Bow Down: Spiritual Feminism Unleashed

Esther’s story isn’t the tale of sweet obedience your Sunday School teacher told you. It’s a complex, political, and feminist **narrative about women navigating power in a patriarchal system.

In this episode of Bow Down, Reese and Dennis unpack the Book of Esther through a feminist and deconstructionist lens, exploring Vashti’s revolutionary “no,” Esther’s strategic “yes,” and what both reveal about women, autonomy, and power in faith communities.

In this episode, we explore…

• Why Vashti’s defiance still scares the church
• How Esther’s silence and strategy challenge purity culture
• The “obedience” myth and Christian control narratives
• Why deconstructing scripture is an act of liberation

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week. Subscribe for more feminist deconstruction conversations that challenge faith, reclaim spirituality, and center women’s voices!

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective:

https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Read The Book of Esther: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther 1&version=NIV

Marion Ann Taylor, Professor of the Old Testament at Wycliff College and Author of “Esther” in “The Story of God Bible Commentary,” on Vashti: https://youtu.be/f6QGxfZ0SIo?si=ALqpnXcOARYgEsta

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

In this episode of Bow Down, Reese Brown and Dennis dive deep into the viral ”Tradwife*”* trend, the so-called ”male loneliness epidemic,” and what “authentic masculinity” really looks like in 2025.

From choice feminism to the shame surrounding vulnerability and sex work, Reese and Dennis unpack how social media shapes our ideas of gender, power, and love — and what it takes to live authentically in an algorithm-driven world.

A HUGE thank you to DevidMiller62 on TikTok for inspiring this episode! Please go support his work!

Drop your thoughts in the reviews: do you think the “tradwife” trend empowers or misleads?

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week. Subscribe for honest conversations about modern identity, feminism, and spiritual growth.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective:

https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Watch the Orginial Tik Tok and Support @devidmiller62: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTM9kgWDu/

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

At the height of the “Male Loneliness Epidemic,” and when getting married is provably the most detrimental financial and health decision a woman can make, did we need a movie where the our leading lady must pick a man in the face of the false dichotomy between love and money? Maybe, maybe not, but it certainly gave us a lot of talk about!

In this episode of Bow Down, Reese and Dennis unpack Materialists, the new film stirring up heated debates about love, money, power, and feminism.

They dive into:

• Whether you can truly have both emotional and financial security
• How gender, class, and modern dating culture shape our idea of “love”
• The ethics of matchmaking and how money complicates relationships
• What this movie reveals about male vulnerability
• Why some viewers adored it — and others couldn’t stand it

It’s a vulnerable, insightful, and sometimes spicy discussion about love in the age of luxury and late-stage capitalism.

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Watch Materialists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxTcRHNlHQM

Dr. Brené Brown on Vulnerability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o

Dr. Brené Brown on Shame v.s. Guilt: https://brenebrown.com/articles/2013/01/15/shame-v-guilt/

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

What do Twilight, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, and Rick & Morty have in common? They all reveal something about YOU.

In this episode of Bow Down! Dennis and Reese dive into the Open Source Psychometric Character Quiz to discover which iconic fictional characters they are most like — and the results are surprising (and hilarious). From Scarlett O’Hara to Luna Lovegood, Lady Macbeth to Willy Wonka, Sam Obisanya to Moira Rose, this conversation explores:

• Why personality quizzes captivate us
• How fictional characters reflect our archetypes & inner selves
• The divine masculine & feminine through literature and film
• Neurodivergence, survival, and identity in pop culture
• What it means to resonate with “heroes” and “villains”

Whether you’re curious about your own character match or just love hearing passionate banter about movies, TV, and self-discovery — this episode is for you.

Take the test yourself: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/characters/

Subscribe to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective:

https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Take the test yourself: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/characters/

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

How do boundaries, safety, tools, and feminism powerfully intersect at our TTRPG gaming tables?

In this episode of Bow Down, Reese and Dennis continue their deep dive into the intersection of feminism, womanhood, and tabletop RPGs. From Reddit horror stories to real-life roleplay challenges, they explore how boundaries, safety tools, and unspoken social dynamics impact marginalized folks at the table, and how we all have a responsibility to our communcal growth in gaming, and global, settings.

The conversation unpacks issues of romance at the table, roleplay bleed, emotional maturity, toxic masculinity, and insidious sexism in D&D and other TTRPG spaces. With honesty, empathy, and humor, Reese and Dennis ask the tough questions:

• How can GMs foster safer, more inclusive tables?
• What happens when fantasy and real-life feelings collide?
• Why do subtle patterns of sexism go unnoticed, and how can allies step up?

Whether you’re a DM, player, or simply curious about how gender, consent, and roleplay intersect, this episode offers fresh insights and thoughtful discussion on creating inclusive gaming spaces.

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Reddit Stories Sources from r/rpghorrorstories (https://www.reddit.com/r/rpghorrorstories/)

First Story (Now Deleted): https://www.reddit.com/r/dndhorrorstories/comments/1hmbadh/my_player_fell_in_love_with_me_the_dm_but_im/

Second Story: https://www.reddit.com/r/rpghorrorstories/comments/eomg8k/playing_a_woman_i_think_i_got_the_tinniest_taste/

Liz Plank’s For the Love of Men: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43263540-for-the-love-of-men

Liz Plank has a new show called Boy Problems, which you can find here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4svjcgqVBmWOcGYUxsABw1?si=d87bd335ce174c99

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

What’s the intersection between TTRPGs, empowerment, and the divine feminine? In this episode of Bow Down! Reese and Dennis unpack how Dungeons & Dragons has evolved from a male-centric, exclusionary game to one of today’s most inclusive storytelling spaces for women, femmes, queer folks, and exvangelicals navigating life through creative story telling and meaningful community.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The healing potential of TTRPGs through storytelling and role-play
• The sexist and racist history of D&D (including some jaw-dropping examples) and how the TTRPG space has transformed into a beautiful, inclusive, and expansive community
• The Satanic Panic and finding empowerment in D&D despite growing up in evangelical families/communities
• The connection between the sacred feminine and spiritual practice and the history of D&D and how storytelling can be a mystical, spiritually connective experience
• How TTRPGs allow us to learn about and practice consent, boundaries, and safety tools that transform gaming tables into spaces of growth and self-discovery

Through our personal stories with TTRPGs and storytelling as well as honest conversation about systemic racism and sexism, we explore how storytelling is a microcosm of our broader zeitgeist, and how TTRPGs can become an expansive and inclusive playground for practicing pro-social behavior, exploring personal identity, and building radical, progressive spirituality all while telling epic stories with your besties!

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

• Dimension 20 (Dropout TV): https://www.dropout.tv/dimension-20
• Critical Role: https://critrole.com/
• The 20 Sided Tavern: https://thetwentysidedtavern.com/
• Original Quiz on Sexism in Early D&D from @DnD Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSvCP401kK0

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

What if Eve wasn’t the downfall of humanity, but the first voice of empowerment, self-discovery, and divine feminine wisdom? In this episode, we deconstruct the story of Eve and Lilith through the lenses of feminist practice, gender dynamics, and radical spirituality.

From communication skills to cis men’s roles in relationships, from shame to empowerment, we explore how this ancient myth still shapes modern conversations around women’s empowerment, spiritual feminism, and life after evangelicalism.

We’ll also connect Eve’s choice to modern manifestation techniques, mindset development, and the law of attraction/detachment, reframing her not as a sinner, but as the first seeker of knowledge and empowerment. If you’re exvangelical, exploring progressive spirituality, or on a journey of personal growth, this conversation invites you into the sacred feminine, where deconstruction leads to transformation.

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

David Foster Wallace Kenyon College Commencement Address, “This is Water”: https://fs.blog/david-foster-wallace-this-is-water/

Robert Alter’s ”The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary”: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38212108-the-hebrew-bible

Diane Wolkstein’s “Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth”: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/868595.Inanna_Queen_of_Heaven_and_Earth

Ibram X. Kendi’s ”How to Be an Antiracist”: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40265832-how-to-be-an-antiracist

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

We’re exposing patriarchy, invisible labor, toxic masculinity, and modern gender roles in today’s episode of Bow Down! as we dive into the shockingly relevant 1970’s Feminist Manifesto, “I Want a Wife” by Judy Brady Syfers. Expect laughs, raw truth, and a few “wait… what?!” moments.

From laughter to frustration to deep reflection, Reese and Dennis unpack why the essay hit so hard in 1971, why it still sparks debate now, and how its message connects to today’s struggles with toxic masculinity, the divine feminine, and the hidden costs of “helping” roles in relationships.

Expect candid stories, vulnerable insights, and plenty of moments that will make you say: “My God… who wouldn’t want a wife?!”

This episode expresses the powerful combination of spirituality and feminism that Reese and Dennis do best; challenging what we think we know about love, partnership, and freedom.

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

I Want a Wife from The Cut: https://www.thecut.com/2017/11/i-want-a-wife-by-judy-brady-syfers-new-york-mag-1971.html

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

In this episode of Bow Down! Reese Brown and Dennis Carlson break down the controversial “10 Things Women Always Notice but Never Admit” article, and uncover the complex and layered ways that masculinity, patriarchy, and relationship expectations affect every individual. They dive into topics like toxic masculinity playbooks, alpha-male courses, dating “tests,” vulnerability, financial pressures, and modern feminism, revealing how “traditional” societal rules play into the systemic structures that keep us insecure and disconnected.

Reese and Dennis challenge the harmful narratives around masculinity showing why authenticity, self-acceptance, and rejecting the patriarchy are the real keys to healthy relationships. Whether you’re navigating dating, personal growth, or gender dynamics, this episode exposes the games people play—and why you don’t have to play along.

Watch to learn:

• How the “masculinity playbook” hurts men as much as it hurts women
• Why testing, scoring, and societal expectations aren’t just unnecessary, they’re harmful
• The power of authenticity, confidence, and self-acceptance in relationships

Hit play now to break free from outdated gender rules and embrace your true self!

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective:

https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Substack Article: https://substack.com/home/post/p-162724111

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese

In this episode of Bow Down! Reese and Dennis delve into the themes of Squid Game Season 3, including their emotional investment, deep character analysis, and the show’s implications of motherhood, sacrifice, and feminism. They also discuss gender dynamics, the impact of capitalism on women, and the representation of transgender identity in the series. The conversation highlights the complexities of power dynamics and the societal structures that influence the characters' actions and motivations, ultimately questioning how these themes resonate with real-world issues.

Welcome to Bow Down! a podcast by The Cohere Collective that discusses esoteric and empowered feminism every week.

Be a part of the Collective and tune in to Bow Down! every week.

To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design

To work with Dennis: http://heartstoybox.com

Follow The Cohere Collective:

https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective

For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com

To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support

References and Resources:

Watch Squid Game: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81262746?source=35

CNN Video on Christian Nationalist Pastor Doug Wilson: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/video/christian-nationalist-doug-wilson-pam-brown-digvid

Watch The Conjuring: https://www.google.com/search?q=where+to+watch+the+conjuring&oq=where+to+watch+the+conjuring&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAYsQMYgAQyCggAEAAYsQMYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgATSAQg0MjU3ajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

With empowered Coherence,

Dennis and Reese