Shows
Latter Day Struggles347: Public Voices: Navigating an LDS Culture of Quiet DissentSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is the guest on the thought-provoking Inside Out Podcast, one of the first podcasts to interview her following the dramatic events that led up to the Hamakers' decision to resign from the LDS church rather than collude in an excommunication process that they did not endorse as ethical, legitimate, or appropriate. This episode takes you through Val's early life and path leading to her current work and delves into the challenges she faced with church leadership due to her public mental health work on behalf of th...2025-07-141h 12Latter Day Struggles323: Sometimes Love Uses a MicrophoneSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is invited to be a guest on "Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt," a podcast where she shares many experiences leading to her choice to commit her career to the psychological and spiritual healing of those connected to her own Latter-day Saint faith tradition.Val shares some personal experiences, some of her reasons for beginning and staying in this nerve wracking space, about the ups and downs of the work she does. Mostly she shares her conviction that what she is doing feels deeply "right" to...2025-04-2157 minLatter Day Struggles315: Forgive Them, For They Know Not What They DoSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Valerie & Nathan Hamaker Forced Resignation from the LDS Church [Part III of III] In this final episode detailing the tough events of Val and Nathan's last year trying to collaborate with their local priesthood leaders, they share why they chose to resign their membership instead of experiencing a disciplinary counsel. They also explorethe fear that some LDS leadership experiences with mental health workers and conclude with their process of letting go of resentment or anger so that they can move forward with true freedom. Ple...2025-03-241h 21Latter Day Struggles313: Not Willing to be Burned at the Stake CenterSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Valerie & Nathan Hamaker Forced Resignation from the LDS Church [Part I of III] Please join Valerie & Nathan in this tough 3-part conversation sharing the events that led to what felt to them like their forced resignation from LDS Church this past week. In today’s episode Val and Nathan walk through a timeline of a lot of painful experiences in the past eighteen months with multiple well-meaning local priesthood leaders who ultimately could not overcome their fear of the healing work...2025-03-172h 10Latter Day Struggles312: Why Gender-based Wounds Can Only be Healed in Mixed-Gender CommunitiesSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Community Healing: How our Greatest Wounds & our Greatest Healing Happens through Human Relationship [Part VIII of VIII]Join Valerie in the final episode of a series exploring the beauty of community healing in the context of an LDS faith crisis. In this episode you will meet two current members of Valerie's brand new advanced content group, processing the impact of growing up in a patriarchal world and church. This group dives deeply into how each and every one of us has been deeply impacted by the "C...2025-03-1458 minLatter Day Struggles291: LDSP CLASSIC! Women Worldwide Vote "Opposed" to Institutional Claims of Female AuthoritySend us a Positive Review!Happy holidays Latter Day Struggles listeners! For the next four episodes you will enjoy a few "Classic" episodes that have received some of the highest number of downloads and waves of feedback that these are among some of the most impactful episodes for many listeners.Also, as a way to share my love and gratitude for all of you during this holiday season, the classic episodes dropped on Friday 12/27/24 and Monday 1/3/25 will be open to ALL listeners! Thank you for your support as your subscriptions make this podcast po...2024-12-301h 30Latter Day Struggles287: Why Patriarchal Men Cannot Tolerate CritiqueSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: The Shocking Correlation Between Men Socialized in Patriarchies & Psychological/Spiritual Underdevelopment [Part V of VI] In this episode, Valerie and Nathan continue to discuss how being spiritually formed in a patriarchy negatively affects men. This episode highlights how being raised in this "power-over model" hampers male emotional maturity, leading to issues like lack of empathy, rigid black-and-white thinking, and minimal self-reflection, making it tough for men to admit mistakes or be accountable to those around them both personally and institutionally. Valerie and Nathan emphasize their desire to...2024-12-1642 minLatter Day Struggles279: Strategies to Heal Mixed-Faith LDS CouplesSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Story of LDS Faith Expansion & Marital Resilience [Part V of V]In this episode Valerie answers a variety of audience questions regarding the complexities of the LDS faith journey when a married couple finds themselves in different places on the LDS faith spectrum. Valerie provides resources, insights, and tools around topics that range from how to establish emotional safety in frightening conversations, how to develop emotional intimacy, how to navigate parenting struggles, healthy boundaries, and how to grow intimacy & mutual in the differentiating marriage. ...2024-11-1844 minLatter Day Struggles277: My Faith Journey Actually Made our Marriage StrongerSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Story of LDS Faith Expansion & Marital Resilience [Part III of V]In this episode, Valerie is joined again by Katie and Jeremy as they share their journey from early religious alignment, through painful confusion and isolation, and then profound personal and relational growth and intimacy as a couple and family. Emphasizing the importance of emotional safety, attachment styles, and healthy stress management, Through their candid discussions, Katie and Jeremy reveal how understanding each other's childhood experiences, pursuing curiosity over certainty, and utilizing trauma-informed counseling have gi...2024-11-111h 05Latter Day Struggles275: An LDS Marriage in the Valley of the ShadowSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Story of LDS Faith Expansion & Marital Resilience [Part I of V]In this episode, Valerie hosts a heartfelt and raw discussion with Katie and Jeremy about the complexities of navigating a mixed-faith marriage. They share personal stories, fears, challenges, and the journey they've taken to find common ground and love despite differing faith paths. This episode delves into the deep emotions of fear, hurt, shame, loneliness, and highlights the importance of communication, empathy, and love in overcoming marital struggles connected to faith transitions....2024-11-041h 27Latter Day Struggles251: Fostering Environments for Growth & Interdependent Thinking in the LDS ChurchSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Vertical Development & the LDS Faith Journey with Ryan Gottfredson [Part III of IV]In this episode, Valerie and Ryan expand on the characteristics of a vertically developing mind. This episode highlights the characteristics of the most psychologically developed mind--characteristics that embody only 1% of the population! This "mind 3.0" values contributing to the world in meaningful ways, interdependent thinking, embracing vulnerability, and holding loving space for experiences and perspectives that vary (even in Sunday school!!). Val and Ryan also explore how and why trauma [individually, generationally, an...2024-08-1245 minLatter Day Struggles249: A Modern Map for Psychological Growth in our Latter-day Saint CommunitySend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Vertical Development & the LDS Faith Journey with Ryan Gottfredson [Part I of IV]In this opening episode [of a four-part series], Valerie welcomes organizational psychologist Ryan Gottfredson for a fascinating study of how our level of psychological development impacts how we (our loved ones, our friends, and our church!) navigate religion and spirituality. This episode is a broad overview of Ryan's scholarship, found in his book "The Elevated Leader" and sets the stage for their in-depth conversation in the following three episodes tackling each stage of v...2024-08-0541 minLatter Day Struggles247: Processing Former Spiritual Experiences after LDS Faith CrisisSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Redefining Spiritual Experiences [Part I of II]In this episode of Latter Day Struggles, Valerie and Nathan respond to a very common question that people in early faith crisis often ask: "What do I make of my former spiritual experiences?" This two part series tackles many aspects of this perplexing aspect of faith expansion. Val and Nathan talk about the feelings of confusion that many feel about early faith defining experiences. They talk about other feelings that come including mistrust in oneself, one's feelings, one's former answ...2024-07-2952 minLatter Day Struggles243: Why a Call for Loyalty is a Red FlagSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Study of Loyalty [Part I of II]In this episode Valerie and Nathan delve into the delicate relationship between love, loyalty, and integrity. They discuss how loyalty, when prioritized over love, can lead to moral conflicts, confusion and systemic issues. The conversation centers around recognizing loyalty as a near enemy to love, particularly within political, religious, and social contexts. With their usual compassion and candor, Valerie and Nathan advocate for genuine love over superficial loyalty. Tune in to explore how loyalty can overshadow true virtues a...2024-07-1539 minLatter Day Struggles241: How Neuroscience Validates the Need for U.S. Prison Reform with Fiona GivensSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Atonement & the American Criminal Justice System [Part III of IV]Welcome to this episode where Valerie and special guest Fiona Givens dive deep into each of their favorite topics: neuroscience & trauma (looking at you Valerie!) & healthy atonement theology (now looking at you Fiona!). A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the impact of trauma on individuals, especially those within the criminal justice system. Fiona brings insights from scholars and trauma experts, emphasizing that what is often perceived as deviant behavior is deeply rooted in trauma an...2024-07-081h 16Latter Day Struggles229: Rewriting LDS Women’s History of MotherhoodSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploration of Camille Johnson’s Address about Modern Mormon Motherhood [Part II of II] In preparation for Friday's sensitive-content exclusive episode 230, Valerie offers a detailed overview of the entirety of General Relief Society President Camille Johnson's recent address given at the 2024 BYU Women's Conference. This address was both intriguing and concerning, focusing concurrently on both following the specific directions of outside authority as the safest means of living one’s life while also encouraging women to follow the counsel of the spirit to allow God to prevai...2024-05-2745 min
Latter Day Struggles221: Supporting Spiritual & Relational Wellness if Stepping Away from the Church w/ Dr Julie HanksSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is joined by friend and colleague Dr. Julie Hanks, where they discuss the emotional and psychological complexities of stepping away from the LDS faith for those who feel called to do so. They emphasize the importance of making this transition in a psychologically healthy manner, and how challenging this is to do in a climate where not a lot of resources are available and this decision is fraught with so much distress and loneliness. The discussion covers potential challenges such as navigating changes in re...2024-04-2931 min
Latter Day Struggles215: Musket Fire, Academic Freedom, & Concerns about Scientific Progress at BYUSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Some Complexities of the BYU Experience in 2024 [Part I of II]In this episode Valerie welcomes special guest Brian Dille, a BYU alumnus and member of a professional organization responsible for accrediting institutions of higher learning in the USA. This series tackles the complex and pressing issue of academic freedom at Brigham Young University, especially in light of recent curriculum changes where the “musket” talk was made required reading for all incoming BYU freshmen. Brian and Valerie delve into the definition and historical context of academic freed...2024-04-0844 min
Latter Day Struggles211: Women Worldwide Vote "Opposed" to Institutional Claims of Female AuthoritySend us a Positive Review!Series Title: The Impact of Gender Inequality in the LDS Faith [Part I of IV]Join Valerie as she explores a variety of topics connected to the 2024 rebirth of the Law of Common Consent demonstrated by LDS women throughout the world who recently voted "opposed" to claims that women in the LDS church have more authority than women of other church's worldwide. In this episode, Valerie processes a variety of topics including: ** Several reasons why the LDS church has chronic struggles with allowing women equality. 2024-03-251h 30
Latter Day Struggles209: Unshackling Shame-LDS Faith Journey Brings Se*ual HealingSend us a Positive Review!Healing from LDS Faith Crisis: The Personal Journey of Nick [Part I of II]In this heartfelt episode, Valerie and special guest Nick take an intimate look into the personal journey his healing and self-discovery. They dive deep into Nick's past, discussing the challenges of reconciling his relationship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while confronting lifelong negative beliefs about himself. Nick candidly shares his experiences with loneliness, sexual shame, and his reliance on pornography as a coping mechanism. Together, they explore the significance of n...2024-03-181h 01
Latter Day Struggles207: Healing Ideas & Harmful Ideas about the Use of ScriptureSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Expanding our Theology [Part I of II] This week Valerie and Nathan tackle two fundamental aspects of LDS observance--scriptures and prayer--and walk you through ways in which each of these concepts can be either helpful to our spiritual journeys are harmful to our spiritual growth experiences. Episode 207 reflects on the complexities of scripture, tackling the risks associated with misusing scriptures as tools of oppression and highlighting the damage caused when sacred texts are used to justify harmful actions, even on a catastrophic scale. 2024-03-1148 min
Latter Day Struggles205: Exploring Disaffiliation Family Crisis Because the LDS Church is a ‘Covenant’ ReligionSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploring Family Challenges when LDS Young Adults Disaffiliate [Part III of IV]In this part three of this series, Valerie and her therapist colleague Liz Macdonald delve further into the complexities of navigating faith disaffiliation among young adults in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their conversation today focuses on the unique challenges faced in families who belong to "covenantal religions", including the anxiety and isolation that both parents and their evolving young adult children can feel when facing the eternal threats of noncompliance w...2024-03-041h 12
Latter Day Struggles203: When Love, Faith Journeys & Fear Collide in an LDS FamilySend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploring Family Challenges when LDS Young Adults Disaffiliate [Part I of IV]In this episode one of a mind-expanding four-part series, Valerie and special guest and fellow therapist Liz Macdonald delve into the delicate nature of the relationship between a certain type of Latter-Day Saint parent and their young adult children who navigate different paths regarding their faith. In this episode, Liz offers and overview of an in-depth research project she did learning more about the extreme turmoil experienced by those in conflict with their parents d...2024-02-261h 04
Latter Day Struggles197: A Story of Humanity, Reconciliation, & Spiritual Empowerment w/ Dan WotherspoonSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Conversations with Mormon Mystics & Graduates of Fr. Richard Rohr’s ‘Living School’ [Part III of IV] In this episode, Valerie is joined by Dan Wotherspoon, a beloved voice in our Latter-day Saint progressive community, who shares his poignant personal history, detailing a journey from early rebellion, through an LDS mission, a higher-education-induced faith crisis, and finally a profound spiritual awakening that led to his enduring realization that love is the most real force in the universe. Both Valerie and Dan speak to the importance of individual discernme...2024-02-051h 01
Latter Day Struggles187: Demystifying LDS Hierarchy & Corporate Politics w/ Greg PrinceSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part III of IV]In today's part III of Valerie's series with Greg Prince they delve into an era that Greg claims we should all better understand as we navigate our 21st century LDS faith. This episode casts a spotlight on the leadership of David O. McKay, with a special focus on his complex relationship to the eventual lifting of the temple/priesthood ban, his handling of Ezra Taft Benson's anti-communist obsession, and his questionable handling of...2024-01-0156 min
Latter Day Struggles183: Progress, Pretense & the Gender Politics of the LDS Chapel Seating ChartSend us a Positive Review!In this thought-provoking episode Valerie delves into the topic of women and church hierarchy, focusing on the symbolic and practical implications of women seated at the stand in church leadership. Valerie shares her personal connections to the San Francisco Bay Area (where the recent "seating chart" debacle took place) with her experience as a missionary in that area. She contrasts gender policies within the LDS framework to those of other denominations and unpacks some of the complexities of gender dynamics, the influence of historical and transgenerational trauma, and suggests reimagining s...2023-12-1842 min
Latter Day Struggles179: ‘Women and Authority’: A Feminist Work of Art w/ Maxine HanksSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Sketch of the Life & Work of Mormon Feminist Maxine Hanks [Part I of IV]In this first of a compelling four-part series, Valerie welcomes Maxine Hanks, editor of the groundbreaking feminist book "Women and Authority" which led to the infamous "September 6" purge of 1993, where many LDS feminists and scholars were disciplined by the LDS church for their scholarship and advocacy work. In the next four episodes, Valerie welcomes Maxine Hanks to the Latter Day Struggles podcast where Maxine offers a detailed account of her own l...2023-12-0447 min
Latter Day Struggles177: Advocating for Diligent Parents Called “Weak Links”Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploration of GC Address ‘For the Sake of Your Posterity’ by E. Godoy [Part I of II]In this episode Valerie and Nathan discuss Elder Godoy's talk 'For the Sake of Your Posterity'. In this episode they focus on the following: Support of the fundamental importance of the influence of parentsDeep concerns about fear and guilt tactics used to motivate behavior of church membersThe importance of understanding stages of faith development to offer context and grace instead of judgment Friday's part two of this conversation covers the fo...2023-11-2735 min
Latter Day Struggles173: Grace as the Original Intention of God-NOT the Backup Plan! w/ Adam MillerSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploration of Adam Miller's Book “Original Grace” [Part I of IV]Welcome to an exploration on a book that has truly changed the way to see ourselves, God, grace, and a healthy gospel of Jesus Christ. Val has invited Adam Miller on a deep exploration of his ideas connected to the atonement of Jesus Christ covered in his book "Original Grace". In this first episode of this series Valerie and Adam dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the concept of grace, focusing on the larger Christian and La...2023-11-1335 min
Latter Day Struggles171: Celebrating Lavina Fielding Anderson’s Vision for a More Inclusive ChurchSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Tribute to Lavina Fielding Anderson [Part I of II]In this heartfelt episode, Valerie and guest Christian Anderson reflect on the life and legacy of Lavina Fielding Anderson, Christian's mother: a writer, scholar, and passionate believer in protecting the vulnerable and champion for a more inclusive Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Join Valerie and Christian as they explore Lavina's early life, her convictions, and her eventual confrontation with the LDS church around issues of ecclesiastical abuse. In Friday's episode, Christian recounts hi...2023-11-061h 04
Latter Day Struggles165: A Seminary Teacher Who "Gets" What LDS Youth Need to Thrive SpirituallySend us a Positive Review!In this episode of Latter Day Struggles, Valerie visits with Aimee, a Canadian seminary teacher, to discuss her experiences as a progressive thinker in the Latter Day Saint space. Aimee shares her journey of personal growth and how this translates into her approach to seminary teaching-prioritizing inquiry over dogma and allowing her students to become creators of their own spiritual learning experience. Valerie and Aimee explore the challenges of teaching with a church-correlated curriculum that may not align with the instructor's personal beliefs and values. Through the...2023-10-1645 min
Latter Day Struggles161: Young Adults Want the Hard Conversations w/ Patrick MasonSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Guiding & Trusting LDS Young Adults as They Navigate their Faith [Part I of II]Welcome to a beautiful two-part conversation between Valerie and Patrick Mason, who talk about the often-unaddressed issue of conflict in religious congregations and how tough conversations can be turned around to propel spiritual growth. Patrick has a unique perspective in this issue as a university professor who has recently begun holding gatherings in his home, helping young adults in and around the LDS church feel safe in their honest enquiries around spirituality i...2023-10-0258 min
Latter Day Struggles159: LDS University Students Pressured to Not Ask Hard QuestionsSend us a Positive Review! Series Title: Analysis of E.Corbridge BYU Devotional “Stand Forever [Part I of II]In the next two episodes Valerie and Nathan respond to a BYU address titled “Stand Forever” by E. Corbridge, where he proposes to university students that there are only four questions that even matter in one’s quest for spiritual knowledge in the LDS church. According to him, once these “primary questions” are answered, no “secondary questions” need be asked. In this series Valerie and Nathan challenge both the proposed four “primary questions” th...2023-09-2540 min
Latter Day Struggles153: The State of LDS Faith Crisis Ten Years Post 2014 Official “Faith Crisis Report” ResearchSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Valerie’s 2023 Sunstone Symposium Address [Part I of II]In the next two episodes Valerie will share with you her findings following hundreds of intense hours working with members of the LDS church in faith and trust crisis this past year since she opened up her first growth, processing, and support groups as a trauma therapist serving her own faith community.These observations might be of particular interest as they come exactly 10 years following the creation of an exhaustive report (linked in full below) created for (th...2023-09-0444 min
Latter Day Struggles149: Sociopolitical Forces that Led to Ezra Taft Benson's "To the Mothers in Zion"Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Analysis of Ezra Taft Benson's "To the Mothers in Zion" Infamous Address [Part I of II]This week on Latter Day Struggles we are diving into an address that rocked the worlds of many women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The talk? “To the Mother’s in Zion” given by Ezra Taft Benson clear back in 1987. This talk became a sort of priesthood-directed “Mormon motherhood position statement” for all women of the church for several decades.To say the very least, it made its m...2023-08-2129 min
Latter Day StrugglesBONUS: How to subscribe to Friday Latter Day Struggles EpisodesSend us a Positive Review!I see you!You're missing your Friday morning fix with Valerie and the Latter Day Struggles Podcast!Well, I gotcha covered :)This quick bonus episode walks you through step by step HOW to subscribe to the Friday episodes of this podcast no matter what provider you use (you do NOT need to listen on Spotify but you DO need to subscribe THROUGH Spotify...just to answer a question asked many, many times!) Here is the link on how to subscribeThis episode...2023-07-1417 min
Latter Day Struggles131: Choosing Love & Healing Over Silence & FearSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Valerie’s Personal Journey [Part I of II]Join Val and fellow therapist Brannon Patrick this week as Brannon interviews Valerie about her first year accidentally diving into the deep end as a professional voice speaking respectfully but directly on behalf of thousands of individuals in the LDS faith and trust crisis and expansion space.In those two episodes Valerie responds to a variety of personal questions including (but not limited to): Her own experiences finding herself a in a role speaking at the intersection of...2023-06-1946 min
Latter Day Struggles129: How Someone Like You Can (or Maybe Did) Overcome QueerphobiaSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: PRIDE and Personal Growth [Part I of II]Join Valerie for the next couple of week honoring PRIDE in a variety of different ways.First and most importantly, Valerie has invited several individuals (like yourselves!) from her small groups to share their own growth journeys in the context of PRIDE month.In each of these stories shared you will learn from gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and straight ally individuals who learned profound lessons about love over fear, love over judgment, and love over unhealthy...2023-06-1244 min
Latter Day Struggles127: When it Feels Like Your Spouse Chooses the Church over Your MarriageSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: When Marriage Doctrines Unintentionally Divide a Couple [Part I of II]This week on the Latter Day Struggles podcast Valerie focuses on a population of people whom she loves and sees consistently in a lot of pain here in and around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Married couples in the LDS church tend to experience a great deal of distress when one partner begins a growth process that departs in any way from the standard beliefs and practices of the LDS faith. 2023-06-0537 min
Latter Day Struggles124: Five Components of Mature SpiritualitySend us a Positive Review!If you loved the last episode of Latter Day Struggles, you’ll love Valerie and Nathan’s discussion about the 5 components that can help each of us know that we have embraced a mature spirituality: A MATURE SPIRITUALITY: Resonates from within (is not compelled from beyond)Invites the numinous (beckons, compels us forward, drives us to know more with a magnetic-like pull)Opens us to mystery (welcomes the unknown; is open to a different way of seeing, worshipping, experiencing, that is unconnected to our programming)Asks us to grow up (does not ha...2023-05-2642 min
Latter Day Struggles116: Harm Done in Oversimplifying the Book of Mormon w/ Taylor PetreySend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Real Talk about the Book of Mormon [Part II of IV]In this second of a four part series tackling various aspects of the Book of Mormon with a couple of prominent Mormon theologians, Valerie continues to talk to Taylor Petrey about the negative impact that many current members are experiencing around the overly simplistic narrative regarding the translation of the Book of Mormon, its origin, meaning, and literalness.Valerie contends that this complicates one’s ability to read this book and find it...2023-04-2840 min
Latter Day Struggles115: The Book of Mormon: Myth or History? w/ Taylor PetreySend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Real Talk about the Book of Mormon [Part I of IV]It's time to take a deep dive into what may be a psychologically and spiritually confusing topic for many expanding members in and around the LDS church—THE BOOK OF MORMON. In this FIRST of a four part series tackling many complex aspects of the Book of Mormon with prominent Mormon scholars, Valerie begins the conversation with friend and colleague Taylor Petrey (editor in chief of the Dialogue Journal of Mormon Thought) where together they rev...2023-04-2440 min
Latter Day Struggles109: The Slippery Slope of Self JustificationSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie reviews some fascinating ideas about the relationship between cognitive dissonance and self justification and applies these ideas to humanity, institutions, churches, and the LDS church.She walks you through the following ideas:why humans and institutions self justifywhy people in leadership are especially prone to self justificationwhy entire communities get caught up in self justifying behaviorsthe self-justifying tactics people and institutions use when they are called out for questionable behaviorswhat can be done to overcome the tendency to self justify In this episode Valerie a...2023-04-031h 03
Latter Day Struggles108: Is Your Marriage on Life Support Due to Your Faith Journey? Listen Here for Support!Send us a Positive Review!In this episode, Valerie highlights what you will learn in her NEW online course “A COUPLE’S GUIDE FOR LDS FAITH CRISIS AND EXPANSION” for couples struggling with uneven faith journey experiences. As of mid-2024, this course ("The Couples Guide to Faith Crisis and Expansion") has been broken into three stand-alone self-paced online classes. Once purchased, you will receive access to a printable workbook and enjoy unlimited access to the recorded presentations. Each of these classes offers hope and healing for the LDS couple struggling to even talk about wha...2023-03-3121 min
Latter Day Struggles98: We do NOT ‘Consider the Matter Closed’—Tithing Wealth, Transparency, & AccountabilitySend us a Positive Review!Join Valerie in her analysis of the recent breaking news regarding the financial settlement between the LDS church and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission regarding tithing holdings. In this episode Valerie breaks down the following:An analysis of why, in a healthy relationship between ANY two parties [including between an individual and their church], one party does not decide unilaterally that ANY "matter is closed" especially in situations that involve a sacred breach of trust.What needs to happen after a violation of trust between two parties to heighten t...2023-02-241h 03
Latter Day Struggles95: Our Primary Task in Life is Not Marriage!Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Psychological Health Check on LDS Theology of Marriage & Family [Part I of XII]In this multi-part series, Valerie and therapist colleague Brannon Patrick begin to unpack the very multifaceted doctrine of eternal marriage and all of its complex implications in the real lives of real people, often finding the “plan of happiness” feeling more like the “plan of sadness” as life progresses in ways that almost inevitably do not line up with what doctrine frames as the ideal and only way to reach heaven.Valerie and Brannon o...2023-02-1443 min
Latter Day Struggles93: Understanding a Healthy Dynamic Between Church Leaders & MembersSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Analysis of E. Hamilton “Why a Church? [Part II of II]In this episode, Valerie looks a psychological lens to explain some of the dynamics at play between some current spokespeople for the LDS church and those who are asking for dialogue and change in a variety of areas. As an intimate relationship therapist, Valerie frequently works with couples and helps them with struggles around the issue of power, growth, and fear. These very same concepts can be superimposed onto other relationships, and in this episode, Val...2023-02-0651 min
Latter Day Struggles83: How Early Faith Crisis Divides the Human BrainSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Journey Out of Orthodoxy [Part II of II]This episode is part II of Valerie and Nathan’s reflections on their journey out of orthodoxy. In this episode they respond to the large amount of feedback that the previous episode received by those listening to Valerie’s former podcast “Generation Xhausted” and address several questions, including their thoughts on parenting, leaving institutional religion all together, and more. Val also talks about how the human brain as a “three member committee” struggles to meet separate needs and gives a neuro...2023-01-0250 min
Latter Day Struggles82: The Discomfort of Seeing our Former Self RighteousnessSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Journey Out of Orthodoxy [Part I of II]In this episode, Val and Nathan share a recording from Valerie's first podcast titled "Generation Xhausted", which is a podcast where Valerie delved into issues of soul crisis, something that many people simply call "burnout", ranging from crisis in marriage, aging, parenting, work, body image, and finally, faith crisis. In this particular episode, Val and Nathan talk about their own faith journeys and their ongoing realizations as they left the simplicity and somewhat hubristic comfort of orthodoxy. They al...2022-12-3056 min
Latter Day Struggles73: Growing up GodlySend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Tribute to the Life & Poetry of Carol Lynn Pearson [Part IV of VIII]For these mini-episodes I will be showcasing some of my favorite poems more deeply acquainting us with the feminine face of God. Please listen and listen again...these poems hold lost and forgotten truths that can recall to us our sometime distant relationship with our dear Mother God.To purchase the entire autographed book, go to carollynnpearson.com——————————————————————————————————————SUBSCRIBE: All Friday episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through a paid subscription ($9.99/month). Thank you...2022-12-0706 min
Latter Day Struggles63: A Psychological Look at Combative DiscourseSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Analysis of E. Corbitt: Christ-Centered Activism [Part II of II]In this follow up episode, Valerie conceptualizes the recent formal criticism of activism/advocacy against the LDS church from the psychological framework called Internal Family Systems [IFS]. She begins by explaining how within each individual is a “true self” who is whole, complete, wise, and infinitely capable and powerful…[exactly what might be expected of offspring of divine parents!] As mortality wears on we each collect experiences and relationships that inevitably hurt and overwhelm and through these e...2022-11-1135 min
Latter Day Struggles61: Healthy Atonement Theology & the Healing of Lifelong Se*ual SinSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie walks you through her own experience with many, many of her own clients who tenaciously refuse to believe that the atonement is actually infinite and eternal for them. In the LDS faith (and other conservative Christian faiths) sexual addiction seems to hold an elevated place of shame, judgment, and condemnation.Many people communicate and truly believe that this struggle is too "bad" to be consumed in the atonement of Jesus Christ...until the wounded does something to earn it first. Once again. This belief harms everyone. And...2022-11-0430 min
Latter Day Struggles55: On the Deep Psychological Costs of Institutionalized QueerphobiaSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie validates those who are struggling with some current policies that are wounding our sexual and gender minority friends and loved ones and invites a deeper understanding of both the hurt and our potential to heal this hurt by looking at Carol Lynn Pearson's book "No More Goodbyes". In this episode Val breaks down what she considers to be five foundational healthy psychological relationship paradigms and contrasts these with five unhealthy paradigms that are the current lived experience of so many who suffer in our circles....2022-10-171h 19
Latter Day Struggles54: Why Science May Pressure Policy Change on HomosexualitySend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie talks to those of you out there whose faith and trust crises are at least in part due to issues around the LDS church's doctrine, policies, and consequent treatment towards our sexual and gender minority friends and family members. This episode focuses especially on scientific findings that clearly explain that sexual orientation is not a choice and therefore cannot be condemned or changed. Valerie analyses Gregory Prince's info-packed lecture titled "Science Vs. Dogma: Biology Challenges the LDS Paradigm of Homosexuality."This episode covers:Th...2022-10-141h 06
Latter Day Struggles47: Processing the Trauma and Grief of Faith CrisisSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie addresses a listener's request to address her faith crisis grief from a psychological perspective. Valerie uses this episode as an opportunity to talk about her own grief process both preceding her decision to start this podcast as well as her ongoing experience working through the grief that comes when our worlds are turned upside-down by faith and trust crisis. She shares 10 specific points regarding your grief as you valiantly struggle with your own personal experience.The ten points that she discusses are as follows:Your ex...2022-09-1954 min
Latter Day Struggles43: Mormon Women's History & the ERA: A Case of Subservience Over ConscienceSend us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie walks you through a historic tragedy to demonstrate what happens when a community is trained to obey authority over honoring common sense, conscience, and sound judgment. Valerie takes you back to the 1970s and recounts LDS church headquarter's handling of the national Equal Rights Amendment [ERA] and how large numbers of church members gladly relinquished their own wisdom and judgement in the service of loyalty to the institution. After tracing these fascinating events, Valerie shares several thoughts about what this cautionary tale can teach us...2022-09-0545 min
Generation XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 147: Work Burnout–Chronic StressSome people hate their work and this is stressful. Some people like their work but are marinating in stress just the same for a variety of reasons. Join therapist Valerie Hamaker as she breaks down chronic stress and its impact on the body and how to work through your own stress to prevent illness, premature […]2022-06-0500 min
Latter Day Struggles18: Why Consent-Only Cultures Do Not ThriveSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: The Sanctity of Dissent [Part IV of V]Join therapist Valerie Hamaker and her husband Nathan as they tackle the tendency to shame dissent and worship consent in the LDS faith. In this episode it is all about dissent and its power to heal blindness. They start with how a "consent only" culture develops people who are not introspective, curious, or challenging to systems and programs that ought to be thought about, challenged, and innovated.…for the betterment of all. Then they move on to how ins...2022-06-0332 min
Latter Day Struggles1: Is Gods Love Contingent on Righteousness?Send us a Positive Review!Welcome to the Latter Day Struggles Podcast where we strive to talk about things that are connected to your LDS-related faith journey. Valerie Hamaker is a licensed relationship therapist and has attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for her entire life. She cares deeply about the spiritual and psychological wellbeing of those connected with her home faith and the integrity and theological soundness of the church. She is here to engage in respectful conversations about tough but crucial topics that matter to your health and hea...2022-02-2241 min
Generation XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 103: When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Valerie’s StoryJoin Valerie and colleague Dr. Todd Frye in a continuation of their conversation about parenting, love, shame resilience, and how Valerie’s family grew enormously from their experience working with their daughter through her eating disorder. Want to feel like being a messy, imperfect family is normal and even the best path to learning all that […]2021-07-1834 min
Generation XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 72: When Passion Meets Profession–Valerie’s Journey to the Healing ArtsIn this episode, meet therapist Valerie Hamaker and learn more about her background, passion, and the gift that being a therapist has been to herself, her family, and to the growth of her own soul. Want to become a therapist? Have you considered seeing a therapist and haven’t quite had the courage? Listen to this […]2020-12-0734 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 58: Series 12 [Part 1 of 5] Navigating the Tension Between Teaching Values and Instilling Perfectionism in our ChildrenJoin Valerie and Todd as they get listeners ready to meet Carter and Emily, the parents of Valerie's adolescent client, Ben. In this case, Valerie works with both parents and their teen- aged son and helps them all understand the power of the parents love, teachability, and personal accountability in the healing work of a child. 2020-08-3124 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 27: Bonus Episode [Part 2 of 2] Parenting a Child Through and Eating DisorderThis is part 2 of an interview between co-hosts Valerie Hamaker and Todd Frye where they focus on Valerie's experience as the mother of an adolescent daughter struggling with and eating disorder. Valerie's experience of how her own belief in the innate power of healing strengthened her resolve to help her daughter is a main focus of this episode. 2020-01-2834 minGeneration XhaustedEpisode 16: Series 3 [Part 4 of 4] It Takes a Village to Go through a DivorceJoin Valerie Hamaker and Dr. Todd Frye as they dive deeper in the dynamics of Tera's journey. Highlights include a discussion of how Tera was able to navigate the ending of her marriage peacefully, feeling confidence that she had truly given it her best efforts and allowed him opportunities to do the same. 2019-11-1239 min