The Existential Ginger

On February 21, 2023, the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) released a statement announcing that they would be charging the investment wing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (ope that's the Mormons) for essentially being super dishonest with money under a non-profit wing of the church called Ensign Peak. I briefly break down (to my understanding) how the Mormon church broke the law and what the SEC's "punishment" to the church was. While this certainly isn't the first time that the Mormon Church has done something sketchy or dishonest (nor will it be the last), I talk about why I don't think this particular instance will have a direct affect on church membership retention. I share one example of experiencing maaaaajor cognitive dissonance as a Mormon and why I still stayed devout, even when something felt "off."Lastly, I pull an affirmation card from Spirit Junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein (snag your own deck here: Spirit Junkie)Read the press release from the SEC here.Enjoy & stay rad! - Charisse**Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and potential religious trauma triggers.Find all my links here.The Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

Welcome to Season 4, I guess? Warning: lots of tears in this episode. I explain why it's been difficult to consistently put out episodes over the last year (and why that might not be changing any time soon....). I share what I'm grieving, with a tangent on how awkward & NOT well our culture handles grief in general. Cosmic coincidences = the term I now use to describe what my former, Mormon self would have called Divine Intervention or "God's hand in my life" - I share my own recent cosmic coincidence, as well as read/listen to feedback + stories I received on social media. Lastly, I pull an oracle card for us from The Moon Deck (snag your own here: Moon Deck )Enjoy & take exquisite care of yourself! - Charisse**Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, discussion of death of a pet, and potential religious trauma triggers.Find all my links here.The Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

2023 has entered the chat...In this short & sweet episode, Charisse gets personal with how 2022 went for her and what she plants on tweaking going into the New Year. She leaves the listener with some thoughts on how we all "recharge" our metaphorical batteries and how that's equally important, but drastically different than "resting" our metaphorical batteries.Catch some sneak peeks of what's to come on the podcast, as well as Charisse's word/theme for 2023.**Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.** This episode is brought to you in part by The ExMo Candle Co. https://exmocandles.com/candles/the-existential-ginger/View all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThe Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

Manfriend (aka Kyle) is back and joins Charisse, along with Greg Sterner and Abby Sterner of the Sterner Stuff Brand Podcast for a fun & philisophical discussion surrounding morality & ethics. Find the tail end of our conversation, including Greg & Abby's questions for Manfriend and Charisse, on the Sterner Stuff Brand Podcast (found wherever you listen to rad podcasts).Questions explored and examined in this episode:What does morality look like without a religious or dogmatic system? How can we as humans coexist in a world where we can't all agree on what constitutes eithical or unethical behavior? Can a person's art, work, or products be separated from their moral failings? and More! This episode is brought to you in part by The ExMo Candle Co. https://exmocandles.com/candles/the-existential-ginger/View all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThe Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

**Apologies for my worn-out, tired-sounding voice! It's still recovering from recent bouts of Covid and RSV and isn't quite back to normal. Hope you love the episode! - Charisse**This episode wraps up the mini series of BIG, scary existential questions with the final and arguably most daunting of the 3: Where Do We Go? In other words: where do we go when we die (if anywhere)? Sounds dreary, we know, but the goal of this episode is to explore various cultural, religious, and scientific theories surrounding death & an afterlife, as well as examine the ways in which our beliefs about death change the way we live.What happens to our soul and body when we die?What is a “soul,” really and where does it live in the body?Do our personalities and memories transcend death? Can they be transferred to our posterity or people who receive organ donations from us? Does the way we treat the body after death affect the soul's ability to navigate the afterlife? Is a belief in a god necessary for a belief in life after death?Charisse explores possible answers to these questions and more, leaning on scientific research, personal accounts, cultural funerary & burial practices, and theological doctrines. Charisse shares how her belief in the Mormon (aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Plan of Happiness affected her faith during her divorce, including petitioning for a sealing cancellation (also called a Temple Divorce). The episode concludes with Charisse's current, personal beliefs on death and the possibility of an afterlife. **Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, mention of suicide, and overall discussion of death, including brief, medical descriptions of decomposition.View sources and research for this and other episodes of the podcast here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jhaTPhoNlSOaLm0hqxM2ALqiHW4gzV1J56rlibIJ8fw/edit?usp=sharing This episode is brought to you in part by The ExMo Candle Co. https://exmocandles.com/candles/the-existential-ginger/View all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThe Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

Joined by Evidential Medium, Emily Jane (of Wild Heart Mediumship), Charisse explores some of the possibilities of where we go after we die in this emotionally-packed episode. Emily shares her story of connecting with her late father, her motivations for developing mediumship herself, and how her views of death have drastically changed since her own Mormon upbringing.Who knew talking about death could be so uplifting, fun, and filled with love? Grab a Blasphemous Beverage and prepare yourself to think of death in a whole new way with Emily and Charisse.*Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, brief mention of suicide, and potential religious trauma triggers.Learn more about Emily & book a session with her here: https://www.wildheartmediumship.com/Emily's TikTok handle: @wildheartmediumshipMegan Alisa's (Emily's Mentor) TikTok handle: @meganalisamedium Learn more about mediumship courses (including the one Emily mentions in the episode) here: https://www.oakbridgeinstitute.org/ This episode is brought to you in part by The ExMo Candle Co. https://exmocandles.com/candles/the-existential-ginger/View all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThe Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

"Manfriend" (aka Charisse's boyfriend) makes a special appearance as co-host for the second installment of our mini series concerning life's big, existential questions. He chimes in with commentary on various philosophical answers to "Why are we here," as well as putting in his own two cents on the subject, AND we learn from him what it's like dating an ExMormon in the episode's #CultureShockSegment.Charisse and Manfriend discuss the following philosophical and religious answers to Why are were here (amongst others):- Confucianism- Nihilism - Absurdism- Daoism - Existentialism (obviously)- Mormonism (obviously)- Methodist & Baptist Christianity- Platonism - Kantianism - Pragmaticism Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and audible drunkenness (sorry, Mom).This episode is brought to you in part by The ExMo Candle Co. https://exmocandles.com/candles/the-existential-ginger/View all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThe Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

(Apologies for the echo in the audio this week. Charisse's mic wasn't plugged in and she didn't realize it until she was done recording #RookieMistake)There's no beating around the bush, we're diving into the first of the three BIG, scary, existential questions: where do we come from? (But is it really THAT big & scary?) Charisse examines some of the various theological, philosophical, and scientific answers to this question that have from all over the world. From creation stories to a Birds and Bees breakdown, this episode looks at the question from all different angles!Listener discretion is advised due to adult language. This episode is brought to you in part by The ExMo Candle Co. https://exmocandles.com/candles/the-existential-ginger/View all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThe Existential Ginger podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group, LLC.

Charisse is BACK for another season! The break was way longer than intended, but the time away gave her plenty to think about. The podcast will be pivoting a little going into this new season, with new topics being discussed and a new format for guest episodes. Logo Caricature Art by Karen Romero: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaruDrawsView all of Charisse's links here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger

"Self-care" is a buzz phrase right now and since we're all experiencing a global burnout thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic (not to mention work burnout, parental/care-giver burnout, social media burnout, religious burnout, etc), Charisse breaks down exactly how burnout affects us and how self-care can help us cope with burnout. She unpacks what caring for yourself really means, beyond the commercialized, monetized, and Instagram photo-worthy #selfcare movement, including ways you can discover what taking care of & preserving your self looks like for YOU.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language. Find Charisse on the socials by searching for "The Existential Ginger." View Merch, Charisse's Patreon perks, and more here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/ SOURCEShttps://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/27/1-in-3-women-are-considering-leaving-the-workforce-or-changing-jobs.html https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/01/25/1075115539/the-great-resignation-more-like-the-great-renegotiation

Join Charisse as she recaps 2021 and looks forward to the New Year, including a revisit to all her guests' answers to what they think the meaning of life is. Charisse also gives her best attempt at answering her own question, with a little help from Dr. Viktor Frankl. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language. Find Charisse on the socials by searching for "The Existential Ginger." View Merch, Charisse's Patreon perks, and more here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

Casey and Sam from Growing Up Christian podcast join Charisse in this light-hearted and fun conversation about transitioning out of different Christian denominations. Casey and Sam both attended Liberty University (a private Evangelical university), where they met and started to doubt their fundamentalist Christian upbringings. Years later, they reconnected and started a podcast to discover and share stories of Growing Up (and in a lot of cases, leaving) Christianity. Discussion topics in this episode include:- Are Jehovah's Witnesses actually the strangest Christian denomination?- The relief of no longer feeling morally obligated to proselytize & evangelize- The White Savior Complex masquerading behind Christian mission trips- How leaving fundamentalist Christianity has changed views around relationships, marriage, parenting, and the LGBTQ+ community - How Growing Up Christian got started as a podcast- Do mainstream Christians have a persecution kink?Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Follow Casey & Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingupchristianpodcast/Listen to Growing Up Christian, available on all major podcast platforms!Find Charisse on the socials by searching for “The Existential Ginger.”View merch, explore Charisse's Patreon perks, and more here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Group https://therealwhmg.com/

Witches and Wiccans and Pagans - Oh my! Charisse breaks down a belief system that she previously feared and misunderstood in this solo episode. That's right, folks, this is what your Pastors and Bishops warned you about: we're diving head-first into who witches are, what they believe (as well as what they don't believe), and whether or not Charisse is ready to “convert” to witchcraft. Topics include:- Devil worship (is that really a thing witches do?)- Sabbats (not to be confused with “Sabbaths.”)- Tarot and oracle cards- Crystals- Pagan deities- Magic (or is it “magick?”) & spells- and MORE!We hope that this episode shines some Light and Love on a community that has been historically misunderstood and villainized. Blessed be!Follow Kay The Krystal Witch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kthecrystalwitch/ Find Charisse on the socials by searching for “The Existential Ginger.”View merch, explore Charisse's Patreon perks, and more here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/ Sources & Recommendations for this Episode:“The Moon Book: Lunar Magic to Change Your Life” by Sarah Faith Gottesdiener“The Way of the Witch: A Path to Spirituality and Self-Empowerment” by Sally Morningstar“The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch” by Deborah Blake“Moon Magic: A Handbook of Lunar Cycles, Lore, and Mystical Energies” by Aurora Kane“How to Read Tarot: A Modern Guide” by Jessica Wiggan“Cats, Tea, and Witchcraft” podcast (available on all platforms)“Comfy Cozy Witch” podcast (available on all platforms)Kay the Crystal Witch: https://www.instagram.com/kthecrystalwitch/

Rachel and Leah from the Hashtag History podcast join Charisse in an informative discussion about American Indian Boarding Schools - from their purpose, to their history, to their impact. While it's certainly a dark topic, we all feel strongly that it's an important one to raise awareness around. After the rum from our Blasphemous Beverage kicked in, all 3 ladies agree that while some history should never be repeated, we wouldn't be mad if certain 90s trends from our childhoods make a permanent comeback.Listener discretion is advised due to the enjoyment of alcohol, discussion of various forms of abuse to children, and adult language.Be sure to support Rachel & Leah here: https://linktr.ee/HashtagHistory Resources for This Episode:Find which Indigenous Nation(s) lived where you are → https://native-land.ca/ Support the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition → https://boardingschoolhealing.org/ Find Charisse on the socials by searching for “The Existential Ginger.”View merch, checkout the new Patreon page, and listen to Charisse on other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

As Charisse has mentioned before, she's a descendant of *Mormon Pioneers, who walked across the midwestern United States in the mid 1850s to escape religious persecution and “settle” the Salt Lake valley (spoiler alert: there were already people living there long before the Mormons arrived). In this episode, she dives into HOW early Mormons were received by the general public, WHY Mormons felt compelled to move their families to the then-wild west, and HOW life looked for all people living in the land we now know as Utah once the Mormons arrived. Whether you know anything about Mormon pioneers or Utah's history, this episode covers the basics along with some things even Charisse didn't know about her own heritage. This episode is not intended to be an expose on early Mormon Church history, but rather, an examination of the narrative Charisse was taught about her ancestors juxtaposed with other historical records. *The Mormon church is formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsListener discretion is advised due to enjoyment of alcohol, adult language, and brief descriptions of historical violent events.Discover your own family history at https://www.familysearch.org/en/ (Please note that this domain is owned & operated by the Mormon Church)Find Charisse on the socials by searching for “The Existential Ginger.”View merch, checkout the new Patreon page, and listen to Charisse on other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/ -SOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE -http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/dbroadhu/ny/miscNYC2.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_polygamy_in_the_United_States https://www.loc.gov/item/12020459/ https://utahcommhistory.com/2017/04/27/the-edmunds-act-of-1882/ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132?lang=eng http://ilovehistory.utah.gov/people/groups/immigrants/mormons/index.html https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/journey-martins-cove-mormon-handcart-tragedy-1856 https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/mormons-utah/ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/mountain-meadows-massacre?lang=eng&cid=14503511667&adlang=eng&source=google&network=x&gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthM7TIUjz_JgEwBTaaXFLyLyzwmEE_MF4I7oZ02TA_Wd0_GGLwW9vCBoCVqYQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthM7TIUjz_JgEwBTaaXFLyLyzwmEE_MF4I7oZ02TA_Wd0_GGLwW9vCBoCVqYQAvD_BwE “The West: An Illustrated History” by Geoffrey C. Ward“An Indiginous Peoples' History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Charisse is joined (again) by the wonderful Lindsay Helm (see below for link to Lindsay's episode from season 1)! Lindsay's back to talk about her finished memoir, “Vixen: From Mormon Convert to LDS Apostate;” the writing process, the catharsis of concluding, the editing process, and the exciting release! Regardless of your knowledge or affiliation with the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), we're confident you'll love hearing from Lindsay again AND be thoroughly touched by her memoir.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and potential religious trauma triggers.Listen to Lindsay's episode from Season 1 of The Existential Ginger: https://www.spreaker.com/user/whitehorsemediagroup/teg-1-04-lindsey-helm Follow Lindsay:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/linds.helm/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lindsayhelmwriter Find Charisse on the socials by searching for “The Existential Ginger.”View merch, checkout the new Patreon page, and listen to Charisse on other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

Charisse kicks off Season 2 with this special Ask Me Anything episode! She answers YOUR questions, which cover everything from sex to the controversial sandwich vs hotdog debacle.Have a burning question for Charisse? Send it over to TheExistentialGinger@Gmail.com Follow & Support the show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger

After a brief summer break (that wasn't really announced - oops!), Charisse is back in the recording chair. She shares what's been going on in her life this summer as well as some exciting, new announcements about the show, AND a preview of what to expect in Season 2!Find Charisse on the socials by searching for "The Existential Ginger."View merch, checkout the new Patreon page, and listen to Charisse on other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerBrought to you by White Horse Media Group https://therealwhmg.com/

Kelsey is a therapist and educator who specializes in supporting those going through religious deconstruction and/or working through the effects of spiritual abuse. She joins me in this episode for an important conversation surrounding one of my favorite things: THERAPY! We cover how to know if therapy would be helpful to you, where to start when it comes to finding your perfect-fit therapist, resources that can help with funding, how to gauge when therapy is working for you, and specifics when it comes to religious trauma recovery-related therapy. Regardless of where you are with therapy, Kelsey and I hope this episode helps alleviate some of the stress and stigma around seeking out and utilizing therapy.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and potential religious trauma triggers.Connect with Kelsey:Instagram: @kelseyhoff.counsellingWebsite: www.kelseyhoffcounselling.com Email: info@kelseyhoffcounselling.com RESOURCES:https://journeyfree.org/https://www.reclamationcollective.com/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists https://www.therapyden.com/ https://openpathcollective.org/https://affordabletherapynetwork.com/ Follow and Support the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerUse My Smile Direct Link & Get A Discount:https://fbuy.io/smileus/q7zf3z5r This podcast is brought to you by White Horse Media Group:https://therealwhmg.com/

Solo episodes return with this followup episode to Identity Crisis & Sense of Self (released on Feb 25, 2021). I dive into why community & belonging are not only things we strive for, but actual human NEEDS (according to research by Dr. Brene Brown and others) and why it's so damn painful when we lose our communities through the process of leaving a religion, getting divorced, or going through a global pandemic. Can/should the communities we had in our former faiths be replaced? How do we find belonging within ourselves? Can we have a community without belonging? I dive into all these questions and more in this episode! Also, #CultureShock Segment is BACK and I'm revealing my first post-Mormon coffee-drinking experience.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Follow and Support the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Use My Smile Direct Link & Get A Discount:https://fbuy.io/smileus/q7zf3z5r Angela Morris Community Post:https://www.instagram.com/p/CQJecZtHZdn/ Micah J Murray Community Video: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLUnk5PjySl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Vox Article on Secular Communities:https://www.vox.com/first-person/2019/6/4/18644764/church-religion-atheism-secularism Quit Mormon Events for Faith Transitions:quitmormon.com/events 10% of 2021 Profits from The Existential Ginger Will be Donated to The Trevor Project (The lovely ladies at Moms and Mayhem Podcast will be matching our donation): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ This podcast is brought to you by White Horse Media Group:https://therealwhmg.com/

Join Celeste and I as we discuss the book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari, which we both recently read and enjoyed! Celeste is a fellow former Mormon who uses beautifully- articulated essays to process her faith deconstruction. Reading “Sapiens” caused us both to confront numerous narratives we were taught about the human species both in our former religion, as well as in our societal culture. We break down our biggest takeaways from the book, the things that made our heads hurt, and aspects we experienced dissonance with. Whether you've read the book or not, we hope you enjoy our banter about how our views have changed about humans!Follow Celeste and her essays:https://www.instagram.com/celestemdavis/Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerBuy your copy of "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari here https://amzn.to/3bVmH49This podcast is Executive Produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com

Join me and Dr. Tometich for a therapy session...no, but really - in this episode, we switch things up! My friend and Clinical Psychology PhD, Dr. Danielle Tometich, takes the reins on the episode and guides me (and YOU) through a self-compassion therapy session. We cover reframing thoughts + negative self-talk, emotion regulation, how to discover your core values, and inner child work! Dr. Tometich also gives a guided, self-love meditation on the episode and provides some journal prompts to help us speak kinder to ourselves.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Connect with Dr. Tometich: https://twitter.com/PhdTometich Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThis podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

Kara is a Life Coach who specializes in helping people who have transitioned out of high-demand religions live their best, fullest, most authentic lives! As a former Mormon, she shares her personal story of questioning narratives, deconstructing beliefs, and reaching a place of healing and congruence with her core values. We discuss forgiveness and anger - what we were taught about them as Mormons versus how we view them now. It was a sincere pleasure to chat with Kara and I'm honored to share our conversation with you. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, mention of sexual assault, and potential religious trauma triggers.Connect with Kara:https://www.facebook.com/KaraSakievichhttps://www.instagram.com/postmormononpurpose/ Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger This podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

I've had a curiosity about tarot for as long as I can remember (even when I was Mormon and thought it was a little strange) and in this week's episode, I dive into it with two of the most terrific Tarot card readers, Brennagh Burns & Tom Wayne of Tandem Tarot. We chat about their spiritual backgrounds, what lead them to Tarot, how they read together (which is a unique way to give a reading), and a general explanation of Tarot. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Connect with Brennagh & Tom: https://www.instagram.com/tandem_tarot/Book a reading with Brennagh & Tom:https://calendly.com/tandemtarot/ Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThis podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

Ben is a RMT-certified life coach, proud father, grandfather, and former Mormon who has a unique self-development and spiritual journey (spoiler alert: it involves incarceration). In this episode, Ben not only shares his story of stepping away from the Mormon church and his experience being convicted of a crime; we also talk about spirituality, the lack of support for convicted felons, and the 3 Bs of his coaching business + life philosophy.I apologize for the audio issues, Ben and I recorded this before I upgraded my internet (lesson learned)!Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and potential religious trauma triggers.Connect with Ben: https://www.instagram.com/the3bescoaching/Email: ben@bethe3bes.comCoaching Website: https://www.bethe3bes.com/Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThis podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

Bronwyn is a post-Mormon BYU graduate who recently worked for DCFS in Utah, where she oversaw over 200 sexual abuse cases. In this episode, Bronwyn and I discuss the cruel and abusive practice of Disciplinary Councils (aka "Membership Councils") in the Mormon church, both our personal experiences as well as the current pending council involving a prominent Mormon sex therapist, Natasha Helfer. Bronwyn shares her experience of seeing correlations between the purity & shame culture of Mormonism and sexual abuse cases in Utah. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, it is NOT your fault and you deserve help. Please call 1-800-656-4673 for resources and support. You can also utilize this hotline if you suspect someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, potential religious trauma triggers, and discussion of sexual assault & abuse.Connect with Bronwyn: https://www.instagram.com/bronwynjensensings/ Washington Post article on Natasha Helfer:https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2021/04/16/mormon-sex-therapist-expulsion-lds/ Charisse's Links: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThis podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

For this week's episode, I'm joined by 2 amazing ladies whose story moved me to tears when I first came across them on Tik Tok. Steph was assigned male at birth and married Katie in a Mormon temple. Together, they had 2 children and left the Mormon faith together before coming to the realization that Steph is a transgender woman. In this episode, we discuss how their lives have evolved during Steph's transition and the importance of supporting the transgender community. We also take a gander at past + current doctrine/policies within the Mormon church with regards to transgender members. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and potential religious trauma triggers. Follow Katie: @theharlotisabel on Tik Tok & @thehappyhowse on InstagramFollow Steph: @per_stephanie on Tik Tok & @sl.howe on InstagramFollow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger This podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/SOURCES & RESOURCES:https://encircletogether.org/ https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ https://lgbtrc.usc.edu/trans/transgender/tips/ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/transgender?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number37

Karen is a former Jehovah's Witness who is taking Tik Tok by storm through sharing her stories and promoting a sense of community for people deconstructing their faith. As an immigrant to the U.S., she discusses how conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses meant sacrificing her family's heritage and culture (since JWs don't celebrate holidays or observe cultural celebrations of any kind) and what reclaiming that has looked like since she left the organization in today's episode. We also discuss the process by which she was disfellowshipped from JW and subsequently shunned by her community and family (spoiler alert: it's freaking heart-breaking). We round out the episode by chatting about mental health: the severe lack of understanding & support in Karen's former religion, the toll it took on her, and the journey of self-acceptance and self-love. Listener discretion is advised due to potential religious trauma triggers and suicidality. Follow Karen on Tik Tok, Twitter, and Instagram: @curiouskaywalkFollow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerThis podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

Mike is blowing up the Ex Mormon Tik Tok community and I'm honored that he took the time to share his faith deconstruction story with me for today's episode! We talk about developing critical thinking skills, deconstructing privilege & ignorance, and continually learning to be better allies to marginalized communities. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and potential religious trauma triggers. Follow Mike on TikTok @obiswandog Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger This podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/Sources:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=enghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Placement_Program

I'm joined by Maddy Purves & Zoie Young, the brilliant creators behind the recent documentary film: “Same Sex Attracted,” which follows several LGBTQ+ students attending Brigham Young University (aka "The Lord's University"). We chat about the Honor Code - what it is, why it's confusing AF, and how it perpetuates harm + paranoia among students. We discuss the motivation behind creating the film, why Zoie and Maddy call it their baby, and what they hope it accomplishes with audiences. To say that Zoie and Maddy poured their hearts into this project is such an understatement and I know you'll fall in love with both of them + the film after this episode (if you haven't already)!Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, potential religious trauma triggers, and discussion of a certain hemp-derived recreational/medicinal substance. Watch + Support the “Same Sex Attracted” Film: https://www.ssamovie.com/watchConnect with USGA (Understanding Sex, Gender, and Allyship): https://www.usgabyu.com/ Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger This podcast is executive produced by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

Andrew Kerbs is a prominent, validating voice within the faith deconstruction community on Instagram and I'm thrilled I got to sit down and chat with him for today's episode! Andrew shares his own story of growing up in a multi-generational family of American Evangelical Christianity, thinking critically about historical & archeological evidence surrounding the Bible, and why he now classifies himself as a humanist.We discuss grief, particularly the role is plays in deconstructing a faith, and why it's such a damn hard process to transition out of a religion. We share tips on what can help the process and spoiler alert: we talk about how healing isn't linear.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Connect with Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/deconstruct_everything/Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerBrought to you by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

It's super rad to have friends who have PhDs and I know you're going to love my friend and this week's guest, Dani, aka Dr. Danielle Tometich. We get to know her (spoiler alert: she's a fellow ex Mormon from Northern Utah, she's lived all over the country, and she has a new puppy) and then dive head first into a discussion about what role spirituality plays in our lives when we're faced with crisis, particularly when it comes to cancer patients, which is Dr. Tometich's area of research focus. What drives people to religion and structures of spirituality when faced with mortality? What's the link between cancer diagnoses and spiritual health? That's the meat of this episode.Connect with Dr. Tometich: https://twitter.com/PhdTometich Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerBrought to you by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

Kyle of Beyond God & Religion joins me on this equally hilarious and insightful BONUS EPISODE! Kyle discusses his experiences serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka The Mormons), graduating from Brigham Young University, as well as becoming jobless, single, and homeless all within a 15 minute period (yeeesh)!I got an ab workout from laughing so hard during this conversation and I know you're going to love it as much as I did!**Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and blatant, blasphemous, honest church-bashing**Connect with Kyle: http://beyondgodandreligion.com/Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialgingerWhite Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

With a faith crisis very often comes an identity crisis so in today's episode we're exploring what that looked like for me and how I'm still attempting to navigate it. Since so much of my identity was centered around being Mormon, I talk about what aspects of my identity changed when I left the Church (and what aspects stayed the same). I touch on some pretty mind-boggling scientific theories on The Self, as well as share some Instagram follower feedback on what helps the crisis of identity following a faith transition.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language. Follow & Support the Show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/ Sources:Steven Hayes research on The Self: https://www.amazon.com/Acceptance-Commitment-Therapy-Second-Practice/dp/1462528945/ref=asc_df_1462528945/https://stevenchayes.com/

It was my absolute pleasure to chat with the delightfully candid and graceful Chelsea Homer on this episode! From being featured on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' social media pages for navigating a multi-faith marriage, to making her own transition out of the Mormon Church, Chelsea has certainly experienced the pain, grief, and anger of faith transitions from both sides. We talk about how she felt as her husband, Nick left the Mormon Church shortly after their marriage in a Mormon Temple, realizing the full effects of the patriarchy through the birth and blessing of her daughter, and the joys that are ready to be found on the other side of a painful deconstruction process.Connect with Chelsea: https://www.instagram.com/chels_homer/Follow and support the show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Group: https://therealwhmg.com/

My guest this week describes herself as “a queer Social Worker exploring recovery, healing the inner child, & talking about real shit.” My conversation with Sara Amundson covers all of that and MORE. We dive into why she sold her house to live in a van full time, what the heck healing our Inner Child means, her Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis, how we can de-stigmatize mental health & make it more accessible, and how to unpack the generally-unhealthy relationship we have with our bodies & food. Sara is raw, self-aware, and incredibly inspiring. I know you'll fall in love with her like I have (and not just for her rad Instagram butt pics, which we totally address in this episode)!Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and discussion of suicidality, trauma, and disordered eating.Connect with Sara Amundson:https://www.instagram.com/saraswellnessway/ https://www.thewellnesswayllc.com/Check out her podcasts: “I'm Alive Because” & “Bold Beautiful Borderline” Follow & Support the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

I pull some research & resources from the psychology community, share personal experiences of religious abuse + trauma, uncover signs of spiritual bypassing, and give you a rad pep talk. Listener discretion is advised due to the sharing of personal religious abusive and traumatic experiences within the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Follow + support the show: https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Group https://therealwhmg.com/ SOURCES:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trauma http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/fapi/datastream/unsworks:4446/SOURCE02?view=true https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/to-whom-shall-we-go?lang=eng https://www.guidedwellnesscounselingsc.com/RESOURCES:https://www.betterhelp.com/https://www.nami.org/Home

An ex Catholic, an ex Mormon, and a no-longer-practicing Jehovah's Witness walk into a bar….er, I mean hop on a podcast together! This episode is all about exploring 3 sects of Christianity from people who were fully immersed in them for most of their lives. We ask each other questions, compare, and contrast the ways we each worshipped the same God. My guests are fellow podcaster & former Catholic, Leah Cassari and “Grant,” whose name we changed for his anonymity and who was previously a practicing Jehovah's Witness. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language and mild, blatant blasphemy.Follow the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

I'm joined this week by fellow ex Mormon and writer, Lindsay Helm, who is currently writing a memoir of her experiences transitioning out of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormonism) and learning to live authentically. Lindsay discusses the sense of belonging she found within the Church as a teenager, when she was baptized and officially became a member. She talks about her role as a woman in the Church and how it affected her marriage with her husband, as well as how she felt when her husband approached her about “taking a break” from the religion they both belonged to and were married in. We chat about her writing process and what her upcoming book means to her, now living bravely and authentically as herself. Lindsay's words are powerful and moving, I have no doubt you'll want to run out and buy her book the moment it is released after hearing this episode!Connect with Lindsay Helm:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsayhelmwriterInstagram: @linds.helmWebsite: www.lindsayhelmauthor.wordpress.com Follow the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

It's only appropriate that I share the experience that sent me down my own existential rabbit hole so here is: the shit storm that started it all!How did I go from “happily married” Mormon to divorced & optimistically agnostic? What did my faith deconstruction look like? Who is Watson and why does he have to interrupt me when I record? Also discussed: The “C” word & questions answered from Instagram followers. Listener discretion is advised due to adult language, discussion of religion trauma, and mention of suicidality & addiction.Follow the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

We're embarking on a new year (*raises middle finger to 2020*) and that means an onslaught of obligatory resolutions and goal making. My love/hate relationship with New Years aside, I think we tend to miss an important step in setting goals/intentions/resolutions. I dive into that step in this episode and share some past growing pains (spoiler alert: they're not called growing pleasures for a reason). Here's to embracing a new year, whatever it brings us.Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Follow the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/

Not many people can say they went from an Agnostic/Atheist upbringing, to being married in a Jewish Synagogue, to converting to Christianity, to leaving organized religion altogether. My guest this week, Angela Morris, is truly a gem of a human with an incredibly unique story. She describes herself as a makeup artist, writer, social media manager, coach, and trauma recovery nerd. We chat about everything from the realizations that come from moving cross-country, to the harm Christianity can do to the vulnerable, to what God looks like, to how doing makeup can literally change women, non-binary, and trans folks' lives. Angela's unique faith journey, her resiliency to a patriarchal system stacked against her, and her overall bad assery are sure to inspire you. Listener discretion is advised due to discussion of religious trauma, sexual assault, and adult language.Connect with Angela Morris:Instagram: @thatangelamorrisWebsite: angelamorrismakeup.comFollow the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/"

The obligatory podcast teaser where you meet Charisse, The Existential Ginger, in the flesh (er, in the audio, rather). Charisse introduces herself, gives a little of her back story (spoiler alert: it involves divorce, a faith crisis, and leaving lifelong Mormonism), expands on why the hell she decided to start a podcast, and breaks down what you can expect from the raddest new show from White Horse Media Group (hint: bad ass guests and exploring the meaning of life through the lens of terminal sarcasm).Listener discretion is advised due to adult language.Follow the Show:https://linktr.ee/theexistentialginger Brought to you by White Horse Media Grouphttps://therealwhmg.com/"