Health Beyond Mormonism

Thank you so much for helping to make this first season of Health Beyond Mormonism a spectacular success! This is the first and only health podcast serving deconstructing Mormons and Exmormons, and it's been such a fantastic experience serving you in this way! I'll be back in February with all new episodes. If you'd like to be a guest, or if you have good ideas for an episode, please reach out- I'm always looking for great content that helps people with their health, mental health, and faith journey. And, by all means, please share any episodes that you think would help someone! Have a safe and healthy holiday!

It was a plane wreck. At 21 and pregnant, Kamber's life trajectory changed forever. From being a hopeful young wife of a soon-to-be doctor, she became a young widow with a child in tow, finishing college and attempting to find a new partner. Unfortunately, being sealed to her first husband, she faced a new type of discrimination: no good Mormon men will date a woman who's already sealed. Why can men be sealed to more than one woman, but women can't be sealed to more than one man? Eventually, she remarried and had more children. The first presidency continued to ignore and reject her pleas to marry her second husband "for time" in the temple. Their children are sealed to her first husband. This story highlights how the church is aware of how widows are ignored in the doctrine, and how they intentionally preserve policies that benefit only male priesthood holders. This is actively causing harm to many who would otherwise be fully believing and practicing members. Kamber's resilience is something we can all learn from. She shares her healing journey and many practical steps you can take to heal from trauma. I'm intensely proud of Kamber for sharing her story! This story is important, and I hope listeners will find value and healing in your own stories as you hear hers. Kamber is a personal trainer and nutrition coach. If you'd like to contact her about her programming, contact her at [email protected] or fill out her 1:1 Online Fitness Coaching Application Resources: The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy: Haunting the Hearts and Heaven of Mormon Women and Men by Carol Lynn Pearson Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma by Pete Walker Come As You Are: Revised and Updated: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski PhD Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion by Gary Chapman How We Feel app, The How We Feel Project, Inc. D&C 132:16-17 MormonSpectrum.org- resource for finding community at varying levels of belief and activity in the church Thrivebeyondreligion.com - resource for small group healing after leaving organized religion.

The days are short. The weather is dark. Your energy levels have plummeted and your sex drive has tanked. Whether or not you're diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, the lower light levels of wintertime probably affect you in one way or another. In this episode of Health Beyond Mormonism, I'll give you a healthy dose of science, a short discussion about mental health in Mormon culture, and several tips and tricks to get you feeling your best this time of year. Resources: Seasonal Affective Disorder National Institute of Mental Health Seasonal Affective Disorder Johns Hopkins Medicine Psychology Today Circadian Rhythms National Institute of General Medical Sciences Hypothalamus Cleveland Clinic The chronobiology and neurobiology of winter seasonal affective disorder National Library of Medicine Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression National Library of Medicine Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder; What it is and how to overcome it by Normal E. Rosenthal, MD

Topher is one of my oldest friends, and one of my original health coaching clients. We have an incredible conversation about what it's like being homosexual in Mormonism, and his path to healing. We cover topics like abuse, depression, family rejection, conversion therapy, self discovery, healing, and the roll that nutrition plays in your mental and physical health. Topher is an incredibly bright and insightful person, and this episode is FULL of humor, church history anecdotes, and actionable health takeaways. Enjoy!

What a badass! That's all I can say about Andrew Horner and the way he's found health and happiness in embracing his autonomy post-Mormonism. In learning how to break all the right rules, he's carved out a successful career for himself as a graffiti artist in Austin, TX. We chat about: -Authenticity -Being present in the moment -Sexual repression in church culture -Workout programs -Discipline -Embracing mistakes as part of the learning process Find Andrew on all the socials as @colorcartel or in art spaces as @Apse. References: Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts by Boyd K Packer Pascal's Wager F*** Around and Find Out video

Winter is coming! And all the holiday visits with your racist uncle and all the Mormon extended family who say they're cool with your faith transition, but keep leaving Liahona magazines open to strategic articles around the house in hopes that they'll catch your eye, peak your curiosity, and lead you to come back to church. This podcast is for you. Much love. Resources: How to Set Healthy Boundaries With Anyone A guide to setting limits with parents, partners, friends, and co-workers By Michelle C. Brooten-Brooks, LMFT Updated on September 14, 2023 Systems Theories for Psychotherapists From Theory to Practice By Michael D. Reiter · 2018 The Cultural Lens Approach to Bowen Family Systems Theory: Contributions of Family Change Theory Gizem Erdem, Ommay Aiman Safi First published: 30 April 2018  Cleveland Clinic: How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Relationships July 12, 2022 How to Set Healthy Boundaries With Anyone A guide to setting limits with parents, partners, friends, and co-workers By Michelle C. Brooten-Brooks, LMFT Updated on September 14, 2023 A Space To Reflect: Why your boundaries are not welcome in an abusive relationship Huberman Lab Solo Episode October 30, 2023 Mental Health Toolkit: Tools to Bolster Your Mood & Mental Health Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jan-Mar; 34(1): 21–24. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.96151 PMCID: PMC3361837 PMID: 22661802 Boundary Crossings and Violations in Clinical Settings V. K. Aravind, V. D. Krishnaram, and Z. Thasneem Psych Central: 7 Signs Someone Doesn't Respect Your Boundaries and What to Do Churchofjesuschrist.org The Family: A Proclamation To The World Luke 5:16 But Jesus Often Withdrew to Lonely Places and Prayed Medical news Today: People pleaser: What it means and how to stop Autonomy in Psychology—What It Means and How to Be More Autonomous By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Updated on May 24, 2023 Brain Behav Immun Health. 2021 Oct; 16: 100328. Published online 2021 Aug 13. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100328 PMCID: PMC8474672 PMID: 34589814 The health consequences of stress in couples: A review and new integrated Dyadic Biobehavioral Stress Model M. Rosie Shrouta,b,∗ J Health Soc Behav. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2011 Aug 4. Published in final edited form as: J Health Soc Behav. 2010; 51(Suppl): S54–S66. doi: 10.1177/0022146510383501 PMCID: PMC3150158 NIHMSID: NIHMS300162 PMID: 20943583 Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy Debra Umberson1 and Jennifer Karas Montez1 Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks). 2017 Jan-Dec; 1: 2470547017692328. Published online 2017 Apr 10. doi: 10.1177/2470547017692328 PMCID: PMC5573220 NIHMSID: NIHMS867299 PMID: 28856337 Neurobiological and Systemic Effects of Chronic Stress Bruce S. McEwen1 Haileymagee: Requests Vs. Boundaries Vs. Ultimatums: The Ultimate Guide November 27, 2022 Set Relationship Boundaries  By G. Sheldon Martin https://www.rainn.org/understanding-consent

Becca is a gender health nurse and researcher with years of experience serving folks who have a uterus. She discusses the importance of knowing your own anatomy and communicating honestly with your provider, and some of the shame-based hang-ups she's experienced with patients with a Mormon background. Becca's resources: Our Whole Life (OWL) playlist on youtube Mama Dr. Jones on youtube Rethink Sex Ed on youtube Jen Hamilton on youtube America Academy of Pediatrics article about masturbation in childhood

Those who've spent any time inside Mormonism understand that masturbation was HUGELY sinful and shameful. This episode separates fact vs fiction in the realm of sexual sin, the health benefits of masturbation, and the importance of practicing body autonomy. Resources: Little factory metaphor To Young Men Only by Elder Boyd K. Packer “Little Factory Talk” 1976 Healthline: Masturbation Side Effects Cleveland Clinic: Masturbation Mayo Clinic: Compulsive Sexual Behavior Wikipedia: Self Inflicted Purging Temple recommend Q's Factually! with Adam Conover: "The Myth of Sex Addiction and the Science of Sex with Nicole Prause

Kelly Abbott tells his story of his time as a counselor at BYU and some of the challenges he faced dealing with cognitive dissonance as he supported students through faith crises, LGBT issues, and the unethical dealings of the Honor Code Office in regards to victims of campus rape. Kelly's story through his faith transition, changes in employment and marriage, and strategies to get through the mental health fallout should provide some huge takeaways for anyone who's been through similar experiences. As always, please join the accompanying Facebook Group: Health Beyond Mormonism Community to discuss how this episode helped you on your path to healing!

Candice Elliott Reeder tells her powerful story of her healing journey after Mormonism. Having grown up internalizing messaging of unworthiness and becoming codependent on her roll as a wife, parent, and church member, Candy has reclaimed her personal authority over her spirituality, body, and mental health. She built a wonderful small business where she can use her skills as a green witch and energy healer to help others heal and find peace. Follow her on Instagram @joyfully.blooming and Facebook @ Candy Elliott Reeder, and please visit her website https://www.joyfullyblooming.com.

Join us as we hear Tiffany's journey through her faith transition, health issues, and marriage complications and how she's found healing and empowerment after hardship. There are SO MANY amazing lessons and take-aways that I hope you can apply to your own health journey!

This is a science bomb episode with tons of research and lots of great recommendations to help you learn to navigate your use of coffee and tea in a healthy, positive way. Don't forget to join the Health Beyond Mormonism Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1316665862543842 Special thanks to all the members of the Health Beyond Mormonism Community who contributed to the conversation about hot drinks! https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2019-general-conference-temple-recommend https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/5039/#:~:text=Abstract,movements%20were%20conspicuous%20throughout%20America https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408699891274273 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/tannin https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/tannins-in-tea#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20one%205%2Dounce,1%2C000%2Dmg%20doses%20of%20tannins. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-caffeine https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00080/full https://www.mskcc.org/news/burning-issue-truth-about-hot-drinks-and-esophageal-cancer-risk#:~:text=There%20has%20never%20been%20solid,will%20increase%20esophageal%20cancer%20risk.&text=The%20 China%20study%20had%20a,with%20smoking%20or%20alcohol%20consumption. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9035825/ https://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/a-beginners-guide-to-coffee-flavor-profiles-of-the-world

Join Dario Alvarez and Lindsey Rahn as they discuss how important community is to your mental and spiritual health, and how to find or create new community if you transition out of the church.

Everything you need to know about how to interact safely with grown-up drinks beyond Mormonism. Sources: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-reference-questions-about-the-word-of-wisdom?lang=eng https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2019-general-conference-temple-recommend https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#:~:text=To%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of,days%20when%20alcohol%20is%20consumed https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers#:~:text=A%20number%20of%20factors%20can,and%20excess%20loss%20of%20fluids https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alcohol-good-or-bad#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7

Welcome to Health Beyond Mormonism! In this evidence-based health podcast, we'll be reexamining all health topics that you learned in the pews.