Shows
The Divine Misfits PodBrad's Story: Finding Freedom in the UnknownToday on the pod, we have Brad Klausman joining us! Brad (he/him) is a life coach, a father, a former pastor of 20+ years, a purity culture survivor, an explorer of the unknown, and an all around great human. On the pod, he shares how he raised his kids around the church and how a traumatic family event played a role in leaving the toxic system that he was raised in. Brad talks about his decision to leave and publicly share his journey, and he gets into his decision to become a life coach. We talk about his experience with...2021-10-2654 minThe Divine Misfits PodRebeka's Story: The First Thread PulledToday, we have Rebeka Jones on the pod! Rebeka (she/her) is a writer who you may know over on Instagram as @rebekainwriting. She is also a mom and wife, a trans-racial adoptee, an avid non-fiction reader, and a fellow New Girl lover. Rebeka is such a warm person to hear from, and I'm so glad to have her on! She shares a bit more of what began her deconstruction, where she is now, and some of the tools she used to help her navigate motherhood alongside her own changing faith. We talk about her decision to practice gentle...2021-10-1944 minThe Divine Misfits PodLu-el's Story: Freedom to Love Himself and Others through Re-Humanization*TW: Discussion of abuse and violence*
In today's episode, we have Lu-el Fantroy joining us! Lu-el (he/him), aka @Cult.Spirit, is a creative, co-host of the Alive We Live podcast, an educator, a cult survivor, a husband, and a father. The more I learn about him, the more grateful I am to get to know him, and I am so excited to bring this conversation to your ears! Lu-el shares more of his experience as a child in a cult and how those years shaped how he approached his foundational beliefs and how it has affected...2021-10-1354 minThe Divine Misfits PodBekah's Story: Reconnecting with Her IdentityWelcome back y'all!
After a month away, we are back at it! Today we kick off season 2 with Bekah Fantroy, aka @SayWhatIWanna, over on Instagram. She is the person behind the words many of us have related to in our deconstruction over on Instagram, the co-host of the Alive We Live Podcast with her husband, a momma to 5 boys, a former worship leader, and writer.
Bekah shares her experience growing up as a pastor's kid, leaving the church with her family, and finding her identity outside the church. We talk about the perspective changes that...2021-10-051h 02The Divine Misfits PodDerek's Story: Releasing the Burden of Purity Culture & Toxic Masculinity*Putting a TW on the entire episode. Self-harm ideations & abuse mentioned*
In today's episode, we have Derek Ziarkowski (he/him) on the Pod! Derek shares his experience of growing up in purity culture in the South, and being exposed to harmful teachings at such an early age put such fear and shame on his shoulders. He shares how his continuous learning and partnership with his spouse helped release the weight of holding onto purity culture and led them to health. We also discuss toxic masculinity and the pressure on men in the church, both by purity...2021-08-311h 01
The Divine Misfits PodLet's Talk: GratitudeToday's episode is pretty short and chill! I share a bit about what my personal life has looked like recently and the gratitude that I have felt through the challenging moments. *While still letting myself feel the sh*t I needed to feel in order to move forward.* I express quite a lot of my gratitude for you all in this episode! I also share how implementing rituals of gratitude has impacted greater areas of my life while deconstructing my beliefs. In a time of free-falling, finding things I'm grateful for has led the way to more freedom to explore...2021-08-2417 minThe Divine Misfits PodMy Experience with Purity Culture*TW: R*pe and Sexual Assault are mentioned*
Today I share my experience with purity culture and the shame that I carried from sex and masturbation into my young adult life. I also discuss how purity culture impacted the way I viewed my body and the larger role that purity culture plays on women's expectations in the world. I share how my views have changed since beginning to deconstruct previous toxic thought patterns by stripping shame away from the spaces it should never have been placed in.
This episode is pretty personal, so grab...2021-08-1733 minThe Divine Misfits PodMarilla's Story: Living from the Inside Out*TW: Suicidal ideation & depression are mentioned*
Today we have Marilla Ziarkowski (they/them) on the pod! They are a writer, dancer, pie baking aficionado, and loves to immerse themselves into learning about psychology and philosophy. Marilla shares their experience of their deconstruction and how the church, family members, and others were a part of their final push to see the patterns of abuse within the theology surrounding them. They also talk about how getting diagnosed with autism has helped them see the broader scope of how they were letting others impact how they...2021-08-0355 minThe Divine Misfits PodBecki's Story: Taking Power Back from the Patriarchy*CW: Brief discussion of abortion*
Today we have Becki Beasley (she/her) on the podcast! Known online by the handle Also Your Daughters, with a podcast by the same name, Becki is an artist, a writer, a wife and mother, and a feminist reshaping her world to equality. Becki and I talk about her experience growing up in a conservative Christian home and how she has deconstructed her previous beliefs to embrace the power she holds as a woman. Becki not only shares where she is at on her journey to reclaim her power, but she also...2021-07-2748 minThe Divine Misfits PodChandler's Story - Coming Out: From Shame to Freedom*TW: Discusses homophobia and conversion therapy*
In today's episode, Chandler Benthal (he/him) joins us and shares about his coming out and how he found acceptance and freedom in his sexuality. He gets honest about growing up as a pastor's kid in the Pentecostal church and navigating his sexuality alongside his faith. We discuss his experience of coming out to his family and the aftermath, and from there, what he wishes more Christians would do to show love to the LGBTQ+ people.
This episode talks heavily about harmful theology around being LGBTQ+. If you are...2021-07-2041 minThe Divine Misfits PodLet's Talk: Self-LoveWelcome back to the Pod!
Today's episode is a bit shorter and a bit different than normal—an episode for honesty. Today I talk about my own healing journey in loving myself fully, including being honest about where I currently am. This is an honest, hopeful, and love-inspired episode. Please know how worthy you are of the love you desire and that you have the power to give that kind of love to yourself.
I talk a bit about Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster (@taraschuster on Instagram). It is...2021-07-1324 minThe Divine Misfits PodFaith's Story: Experiencing Alignment through HealingToday Faith Streng joins us on the Pod! Faith is a third-generation lightworker, past-life healer, reiki master, animal healer, and intuitive channeler. In this episode, we talk about her work now, her experiences with religion, and how alignment in her own life after times of struggle led her to the magic that she is now getting to experience in a new way. She also gives some wonderful tips on diving into your own spirituality after leaving religion or expanding your views. Faith is truly a gem. Enjoy the episode!
Connect with Faith!
...2021-06-2936 minThe Divine Misfits PodMel's Story: Finding her Sovereign Soul Post-Mormonism*TW: This episode talks heavily about r*pe, sexual abuse, and mental illness*
In today's episode, Mel Caine joins us to share her story of recent healing from childhood trauma both in and outside of the Mormon church. Mel is a trauma and faith coach, an entrepreneur, and a Sovereign Soul navigating her healing journey away from Mormonism. We discuss different facets of the Mormon religion that created trauma and pain in her own life and we also touch on the spiritual journey she's on since leaving. This episode is both raw and encouraging; we are all...2021-06-221h 02The Divine Misfits PodMy Coming Out Story*TW: Mention of suicide, homophobia, and harmful theology*
In today's episode, I open up about my pansexuality and share why I decided to come out publicly back in January of 2021 and moments that have shaped me around this topic.
I spent nearly 10 years in Christianity, and since leaving and embracing who I am and who my heart is open to, I finally have found peace with my sexuality.
I invite you to listen to this episode with an open heart and open mind, and please feel free to contact me with any questions...2021-06-1523 minThe Divine Misfits PodAna's Story: Finding Community After Leaving the Church*TW/CW: mention of eating disorders*
Today, I sit down with Ana Bohr (she/her), a Production Assistant in film and TV, a writer, and a tie-dye queen. In this episode, Ana shares stories of searching for and finding a genuine community after leaving Church. She discusses still being a Christian and having a relationship with God without relying on a church to sustain it. She also shares her experiences with ingenuine and manipulative communities that she often encountered during her years in Christianity.
Connect with Ana on Instagram: @anamariebohr
Follow @thedivinemisfits on Instagram to connect with us and fill...2021-06-0828 minThe Divine Misfits PodAli's Story: Freedom from Codependency & Sexual ShameIn this episode, I chat with Ali Ringer, a writer, a codependency and healing life coach, creator, and small business owner, to hear her story of freedom and healing from the sexual shame she experienced during her time involved in religion. We talk about her experience with purity culture, toxic relationships, and breaking free from codependent cycles. She is an absolute badass, and you won't want to miss this episode!
Connect with Ali!
Instagram: @recov.her.y
Website: www.recovherylifecoaching.com
Follow @thedivinemisfits on Instagram to connect with...2021-06-0141 minThe Divine Misfits PodJordan's Story: Healing from Purity Culture & Beyond*CW: discussion of racism*
Today, I sit down with Jordan Sanders (she/her), a writer, healing circle facilitator, and creator, to discuss her experiences within Christianity. There are no off-limits topics! We get into purity culture and how it affected her mental and physical health, her experience of being a Black woman in white evangelical churches in Arkansas, her current beliefs, and plenty more! This episode was so fun to record, and I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed talking!
Connect with Jordan online!
Instagram: @itsjust_jordane
Webisite: www.jordanelise.com
Follow @thedivinemisfits on Instagram, fill out th...2021-05-2558 minThe Divine Misfits PodEpisode 1: Peace with Not Knowing*CW: talks about homophobia and racism within religion*
Today I share some of my trauma stories and hurt from religion with you, fellow Divine Misfit. I also get into some of my current beliefs and where my healing journey has taken me so far. I hope that this feels like we are sitting down together getting honest about life over some good food and drinks because I wish that could be the case! Thank you for being on this journey with me.
Check out @thedivinemisfits on Instagram to chat...2021-05-1827 min