Episode 177: Bergen Hyde - Losing My Religion: Finding Salvation In The Sacred, Messy, Truth, Of My One Precious Life

This episode features my dear friend and returning guest, Bergen Hyde and her personal story of divesting from patriarchal religion.

This is a topic I feel is very important because I believe many patriarchal religions are the underpinnings of the trance of unworthiness, keeping many women in positions of servitude and oppression through biblical misinterpretations, scripture and sanctioned abuse.

Bergen generously and courageously shares what it’s been like to untangle from her Mormon faith tradition including the heartache and courage as she unpacks years of repression, and even her own complicity in her own indoctrination.

We explore various aspects of Mormonism and the practices that were most troubling for her including ideologies, rituals, gender roles, body shame, and the perpetuation of patriarchal norms.

We also discuss the intersectionality of patriarchy with racism, fat phobia, homophobia, and transphobia, emphasizing the need to confront internalized oppression and dismantle oppressive systems.

We also delve into topics such as feeling spiritually homeless and named the episode "Losing My Religion” after the song by REM, as Bergen reckons with the truth as she highlights the importance of changing transforming her personal narrative to one of empowerment and sovereignty after years of feeling angry and victimized.

This is a longer episode than usual because it’s such an important topic that requires more space for reflection- I hope you love it as much as I do.

Here’s more of what we cover:

• What it means to divest from patriarchy The Damsel in Distress and other patriarchal archetypes/ stereotypes of religious women including piety, goodness, and obedience.
• How we can develop self-trust, self-love, and how we can redesign a life on our own terms outside of patriarchal religions.
• The process of reclaiming our identity, and facing fears about hurting loved ones as we disengage.
• Having the courage to challenge harmful patriarchal systems in general.
• The crucial role of personal storytelling in our lives and reclaiming authorship of our lives.
• The power of sisterhood and the importance of witnessing each other.
• The tricky terrains of patriarchal structures and responsibility,
• The bitter truth about our complicity in patriarchal systems, and how to break the cycles of harm.
• Recognizing and taking accountability for our role is the first step towards effecting meaningful change.

and so much more!

Bergen Hyde lives in Provo, Utah with her partner and three children. Her favorite things are dancing, salty snacks, spending time in the mountains, and preferably in a body of water.

She is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of WOMB, which she founded with her two sisters Jentri and Sarah. The three sisters hold women’s circles, workshops, retreats, and one-on-one mentoring designed to support women in healing internalized patriarchy, integrating the sacred feminine, and reclaiming personal sovereignty.

Bergen has been devoted to the sacred feminine and regularly co-partners with Sarah Durham Wilson to facilitate group mentorship through the Wounded Maiden to Mature Feminine Rites of Passage Program.

Special Guest: Bergen Hyde.