We discuss John of God and the many red flags that were present before his arrest (one major hint was having the words “OF GOD” in his name) Spiritual healers and the unconscious “need to fix” behind certain claims (like "healing autism," etc.) Dr. Lana sheds some truth behind all those “Why are Empaths attracted to Narcissists” articles (check out our episode on Empaths for our perspective on highly sensitive people). Possible red flags to look out for and solutions for letting go of new age healers/teachers/influencers with savior complexes. For resources and links mentioned on the episode, please visit our website at https://www.screweduppodcast.com/

CW: This episode includes discussions of racial discrimination, race-based trauma, and genocide. Please scroll down for various resources and links. For our 2nd interview of Season 2 of Screwed Up, we wanted to invite a First Nations/Indigenous person active in their spiritual practice to talk to us about New Age's appropriation of Native culture and spirituality.  We were delighted and immensely humbled to sit down with Mx. Randi Lee (she/they), a Two-Spirit intuitive from the Ojibwe culture. Randi very generously shared their knowledge with us and answered all our questions with patience, wisdom, and grace. Please note the views shared in this interview are those of our guest. We acknowledge that not all Indigenous peoples may share the same views, opinions, and life experiences. If you're not familiar with our podcast, we are two ex-new agers who want to have more conversations with spiritual practitioners from marginalized groups or whose perspective is rarely heard. If you missed our first interview in this series, you can start with our episode with Rev. Lindsey Turner, a non-binary Christian pastor who spoke to us about how to incorporate gender-inclusive language in your spirituality.  About our Guest Mx. Randi Lee is a Two-Spirit, Métis intuitive from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Their current spiritual practice includes tarot readings and mediumship. Randi was raised in an Ojibwe reserve just outside of Fort Frances, Ontario. This important cultural heritage has informed their spirituality and work throughout their life, including working for United Native Friendship Centre, receiving vocational trainings on cultural diversity, going on Medicine Walks with elders, and participating in various Indigenous ceremonies such as Pow Wows. Follow Randi Lee on Instagram @randixradio and on their Facebook page Mentorship for Magical Mediums. Here's the episode rundown: Randi Lee tells us about their personal history and spiritual practice, and what it means to be a Two-Spirit person. Why white sage being mass harvested for mainstream consumption is a problem for Indigenous communities. How to smudge without appropriating. Spirit animals and animal totems: Randi Lee tells us about their Bear Clan, and how animal clans are passed down generationally New Agers and Native spirit guides: Dr. Lana and Mimi share how for some white New Agers, having a Native spirit guide means being exempt from doing the work. Randi Lee gives us their thoughts on how to show up for Indigenous people when claiming to have Native spiritual roots or guides. Lana and Randi share an emotional moment discussing their pain of not being able to trace their ancestors or familial roots We discuss the recent findings of the 215 Native children found in a mass grave in Kamloops, BC., and how this ties into cultural appropriation. How to help: steps new agers and white spiritual people can take to be an ally to First Nations/Indigenous communities Please note that due to the delicate topics discussed in this episode and out of respect for our guest, their message and their Native culture and heritage, we will not accept ANY negative or disrespectful comments aimed at our guest and/or their experience. Resources Related to Supporting the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the United States Canadian Resources (Note: The resources in this section are for Indigenous survivors of residential schools and their families.) Indian Residential School Crisis Line - 1-866-925-4419 Indian Residential School Survivors Society - https://www.irsss.ca/home Indigenous Crisis Support: Where to Find Help https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/indigenous-crisis-support-where-to-find-help-1.5446575 United States Resources Native American Rights Fund - https://www.narf.org/ https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-support-native-american-indigenous-communities.html (Note: This online article includes helpful information, as well as links to Indigenous organizations and communities). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada List of 15 books mentioned by Randi Lee on the show: https://www.cbc.ca/books/a-reconciliation-reading-list-15-must-read-books-1.4129333    

Guest Rev. Lindsey Turner, a Christian non-binary pastor and astrologer, helps Dr. Lana and Mimi dissect and dismantle a huge new age concept: the Divine Feminine and Masculine. Deconstructing the gender binary within new age and pagan spiritual communities is a conversation topic that is not often had. Well, we wanted to have it! So we asked Rev. Lindsey to join us and give us their perspective, not only as a non-binary astrologer and tarot reader, but also as a queer Christian pastor, and we there for it. Rev. Lindsey tells us about their journey from politics to Christianity to embracing their NB gender. We also talked and laughed (a lot!) about gendering God, planets, tarot cards, and shit new agers say like “the Divine Masculine is destroying the planet!” Rev. Lindsey gives us tips and ideas on how to speak of the Divine in gender neutral ways. About our guest Rev. Lindsey is a Christian, non-binary pastor and astrologer. They practice humanistic astrology; this means they approach astrology as a complete symbolic system that reflects our own human fullness. As a non-binary person, they approach astrology with the goal of integration. That means that there are no “good” or “bad” people, planets, or charts. They also publish weekly tarot spreads, horoscopes, and forecasts on their Patreon. You can find Rev. Lindsey posting regularly on their Instagram, which is @bad.pastor Book an appointment with Rev. Lindsey for astrology, tarot readings, and spiritual direction. Support us: Screwed Up is a non-profit podcast. We don't have ads, we don't have a Patreon, we don't make money from the show, however it does cost money to make it. If you enjoy the podcast or this episode, please consider making a donation. Visit https://www.screweduppodcast.com/donations for more information.

While season 1 expressed our “discontent” about the new age industry, season 2 will be more focused on having open discussions on topics that might be uncomfortable but that we feel are important, like cultural appropriation, gender identity, racism, etc. These are all topics that we believe spiritual communities should be having, but that we're not hearing. We hope to bring guests in that will help us learn and consider different perspectives on topics that matter to us, and that we hope will also spark constructive discussions among our listeners.

Guys, we need to talk about psychics and mediums. A good portion of QAnon conspiracies and disinformation within New Age was and is spread by "psychics" making prophetic claims that never happen, without anyone ever holding them accountable for it. The responsibility that psychics and mediums have is particularly important, because they will often times have a LOT of followers who will also too often believe and trust them over their own family, friends, and/or experts. In this episode, Mimi and Dr. Lana take their experiences within psychic and medium communities to talk about the responsibilities that comes with making claims to be psychic or having mediumistic abilities on social media, especially in 2021. How do we personally know about what this responsibility entails, you might ask? Because in 2016, Mimi created the short lived online community Psychic Punx, where they and other mediums, including Dr. Lana Holmes, would “interview” or channel well-known spirits on YouTube, including spirits of colour. The project was sincere and an expression of who we were at the time, but because the world and our own values have changed and evolved since, we felt that it was important to do an episode on this topic and to speak on it from experience.  What you will not hear us do in this episode is debate whether the supernatural exists or not, whether psychics and mediums are frauds or not, or what psychic and mediumship phenomenon is or isn't. We are simply going to discuss the world of online psychics and mediums based on what we have observed and experienced ourselves, and make it clear what our own beliefs on the matter are, which nobody has to agree with. The views that are expressed in this podcast are entirely our own. We had a few technical difficulties getting this episode together, including recording it a first time and not being able to use the recording due to faulty technology. We're so happy to finally bring you our first show of Season 2!   Besides hearing us say “this is for another episode!” a lot, here's the episode rundown: It's Season 2! You know you've officially “made it” when you get hate mail! Lana explains what the “ego” actually is On the emotional and spiritual responsibility that any new age influencer should have and be accountable to in 2021: Seeing challenging or opposing views as a gift, not a threat Humility and the ability to admit wrongdoing Emotional accountability: this thing New Agers do of blaming spirits or Mercury Retrograde as an explanation for their feelings On how mixing New Age and social media can make your spirituality stagnant: Having your ego constantly flattered (both on social media and as new age influencer) can be a conduit for ego-boosting, narcissism, or illusions of grandeur rather than growth. The example of Teal Swan and her continued belief that she is an alien who was chosen to be white and beautiful to be “more accessible” On Psychics and Mediums: Psychics, mediums, and the human bias. Can white mediums do spirits of colour or trans spirits justice, in 2021, by claiming to publicly speak for them? As a non-binary person, Mimi questions why mediums are not thinking outside the box more and looking to the future rather than sticking to outdated, traditional schools of thought that do not represent today's consciousness and progressive ideas. On how consumers of New Age can make a difference too: Get REALLY clear about what you will accept and no longer accept or support, as someone who is a consumer of spirituality, wellness, psychics, mediums, yoga, etc. Think about your values and what you look for in a teacher or mentor or someone to look up to for spiritual guidance Are the people you support consistent in their messages? Do they for example claim to have compassion for humanity but then boast about not wearing masks?     Credits: Recorded on March 12, 2021 Produced and edited by Mimi Bonhomme End credit music by The Bran Flakes

For our last episode of the season (meet you here again for season 2 in February, 2021!), we decided to take on a staple of New Age thinking and victim blaming: Abraham Hicks and The Law of Attraction, thanks in part to our listeners on Instagram and Facebook who encouraged us to talk about it.  If you've ever met a new ager or spiritual person in these COVID times who refuse to wear a mask or who believe they are spiritually superior or immune to a deadly virus because they "don't live in fear," chances are they are followers of Esther Hicks and her channelings of Abraham Hicks, an entity who "teaches" about The Law of Attraction (LoA). The Law of Attraction is a gigantic New Age staple that is based in understanding how one's intentions or thoughts "travel" and manifest energy. This concept has been understood for centuries by intuitives and is nothing new, but has been bastardized by books like "The Secret" to sell the idea that one can "manifest" whatever they want, including money, a perfect life, body, or partner. It has a language of its own (the "Vortex", etc.) and perpetuates beliefs that one "creates their own reality" through their thoughts, which also implies that any negative or traumatic experience in your life were caused by your thoughts. As ex-new agers ourselves, we have seen or experienced first hand how much victim blaming, gaslighting and spiritual bypassing goes into this kind of black/white belief.  Here's the episode rundown: It's our last show of the season!  Lana and Mimi briefly explain who and what is Esther Hicks, Abraham Hicks and the "Vortex" Mimi offers an explanation as to why so many new agers that follow the LoA seem inauthentic How and why "The Vortex" ideal encourages self-blame and victim blaming Mimi shares some of our listeners' experiences with the LoA and spiritual practitioners  Lana talks about a study called the Just World Hypothesis/Theory and why people tend to believe "good things happen to good people" and "bad things happen to bad people" Our personal experiences, as ex-new agers, with Abraham Hicks teachings Abraham Hicks on COVID-19: spread the "virus of positivity," stay immunized through the Vortex, the virus will be the best thing to ever happen to you, COVID happened because we "wanted it," and other irresponsible, dangerous nonsense Lana shares her thoughts on "The Secret" and a particular segment that seemed to blame a gay man for experiencing homophobia  Why discourse and dialogue is a better option to solve problems rather than looking to spiritual "Truths" 

We're very pleased to welcome our first podcast guest: author and philosopher Jules Evans, who is here to discuss his two must-read Medium pieces on Conspirituality and Nazi Hippies.  Jules is a research fellow at the Centre for the History of Emotions, Queen Mary University of London,  researching the history, philosophy and psychology of well-being, and how different cultures define and seek human flourishing. He is the author of Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations, on how Greek philosophy inspired Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and of The Art of Losing Control, on how people find ecstatic experiences in modern western culture. His new book Breaking Open: Finding a Way Through Spiritual Emergency, co-written and edited with Tim Read, is now available at Aeon Books or through any book retailer.    Here's the episode rundown:  Jules shares his early experiences with psychedelics and depression and the near-death experience that changed the course of his life; How to find balance between the rational and the emotional or spiritual; Conspiracies, psychics, and Teal Swan; Jules makes a parallel between current events and the 80's Satanic Panic; The history of New Age and its roots in extreme far-right movements; Could decriminalizing psychedelics be part of the answer and in the future for Western spirituality? Spiritual wisdom and hope in dark times: how activities like online yoga or meditation and Google searches for "prayer" increased during COVID.   Follow Jules Evans on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.   All references, links and resources mentioned on the show are available on our website at screweduppodcast.com    This interview was recorded via Zoom on September 25, 2020 and has been edited and condensed for time and clarity.   Produced and edited by Mimi Bonhomme. All music used with copyright permission.    Follow our podcast on Facebook or Instagram. For show topic suggestions or for any questions, you can email us at info@screweduppodcast.com   

Have you ever been trolled online, called a "sheep" or "sheeple," or told to wake up by someone who says they're all about the "love and light"? And why are there so many spiritual people into conspiracy theories anyway? In Episode 5: Conspiracies and Spiritual Bullies, we try to figure it all out and take an in-depth look at spiritual bullying in online communities.   Here's the episode rundown: Shout out to our 100th Facebook follower! Lana explains what is bullying and how it can be defined in the context of spirituality We discuss gaslighting, a form of manipulation that is used to deceive someone into questioning their sense of perception or reality and give an example of its damaging effects with a story that happened in a new age spiritual Facebook group Mimi sheds a light on how social media algorithms have affected our sense of perception and our ability to empathize, and how online propaganda creates division by triggering emotional responses that will bring us to share something without questioning its origin Lana helps us understand the behavior How to leave an online spiritual group or person who is using the tactics we mentioned (bullying, gaslighting, manipulation, etc.) and who no longer reflects your personal values Our final thoughts and personal opinions on the matter   Screwed Up is produced and edited by Mimi Bonhomme. All music used with copyright permission.  All references for the topics discussed in this week's episode can be found on our website.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube    We welcome your comments, questions and even suggestions for upcoming episodes! Contact us via our website or social media profiles. Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast!

In part 2 of our special on Empaths (listen here if you missed part 1), we dig a little deeper in trying to understand why so many people - especially women - choose to identify with a spiritual label that often times doesn't help in reconciling one's heightened sensitivity with other interrelated conditions.   Namely, we discuss the following: Could psychology's historic biases towards women and femmes could be to blame for women having so few options in understanding their sensitivity? Could neurodiversity also include people who experience extra-sensory perception? We expose ethically questionable and harmful practices some spiritual teachers and leaders continue to engage in   On the next episode of Screwed Up: Spiritual bullying. Stay tuned, and thanks for listening and supporting the podcast!    Resources and links can be found on our website  Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.   All music used with permission from Premiumbeats.com   Produced and edited by Mimi Bonhomme. 

Mimi Bonhomme and Dr. Lana Holmes critique, expose and explain the New Age industry for listeners.

Ever met a spiritual person who identified as an Empath but who didn't show much empathy?   Or Empaths who go through daily rituals like shielding from the world or people with bad vibes?   Is it possible to have empathy for others when we believe our spirituality is solely about maintaining equilibrium, nurturing only happy thoughts or avoiding negativity?    In Part 1 of their special on new age spirituality and empathy, Dr. Lana Holmes and Mimi Bonhomme ask, “What's screwed up about the label ‘Empath'?”   In New Age spirituality, the label Empath is also often understood to have a more supernatural aspect to it, as in someone who is not only deeply empathic, but who also has a telepathic understanding of another's feelings, which is why many refer to it as part of their identity, without really considering that other important aspect to it, y'know…empathy.   Dr. Lana and Mimi discuss the first thing that can happen when you get involved in New Age, namely, be given a label to acknowledge your “specialness” or difference.    They dissect the term Empath: what it means, and what it means to be empathic.  Dr. Lana explains why shielding ourselves from “toxic” people or negative energies can actually cause harm to others.   If you like what you hear, you can support the podcast by finding us on FB at https://www.facebook.com/SUpPodcast/    All links and resources we mention in each episode are on our website at https://www.screweduppodcast.com/   Thanks for listening!  

Please note this episode was recorded on June 4, 2020. In this episode, we discuss New Age's problem with Black Lives Matter, specifically practitioners who profess that "All Lives Matter" or who identify as "color blind." Dr. Lana Holmes explains why refusing to acknowledge systematic racism is harmful and opens up about her painful interactions with white spiritual practitioners. This is an important conversation and one that we feel not enough spiritual practitioners are having. Thank you for listening!

From formal introductions to New Age and white supremacy: we've got the goods! And yes, we're aware our audio sounds horrible. It's our first episode and we're in two different countries. Be kind. :)