That's Church.

Episode OverviewHow do you find spiritual independence after 30 years behind the pulpit? David Hayward (The NakedPastor) joins Emilie and Ashlie to discuss the "slow melt" of deconstruction, the power of art to bypass our defenses, and how to find community when you’ve left the "furnace of fellowship" behind.Key Highlights• The Growth Rings: Why your religious past is an essential part of your story, not something to be ashamed of.• The Wheel of Oneness: A visual guide to why the closer we get to the "truth," the more we realize we are all connected.• Challenging the Patriarchy: Why David’s feminist art often triggers the most controversy and why he refuses to stop drawing it.• Life After Church: Navigating the loneliness of leaving and learning that you don't have to be an "open book" to everyone to find real friends.Resources & Links• David’s Website: nakedpastor.com• Online Community: The Lasting Supper• Book Mentioned: The Liberation of Sophia by David Hayward• Follow David: @nakedpastor on InstagramConnect With Us• Instagram: @thatschurch• Website: thatschurch.org

We are kicking off Season Three with a powerful conversation about faith in a volatile world. Reverend Gerlyn Henry joins Emilie and Ashlie to discuss the ethics of ministry during times of global conflict and political tension. From the "resistance of joy" to the necessity of lamenting for Gaza and protecting the dignity of immigrants, this episode is a call to a bigger, more inclusive theology.In this episode, we discuss:Faith in the Public Square: Navigating ministry and social justice in today's climate.The Call to Lament: Centering human dignity (Imago Dei) during the crisis in Gaza.Bridges, Not Barriers: How radical hospitality humanizes the immigrant and the refugee.Prophetic Joy: Why finding joy in turbulence is a vital form of spiritual resistance.Connect with our Guest:Instagram: @GerlynhenryLocation: St. Jude’s in Scarborough, Ontario (through July 2026).Annual Women’s Event: Becoming SovereignFull Title: Becoming Sovereign - Claiming your story, honoring your agency & Building our Beloved CommunityDate: March 7th, 2026Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)Tickets: Available at thatschurch.orgBook Club & Field TripsBook Club: March 12th | 7:00 PM | Draper, Utah.Easter Field Trip: Join us at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Provo, Utah.Date: Thursday, April 2nd (Evening).Follow the journey:Instagram: @thatschurchpodcastWebsite: thatschurch.orgUpcoming Events & Community Gatherings

This special Season 2 finale was filmed last summer at Our Savior Lutheran Church and captures something deeply meaningful to us.What began as an invitation from Pastor Reba to talk about faith, interfaith work, and peacebuilding quickly became a full day of connection. After inviting us to speak with the church council, the congregation welcomed us back during a summer BBQ filled with bouncy houses, incredible food, and people of all ages.This was the first time we had ever attempted community-style interviews. We bought microphones, stepped into the unknown, and listened.We spoke with youth, young couples raising small children, longtime members who have seen decades of change, and those who come and go but still feel at home. We talked with Pastor Reba and a member preparing to step into a lay pastor role to assist her. Across every conversation, one theme remained constant: everyone feels welcome here.Whether people arrived as lifelong Lutherans or from entirely different faith backgrounds—or none at all—each person shared how deeply accepted and valued they feel. Two older women, standing close and gently holding each other’s hands, embodied the tenderness and belonging that lives within this community.This episode took time to edit, but it felt like the perfect way to close Season 2.Looking Ahead to Season 3Season 3 includes conversations with Gerlyn Henry, David Hayward (The Naked Pastor), and many other thoughtful voices we’re excited to share.As a growing nonprofit, we are also seeking a video editor who is interested in donating their time, gaining hands-on experience, and working with an organization focused on interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.📧 Interested? Email admin@thatschurch.orgUpcoming Event — March 2026📅 March 7📍 Compass GalleryBecoming SovereignClaiming Your Story, Honoring Your Agency, and Building Our Beloved CommunityPresenters:McArthur KrishnaMaxine HanksAmy Watkins Jensen of Women on the StandEach year, we host a women-centered event in March and an interfaith-focused event in the fall. This gathering centers women’s voices, personal agency, and the work of building beloved community. We would love to have you join us.Connect With Us📸 Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast🌐 Website: https://thatschurch.org

In this episode of That’s Church, we sit down with Ariel Munyer for a thoughtful conversation about faith, curiosity, and connection.Ariel shares her experiences attending different religious spaces, navigating faith alongside LGBTQ+ loved ones, and teaching with vulnerability and creativity. She also talks about her work as a professional genealogist and how uncovering family stories can be a deeply spiritual practice—one rooted in memory, belonging, and community.This episode explores what it means to stay connected without certainty, to lead with compassion, and to find God through people rather than perfection.Exploring other churches with honesty and opennessHolding faith with nuanceSupporting LGBTQ+ loved ones in religious spacesWomen’s leadership in faith communitiesGenealogy as sacred storytellingCommunity as a spiritual practiceAs Season 2 begins to close, this conversation feels like a bridge—honoring where we’ve been and pointing toward what’s next.Join us for our next That’s Church event:March 7 at 6:00 PMDoors open at 5:30 PM📍 The Compass GalleryProvo, UtahSeason 3 will focus more on leaders, professional speakers, and religious thinkers whose work aligns with the heart of That’s Church.Upcoming guests include:David Hayward, also known as The Naked PastorGerlyn HenrySeason 3 will be focused entirely outside of our own religion.That’s Church is a nonprofit seeking a podcast editor interested in gaining experience and building a portfolio through meaningful work. Reach out if you’re interested.📸 Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast🌐 Website: thatschurch.orgTopics include:📣 UPCOMING EVENT🌿 LOOKING AHEAD TO SEASON 3🎧 CALL FOR AN EDITOR🔗 CONNECT WITH US

In this deeply honest and powerful episode, we sit down with Kelly Robinson—a mom of five, entrepreneur, and resilient woman whose life story challenges simple narratives about faith, family, and identity.Kelly shares what it was like growing up in a strict, high-demand religion in the South as a biracial girl navigating racism, rigid expectations, and a culture where worthiness was tied to perfection. Raised by a mother deeply committed to the church, Kelly learned early on what it meant to follow the rules, suppress questions, and internalize shame.As a teenager, Kelly faced an experience that would alter the course of her life—one marked by isolation, fear, and a lack of support at a moment when she needed it most. Rather than breaking her, that moment became the catalyst for her spiritual awakening and her first real experience of feeling seen, protected, and deeply valued.In this episode, Kelly opens up about:Growing up biracial in predominantly white religious spacesShame culture, perfectionism, and conditional loveSeparating God from organized religionTrauma, healing, and trusting intuitionParenting with agency and compassionBreaking generational cyclesBuilding a meaningful life rooted in authenticityToday, Kelly parents five kids as a single mom and owns her own salon in Draper, Utah. Her children are her entire world, and her story is a testament to resilience, self-trust, and choosing love over fear.We hope to see you at our annual Women's Event on March 7, 2026. Doors open at 5:30PM and the event start at 6PM and goes until 8:30PM. It will be held at The Compass Gallery in Provo Utah. Follow our 501(c)3 nonprofit on Instagram @thatschurchpodcastCheck out our website for Book Club, Field Trips, upcoming Events and more at thatschurch.org.

Guest:Dr. Jessica Spence Moss — Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Alliance, professor, and Latter-day Saint whose work helps youth use faith and values as a moral compass for service and compassion.In this episode:How interfaith work strengthens, not threatens, faithThe difference between serving and proselytingHelping youth find meaning through connection and discomfortWhy learning others’ “spiritual languages” can deepen our ownThe power of showing up with love and humility in divided timesMentioned in this episode:Interfaith Youth AllianceInterfaith Youth Alliance on InstagramUpcoming with That’s Church:🌍 From Bias to Belonging: An Interfaith Call to Compassion — Friday, December 6 at Compass Gallery. Join Rabbi Sam Spector and Imam Shuaib Din as they share the stage for a courageous and hopeful conversation about unity and peacemaking during a time of global tension.📚 That’s Church Book Club — explore faith, growth, and belonging with us.⛪ Christmas Eve Field Trip — a peaceful morning visiting a local congregation together.Connect with That’s Church:🌐 thatschurch.org📸 @thatschurchpodcast

Rising VioletBefore we dive in, we want to highlight Rising Violet, the nonprofit Tiffany founded. Rising Violet provides one-time $1,000 gifts to women pursuing financial independence, with priority given to mothers who once relied on a partner and now need to be self-supporting. Applications are accepted three times a year (deadlines: Jan 31, May 31, Sep 30). Applicants must live in the U.S., complete a short essay and call with a board member, and consent to a background check limited to financial crimes. These gifts are a powerful way to help women move toward stability with dignity.Episode summaryAllyson Reynolds and Tiffany Sowby, co-hosts of The Sisterhood Podcast, join us to talk about friendship, faith, and the power of hard conversations. Their podcast was born out of a love for women’s stories and a need for candid dialogue around the intersection of faith, politics, social issues, and interfaith experiences. Together, they’ve built a space where women who love the gospel but sometimes struggle with the church can feel less alone.About our guestsThe Sisterhood Podcast grew from Allyson and Tiffany’s years of writing and organizing with Power of Moms. Over time it has evolved into an encouraging place for women across the faith spectrum—orthodox, nuanced, or post-LDS. • Allyson grew up mostly in the Midwest, has lived all over the U.S., and now lives in Minnesota. • Tiffany was born and raised in England and now lives in Utah. Together they’re raising nine kids, plus a dog and some goats.What we cover • The friendship and creative spark that led to The Sisterhood Podcast • Why they resisted becoming “just another Mormon mom podcast” and leaned into broader women’s issues • How interfaith experiences shaped their faith and outlook • Backing each other up in church conversations, not just speaking out • Creating a welcoming space across the faith spectrum • Why practice makes hard conversations easierStories & themes • Tiffany’s interfaith childhood: growing up LDS near London alongside Catholic, Muslim, and Hindu friends • Allyson’s perspective shift: from an “only true church” mindset in the Midwest to learning from a Muslim roommate at BYU and later a mission in Japan • Utah culture chats: the “mission field” mindset and assumptions about who is or isn’t LDS • Learning to speak up: why courage and community matter in making space for diverse voicesBooks mentioned • If the Tide Turns — Rachel Rueckert • The Distance Between Us — Reyna Grande • The Courage to Be Disliked — Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake KogaLight-hearted closersStories of bumpers needing babysitters, surprise window encounters after a shower, and awkward pediatrician moments because we always end with humor.Connect with usFollow along for updates on episodes, events, field trips, and our upcoming retreat: • Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast • Website: thatschurch.org

Guests:Ashli Carnicelli – Writer, singer, and passionate believer in the Divine FeminineTrina Caudle – Editor, historian, scoutmaster, and macro-photographerMcArthur Krishna – Author, artist, and advocate for spiritual wholenessTopics Covered:Ashli’s Catholic upbringing and connection to Mary, the mother of JesusMcArthur’s years in India and insights into Hindu goddesses and the Divine FeminineTrina’s interfaith experience as a scoutmaster in Methodist and Presbyterian spacesTangible stories of connection with Heavenly MotherHow Mother in Heaven: A Gospel Topics Essay Study Guide came to lifeAdvice for those just beginning to explore their relationship with Heavenly MotherResources Mentioned:📘 Mother in Heaven: A Gospel Topics Essay Study Guide – Order on Amazon📝 Gospel Topics Essay: Mother in Heaven – Read it hereFollow Us:📸 Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast🎧 Listen to Meagan’s podcast Beyond the Shadow of Doubt wherever you get your podcasts🧘‍♀️ SPONSOR SHOUTOUTWe’re also excited to share something personal that’s been helping us on our own spiritual path. Maryam Jubera of Mental Mocean offers “meditations that move the mind”and they truly do. With a Master’s in Coaching and advanced NLP certification, plus a life full of real healing, Maryam brings unmatched depth to her work.Her online meditation program is just $5/month, and it’s designed to be accessible, transformative, and lasting. You can find her on Instagram at @mentalmocean and explore her offerings at www.mentalmocean.life. Use our code THATCHURCH50 when you join.

In Part Two, we continue our conversation with Casey McFarland co-host of Pioneering Paradox. This time, we explore:Casey’s experience attending 50+ churches with his wife and kidsWhat interfaith experiences taught him about faith and empathyThe power of curiosity in healing spiritual and cultural dividesWhy he believes God “has no favorites”Reflections on sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Qur’anHis upcoming Italy tours and Superstition Tour with Patrick MasonHis role on our new That’s Church nonprofit board as Executive Research Board MemberFollow Casey & Learn More:Instagram: @pioneeringparadoxTravel Tours & Updates: www.iamcasey.com/travel

In this episode, we sit down with Casey McFarland, co-host along with Wil Wood of Pioneering Paradox and the voice behind one of Instagram’s most thoughtful spaces for conflicted Latter-day Saints. We discuss:How to talk to teens about Church history and faith strugglesWhat it means to be honest without oversharingCasey’s own break from religion and what he learned visiting over 50 churchesBuilding bridges between nuanced and orthodox membersCasey’s Italy tours and upcoming Superstition Tour with Patrick MasonBig news: That’s Church is now an official nonprofit! And Casey has joined our board as Executive Research Board Member. Stay tuned, we’ve got exciting things ahead.Follow Casey & Learn More:Instagram: @pioneeringparadoxTravel Tours & Updates: www.iamcasey.com/travel Follow That's Church. :Instagram: ⁠@thatschurchpodcast

In this episode of That’s Church!, we sit down with Kristy Lawson, who grew up Lutheran in Utah, an experience that made her part of a religious minority in a predominantly LDS culture. We talk about how that shaped her beliefs, the ways she connected with faith, and how she’s navigated life in a place where the majority religion can be deeply ingrained in the culture. Kristy is also legally blind, and later in the episode, we have an open and insightful discussion about how her vision has impacted her life. She shares stories of overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and even how her work as a massage therapist has given her a unique perspective on human connection. But that’s not all—Kristy is also an incredibly talented musician! She was the lead singer in a band and even opened for several well-known artists. Check out her music here: Kristy Lawson - Live Performance. We also talk about: ✨ The differences between religious communities in Utah ✨ Navigating friendships and faith identity in a dominant religious culture ✨ How vision challenges shaped Kristy’s personal strength ✨ The importance of genuine kindness and breaking down barriers between people of different backgrounds Don’t forget to grab your tickets for our upcoming Divine Feminine and Women’s Empowerment Event on March 8th! Get yours at tinyurl.com/empower2025. Follow us on Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

Happy New Year! In this very raw and real conversation, we sit down with Pastor Jeff McCullough, the creator of Hello Saints, a YouTube channel with over 66,000 subscribers where he explores the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a refreshing and respectful approach. As an evangelical Protestant pastor, Pastor Jeff brings a unique perspective to interfaith dialogue. We really enjoyed discussing the nuances of each other’s religions — it was a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation. Jeff shares his experiences visiting LDS services, his views on connection, love, and the importance of growing through tension. We discuss: • Jeff’s inspiring sermon at Sego Church in South Jordan, Utah • Commonalities and differences between evangelical and LDS beliefs • How interfaith conversations build understanding • Facing fear and embracing growth through discomfort • Jeff’s personal journey into building his very viral Youtube channel and exploring the LDS faith Jeff’s peaceful approach to building bridges across religious communities reminds us of the beauty of unity over uniformity. Guest: Pastor Jeff McCullough – Hello Saints on YouTube Watch Jeff’s channel: Hello Saints YouTube Follow Us: Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast Podcast Episodes: Available on all major platforms

In this episode, Emilie Call and Ashlie Sanders sit down with Michelle Peper, the voice behind @edge_of_inside, to discuss her journey from a sixth-generation Mormon upbringing to redefining her faith and spirituality after leaving the LDS Church. Michelle shares her experiences navigating a faith transition with her husband, Bob, finding a new religious home in the First Congregational United Church of Christ, and building a supportive community through social media. Michelle also talks about her meaningful work as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, as well as her passions for music, soapmaking, hiking, pickleball, and, of course, spending time with her beloved dogs. Topics Covered: • Michelle’s six-generation LDS heritage and life in Southern Idaho • Her and Bob’s shared faith transition and finding a new spiritual community • The creation of her Instagram account, @edge_of_inside, and its impact • Redefining religion, God, and meaning-making post-LDS life • Volunteering with The Trevor Project and its personal rewards • Finding joy in hobbies and everyday life Resources Mentioned: • Michelle’s Instagram: @edge_of_inside • First Congregational United Church of Christ • The Trevor Project Connect With Us: • Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast Thank you for tuning in! Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us and Michelle on Instagram, and let us know what resonated with you. #deconstruction

Guest: Jenan Mohajir Topics Discussed: • A heartfelt discussion about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its ripple effects globally, especially in the United States. • Reflections on navigating polarization in America and fostering unity through meaningful action. • The meaningful conversation Jenan had as a Muslim woman with her friend Rebecca Russo, a Jewish woman, exploring their mutual respect and shared hope for peace. • Practical steps to create peace and foster understanding across lines of difference. • Jenan’s background as a storyteller, educator, and bridge-builder. • The power of interfaith dialogue and civically engaged leadership. • Stories from Jenan’s personal journey, including her family’s inspiring legacy of service. Resources Mentioned: • Podcast: Faith in the Elections • Podcast: Voices of Interfaith America https://www.interfaithamerica.org/voices-of-ia/ • Interfaith America Magazine • Online Curriculum: Bridge Builder Basics Key Quotes: • “True, there is silver under the darkness, but few care to dig in the night for the possible treasure of stars.” – Gwendolyn Brooks, as shared by Jenan. • “Diversity is not just the differences you like, but also the differences you don’t.” – Ibu Patel, founder of Interfaith America. Connect with Us: • Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast • Subscribe to “That’s Church!” wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you for listening! Let’s continue to build bridges, create peace, and respect each other’s stories.

Dr. Julie de Azevedo Hanks PhD LCSWis a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, relationship expert, performing songwriter, and owner of Wasatch Family Therapy. She specializes in women’s emotional health, relationship struggles, and guiding individuals and couples through faith transitions, mixed-faith dynamics, and spiritual identity shifts. Dr. Hanks empowers others to find their voice, maintain healthy boundaries, and cultivate thriving relationships rooted in authentic values.Topics Covered:​Turning mixed-faith marriage challenges into growth opportunities​Differentiating core values from religious behaviors and practices​Navigating patriarchal religious cultures to find personal empowerment​Setting healthy boundaries in spiritual and family relationships​Understanding the difference between spirituality and religiosity​Practical steps for maintaining meaningful connections through faith shifts​The importance of self-definition and reclaiming personal identityResources & Events:​January Mixed-Faith Couples Group:Sign up hereJoin Dr. Hanks this January for a specialized program helping couples communicate effectively, bridge understanding, and maintain connection amid differing faith perspectives.Connect with Dr. Julie Hanks:​Website: www.drjuliehanks.com​Instagram: @drjuliehanks​Wasatch Family Therapy: www.wasatchfamilytherapy.com (Serving Utah and select states)​Podcast: Ask Dr. Julie Hanks (available on major podcast platforms)​​Book: The Assertiveness Guide for WomenConnect with Us (That’s Church):​Hosts: Emilie Call & Ashlie Sanders​Subscribe and review That’s Church on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for more conversations that help bridge understanding, encourage growth, and inspire authentic connection.

Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Stout, a former member of the LDS Church who has embraced a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Cheryl shares her perspectives on: • Alan Watts’s metaphor of God as the ocean and us as the waves. • Exploring existentialism, absurdism, and the quest for personal meaning. • Her experience navigating faith deconstruction and finding empowerment in self-agency. • The importance of adaptability, creating your own map of reality, and embracing growth. • Connecting with others authentically and finding acceptance beyond traditional frameworks. This conversation is packed with thought-provoking ideas and heartfelt reflections on what it means to live authentically and create your own purpose. Mentioned in This Episode: • Alan Watts’s philosophies • Sisyphus and the absurdity of life • The challenges and rewards of spiritual deconstruction Connect With Us: • Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast We’d love to hear your thoughts—what stood out to you in this episode? Share your reflections and join the conversation!

⚠️ Spoiler Alert! In this episode of That’s Church! You will get unique perspectives from BELIEVERS and NONBELIEVERS! Ashlie Sanders and Emilie Call are joined by their brother Jake Coon, his wife Mandy Coon, and their friend Cheryl Stout to dive deep into the powerful and polarizing new movie Heretic. The film follows two LDS sister missionaries who visit an investigator’s home, only to encounter a surprising challenge to their faith as he introduces them to a religion he claims is the “one true faith.” Ashlie and Emilie bring their perspectives as active members of the LDS Church, while Jake, Mandy, and Cheryl—former members who are now post-Mormon—offer unique insights from their personal spiritual journeys. With Emilie and Jake having both served LDS missions as young adults, the group brings a depth of understanding and lived experience to the discussion, exploring how the film resonates across a spectrum of beliefs. This spoiler-heavy discussion includes: • The central themes of Heretic and its thought-provoking portrayal of faith exploration. • A breakdown of the movie’s take on truth, belief, and spirituality. • Insights from active LDS members and post-Mormons with unique spiritual journeys. • Reactions from those within the LDS Church, former members, and people of other faiths. ⚠️ Spoiler Alert: Watch Heretic before listening if you want to avoid spoilers! This conversation is sure to leave you reflecting on faith, truth, and the human search for meaning. And don’t forget—our next episode features Cheryl Stout, where we delve into her deeply personal philosophies and inspiring spiritual journey. Follow us on Instagram ⁠@thatschurchpodcast⁠ for updates, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode!

In this episode, we explore: • Onkar and Bryn’s backgrounds and how their faith traditions shaped their upbringing. • The story of how they met and how their love of chocolate chip cookies sparked their connection. • Navigating a mixed-faith marriage, with Onkar’s Hindu and Bryn’s LDS beliefs, and the importance of respect and mutual understanding. • How they’re raising their daughter, Jasmira, with a foundation that honors both faiths, including shared values of community and spirituality. • The significance of traditions like refraining from eating meat on Tuesdays in honor of Hanuman, and how these practices foster a sense of identity and belonging. • Their personal practices for connecting with God and spirituality outside of church, such as experiencing the beauty of nature, music, and the simple joys of family life. • Bryn’s poignant story of finding strength through the presence of her ancestors and her journey of developing a personalized relationship with God. • Onkar’s reflections on prayer as a source of peace and guidance, especially during difficult times, and the importance of feeling connected to something greater. • Funny and heartfelt moments, including Bryn’s unforgettable story of locking herself in a bathroom while nannying! Follow us on Instagram @thatschurchpodcast

Happy Halloween! In this episode, we sit down with “Maddie,” a former member of the LDS Church and a practicing pagan who also identifies as a witch. Halloween, or Samhain, holds deep historical significance within pagan and witchcraft traditions. Maddie assures us that releasing this episode on Halloween is not only appropriate but a respectful nod to her journey in reclaiming her own spiritual path. Read more about Halloween’s pagan roots here. We love the beautiful art she created for us to depict her for this episode. ♥️ Ashlie and I met Maddie by chance in a store, and from there, our connection blossomed into an open, fascinating discussion on her spirituality, paganism, and witchcraft. She even visited us for a Reiki session that was healing, accurate, and transformative. Topics Covered • Introduction to Paganism and Witchcraft Maddie explains the difference between paganism, witchcraft, and Wicca, highlighting that paganism is rooted in earth-centered beliefs, while Wicca, though influential, has certain elements she doesn’t fully embrace. • Astrology and Divination Maddie shares her love for astrology, tarot, and palm reading, explaining how these practices help her connect with nature and the divine. She dispels myths and discusses the spiritual and psychological aspects of these arts. • Christianity and Witchcraft Coexistence Maddie combines her Christian beliefs with her pagan practices, finding Jesus as a deity within her belief system. She discusses the misunderstandings in both pagan and Christian circles around this integration. • Women’s Empowerment and the Divine Feminine Maddie finds strength and freedom in paganism’s embrace of the divine feminine, in contrast to the LDS Church’s limited roles for women. She reflects on the empowering aspect of femininity celebrated in her current faith. • Nature as Sacred Nature is deeply sacred for Maddie. She describes meaningful experiences in the forests of Washington state and her deep connection with animals, explaining how nature plays a central role in her spiritual practices. • Community and Solitude in Paganism Although often practiced alone, paganism allows for community through covens. Maddie, however, is a solitary practitioner, cherishing her one-on-one connection with her beliefs, with a shout-out to her beloved familiar, a jumping spider named Arlo. Tune in to explore Maddie’s rich, nuanced worldview, her journey from LDS roots to a pagan identity, and the inspiring message that spirituality is a deeply personal and evolving journey.

In the second half of the episode, Emilie shares her personal journey of discovering who God is to her and her conclusion about Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. The discussion also touches on how each of the hosts has navigated faith transitions and learned to embrace different perspectives in the process. Don’t forget to attend our Interfaith Event on November 2nd at the Compass Gallery! Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/thatschurch, and use the code MEAGANSKIDMORECOACHING for 50% off. You can listen to all of Meagan’s inspiring conversations on her podcast Beyond the Shadow of Doubt wherever you find your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast.