Shows
Leaving the Church to Find GodAre We in the New Holocaust? Dr. Lucas Wilson joins us to discuss the parallels and his experience with conversion therapyIn this powerful episode, Dr. Lucas Wilson—SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga and editor of Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy—shares his journey of deconstructing faith, reconciling identity, and exposing the harm of religious fundamentalism.We dive deep into:🔹 His personal journey from evangelicalism to leaving the church🔹 The role of Holocaust research in his faith deconstruction🔹 The history and impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ individuals🔹 How white Christian nationalism fuels oppression and political extremism🔹 The evolving rhetoric around queer identity in religious spacesDr. Wils...2025-03-131h 12
Leaving the Church to Find GodEmpathy: How it's Being Used Against Us and How it Will Actually Save UsIn this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into empathy—a cornerstone of authentic spiritual living. 🌿Some recent voices have questioned the value of empathy, calling it a weakness or even a sin. But empathy, as taught by spiritual masters like Jesus and Buddha, is vital to understanding, healing, and connection.Topics covered:✅ What empathy is and why it matters✅ The difference between empathy and sympathy✅ How empathy strengthens relationships and collective consciousness✅ Simple ways to cultivate empathy in daily life...2025-01-3127 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodSpiritual Bypassing: Avoid This Common Mistake in Spiritual GrowthAre you unknowingly using spirituality to avoid doing the hard inner work? In this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa Whittington dives deep into the concept of spiritual bypassing—what it is, why it's harmful, and how it prevents us from truly healing and growing. Melissa explores the subtle ways religion and the spiritual guru world encourage bypassing through magical thinking, avoidance of pain, and reliance on external solutions.This episode uncovers the importance of shadow work, processing unresolved trauma, and developing a strong sense of self to build authentic relationships with your inner tr...2025-01-0947 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodChrist Consciousness and Finding Your Inner Truth: A Journey Beyond Religion with David HulseIn this transformative episode of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa speaks with David Hulse, a trailblazer in the field of sound therapy and the founder of SomaEnergetics. Together, they explore the liberating journey of embracing Christ Consciousness and uncovering your inner truth beyond the confines of organized religion.David shares his inspiring story of moving from traditional religious frameworks to a path of spiritual awakening and vibrational healing. Through the power of sound, self-discovery, and Christ Consciousness, David empowers listeners to break free from limiting beliefs and align with their authentic selves.This...2025-01-0256 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodEmpowering Choices: Thriving Beyond Current Systems and Building a Better FutureIn the season two premiere of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa Whittington reflects on the transformative power of choice and resilience. Drawing from her personal journey, she explores the importance of building systems rooted in equity and compassion, rather than fighting against oppressive structures.Melissa candidly discusses the challenges of navigating a post-election landscape, the role of anger as a tool for transformation, and the significance of supporting marginalized communities. She shares actionable insights on creating an empowered and abundant life, while also highlighting the importance of joy, creativity, and community as forms of resistance.2024-12-1929 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodYour Truth is in the Shadows: How Our Darkness Reveals Our Inner LightIn the season finale of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host [Your Name] invites you on a transformative exploration of shadow work and the profound connection between light and shadow within ourselves. What if you are literally made of light, and your shadows are part of your spectrum?**Highlights of this Episode:**- **Personal Shadows & the Inner Child:** Delve into how we create personal shadows through the lens of the **Inner Child** and **Internal Family Systems (IFS)** therapy. Learn how suppressed emotions and childhood experiences shape the hidden parts of ourselves....2024-10-1148 minLeaving the Church to Find GodHumility or Oppression? How to Celebrate Your Wins and Live FullyIn this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God, we explore the concept of false humility and how it serves as a tool of control, particularly in religious and patriarchal systems. Melissa delves into the ways humility can hold us back from embracing our full power and celebrating our progress. She shares personal stories, including the launch of ALAU, and offers insights on how acknowledging our achievements leads to true freedom. Learn how to break free from limiting beliefs and step into your authentic power.🔗 Connect with Melissa: livealau.com | Instagram: @authenticallymeli Support the sho...2024-09-2727 minLeaving the Church to Find GodBig Announcement: You Don't Want to Miss ThisEpisode 23: The Alchemy of Authenticity – Launching ALAU and Decolonizing CapitalismIn this episode, Melissa Whittington shares a pivotal moment in her journey—announcing the launch of her personal brand, ALAU: The Alchemy of Authenticity. Melissa dives deep into her personal story of leaving the church, deconstructing colonialism and patriarchy, and embracing true authenticity in both life and business.She opens up about the romanticized version of healing she once believed in and how real transformation comes from facing the shadows and making the hard choices. Melissa discusses the importance of decolonizing capitalism, breaking gene...2024-09-0645 minLeaving the Church to Find GodMiracles Explained: The Power of Belief and VibrationIn this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa Whittington explores the true source of miracles through the power of belief, vibrational energy, and faith. Drawing on personal stories, teachings from Neville Goddard, and modern insights from Dr. Joe Dispenza, Melissa uncovers how belief, emotion, and energy alignment can manifest miraculous outcomes. Discover practical tools to overcome fear, build belief, and transform your life by tapping into the power within.🔗 Connect with Melissa: livealau.com | Instagram: @authenticallymeli Support the showIf you would like to be a guest on thi...2024-08-2335 minLeaving the Church to Find GodIs it Intuition or Instinct? How to Recognize and Trust Your Inner Knowing.In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa Whittington explores the powerful distinction between intuition and programmed beliefs. Learn how to identify limiting beliefs, quiet the mind, and tune into your true inner voice. Melissa shares practical journaling prompts, reflective questions, and personal insights to help you navigate your spiritual journey with confidence. Trust your intuition and start living authentically.Here you can find show notes, links and the journaling prompts that are mentioned in this episode. Support the showIf you would like to be a g...2024-08-1643 minLeaving the Church to Find GodDoes God Want Us to Be Poor? Redefining Wealth, Money and SpiritualityIn this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host Melissa Whittington explores the intersection of money and spirituality. Discover how to overcome money shame, challenge limiting beliefs from religious teachings, and redefine wealth from a spiritual perspective. Learn practical tips for cultivating a healthy money mindset and hear insights from Amanda Frances' "Rich as F*ck." This episode will help you align your financial goals with your spiritual values. Visit livealau.com for more insights and connect with us on Instagram. I've created a meditation to accompany this episode. It leads you through an energetic lifting of...2024-08-0850 minLeaving the Church to Find GodBalancing Our Nervous System While Deconstructing and Building New BeliefsIn this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host Melissa Whittington delves into the critical importance of regulating your nervous system, particularly when deconstructing belief systems and forming new neural pathways. Melissa explores how our nervous system impacts our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being, and why managing it is essential for personal growth. Learn practical techniques for calming your mind and body, and discover how childhood experiences, such as religious teachings, shape limiting beliefs.Melissa shares personal anecdotes and scientific insights into how neural pathways are formed and reinforced, the evolutionary purpose of these pathways...2024-08-0229 minLeaving the Church to Find GodBreaking the Spell of Religion and the Return to Self with Dr. Maurice TurmelIn this compelling episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host Melissa Whittington interviews Dr. Maurice Turmel, a distinguished psychologist, author, and speaker. Dr. Turmel shares his profound journey of deconstructing religious beliefs and the impact of religious trauma on mental health. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Turmel has dedicated his career to helping individuals heal from trauma and discover their authentic selves.Dr. Turmel, also known as Dr. Moe, has written several influential books on personal and spiritual development. His works offer practical insights into overcoming trauma and embracing holistic well-being. He is currently...2024-07-261h 32Leaving the Church to Find GodCan We Be Moral Without Religion?In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa delves into the provocative topic of morality without religion. Melissa addresses the common belief that morality is inherently tied to organized religion, a notion challenged by historical evidence and philosophical thought. She begins by exploring ancient codes of conduct, such as the Code of Hammurabi and the concept of Ma'at in ancient Egypt, demonstrating that moral frameworks existed long before the advent of Christianity and other monotheistic religions.Melissa discusses how morality has always been a part of human evolution, a necessary component for survival and...2024-07-1924 minLeaving the Church to Find GodEmbracing Intuition: How Soul-Led Living Transforms Your LifeWhat if you could reshape your life by simply listening to the whispers of your soul? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of soul-led living, delving into the essence of embodiment and mindfulness. We emphasize the importance of being fully present, tuning into our emotions and senses without judgment. Discover how mindful practices such as breathing, eating, and movement can help you stay connected to your inner truth and experience a more authentic life.In a compelling story, we share a personal journey of trusting intuition to find a new home. Against the odds of...2024-06-2140 minLeaving the Church to Find GodMindfulness: The Practice of Being PresentCan you imagine transforming your daily routine into a series of mindful moments that bring peace and clarity? This episode dives into the heart of mindfulness and authentic living, beginning with an exploration of what it means to be present and aware in every moment. I share my unique perspective as a professional photographer specializing in newborn sessions, revealing how being baby-led and moving at a slower pace can heighten our ability to tune into the energy around us. Through these experiences, we discuss the powerful impact of mindfulness on our everyday lives, from savoring simple activities to fostering...2024-06-1438 minLeaving the Church to Find GodEmbodiment: What is it? and How to be it?What if your body, mind, and spirit could unite in perfect harmony? Discover how the ancient principles of yoga can guide you to this profound state of embodiment, where being fully present in your physical form meets mindfulness and soulful awareness. Imagine source energy as gold, and learn how each of us is a unique expression of this divine essence, experiencing life through our senses and emotions. We challenge traditional views that see the body as sinful, proposing instead that our physical existence is a sacred manifestation of source energy.Explore the true power of your emotions...2024-06-0847 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodDescending from Mormonism's Founder: Lynn Smith Gregory finds Balance in Faith and Family LegacyEmbark with us on a journey that challenges the very core of belief and identity, as Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, shares her profound transition from the Mormon Church to atheism. Our conversation reveals Lynn's confrontation with historical facts and the deep-seated questions that arose from her encounter with an atheist professor, shaking her lifelong beliefs to the core. It's not often we delve into such intimate revelations of faith and its unraveling; Lynn's forthcoming memoir, "We Were Smiths: Escaping the Shadow of Joseph Smith's Mormon Legacy," promises even deeper insights into her transformative experience.2024-05-241h 12
Leaving the Church to Find GodJanai Auman Speaks Out About Spiritual Abuse and the Disparity Between the Church's Public Teachings and Private ActionsWhen the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, we navigate the treacherous waters of spiritual abuse and gender discrimination she faced within the church, shining a light on the often unseen disparity between public teaching and private practice. Janai's resolve to speak truth to power...2024-05-171h 08Leaving the Church to Find GodFinding Community Outside of the ChurchDiscovering community can be an unexpected journey—one that leads us far from the steepled silhouettes of our familiar churches. I found myself enveloped by the 'ohana' spirit in Maui, where traditions are reshaped, and bonds are forged on the foundation of shared values, not just shared pews. In this heartfelt episode, I peel back the layers of my life to show you the vibrant tapestry of connection that exists beyond the church doors. Through tales of our Taco Tuesday tribe and non-church Easter festivities, I celebrate the myriad ways in which community reveals itself, offering a haven for an...2024-05-1027 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodFrom Trad Wife to Bad Ass: Marla Taviano Redeems her Past by Writing a New StoryMarla's courageous tale of departing from the church and deconstructing her faith is a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of spiritual uncertainty. Her voice resonates with raw authenticity as she peels back the layers of dogma to reveal the systemic issues that plague organized religion. Through her eyes, we witness the personal cost of challenging the status quo, and we're invited to explore the intersection of faith and politics against the backdrop of Sarah McCammon's insights on "Exvangelicals." Marla's story is not just hers alone; it echoes the experiences of many who grapple with poverty, racial justice...2024-05-031h 24
Leaving the Church to Find GodUnlocking Authentic Success Through the Joy of Play: My 90-Day Journey to Rediscover FunSometimes, the key to unlocking true happiness and well-being is as simple as recalling the unbridled joy of childhood play. On my latest podcast adventure, I reveal the magic that unfolded over my personal 90 Days of Play project, where I embraced my inner child with everything from dancing in my living room to building forts with my neighbor's daughter, Naya. This journey wasn't just about rediscovering fun; it became a structured pathway to emotional healing and a powerful testament to the ways spontaneous 'joy breaks' can enrich our lives. As we navigate the waves of adulthood, the c...2024-04-2542 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodFinding Sanctuary in Progressive Theology with Liz Coolidge JenkinsHave you ever felt the ground shift beneath your feet as your beliefs and the world you knew began to unravel? Liz Coolidge Jenkins, a powerhouse of thought on faith and feminism, joins us to recount her extraordinary evolution from conservative evangelicalism to a champion of LGBTQ affirming theology. Her book "Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism," serves as a backdrop for our rich dialogue on the profound moments that redefine one's understanding of gender roles and spiritual inclusivity. Together, we peel back the layers of traditional interpretations that have long confined women's roles in the church...2024-04-1257 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodEmbracing Your Truth: Mike Maeshiro's Courageous Journey from Religious Conflict to LGBTQ+ AffirmationHave you ever found yourself at a crossroads between the identity you were raised to believe in and the one that resonates with who you truly are? Mike Maeshiro knows that tension all too well, and in our latest episode, he invites us into his courageous journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of his faith. As a guiding light for the LGBTQ+ community and those healing from the wounds of religious toxicity, Mike's story is not just one of struggle, but of profound liberation and authenticity.Navigating the waters of evangelical beliefs while embracing one's true self...2024-04-0555 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodIs God Actually a Black Woman? Dr. Christena Cleveland on Faith, Shame, and Embracing LiberationDr. Christena Cleveland, a beacon of insight in the realms of social psychology, theology, and activism joins us in this episode. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the complex intersections of faith, gender, and justice, unraveling the tapestry of institutional Christianity and the exclusive 'white Jesus' narrative. Dr. Cleveland shares her raw experiences of alienation and sexism within the church and lays bare the systemic issues that have been magnified by movements like #MeToo and #ChurchToo. As we dissect the rise of Trump and the exposure of racism in Christian America, this episode is a testament to the urgency of Dr...2024-03-281h 02
Leaving the Church to Find GodA Really Honest Conversation about Deconstructing Perfectionism and Breaking My Own HeartRemember that art project you worked so hard on, only to deem it unworthy and hide it away? I too have felt the crushing weight of perfectionism, especially within the realm of faith. Our latest episode tackles this silent struggle, opening with a story from my high school days—a sculpture, a symbol of the perfection we often chase, and its unexpected demise.Journey with me as we question the notion of flawlessness that's deeply embedded in religious teachings. We bring to light the often misconstrued interpretation of being "like Jesus," suggesting that perhaps his message was no...2024-03-2149 min
Leaving the Church to Find GodBridging Earth and Spirit: Derek Jensen's Evolution from Faith to Environmental ActivismWhen I sat down with environmental activist Derek Jensen, it felt like we were perched on the precipice of a new understanding, one that bridges the gap between the spiritual and the ecological. This episode takes you through Derek's personal metamorphosis from a faithful Seventh Day Adventist to a tenacious defender of our Earth. Our conversation is a journey through the landscapes of conviction and contradiction, exploring how the values of community and a deep moral compass can coexist with legalism and hypocrisy within religious structures. We peel back the layers of how these experiences have shaped his environmental...2024-03-071h 23
Leaving the Church to Find GodFrom Doctrine to Liberation: Redefining Spiritual Identity with Britney WinlandGrowing up as a pastor's kid, Britney Winland has danced along the delicate edge where faith meets personal identity, often finding herself entangled in the expectations wrought by rigid religious doctrine. Her journey, mirrored by the narratives shared in this episode, weaves through the tapestry of spiritual discovery, challenging the boundaries of traditional worship and the courage it takes to step beyond them. Together, we unravel the threads of gender roles, the arts, and how my mother's audacious pursuit of her career despite ecclesial resistance shaped my perspective on divinity and self-expression.Venturing further into the labyrinth...2024-02-291h 19
Leaving the Church to Find GodPart 1- Rich Ralston's Journey from Evangelist to Medium, and the Power of Unconditional LoveYou can contact Rich Ralston at www.subtleenergyhealing.com.Have you ever witnessed the metamorphosis of belief, where deep-seated convictions are shed in the light of new truths? Our latest episode features Rich Rostin, an individual who traversed from the role of a Pentecostal evangelist to that of a spiritual medium and healer. His narrative takes us through the alleyways of human experience—from the streets where he aided the homeless to the sacred spaces of India—unraveling a tale of divine love and spiritual awakening. Rich's encounters with angelic presences and his challenge to evangelical doctrines pave...2024-02-2250 min