Courage Conversations

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Ashley Easter dives into a thought-provoking discussion about healing and worthiness. We will explore the powerful topic of how healing is not determined by whether someone deserves it or not, but rather by their active participation in the journey.

She also shares about the upcoming 30 Days of Courage event happening for FREE inside the Courage 365 facebook group!

Relevant Links: 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Active participation is key to healing. Waiting for others to provide healing won't lead to the desired results. We must actively engage with the healing resources available to us and apply the tools and advice shared.

2️⃣ It's time to reclaim control and believe in our worthiness. We no longer have to be controlled by our past or others' opinions. We deserve to go out and get what we want, even if we don't feel deserving right now. It's time to embark on our healing journey with courage!

3️⃣ Join us for the 30 Days of Courage, a FREE program during the month of October with valuable panel discussions, self-care challenges, support groups, prizes and so much more! It’s all happening inside the Courage 365 Facebook group. Join today! www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

[00:01:32] Empowering survivors through local partnerships and healing.

[00:04:45] No choice, no power. Abuse not fault. Transition from victim to survivor. Freedom brings choice and autonomy.

[00:08:05] Healing requires active participation, not waiting for others.

[00:12:22] Active choice, work, and tools for healing.

[00:14:34] Find tools that work for you.

[00:19:38] "Connect and build relationships in survivor community"

[00:22:01] Some deserve what they get, others don't.

[00:25:06] Invest in yourself, transform with challenges, rewards, and discussion.

[00:33:58] Engage with us for free self-care challenges.

[00:35:00] Join Courage 365 group, a life-changing 30-day journey.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Branon opens up about his journey of childhood abuse and trauma, discussing the discrimination boys face surrounding emotions and vulnerability, the importance of therapy in addressing buried pain, and the challenges of communicating about abuse with loved ones, especially children.

Join us as we dive deep into the conversation about breaking cycles, rebuilding neural pathways, and finding the courage to face the shadows. It's a profound and vulnerable discussion that will leave you inspired to start your own healing journey. 

Relevant Links: 

-  Branon’s Twitter: @ConfessionsOfWL

- Branon’s Facebook: @branondempsey

- Branon’s Instagram: @facingtheshadows

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCYOAedpego6FVdDMh-P_2hg 

- Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-worship-leader/id1609639138 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Breaking the Silence: Branon highlights the pervasive societal norms that prevent boys and men from expressing their emotions and seeking help. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability by talking about pain and trauma, as it is crucial for healing and breaking the cycle of abuse.

2️⃣ The Healing Power of Therapy: Branon shares how therapy played a pivotal role in his healing journey. Therapy helped him confront and address the buried trauma, rebuild neural pathways, and regain his power. He strongly advocates for therapy as an essential tool for survivors to heal and transform their lives.

3️⃣ Choosing Courage: Branon inspires us all to step out of our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability. He reminds us that healing is a long-term journey, but with courage, we can overcome and transform our pain into something beautiful. Branon's story is a testament to the power of choosing courage and refusing to let trauma define us.

[00:02:48] Traumatic childhood abuse led to personal transformation.

[00:10:48] Importance of therapy in processing trauma. Safeguarding children.

[00:17:53] Book "Returning Home" explores breaking cycles, trauma, and healing.

[00:23:26] Men taught not to show emotion, causing trauma.

[00:27:50] Surviving abuse, finding purpose, choosing to heal.

[00:32:45] Thank you, appreciate your courage, follow us.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, we speak to Tawni Browning, an “escape artist” from the A&E TV Show Escaping Polygamy and advocate who has dedicated her life to helping individuals recover and heal from cults.

Tawni helps women flee polygamous cults and even investigated and helped to shut down one of the world's largest and most violent sk!nhead organizations.

We explore the dynamics within polygamous groups, and r@cist organizations learning what it takes to help someone exit a cult-like environment.

Relevant Links: 

- Tawni’s Husband’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatsonBrowning

- Tawni’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008069775342

- Tawni’s Website: https://www.mattandtawni.com/

- Matt and Tawni’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Next-Door-Undercover-Supremacy/dp/1728276624/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20TYN6IHX4CU7&keywords=tawni+browning+book&qid=1693258385&sprefix=tawni+browning+book%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

[00:00:00] Courage Conversation Show welcomes escape artist Tawni Browning.

[00:06:41] Parallels between cult rescue and combating extremism.

[00:10:28] People with talent can help others escape toxic groups, investigating and finding good in the world.

[00:14:20] Polygamous groups, F L D S and Kingston Group, have top male leaders who control everything, leading to extreme abuse, including sexual abuse.

[00:18:48] Escaping Polygamy starts with questioning, empowering individuals.

[00:20:22] Overcoming adversity and supporting others' success.

[00:22:48] Support their journey, no real normal.

[00:25:53] Different advocates help at different stages.

[00:31:51] Book available, dropping July 4th, importance of work, helping loved ones, PTSD, not wanting anyone to feel alone.

[00:33:32] Follow Courage 365: social media, resources, text messages.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Pastor Brian Metzger talks about the desperate need for reparations in the church on behalf of abuse survivors. He talks about why it must go beyond mere thoughts and prayers and become a tangible form of repentance by taking responsibility for abuse and coverups in the church. From financial support for counseling to creating saf-ER spaces, letting broken religious structures collapse instead of upholding dangerous people and systems, and of course, the vital importance of survivors defining what reparations should look like for them.

Relevant Links: 

- Brian’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/aPastorsStory 

- Brian’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brianmpei

- Brian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmrnc63/ 

- https://apastorsstory.wordpress.com/ 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

[00:02:22] The Church should support and listen to survivors.

[00:06:36] We avoid uncomfortable conversations due to fear.

[00:15:02] Reparations: Tangible response beyond thoughts and prayers.

[00:18:46] "Survivor voices in reparations. Practical and refreshing."

[00:24:11] Apologies for wrongs, acknowledging pain and seeking change.

[00:29:02] "Empowering daily text messages for survivors"

In today's Courage Conversation episode, prepare yourself for an eye-opening discussion as Dominique Benninger explores the spectrum of cult-like behavior, the use of manipulative techniques, and the long-lasting impact on survivors. Get ready to challenge your understanding of the term "cult" and gain valuable insights into the world of high-control groups. Learn what brain hacking is, how cults do it, and how to protect yourself.

Relevant Links: 

- Dom’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BAccountabilty

- Dom’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominique.benninger

- https://churchtrauma.org/

- https://baptistaccountability.org/

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

[00:02:11] Childhood abuse, spiritual exploration, controlling church, college years, accidental meeting with Megan.

[00:04:26] Couple joins church group, experiences cult-like behavior.

[00:16:56] 25 years since cult; therapy valuable in understanding vulnerability and control.

[00:20:59] Churches may unknowingly use harmful cult tactics.

[00:23:19] Interview on healthy parenting techniques and cults.

[00:28:38] Techniques of manipulation used in various areas.

[00:31:47] NLP: Powerful tool for success or manipulation.

[00:38:32] Follow Courage 365 on social media. Free resources available. Subscribe to text message list.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Wendi Renay takes us on a powerful journey of self-discovery, overcoming grief, and finding true self-worth. Wendi shares their personal experience of realizing that her life was a lie and the emotional toll it took on her. She delves into the importance of focusing on oneself and questioning beliefs. Wendi also discusses the concept of fear, obligation, and guilt tied to narcissistic abuse, cults, and high-control religion.

Relevant Links: 

- Wendi’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WendiRenay/ 

- Wendi’s Instagram: www.Instagram.com/wendirenay 

- Wendi’s TikTok: www.TikTok.com/@wendirenay 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

[00:00:00] Courage Conversation Show welcomes ex-Jehovah's Witness survivor.

[00:04:13] Shunning after leaving Jehovah's Witnesses, CSA survivor.

[00:08:58] Discovery, doubt, and finding peace outside religion.

[00:12:52] Summary: Indoctrination is fear-based mind control, stifling critical thinking and intuition. High control religion thrives on emotional control through fear, obligation, and guilt.

[00:15:48] Fear, obligation, guilt tied to narcissistic abuse

[00:20:37] Restrictions on women in Jehovah's Witnesses organization.

[00:23:50] Restrictions on women preaching, promoting toxic gender roles.

[00:29:13] High control groups restrict relationships and growth.

[00:31:21] Grief, self-worth, and personal growth journey.

[00:37:32] Mom of two learning and growing daily.

[00:42:05] Powerful message. Follow Wendi's social media. Check out Courage 365 and resources. Join the text message list for daily encouragement.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, we delve into an important yet often unexplored topic: safe parenting and creating just environments for our children.

Our guest, Cindy Wang Brandt, is an incredible author and speaker who specializes in helping parents heal from religious trauma and navigate the complexities of raising children in safe and inclusive spaces. Together, we will dive deep into the world of conscious parenting and discuss the urgent need to shift our perspective towards the well-being of our children.

Join us as we uncover the harmful impact of extreme parenting approaches, the dangers of the original sin doctrine, and the power dynamics that affect our relationships with our children. Together, let's learn how to honor our children's needs while empowering ourselves as parents.

Get ready for a transformational conversation that will inspire you to create a more just and loving world for the future generations.

Relevant Links: 

- Cindy Wang Brandt's Website: https://cindywangbrandt.com/ 

- Cindy Wang Brandt’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindywangbrandt

- Cindy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cindywangbrandt

- Cindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingforward/ 

- Cindy’s Book: https://cindywangbrandt.com/parenting-forward/ 

- Courage 265 FREE Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

[00:00:02] Courage Conversations welcomes Cindy Wang Brandt.

[00:03:16] Parenting and faith deconstruction intersect, raising awareness.

[00:07:29] Children historically lacked respect and dignity. Infanticide and child labor were common. Harsh disciplinary measures continue today, indicating a need for change. The language used implies dominance over children. Domestic violence often correlates with harsh treatment of children. Authoritarian family structures perpetuate violence and harm.

[00:12:02] Changing philosophy and viewing children collaboratively.

[00:18:22] Balanced approach to parenting; gratitude vs. responsibility.

[00:20:15] Original sin doctrine damages children's development. Parenting should prioritize meeting their needs.

[00:23:53] Parenting: Listening, learning, participating, meeting needs.

[00:28:09] Good parenting is about repair, learning, and growth.

[00:31:12] Delighting in kids transforms and brings joy.

[00:37:06] Cindy Wang Brandt's website

Shirley Fessel is an advocate for women who have experienced religious-domestic v!olence. As a former minister's wife, she understands the challenges faced by women in these situations and the lack of support from institutional churches.

As a former minister's wife, she found herself trapped in a situation where the institutional church and the people in it failed to provide the support she needed. Determined to reclaim herself and protect her children from the horrors of @buse, Shirley decided to create a workbook that would help women in similar situations navigate the confusing tactics used against them, such as manipulation, gaslighting, and exploitation of faith concepts.

Through her own experiences, she learned the importance of leaving @buse without guilt, listening to her intuition, and not allowing others to minimize her connection to God. Shirley's work continues to support and empower women to overcome the attacks they face and honor their intuition. 

This episode will be useful to anyone, but especially those who still identify as Christian and wish to understand where God is in their journey.

Relevant Links: 

- Shirley Fessel’s Book, Redemption from Biblical Battering, for Christian women: https://redemptionbb.com/book/ 

- Shirley Fessel’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fessup44/

- Grant, (must Read the book to be considered): https://redemptionbb.com/grant/ 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

3 key takeaways for this episode

[00:02:58] Workbook empowers women escaping religious abuse.

[00:09:38] Domestic abuse tied to religious beliefs and manipulation.

[00:12:45] Religious beliefs compound fear and control, manipulating trust.

[00:16:24] Levels of confusion, abused women, finding strength, leaving abusive relationships.

[00:23:49] Churches funding non-affiliated organizations for control?

[00:28:41] Detachment, charting, and redefining for abuse recovery.

[00:33:44] "Courage to be yourself, despite adversity."

[00:36:47] Thank you for tuning in. Check out Shirley Fessel's book and social media. Follow Courage 365 on social media. Need help? Visit courage365.org. Sign up for inspirational text messages.

Andrew Pledger is a survivor of a high control religious environment. Raised in the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) church, he experienced trauma and internalized homophobia due to the system's teachings that being queer was demonic and needed to be prayed away. Andrew recognizes the harm caused by such religious environments, where individuals are blamed and shamed for any issues they face, while the system itself remains untouchable. He highlights the psychological and emotional abuse faced by queer individuals who may undergo conversion therapy or be subjected to self-hatred. Understanding the process of indoctrination, Andrew acknowledges the courage it takes to question and leave these systems. He calls for the dismantling of abusive systems, encouraging others to leave and reclaim their sense of self. Andrew emphasizes the importance of seeking support when leaving such environments in order to protect one's mental health and successfully embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

Relevant Links: 

3 key takeaways for this episode

00:00:00 "Courage conversation show with host Ashley Easter"

00:03:49 Leaving an oppressive religious environment requires planning and healing.

00:11:33 Undoing internalized homophobia is a slow, self-discovery process.

00:21:52 Struggling with trust, trauma responses, and homophobia.

00:26:56 Queer people face family rejection, trauma, isolation.

00:30:14 Find love, acceptance, and healing, be courageous.

00:34:23 Powerful podcast and resources for all journeys.

00:35:44 Connect with us on social media, website, and text messages for support.

On this episode of Courage Conversations, we hear from Larry Weathers, CEO of Weather's Agency, who shares his experience growing up in a cult and how it led to navigating similar attitudes in corporate America. Larry talks about leaving the church and starting his own agency to create a safe space for women. He also discusses his struggles with Impostor Syndrome and how surrounding himself with a supportive community allowed him to find freedom and success. The conversation dives into the importance of self-care and how patriarchal ideology can make it difficult for men to prioritize self-care. Additionally, we hear from Ashley Easter, founder and executive director of Courage 365, who provides free resources for survivors of abuse and little-known stories of people leaving cults. Larry shares how he deconstructed everything he was taught about Christianity and how this led him to realize who God truly is. The episode concludes with a discussion on family relationships and the importance of breaking away from harmful behaviors.

Relevant Links: 

3 key takeaways for this episode

[00:03:29] "Escaping Cult-Like Religion Led to Personal Transformation"

[00:08:10] "Lessons Learned: Tipping Point in Toxic Masculinity"

[00:10:41] "The Creative Power and Influence of Women"

[00:13:57] "Breaking Free from Impostor Syndrome"

[00:19:10] Suppressing Creativity and Freedom in Cults

[00:22:19] "Choose Your Future: The Truth About Family"

[00:25:42] "Free Yourself: Building a Personal Relationship with God"

[00:30:52] "Men's Safe Spaces: Inspiring Change in Society"

[00:32:29] "Courage Ages: The Power of Growing Bravery"

[00:34:41] "Connect with Larry Weathers Agency for Diversity Training"