E182: Cracking Up: Notes of a Good Girl Gone Mad w/ Dr. Jennifer Manlowe

This week on RfRx, just in time for Valentines Day, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe discusses her new book, Cracking Up. This book draws from Dr. Manlowe’s research as a scholar of gender, psychology and religion, her professional experience as a secular therapist, and her personal experience being trained to be “a good girl” as a Roman Catholic in the late 20th century. The book looks at the micro and macroculture sexist messages sent to girls through religion, popular culture, and “family values” reflected in government and “protected” [mandated?] legal discourse. Being Catholic, meant living in a world focused on “legitimate” coupling as the only good–such messages are absurd, even funny at points, if you can crack up at them but, if you take them seriously, you may go mad. Since the mid 1990s, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe has worked as a professor, author, chaplain, and life-clarity coach. She is a licensed family therapist, holds a Masters of divinity, PhD in psychology and religion with specialization in gender identity. Now, as a relational systems therapist, her sole focus is supporting people eager to be connected to others and themselves with greater courage and authenticity. A common denominator for clients she sees is they are navigating an important life transition. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at [email protected]. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate