Dr. Julie Hanks joins us to share both her professional expertise as a marriage and family therapist who has worked with women across the Mormon and ex-Mormon spectrum for over 30 years, and her personal experience of entering a new era after leaving the LDS Church, going through divorce, and embracing her true self even more. Topics we cover include: the final straw in her Mormon journey, navigating mixed-faith dynamics, finding identity after high-demand religion, and why women need more support. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Dr. Julie Hanks instagram Dr. Julie Hanks coaching services Wasatch Family Therapy To The Mothers in Zion talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tanner and I go all the way back to third grade! We hopped on the mics this week to catch up on—first and foremost—why Diet Coke matters so much to our little ex-Mormon hearts and how we’re reevaluating our relationships with substances. From there we get into finding room for the mystical after leaving religion, “trusting your gut” both literally and figuratively, the soullessness of Freakier Friday, the TikTok-ification of art, and why we think we inherited a perfection problem from Mormonism. We hehe and haha the whole way through, and I hope you will too! “Essex Honey” by Blood Orange “Tested” podcast (on female runners who can no longer compete as women) “Shiversucker” music video Tanner’s first episode on Girlscamp Tanner’s Instagram Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are few things I disliked as much as fasting as a Mormon, so in this episode I’m talking about why. I get into what Mormon fasting is all about and then dig into fasting practices across cultures and religions—including when it’s done for health or protest reasons. I’m also sharing a recent awkward in-person run-in and a must-see documentary. Listen to the whole episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As promised, we’ve got a sex expert back on Girlscamp! Rebekah Barton, associate marriage & family therapist specializing in sex, joins us to tackle all your burning questions. We cover everything from spicing up dirty talk to grieving the reality of only ever having one partner, the toll abstinence takes on queer Mormons, how to get past masturbation hangups, and so much more. You don’t want to miss this one! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. REFERENCES: Bekah's Instagram Bekah's TikTok Bekah's email: bekah@everglowhealing.com Links for learning/ practicing dirty talk: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dirty-talk/id1623119405 https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dirty-talk-101-series/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Masturbation/ Female Pleasure Course waitlist link (discount code: GIRLSCAMP) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What haunted my Mormon girl nightmares? The Martin and Willie handcart tragedy. And here’s the thing: the version I was taught growing up wasn’t even as bad as the reality. In this episode, we’ll recap what really happened on that deadly trek, share some of the most harrowing and human anecdotes, and yes, do some much-deserved shit talking of Brigham Young. But more than that, I’ll dig into why this story still matters to me as a former Mormon—and how it continues to shape the way I understand both the faith of my upbringing and my identity as a descendant of pioneers. If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/girlscamp Devil's Gate book Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My trip to Sweden for a wedding has given me much to talk and testify about. After a recap of the week (including a couple serious travel mishaps), I dive into what it was like to leave the kids, the magic of non-Mormon weddings, and alcohol as a social lubricant. I share what it feels like to be the only ex-Mormon at the function, the joy of connecting with brand-new friends, and my very first real clubbing (and drunk 🍷) experience. You can listen to the full episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Codependent? No more! As I’ve been learning about my own codependent tendencies, I’ve started noticing all the ways they show up in the culture and doctrine of high-demand religions. In this episode, we’ll cover Codependency 101, I’ll share my journey of recognizing those patterns in family, friendships, and marriage—and how I’m working to shift them. Then we’ll dive into how Mormonism (and other high-demand religions) can supercharge those dynamics. LFG! Melody Beattie’s “Codependent No More” Dr. Julie Hanks on patriarchal cultures and enmeshment Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
'Tis the season for family reunions! Before jumping into your reunion tales (spoiler: one includes polygamy cosplay), I share a few unfortunate events from my own back-to-back reunions in July. Plus, we unpack a surprising listener revelation: are family reunions kinda Mormon-coded? Pack your lawn chairs and emotional baggage—let’s get into it. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we’re getting cozy and cracking open the bedroom door. I’m answering your sex questions, reading your spicy (and sweet) thoughts and reflections, and sharing a few intimate observations from my own sex life. It’s part advice column, part group chat, part “I can’t believe I just said that out loud.” You can listen to the episode in full on the Girlscamp: After Dark patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a much-needed July break, I’m catching you up on everything—from the real (and sometimes complicated) privilege of being a content creator, to the weird backlash I got for taking time off, to the chaos living in my notes app all month. We’re talking Mormonism and American exceptionalism, why eating contests should be illegal, learning to trust your intuition, and one of my new all-time favorite books. It’s a little bit of everything—because that’s what this podcast is, and honestly? That’s what I missed most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In honor of Pioneer Day, we’re digging into what it really meant to be a pioneer woman—think managing periods and sex on the plains. I also take you on a deep dive into the lives of two prominent women: Jane Elizabeth Manning James and Mary Fielding Smith. Their stories are fascinating, complicated, and, weirdly, involve a lot of oxen. We’ll also unpack the emotional gymnastics that come with having pioneer ancestry—and how, ex-Mormon or not, we all have to reckon with the Mormon origin story. Plus, I wrap up with a little life update: how my July break went and a peek into a recent brand trip I got to take. You can listen to the full episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode first aired back in March 2024, and y’all loved it. So I’m bringing it back for a little Girlscamp Rewind. Whether it’s your first time or a repeat listen, I hope you enjoy! Gather 'round the fire for some wild stories from Mormon girl's camp. These tales include traumatizing object lessons, "snipe hunting" and getting secretly stoned under the stars. And I even sing my favorite girl's camp song! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode first aired back in April 2023, and y’all loved it. So I’m bringing it back for a little Girlscamp Rewind. Whether it’s your first time or a repeat listen, I hope you enjoy! The ethereal Rachel Brockbank (artist and native name Tishmal) graces Girlscamp today with her post-Mormon story. She shares of her struggles with the church while in it, how love led her out of it and how her music is a diary of all the emotion along the way. She also speaks to her Native heritage and how that informs her spiritual journey both then and now. I was hanging on to her every word! I know you will be too. Rachel Brockbank on Instagram “On My Way Up” song Rick Rubin's “The Creative Act” Steve Hassan “Combatting Cult Mind Control” Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another day, another drama in the Mormon vs. ex-Mormon internet universe! A (self-proclaimed) LDS apologist podcaster made a response video to me after I called out the church for paying influencers to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon — and it gave us plenty to unpack. I’m diving into classic ex-Mormon stereotypes, the Church’s evolving digital marketing game, and what it might be like trying to stay devout online. Plus, a few thoughts on the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion to round it all out. You can listen to the rest of the episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode first aired back in June 2023, and y’all loved it. So I’m bringing it back for a little Girlscamp Rewind. Whether it’s your first time or a repeat listen, I hope you enjoy! Get your bonnets and bloomers ready, because this week we're diving in to all the wild things that went down on Mormon trek. Listeners beware, there is some true trauma. But there's some lighthearted trek craziness along the trail as well. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s the most blissful experience a person can have without sex, substances, or salvation? I asked—you delivered. From the cozy to the cosmic, we’re talking through the full range. Plus, a little announcement from me about what’s ahead this month on Girlscamp.Ash Adams episode Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Something’s shifted lately—and not just in me. In this little life check-in, my husband Bentley joins me for a conversation about how we’re evolving in marriage, parenting, and the way we see the world. It’s a cozy and tender chat about where we’ve been, where we're going, and what we’re learning along the way. Listen to the whole episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Halfway through her time at Brigham Young University, today’s guest Holly Graff began deconstructing her Mormon faith—and also discovered she was bisexual. But with two years left to go, she had to navigate the tricky terrain of staying enrolled at a school that requires religious "worthiness." We talk about the emotional toll of hiding both her beliefs and her sexuality, what it really takes to keep your BYU endorsement, and the current vibe on campus between students, professors, and admin (it might surprise you). Holly’s TikTok on surviving BYU Holly’s Instagram Resource for queer BYU students- Cougar Pride Center Resource for queer BYU students- Encircle Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s wedding season! So we’re diving into the pinnacle Mormon version of marriage: the temple sealing. I break down what a temple sealing actually is, what people did (or didn’t do) to be deemed “worthy,” and read tons of listener stories that show this tradition from all its bizarre, secretive, and sometimes downright wild angles. Let’s just say it’s less wedding bells and more red flags. “Spilling the Mormon Temple Secrets” podcast “Spilling the Mormon Temple Secrets” on YouTube Exact script for the temple sealing Alyssa Grenfell temple clothes video Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we’re talking mixed-politics marriages, the true villain of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, when I feel “the spirit” most, and whether I’ve ever considered exploring with women 👀—among plenty of other things. My answers got a little more unfiltered than usual because, well, you know. 🍃 Listen to the whole episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices