Some Random Thoughts

On this final episode of Season 3, I thank each of my guests by name and discuss what was most meaningful in my conversations with them, I talk about the continued growth in listenership and support thanks to you, and I give an encouraging word about how hard it's been and how we can cling onto hope. A Special Thanks To My Season 3 Guests: Robbie Hurlocker Em Torres Janice Selbie Erin Green Brady Hardin Dr. Katie Blake Mandy Capehart Laura Isabel Perez-Cernuda Jazz Robertson Where to find me: Website: www.ryanmulkowsky.com Facebook: /ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky Find the Podcast: anchor.fm/somerandomthoughts youtube.com/ryanmulkowsky

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Jazz Robertson Jazz is an LA-based musician, podcaster, and project manager. Hailing from various hubs on the east coast, this fan of good weather and Mexican food enjoys contemplating the strange, going on adventures, and spending way too much time on Twitter. In this episode, we discuss Jazz's background on how religion formed her life, her passion for drumming and music, her unique insights on society and culture, and how to lean into being fully human. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Jazz: Sites https://jazzrobertson.com/ https://www.multiplesourcespod.com/ Socials Twitter: @JazzRobertson Instagram: @thejazzrobertson

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Laura Isabel Perez-Cernuda From loss of loved ones to being almost homeless more than once, Laura Isabel is living proof that you create your own happiness. Always willing to lend an ear and even help pave the way for others to also find that happiness within, she radiates joy to all those that surround her. A Certified Life and Happiness Coach, Laura Isabel has empowered thousands to continue taking that next step, no matter how small or difficult it may seem, towards that internal sunshine. She has helped many find and change those triggers and patterns that have held them down for so long. Originally from Miami, Florida, Laura now lives in Cadiz, Spain with her partner and her 10 year old pup Joy. Her favorite things include nature adventures and cooking/eating really yummy meals... Although she leaves the meat barbecuing to her partner. In this episode, we talk about her background as a former coach and now as a specialist who assists other coaches in building their platforms to reach those in need of support. We talk about her losses, her gains, and how she has maintained a sense of hope and built up resilience and strength along the path towards greater happiness. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to Find Laura Isabel: Instagram: @lauraisabelbu

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Mandy Capehart Mandy is an author, speaker, and certified grief and life coach in the Pacific Northwest. She is the founder of The Restorative Grief Project, an online community of grievers and grief supporters looking for movement while they heal. Her own experience with grief left her searching for resources while offering empathetic, long-term support without minimizing the pain of the moment. When she found nothing, she created it for herself and for you. Her first book is titled, “Restorative Grief: Embracing our losses without losing ourselves” released in 2021. This is a memoir and 31 day guidebook for managing grief and growth in the aftermath of loss, no matter how long it lasts. You can hear more about her grief work on her podcast, Restorative Grief with Mandy Capehart. She also co-hosts The Uncomfortable Grace Podcast, where space is held for growth amid the messy middle-parts of life. Mandy is a storyteller through and through, always in pursuit of adventure, grace, and opportunities to express gratitude. No matter the medium, her work revolves around learning how to honor our process of becoming. She currently lives in Southern Oregon with her husband, daughter, border collie rescue pup, and way too many houseplants. Together, we discuss grief and loss. We explore Mandy's background with her own losses and how she moved through those difficult, painful, messy parts of her life and into a space where she was able to find meaning, hope, and peace and to bring those things to others who are grieving. We talk about myths, misconceptions, and problematic platitudes to avoid when providing support to grievers, and we discuss what it's like to be grief professionals. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Mandy: Facebook: /mandy.capehart Twitter: @MandyCapehart Instagram: @mandycapehart Website: mandycapehart.com

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Dr. Katie Blake Dr. Katie is a social psychologist and educator whose primary work is helping women navigate the experience of deconstruction, belief change and spiritual exile. She earned her PhD in Social Psychology and has 15 years of experience teaching in colleges & universities. She has been teaching online courses and creating online spaces for 12 years. She hosts an online community called The Collective for women who are deconstructing religious & cultural programming. Dr. Katie is also a 500-hour Masters-level yoga instructor and has taught yoga and meditation for 7 years. She is a novice roller-skater and lives in the Texas desert with her husband. In this episode, we discuss the psychological affects of deconstruction and aspects found in fundamentalist, toxic forms of religion such as patriarchy, supremacy, and other systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, ableism, classism, ageism and heterosexism. We talk about how to dismantle toxic beliefs and integrate new, healthy beliefs in your life. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Dr. Katie: Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram: @drkatieblake Website: drkatieblake.com

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Brady Hardin Brady is the host of The Life After Podcast, which focuses on deconstructing beliefs, discovering who you are, and reimagining the future after Christian Fundamentalism. His focus is on secular humanism after being in the Christian ministry. Together, we discussed Brady's background as a former Christian minister who deconverted out of Christianity and into secular humanism. We also talk about their journey of living fully into their queer identity and co-parenting. We talk about issues with progressive Christianity, especially Brady's experiences with progressive Christian clergy who seek to minimize or dismiss completely queer perspectives of non-Christians. We talk about the power of storytelling and how this tool can be used to help those who are deconstructing and also form meaningful, secular communities. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Brady: Facebook: /thelifeafterorg Twitter: @bradyhardin, @thelifeafterorg Instagram: @bradyhardin, @thelifeafterorg Websites: www.thelifeafter.org

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Erin Green Erin (She/They) is the new Campus and Alumni Organizer for the Religious Exemption Accountability Project (REAP). They are an affirming biblical scholar and LGBTQ+ activist. Erin has a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University and an M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Their specialties are in the entire Christian biblical corpus with an emphasis on the Hebrew Bible, the ancient Near East, exegesis, and how to employ various hermeneutical methods. Erin's passion is helping those excluded by the church to heal from spiritual abuse and trauma by navigating the biblical text in restorative ways. Erin is best known for their work in supporting LGBTQ+ students on conservative, Christian university campuses and in religious spaces. Together, we discussed queer identity and Christianity and Erin's journey into affirming their fullest self and finding meaning and purpose in the Christian tradition. Along with the work they do to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the church and on college campuses, especially faith-based campuses with a history of LGBTQ+ discrimination. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Erin: Twitter: @ErinGreenbean Instagram: @_runningerins_ Websites: www.eringreen.com Check out the Religious Exemption Accountability Project (REAP) at www.thereap.org

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest: Janice Selbie Janice is a Registered Professional Counselor and religious recovery consultant. Janice was born and raised in a charismatic Christian home, attending Pentecostal, Vineyard, and other Evangelical churches before eventually marrying a man who would become a pastor. In her 30s she became ultraconservative, donning a head-covering, homeschooling their children, and rejecting any vestiges of secular life. It wasn't until her 40s that she began experiencing doubts about her deeply held faith. As her marriage unraveled, her questions grew. She found herself wondering about the impact of religion on sexuality, gender roles and equality, social justice, and more. After ending her decades-long marriage, Janice went back to school to attain her Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counseling. She is the founder of Divorcing Religion & creator of the Divorcing Religion workshop, along with creating the annual Conference on Religious Trauma and the Shameless Sexuality conference. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Janice: Facebook: /janice.selbie Twitter: @Wise_counsellor, @divorcereligion, @ComeToCORT, @ShamelessConf1 Instagram: @wisecounsellor Websites: www.divorcing-religion.com, www.religioustraumaconference.org, www.shamelesssexuality.org You can receive $20 off your ticket for the Conference on Religious Trauma (CORT) by using the promo code “Podcast20”. If you purchase an “All Access” ticket to both the Conference on Religious Trauma (CORT) and the Shameless Sexuality conference you can receive a $50 discount with your combined purchase. CEUs are available for mental health professionals at both of these conferences along with student discounts and a limited number of scholarships. For more information and to register, check out www.religioustraumaconference.org & www.shamelesssexuality.org for details.

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Em Torres Em is a blogger and podcaster talking about faith deconstruction and topics that affect people who left religious spaces. Currently she uses her blog, social media, and podcast called “The Life She Wrote” to speak out about the harm caused by American white evangelical Christianity. Topics she discusses include purity culture, anti-LGBTQIA+ theology, clergy abuse, religious trauma, white supremacy, and Christian Nationalism. Before her deconversion, Em spent 35 years inside Pentecostal and evangelical Christianity in various churches as a member, volunteer, and church staffer. Together, we discuss what it was like to be ex-church staffers and life outside of ministry. We get ranty at times, but we also discuss the historical and current concerns found in white evangelical Christian expressions of faith including indoctrination, emotional manipulation, exploitation, othering, abuse, racism, and exclusion. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Em: Facebook: /thelifeshewrote Twitter: @life_she_wrote Instagram: @thelifeshewrote Websites: thelifeshewrote.com

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I have with me my special guest, Robbie Hurlocker. Robbie is a self-professed confused agnostic, anti-capitalism leftist, Christian, mystic, cis man, biromantic gray ace, fantasy fan, edge dancer, enneagram 2w1, INFJ, Ravenclaw, anti-theobro lay theologian, dad, tap dancer, occasional poet, collector of labels. Together, we discuss the importance of discovering the nuances of spirituality in our personal lives and amongst each other in society and culture. We talk about what spirituality can mean outside of religion and how it does not need to be confined to a supernatural, transcendent framework; though it can for many people. Robbie provides unique and timely insights on how spirituality transforms us and should make us better people, not bitter people. Thank you for listening and enjoy. Where to find Robbie: Twitter: @alphaknight Instagram: @robhurlocker Website: simplicitychurchokc.org Link to Article Used in Discussion: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/earshot/the-accidental-atheist/6850798 To Learn More About Sunday Assembly: sundayassembly.online

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Grief & Loss" with my special guest: author, therapist, and grief expert Jan Owen. We discuss all things grief and loss including why much of western society does not like to talk about grief & loss, and our overall collective unpreparedness to deal with this reality. We also talk about the myths & misconceptions of grief, healthy ways to cope with loss, and how to find support if you are grieving and/or be supportive of the grieving. Jan also shares her lived experience as a widow and talks about her powerful book: Fighting Forward: A Widow's Journey from Loss to Life, including how she navigated her loss and rebuilt a new life full of hope and opportunity. Where to find Jan: Facebook: /jan.owen Twitter: @janjowen Instagram: @janowen www.janjowen.com You can purchase her book, Fighting Forward: A Widow's Journey from Loss to Life, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Forward-Widows-Journey-Loss-ebook/dp/B06XBR4NDY/ Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Trauma & Resilience" with my special guest: Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist & resilience coach Danielle Southwick. We discuss all things related to trauma, grief & loss, tragedy, stress, and the importance of resilience through life's most difficult moments. We look together at the study I mention in the season one episode where we explore six key factors that promote better health and overall well-being along with Danielle's unique insights in how she has overcome painful moments in her own life and has rebuilt a new, thriving life full of possibility and hope. Where to find Danielle: Instagram: @southwickgriefrecovery www.daniellesouthwick.com Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Soul & Body" with my special guest Izzy (@existentializzy). We discuss all things related to the 'soul' and body including the mind/body connection, spirituality as it relates to the non-physical realities of the human condition, the value of science and psychology (specifically psychotherapy) in understanding self, accessibility to foster positive discussion around spirituality for secularists, the body as a reliable companion, and absurd and harmful beliefs found in religion such as purity culture, modesty culture, and denial of self; amongst others. Where to find Izzy: Twitter: @ExistentialIzzy Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Social Media & Well-Being" with my special guest: writer and speaker Elisabeth Bojang. We discuss all things social media and its affects, both individually and collectively, on our overall health and well-being. We talk about the history of social media; its evolution into a prominent, global influential force; how social media has contributed, both positively and negatively, on our mental health; exploring the moral implications of social media; and practical tips on how we can manage its use to benefit our lives and not limit it.  Where to find Elisabeth: Twitter & Instagram: @ElisabethBojang www.elisabethbojang.com Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on 'Racism & Whiteness' with my special guest: blogger, creator and educator Brittany Bruton. We discuss all things racism and whiteness and how it affects every facet of our society and culture from Brittany's lived experience and her expertise as an educator. In this episode, we cover several facets about racism such as its affects on the public education system, the whitewashing of textbooks, the 'sin' of racism in private/Christian education, the miseducation of Critical Race Theory amongst the general public, the difference between equality & equity, the case for reparations, the historical affects of racism, the social construct of whiteness and its creation and its weaponization in culture against BIPOC, the problem of performative allyship amongst white people & in the corporate world, and practical ways white people can become true allies in the fight for justice & equity for BIPOC. Where to find Brittany: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @brittnbloom www.brittanyinbloom.com Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on 'Cancel Culture & Exchange of Ideas' with my special guest Teel Short of Jesus People Chicago and co-moderator of Progressive Christians on Clubhouse. We discuss all things cancel culture and exchange of ideas with a unique twist only Teel could provide: how to live amongst others in 'intentional community', especially when conflict arises and differences emerge. Teel has keen insight on how to engage with others in life-giving, grace-filled ways that are open, inclusive, accessible, empathetic, and loving. If you have wondered how to have better conversations, deeper relationships, and richer self-growth; this episode will be of significant interest to you. Where to find Teel: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @teelshort JesusPeopleChicago.org Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Self-Reliance & Non-Conformity" with my special guest Cameron Bishop, host of the Cognitive Theology Podcast. We discuss all things self-reliance and non-conformity including transcendentalism, groupthink/herd mentality movements, the difference between isolation and solitude, how to grow into your most authentic self, the need to differentiate from the crowd but also finding meaningful community, and lots more.    Where to find Cameron Bishop: Twitter: @CameronLBishop Instagram: @CameronLeviB www.cognitivetheology.com   Where to find me: Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com   You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube!   YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky   Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Perception & Reality" with my special guest Cortland Coffey, host of the Thereafter Podcast. We discuss all things pertaining to truth vs. falsehoods, leaving religion, morality, social constructions, the human condition, "how we know what we know", and how to generally live life as congruent to the world around us as truthfully and honestly as possible. Where to find Cortland: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @cortlandcoffey anchor.fm/thereafter Where to find me: www.ryanmulkowsky.com Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to another episode of "Some Random Thoughts". On this episode, I revisit my season one episode on "Spirituality & Deconstruction" with my special guest Meghan Crozier (aka The Pursuing Life). We discuss all things spiritual deconstruction including Meghan's journey and some changes in mine since last season. We talk about doubt, vocation, identity, religious trauma, indoctrination, the church and ministry, and what does faith (or lack of faith) look like for the uncertain, the hopeless, and the jaded.  Where to find Meghan: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @thepursuinglife www.thepursuinglife.com Where to find me: www.ryanmulkowsky.com Facebook: @ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky www.ryanmulkowsky.com You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" in video on YouTube! YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

Welcome to the season two premiere of "Some Random Thoughts" with yours truly, Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I "re-introduce" myself and the purpose behind this podcast. I also talk about the differences (and similarities) between season one and season two, what you can expect in season two, and where to connect with me to get some inside scoop on my work and to learn more about the podcast. Where to Find Me: www.ryanmulkowsky.com facebook.com/ryanmulkowskyofficial Twitter: @ryanmulkowsky Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky You can also find season two of "Some Random Thoughts" on video on YouTube! (YouTube.com/ryanmulkowsky)  Music by Twisterium from Pixabay Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash Published through Anchor by Spotify

We all have or will experience the universal reality of loss and the ensuing grief that follows such things. Yet, we seem significantly unprepared to deal with such realities on an ongoing basis. On this season finale episode, I explore what grief & loss is, the myths surrounding the grieving process, how to cope with loss, and how to support others going through these experiences.

There is little doubt that we all have experienced increased stress, trauma, or tragedy in our lives. On this episode, I explore what trauma and resilience is; how we can move through trauma and become more resilient; and six key factors that promote better health and overall well-being.

Do our bodies and our minds work together in perfect harmony, or are they two separate entities doomed to be inexplicably disconnected? On this episode, I talk about the importance of the body and how there is hope for the mind/body connection to flourish to greater heights in our everyday lives.

Is social media a force for good or a force to be reckoned with? On this episode; I explore the evolution of social media, its affects on our society, and whether it promotes more toxicity or more meaning for us in our lives.

How is it that racism still exists post slavery and Jim Crow? Why do people deny the realities of how whiteness has permeated modern society at the detriment of people of color? On this episode, I explore my own lament at denying the existence of systemic racism, what I have learned, and some recommendations on resources you can engage with in becoming anti-racist.

What is “cancel culture”? Is it a means to protect the identities and ideas of the most oppressed and marginalized, or is it an ends to suppress the free exchange of ideas which damages freedom of speech. On this episode, I talk about if these realities can co-exist or if we have to choose one or the other.

In times of increasing stress, trauma, and loss; what can we do to maintain contentment and find happiness? In times of increasing division and pressure to conform; what can we do to maintain our individuality and seek a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-worth? On this episode, I talk about one of my new favorite classic writers and the wisdom they have shared with the world and wisdom we can use today.

Does what we believe about the world around us actually match up to how the world actually is? Can we ever know for sure what reality is in the first place or is our perception of the world a greater force in our lives? On this episode, I explore what perception and reality is and how we can better align these two things together in harmony.

On this episode, I explore what it means to go through spiritual deconstruction and I share a little bit about my own experience. I also talk about harmful and helpful aspects of religious and irreligious identity and practice and how we can do and be better no matter what we believe.

Welcome to the first episode of “Some Random Thoughts” with Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I talk about why a straight, white, male is bothering with making a podcast and why I want to do it anyway.