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Hey, amazing Friday subscribers! You have questions? Val has responses! For the next few Fridays (and other Fridays in the future) she’ll be answering YOUR questions. 

This episode's questions: 
- How do I support a full-time missionary child when I'm struggling with some of the church's teachings? 
- How do I talk to my heartbroken father about my faith journey?
- What is your exact education and background?

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A couple of months ago Valerie was invited by the Faith Matters Podcast to speak about one of the toughest topics they’ve ever covered—how to navigate the faith journey of a loved one when that faith journey seems to be costing a marriage or family eternal life together with that loved one. 

When that episode dropped, both the Latter Day Struggles and the Faith Matters platforms were flooded with messages of gratitude from people grateful that important conversations like these are happening and grateful for a different and expanded way to think about the sacredness of each of our faith journeys. 

Many people have reported that due to this episode, they can feel present, peaceful, and supportive of the spiritual journey of a loved one—instead of drowning in fear.

Here is the episode. We hope you’ll share this with your more traditionally believing family members if you think it speaks to their fears about your journey.

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Hey, amazing Friday subscribers! You have questions? Val has responses! For the next few Fridays (and other Fridays in the future) she’ll be answering YOUR questions. 

This episode’s questions:
- What are your thoughts about Gods controlling things and letting bad things happen to us? 
- How can I best support my significant other who feels he has lost all footing in or with the church? 
- What are the most life changing books you have read and why? 

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Join Valerie and fellow podcaster Aubrey Chaves of the Faith Matters podcast as together they discuss the vision and purpose of the Restore Conference. 

A common belief among these two brave and compassionate women? 
True growth and connection is about being welcome and accepted wherever you are on your faith journey.  No fine print. 

In their unique ways each are involved in efforts for their LDS and surrounding fellow travelers. Listen in to hear why they are so committed to this work! 

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 Series Title: Plato's Allegory of the Cave & the LDS Faith Expansion Journey [Part IV of IV] 

In this final, exclusive episode of a four-part series on Plato's “Allegory of the Cave”, Val and Nathan get more personal about how this allegory resonates with their own experiences. They share their thoughts on how spiritual development rooted in fear can hinder us from reaching true selfhood. 

They talk about some of the catalysts and “small fires” that ignited their own journeys toward enlightenment, and the complex, sacred, and sometimes lonely experiences they've had in that pursuit. Valerie and Nathan emphasize the importance of supporting others on a similar path, and the connections that can be forged in these growing, painful, expansion spaces. 

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 Series Title: Plato's Allegory of the Cave & the LDS Faith Expansion Journey [Part III of IV]

In this episode, Valerie and Nathan delve into how faith journeys can be compared to the transformative experience of seeing the sun for the first time and the internal and external struggle that comes with returning to the cave. How does the hero of Plato’s story reconcile his new perspective in his old surroundings? 

Val and Nathan discuss how enlightenment changes our perspective and ignites a desire to share new insights with others. While this desire may be well intentioned, it creates conflict and resistance when it is forced upon others.

In Friday’s episode, Val and Nathan talk specifically about how this allegory relates to the LDS faith journey and open up about some of the complexities that have come with their own spiritual awakenings. 

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Series title: Plato's Allegory of the Cave & the LDS Faith Expansion Journey [Part II of IV]

In part two (of this four part series), Valerie and Nathan continue to explore  Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” and the gradual steps in moving from distortion and darkness to enlightenment. 

They break down the individual elements described in the allegory, what they symbolize , and how these elements distort reality and hold us back from finding truth. They talk about why this process must be self driven, and while it may be terrifying, it ultimately leads to a greater capacity for growth and spiritual enlightenment. 

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Series title: Plato's Allegory of the Cave & the LDS Faith Expansion Journey [Part I of IV]

What could Plato and "The Matrix" possibly have in common??

In episode one (of this four part series), Val and Nathan discuss themes that echo throughout ancient philosophy and modern day society. They begin this series by introducing Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” and the symbolism throughout one man’s journey from darkness to light. 

Drawing parallels between Plato’s allegory and pop culture, (including movies and TV shows), Valerie and Nathan discuss universal truths on spiritual enlightenment, and the challenges that individuals face when transitioning from a world of shadows to one of truth and enlightenment. 

Val and Nathan set the stage for further exploration of Plato’s allegory in the upcoming episodes, promising to delve even deeper into its significance to the LDS faith journey. 

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Series Title: Vertical Development & the LDS Faith Journey with Ryan Gottfredson [Part IV of IV]

In this Advanced Content *Exclusive* and final episode of this series focused on better understanding the crucial importance of psychological (vertical) development within the context of the LDS church, Valerie and colleague Ryan Gottfredson apply all of the concepts tackled thus far in the the series to the potential of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were vertical development valued at every level of the church.  

Ryan emphasizes characteristics of the rare but incredibly powerful attributes of the most influential and respected leaders with whom he has worked as a consultant and shares the impact that a psychologically healthy leader has on those whom they lead and on the overall health of their organizations.  

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Series Title: Vertical Development & the LDS Faith Journey with Ryan Gottfredson [Part III of IV]

In this episode, Valerie and Ryan expand on the characteristics of a vertically developing mind. This episode highlights the characteristics of the most psychologically developed mind--characteristics that embody only 1% of the population!  

This "mind 3.0" values contributing to the world in meaningful ways, interdependent thinking, embracing vulnerability, and holding loving space for experiences and perspectives that vary (even in Sunday school!!).  

Val and Ryan also explore how and why trauma [individually, generationally, and systemically] stagnates vertical development.  

This series wraps up on Friday with an inspiring final episode that you don’t want to miss. Valerie and Ryan integrate these "big ideas" about vertical development into the Latter-day Saint setting and explore how a vertically developing membership and leadership could contribute to unprecedented relational and spiritual expansion and satisfaction in our faith community.  

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