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

Resources:

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

How We Feel app, The How We Feel Project, Inc.

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

Hypothalamus Cleveland Clinic

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!

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:

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.