Shows
Some Random ThoughtsGoodbye, For Now…Welcome to a special bonus episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I share my #spotifywrapped for podcasters 2022 stats and express my deep appreciation for all of you who have listened, supported, and befriended me over the past couple of years and four seasons of this program. I also share some important news about the future of this podcast.
Where to find me:
www.ryanmulkowsky.com
Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky
You can also find seasons 2 & 3 in video form at youtube.com/ryanmulkowsky
Leave a message (your comments might make it into a future episode...
2022-11-3022 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Mindfulness & MeaningWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I discuss my journey to rediscover meaning and purpose in life from leaving my faith, the importance and benefits of mindfulness, and some best practices on discovering deep-rooted meaning and purpose that sustains and thrives in the long-term.
References:
What is Mindfulness?: https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/what-is-mindfulness
How to Find Purpose in Life: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_find_your_purpose_in_life
Where to find me:
2022-11-3031 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Sexuality & AutonomyWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I discuss my upbringing in IFB and SBC churches and their views on sex and relationships, including the destructive philosophy of "purity culture". I also discuss the fundamental right of bodily autonomy, the importance of having a comprehensive sex education, and the need to be allies for the LGBTQ+ community, no matter what your personal beliefs are.
References:
Bodily Autonomy: https://www.unfpa.org/press/bodily-autonomy-fundamental-right
Terms That Describe Sexual Attraction, Behavior, and Orientation...
2022-11-2935 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Politics & GovernmentWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I discuss the myth of the apolitical person, the whitewashing of history, the corruption found in modern politics, and what we can do about it to affect significant change.
Where to find me:
www.ryanmulkowsky.com
Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky
You can also find seasons 2 & 3 in video form at youtube.com/ryanmulkowsky
Leave a message (your comments might make it into a future episode): anchor.fm/somerandomthoughts/messsage
Music: "...
2022-11-1932 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Social Justice & Human RightsWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I discuss the social worker movement and profession and its core values and ethical standards and principles including social justice. I also investigate the importance of social justice and look at the work of political philosopher John Rawls and his theory of justice, especially his famous thought experiment: the 'Veil of Ignorance'. Lastly, I talk about the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the hope for a more equitable, just world.
References:
https://www.socialworkers...
2022-11-0933 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Death & DyingWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I divert from my normal format and share from experiences in both my personal and professional life about the reality of death and the dying process and the myriad of emotions and complexities intertwined with this subject.
Where to find me:
www.ryanmulkowsky.com
Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky
You can also find seasons 2 & 3 in video form at youtube.com/ryanmulkowsky
Leave a message (your comments might make it into a future...
2022-11-0231 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Community & BelongingWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I talk about how the idea of community allows one to experience several benefits that affect the entirety of the human condition. I also look into the concept of belonging and how this concept can help one achieve growth and success in all areas of life. I also get somewhat vulnerable and share my experience with community, belonging, and the leaving and searching in different times of my life so far.
References:
https://www.happiness.com...
2022-10-2733 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Relationships & VulnerabilityWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I talk about the importance of building and maintaining relationships: whether that's relationships with friends, romantic partners, or others in our lives. I also talk about the awkwardness of finding friends as adults along with the key contributor to greater emotional depth which can transform our lives and the relationships around us: vulnerability.
References:
https://www.npr.org/2019/08/15/751479810/make-new-friends-and-keep-the-old
https://www.achn.net/about-access/whats-new/health-resources/how-to-build-and-maintain-healthy-relationships/
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.e...
2022-10-1932 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Humanism & FlourishingWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I talk about how I came from a religious background; then to land on secular humanism as a philosophical belief system and some introductory values I've learned from humanism. I also discuss the idea of "languishing" and how religion can foster this feeling, and how to move into a life of flourishing and thriving outside of religion.
References:
https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/definition-of-humanism/
https://americanhumanistcenterforeducation.org/ten-commitments/
https://www.betterup.com/blog...
2022-10-1234 min
Some Random ThoughtsOn Philosophy & Rule of LifeWelcome to another episode of Some Random Thoughts. I am your host, Ryan Mulkowsky.
On this episode, I talk about the importance of philosophy and how it permeates all things and how it should have our full attention. I also talk about the need for all of us to form a "rule of life" to ground us and give us a foundation from which we live meaningfully and thoughtfully.
Where to find me:
www.ryanmulkowsky.com
Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky
You can also find seasons 2 & 3 in video form at youtube...
2022-10-0431 min
Some Random ThoughtsHello, It's Me...Welcome to the Season 4 Premiere of "Some Random Thoughts" with Ryan Mulkowsky. On this episode, I talk about what's been going on with me since the break, why I'm getting back to my "roots" this season, and what topics to expect in season 4.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or in a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Please leave a positive review of this podcast wherever you listen. I would greatly appreciate it!
Where to find me:
www.ryanmulkowsky.com
Twitter & Instagram: @ryanmulkowsky
2022-09-2612 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Weight of the World - Some Closing ThoughtsOn 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: /r...
2022-05-0931 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Beneficial Results of Knowing Thyself with Jazz RobertsonHello, 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 un...
2022-05-0259 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Pursuit of Happiness with Laura Isabel Perez-CernudaHello, 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...
2022-04-2555 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Path toward Meaning through Grief & Loss with Mandy CapehartHello, 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...
2022-04-1856 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Psychology of Deconstruction with Dr. Katie BlakeHello, 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...
2022-04-1159 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Power of Story in Humanism with Brady HardinHello, 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...
2022-04-041h 05
Some Random ThoughtsThe Validity of LGBTQ+ Identity in Christianity with Erin GreenHello, 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...
2022-03-2852 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Hope for Healing After Religious Trauma with Janice SelbieHello, 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 ex...
2022-03-2153 min
Some Random ThoughtsThe Confessions of an Ex-Church Staffer with Em TorresHello, 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 s...
2022-03-141h 03
Graceful Atheist PodcastRyan Mulkowsky: Some Random ThoughtsThis is the three year anniversary of the Graceful Atheist Podcast. Thank you to everyone who has listened and participated. Special thanks to Mike T and Arline for their work on the podcast over the past year. This week’s guest is Ryan Mulkowsky. Ryan grew up Independent Fundamentalist Baptist. He made a “profession of faith” when he was nine years old and was reading Christian apologetics before he was twelve. By fourteen, Ryan was “licensed” by the church and started teaching. Ryan’s mental health suffered during adolescence. Whether at home, school or church, no place was safe for him to grow...
2022-03-141h 44
Some Random ThoughtsThe Beauty of Spirituality Outside of Religion with Robbie HurlockerHello, 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...
2022-03-0749 min
Restorative Grief with Mandy Capehart12. Hospice & Grief Hospitality with Ryan MulkowskyOn this week's episode, our guest Ryan Mulkowsky shares his experience in the world of hospice care and grief work. After years working as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator in Atlanta, Georgia, Ryan has developed his own approachable methodology for grievers to explore their losses and find resolution on their own terms. Content warning: With the conversation around death and dying, we discuss anticipatory grief with illness, as well as various outcomes to medical treatments that may be disturbing or upsetting to some. Please listen with caution.
Links + Resources from this episode:
RyanMulkowsky.com for...
2021-11-2140 min
The Life She WroteYou Can and Do Take it With YouIn this episode Emily and her guest discuss not just what we deconstruct, but the things we hold on to when we leave—what we choose to keep and what we shed in hopes of finding healing and a catalyst for change. Her guest this week is Ryan Mulkowsky. Ryan (he/him) is a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator for a large hospice in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. He is also a Grief Recovery Method Specialist with the Grief Recovery Institute. He has earned a bachelor and two masters degrees in the areas of religion, philosophy and divinity. He...
2021-09-121h 05
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Grief & Loss w/ Jan OwenWelcome 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...
2021-08-3052 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Trauma & Resilience w/ Danielle SouthwickWelcome 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...
2021-08-2354 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Soul & Body w/ @ExistentialIzzyWelcome 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...
2021-08-1648 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Social Media & Well-Being w/ Elisabeth BojangWelcome 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...
2021-08-0946 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Racism & Whiteness w/ Brittany BrutonWelcome 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...
2021-08-0247 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Cancel Culture & Exchange of Ideas w/ Teel ShortWelcome 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...
2021-07-2657 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Self-Reliance & Non-Conformity w/ Cameron BishopWelcome 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...
2021-07-1955 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Perception & Reality w/ Cortland CoffeyWelcome 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...
2021-07-1256 min
Some Random ThoughtsRevisiting Spirituality & Deconstruction w/ Meghan CrozierWelcome 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: @r...
2021-07-0549 min
Some Random ThoughtsA Re-IntroductionWelcome 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)
M...
2021-06-2810 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Grief & LossWe 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.
2020-09-2846 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Trauma & ResilienceThere 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.
2020-09-2235 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Soul & BodyDo 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.
2020-09-1432 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Social Media & Well-BeingIs 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.
2020-09-0736 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Racism & WhitenessHow 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.
2020-08-2435 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Cancel Culture & Exchange of IdeasWhat 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.
2020-08-1032 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Self-Reliance & Non-ConformityIn 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.
2020-08-0334 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Perception & RealityDoes 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.
2020-07-2734 minSome Random ThoughtsOn Spirituality & DeconstructionOn 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.
2020-07-2034 minSome Random ThoughtsAn IntroductionWelcome 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.
2020-07-1328 min2020-07-1200 min