Leaving the Church to Find God

In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa delves into the provocative topic of morality without religion. Melissa addresses the common belief that morality is inherently tied to organized religion, a notion challenged by historical evidence and philosophical thought. She begins by exploring ancient codes of conduct, such as the Code of Hammurabi and the concept of Ma'at in ancient Egypt, demonstrat...

What if you could reshape your life by simply listening to the whispers of your soul? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of soul-led living, delving into the essence of embodiment and mindfulness. We emphasize the importance of being fully present, tuning into our emotions and senses without judgment. Discover how mindful practices such as breathing, eating, and movement can help you stay connected to your inner truth a...

Can you imagine transforming your daily routine into a series of mindful moments that bring peace and clarity? This episode dives into the heart of mindfulness and authentic living, beginning with an exploration of what it means to be present and aware in every moment. I share my unique perspective as a professional photographer specializing in newborn sessions, revealing how being baby-led and moving at a slower pace can heighten ...

What if your body, mind, and spirit could unite in perfect harmony? Discover how the ancient principles of yoga can guide you to this profound state of embodiment, where being fully present in your physical form meets mindfulness and soulful awareness. Imagine source energy as gold, and learn how each of us is a unique expression of this divine essence, experiencing life through our senses and emotions. We challenge traditional vie...

Embark with us on a journey that challenges the very core of belief and identity, as Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, shares her profound transition from the Mormon Church to atheism. Our conversation reveals Lynn's confrontation with historical facts and the deep-seated questions that arose from her encounter with an atheist professor, shaking her lifelong beliefs to the core. It's not often we de...

When the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, we navigate the treacherous waters of spiritual abuse and gender discrimination she f...

Discovering community can be an unexpected journey—one that leads us far from the steepled silhouettes of our familiar churches. I found myself enveloped by the 'ohana' spirit in Maui, where traditions are reshaped, and bonds are forged on the foundation of shared values, not just shared pews. In this heartfelt episode, I peel back the layers of my life to show you the vibrant tapestry of connection that exists beyond the...

Marla's courageous tale of departing from the church and deconstructing her faith is a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of spiritual uncertainty. Her voice resonates with raw authenticity as she peels back the layers of dogma to reveal the systemic issues that plague organized religion. Through her eyes, we witness the personal cost of challenging the status quo, and we're invited to explore the intersection ...

Sometimes, the key to unlocking true happiness and well-being is as simple as recalling the unbridled joy of childhood play. On my latest podcast adventure, I reveal the magic that unfolded over my personal 90 Days of Play project, where I embraced my inner child with everything from dancing in my living room to building forts with my neighbor's daughter, Naya. This journey wasn't just about rediscovering fun; it became a...

Have you ever felt the ground shift beneath your feet as your beliefs and the world you knew began to unravel? Liz Coolidge Jenkins, a powerhouse of thought on faith and feminism, joins us to recount her extraordinary evolution from conservative evangelicalism to a champion of LGBTQ affirming theology. Her book "Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism," serves as a backdrop for our ri...

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads between the identity you were raised to believe in and the one that resonates with who you truly are? Mike Maeshiro knows that tension all too well, and in our latest episode, he invites us into his courageous journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of his faith. As a guiding light for the LGBTQ+ community and those healing from the wounds of religious toxicity, Mike's story i...

Dr. Christena Cleveland, a beacon of insight in the realms of social psychology, theology, and activism joins us in this episode. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the complex intersections of faith, gender, and justice, unraveling the tapestry of institutional Christianity and the exclusive 'white Jesus' narrative. Dr. Cleveland shares her raw experiences of alienation and sexism within the church and lays bare the sy...

Remember that art project you worked so hard on, only to deem it unworthy and hide it away? I too have felt the crushing weight of perfectionism, especially within the realm of faith. Our latest episode tackles this silent struggle, opening with a story from my high school days—a sculpture, a symbol of the perfection we often chase, and its unexpected demise.

Journey with me as we question the notion of flawlessness that&a...

When I sat down with environmental activist Derek Jensen, it felt like we were perched on the precipice of a new understanding, one that bridges the gap between the spiritual and the ecological. This episode takes you through Derek's personal metamorphosis from a faithful Seventh Day Adventist to a tenacious defender of our Earth. Our conversation is a journey through the landscapes of conviction and contradiction, exploring h...

Growing up as a pastor's kid, Britney Winland has danced along the delicate edge where faith meets personal identity, often finding herself entangled in the expectations wrought by rigid religious doctrine. Her journey, mirrored by the narratives shared in this episode, weaves through the tapestry of spiritual discovery, challenging the boundaries of traditional worship and the courage it takes to step beyond them. Together, w...

You can contact Rich Ralston at www.subtleenergyhealing.com.

Have you ever witnessed the metamorphosis of belief, where deep-seated convictions are shed in the light of new truths? Our latest episode features Rich Rostin, an individual who traversed from the role of a Pentecostal evangelist to that of a spiritual medium and healer. His narrative takes us through the alleyways of human experience—from the streets where he a...

Embark on a spiritual odyssey with our inspiring guest, Rich Rolston, as we defy the traditional boundaries of the church and delve into the rejuvenating practices of chakra balancing and past life clearing. Discover how to harness your inner energy and confront the ego's quest for validation, finding solace in your inherent worth that transcends the need for external affirmation. Through Rich's personal narrative, we rev...

Embarking on a journey beyond the stained glass windows and pews, I, Catherine Melissa Whittington, share the intimate tale of "Leaving the Church to Find God." It's an exploration that surges past the traditional borders of organized religion, spiraling into the heart of self-discovery and the harmony of inner peace. Reflecting on the momentous occasion of my 41st birthday, I realized that the truest form of growth ...