Holy Ghosting

In this episode, Meg sits down with Dr. Mara Einstein, professor of media studies and author of the new book Hoodwinked, to dissect the billion-dollar “He Gets Us” campaign and the larger machine of white Christian nationalism behind it.We explore how evangelical marketing strategies are crafted to target vulnerable populations, why American exceptionalism is such a powerful theme in religious messaging, and how shifts in post-COVID culture, from rising loneliness to financial instability, are being leveraged for recruitment and control.From tithing campaigns that put churches before families, to courses and data companies shaping belief at scale, we trace how faith is being branded and weaponized as a political tool. But we also talk about resistance: how education, activism, parenting shifts, and even organized boycotts can disrupt this machinery and reclaim community on healthier terms.This is not just about ads—it’s about power, propaganda, and what it means for democracy when faith becomes a marketing strategy.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we sit down with Liz Boltz-Ranfeld to talk about what happens when we take back the pen. For so many of us, writing was once locked inside the rigid frame of quiet times and journaling for the Lord. But Liz invites us to re-envision spiritual writing as something wildly more powerful: a practice of healing, resistance, and reclaiming our own sacred voice.This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt their words stolen by purity culture, evangelical guilt, or spiritual performance. Liz shows us how those same words can be reclaimed—reborn as rituals of self-tending, liberation, and joy.Let’s keep ghosting the past, and write our way into a future that belongs to us.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Meg and Sarai sit down with Cult Slayer, Mica Ringo, whose Recovering Alumni blog played a key role in exposing the abuses of Teen Mania Ministries and giving survivors a voice as shown in the Prime Docuseries, Shiny, Happy People Season 2. Mica didn’t just tell stories—zir work helped bring lasting attention and pressure that contributed to Teen Mania’s collapse Blavity News & Entertainment https://blavity.com/entertainment/mica-ringo-shiny-happy-people ChurchLeaders https://churchleaders.com/news/515515-shiny-happy-people-returns-to-examine-the-christian-culture-war-pioneer-teen-mania-rns.html But our conversation isn’t about the docuseries, and it’s not about the past. It’s about the present and the future. We know that together we can dismantle cultic systems, reclaim autonomy, and discover that living well in the afterlife (after church) is not just possible—it’s the point. We talk cult takedowns, freedom, joy, and what happens when you ghost your old beliefs for good. Spoiler: there’s more laughter than you’d expect. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In an era where voices are silenced, and stories are censored, embracing and supporting spaces that offer uncensored narratives is more crucial than ever.Artistic Resistance: Andrea shares her insights on how comics have historically challenged societal norms and offered a platform for collective power and identity expression. With her expertise in comics history, she delves into how these narratives confront binaries and foster world-building.Comics and Community: Explore the role of local comic shops like Books with Pictures in creating safe communities and resisting censorship, especially in times when book banning is prevalent.Saga’s Universe: We scratch the surface of the epic story of "Saga," a comic series that epitomizes the struggle for identity and belonging in a vast universe, mirroring our own challenges in society. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's empowering episode, we're joined by wellness guide and advocate Brit Koch, who introduces us to the transformative concept of rest as a form of resistance plus 49 other Actionable Ways to Resist. Our conversation redefines self-care and explores how small, personal actions can lead to significant societal change. Whether you're new to activism or looking for sustainable ways to continue your engagement without burnout, this episode offers valuable insights into balancing action with self-preservation. Brit's approach encourages us to rethink how everyday choices like resting, spending, and connecting can be potent forms of resistance. Download the resource I mention in this episode: 50 Actionable Ways to Resist Guide https://britkoch.com/ She's offering it for free but if you're able to, I highly encourage you to make a donation. And while you're there check out her daily wellness book -- Rooted Rituals: Meaningful Wellness Practices from Ancient Native Wisdom https://britkoch.com/shop/c5eba28e-7dc6-4d27-872d-00ca25e56345?pageViewSource=lib_view&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fbritkoch.com%2F&show_back_button=true Threads: @BritLKoch TikTok: @Brit.Koch Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, let's talk about something close to our hearts -- community, growth, and the gritty reality of dealing with societal issues. In today's world, where chaos often seems to reign supreme, finding our people, opening up, and taking care of ourselves isn't just nice to have—it's essential for our survival and empowerment. We're bringing you a challenge to engage with your communities and build meaningful relationships while not forgetting your personal health and needs. Stage one is to resist. Together we can overcome.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this crucial episode, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Anderson to unravel the complex web of religious trauma and its intersection with political turbulence. We're adventuring into the realms of election anxiety, religious healing, and Christian nationalism, we discover challenges and pathways to personal empowerment and peace.What we're talking about this episode:Election Anxiety & Healing Trauma:How the current political climate exacerbates religious trauma and what it means for those caught at the intersection.The Christian Nationalism Conundrum: We break down the long game of Christian nationalism and its profound impact on personal and societal boundaries.Mastering Self-Care: Learn practical techniques for visualization, bodily awareness, and establishing emotional and physical boundaries, especially in tumultuous times.Navigating Family & Information Overload: Get insights on handling tricky family dynamics and shielding yourself from the chaos of constant news cycles.Embracing Change and Lightness: Amidst serious discussions, we find moments of lightness and strategies to embrace ease and joy in everyday life.Dr. Laura Anderson, author of When Religion Hurts You, and the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery have created the: Religious Trauma and the Elections Course: www.traumaresolutionandrecovery.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey ghosties, since we’re in that wicked season, we thought we would take a stab at sharing some of the things we were told were evil. We welcome Kevin Garcia back to the show and we stuck ourselves back in middle school, in the early 90’s when TV was evil.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this soulful episode of Holy Ghosting, Meg and Sarai delve into the deeply personal journey of embodiment and the common struggle of feeling disconnected from our own bodies—something many of us face, especially if we grew up in high-control religious settings. They unwrap how cultural and religious scripts have shaped our views on body image and why it’s crucial to cultivate self-care and self-love. Together, they tackle the tough stuff: the impacts of purity culture and diet culture, and why intuitive eating can be a game-changer. They champion the idea of radical self-care, urging everyone to weave together the pieces of self and body to reclaim their personal power and agency. In this first episode of their "In This Body" Series, Meg and Sarai share some practical tips on embracing change and making yourself a priority because sometimes, the most revolutionary act is choosing to love yourself. Episode CW: we talk about our bodies, restrictive eating, diet culture, sexual repression Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hi Ghosties! What's your summer been like? Ours were wild! Your hosts, Lindsay, Meg and Sarai start this episode by sharing our summer experiences, personal growth and big news about the podcast. AND THEN!!!! Ekkk! We celebrate Amy Grant. We talk about her legacy and her influence on our lives, discussing our favorite album art, our desert island song and the controversies surrounding her divorce. We get into the scandal and the redemption of our favorite crossover pop star on the newest episode of Holy GhostingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome, Ghosties! This episode, "It's Good To Feel Good," brings the amazing duo of Julia and Jeremiah from the Sexvangelicals podcast to talk with Meg & Sarai about the journey from sexual repression to liberation, shedding light on how purity culture has shaped our views on intimacy and desire. We get INTO IT today, sharing personal stories and things we've learned about reclaiming bodily autonomy, exploring pleasures beyond shame, and challenging conventional norms like monogamy. From Repression to Expression: Join us as we navigate the choppy waters of deconstructing religious beliefs around sex. Our guests share their transformative journeys from sexual repression to embracing full, joyful expression. Shedding the Shame: We'll unravel the threads of shame and outdated gender scripts that high control religions often weave around our desires and relationships. Rediscovering Pleasure: Discover how therapies like sensate focus can help us explore touch and intimacy without the pressure of performance, paving the way for a healthier connection with our bodies. Challenging Norms: Why is monogamy the default? We’re discussing how expanding perspectives on relationships can lead to a more fulfilling sexual life. Embodiment and Healing: We wrap up with powerful insights on embodying pleasure, the therapeutic power of yoga, and making our bodies a safe haven for our souls. Sexual liberation and healing from trauma are not just topics; they’re pathways to deeper self-discovery and healthier relationships. Whether you're navigating these waters yourself or just curious about the conversation, there’s something in this episode for everyone. Find the Sexvangelicals, Julia & Jeremiah, at https://www.sexvangelicals.com/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever known some hetero Christian married couple who were together a real long time and then one of them is like, “oops, I’m gay!” and they break up? A lot of us have known folks in this position. And we also remember the fallout and the “prayer chain” (read: gossip train) buzz when these woes befell our brethren. By the way, is there such a thing as “sisthren?” or “siblingthren?” There should be. We digress. Long story short, this podcast is hosted by a sisthren of “oops, I’m gay!” women in their 40’s. Lindsay, Meg, and Sarai have all experienced different journeys in discovering, accepting, and embracing their queerness. In this episode, our Holy Ghosting triumvirate share the ways their paths wound from compulsory heteronormativity toward full awareness of their unique sexualities. In this episode topics include feeling like imposters, finding acceptance and love in the LGBTQIA2S+++ community, and navigating the aftermath of a lifetime of mandatory sexual repression. Content Warning: welp. These broads definitely talk a lot about LGBTQIA2s+ history including discussion of internalized homophobia, general homophobia as disseminated by the evangelical right wing from the 80’s until…um, right now, and honestly, the hosts are wont to talk about sexual trauma kind of a lot. Listen with care, and if it’s not an episode that feels good to you, take a beat and take good care of your beautiful human self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Just when you thought your hellacious heroines, Lindsay, Meg & Sarai, couldn't possibly have more to say about YWAM, BAM! A fourth episode! This time, the call is coming from inside the house, so to speak, because Ghosties like you are sharing their YWAM experiences. Hang out with us as your Ghostie compatriots get brave and tell us the wild tales from their days traveling the world on God's dime. You'll have all the feelings there are to feel. Before you listen, know there are some contents that may be disturbing to some people. Content Warnings: sexual assault, animal cruelty, religious trauma, attempts to colonize the world for Jesus or somethingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ahoy, Ghosties! Set sail with us on the turbulent waters of YWAM's Mercy Ships as Karen Alea, from the Deconversion Therapy podcast, joins us for a deep-sea adventure into religious deconstruction. From the highs of missionary zeal to the lows of financial strain and the choppy waves of communal living, Karen shares her journey of finding land after leaving the evangelical archipelago. In this episode: 🌍 Travel Bugs and Belonging: Karen dives into why YWAM's promise of adventure lured her in. 💸 Financial Storms: Unpack the dicey ethics of fundraising in missionary work. 🙏 Deconstruction Lifelines: How humor can be your life jacket when navigating the heavy currents of faith questioning. Grab your life vests and join our crew as we explore how to keep your head above water in the sea of spiritual uncertainty. 👻 Support the Journey: Like what you hear? Show your support by subscribing, sharing this episode, and dropping us a review. Every bit helps us keep the conversation flowing and the community growing. Find Karen on the Deconversion Therapy Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deconversion-therapy/id1438032991 In this episode Karen shared about a 10-step prayer ritual she had to go through every time she prayed. The same person who came up with the Plumb Line made this gem. Enjoy! https://ywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PrinciplesForEffectiveIntercession-JoyDawson.pdf?lang=en Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Protect your peace: CW: Suicide, Depression, dark thoughts, religious ocd Anna Gazmarian shares her spiritual and mental health journey with Lindsay and Meg. Get Anna's book out now! Devout: A Memoir of Doubt https://bookshop.org/p/books/devout-a-memoir-of-doubt-anna-gazmarian/20165565?ean=9781668004036 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meg opens up about her experiences in YWAM. You don't want to miss this episode in our Youth With A Mission series.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we dive into the not-so-wonderful world of Youth With a Mission, aka YWAM. We chat with our pal (and Lindsay’s sister), D.L. Mayfield about the history and horrors of the cult-like organization that began with one white guy's vision of young people sweeping the globe for Jesus. (Totally not creepy, right?) Fast forward a few decades and YWAM is one of the largest missions organizations on the planet, with 1100 locations in 180+ countries and over 18,000 (unpaid!) staff. It should come as no surprise to our listeners that YWAM is super problematic.. We get into all the cultiest aspects of this organization - from their Discipleship Training School to the forced trauma bonding that they call “Plumbline”. YWAM’s entire model is recruiting young people - before their prefrontal cortexes are fully formed - and they make it VERY hard to leave. If you do manage to escape the cult of YWAM, chances are you’ll be left with zero real-life skills with a side of religious trauma. We’ll be back in a few weeks with a part 2 where we hear from friends and listeners about their about their firsthand encounters with YWAM. (Spoiler alert: the reviews aren't exactly glowing.) Links -Check out DL and Krispin Mayfield’s brand new project, Strong Willed (all about recovering from religious authoritarian parenting) - https://strongwilled.substack.com/ -DL Mayfield on Instagram - @d_l_mayfield -Tiktok - @dlmayfield Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In our latest episode we jump into the turbulent waters of gendered messages and purity culture with a critical eye on the Christian advice book, 'For Young Women Only'—or as we like to call it, “How to NOT Cause a Guy to Stumble.” Published in the early 2000s, this book perpetuates harmful beliefs about gender, sexuality, and the role of women in the church, echoing through youth groups and beyond.We dissect the enforced performance of masculinity, the unjust objectification of women's bodies, and the dangerous overlap of rape and purity cultures that unjustly places blame on women. Our discussion goes deeper, challenging the control exerted over thoughts and visuals, the male gaze, and the relentless standards set by modesty teachings and visual temptations, all underscored by eyebrow-raising survey results from teenage boys.This episode is an unflinching conversation about the impacts of sexual assault and harassment, underscoring the urgent need for autonomy, consent education, and a seismic shift in attitudes toward women's bodies and choices.Get ready, Ghosties, to break free from the shackles of high-control religion. It's time to unravel the mess, advocate for bodily autonomy, and maybe, just maybe, start healing.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when a homeschooled horse girl feels “god put Africa on her heart?” Well. It could be a lot of things. In fact, your own fave Ghostie Hostie, Lindsay, was exactly this kind of girlie. And yet! Just as two paths diverge in a yellow wood, so do our choices take us to different places. Lindsay, for one, went on a medical mission to Uganda, wore scrubs, and - shockingly - didn’t perform a single medical intervention that would require training, certification, or licensure. For Renee Bach, the white missionary who is the subject of Savior Complex an HBO Original Documentary Series, she chose a path (hopefully) less taken and went full speed ahead providing services that were way beyond her training and competency - with dire results. Join your thrilling throuple, Lindsay, Meg, and Sarai, as they discuss the second half of the Max docuseries, Savior Complex. Listen to Part One of our Recap Here https://open.spotify.com/episode/70ycXZYsU72AtCR4Lv6q8t?si=3724aa0d27c542f6 They get down and dirty into the accusations surrounding Renee as No White Saviors picks up momentum online, talk a whole load of shit about Renee’s doting mother, Laurie Bach, and wrestle with the centering of white voices and behaviors that are rife within this story (including ours!) While it’s useful, at times, to wrap our minds around something by defaulting to narratives with good guys and bad guys (or…good homeschool horse girls vs bad ones?), real life is much more complicated than all that. What we end up with is a very gray story with a lot of problematic white women centering themselves in it. Which you can hear more of while your ghostie hosts do a little of that too, hopefully in a helpful way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Just when you think you’ve had your fill of problematic white women, Renee Bach comes along. Look, your Murder of MILFs (hey! It stands for “Mom I’d Like to Friend,” get your head out of the gutter!) watched “Savior Complex,” a documentary detailing the ascent of a young missionary, Renee Bach and Serving His Children, the organization she founded and operated in Uganda. At the wise and totally reasonable age of 19, she discovered she had “a heart for Africa” and was called by God. What started out as a feeding program rapidly mushroomed into an unlicensed medical clinic. Renee herself, homeschooled horse girl with no medical training or credentials took it upon herself to conduct medical procedures on malnourished children with disastrous results. We watched this horror so you don’t have to! The docu-series is on HBO Max and is 3 episodes in total - in this episode, we tackle the first episode and part of the second. (Part 2 will be out soon!)Know this: you’re going to need to gird your loins (or ears), because the conversation includes extremely ill and malnourished children, infant and child death, white supremacy, and Renée’s mom, Laurie Bach, who might be the biggest trigger of all…Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy