Experiences That Cracked Her Open: A Conversation With Autumn

What happens when the life you thought you were building suddenly feels fragile? In this episode, I sit down with Autumn McAlpin, a longtime San Clemente resident, writer, and mother of four, to talk about the moments that changed the course of her life. Raised in the LDS faith, married at 19, and a stay-at-home mom by 21, Autumn spent years pouring herself into her family while quietly carrying dreams of writing, creating, and working in the arts. Then, in her 30s, everything changed when she was diagnosed with what she believed was a terminal form of ALS. Facing what she thought could be the end of her life forced her to ask deeper questions about purpose, faith, and what truly mattered. When that diagnosis proved to be incorrect, she found herself with something unexpected: more life to live—and the courage to live it differently. Our conversation explores what led her to step away from organized religion.  Becoming the mother of two gay sons expanded her capacity for love and empathy, and what it looks like to hold deep relationships with family members who have chosen very different spiritual paths. Through it all, Autumn shares what she’s learned about compassion, belonging, and loving people exactly where they are. Whether or not you’ve questioned your own beliefs, this episode is a thoughtful conversation about identity, family, faith, and the courage to keep choosing love. Sanctuarydoc.com   Host: Sierra Isaac Editor: Adrienne Quintana