Latter Day Struggles

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What are the pre-conditions for one to make the leap forward in their spiritual consciousness? This episode answers that very question! If you want to better understand when and why you are growing at your unique pace (and conversely, why each person’s growth journey is a unique experience) this episode is sure to be eye-opening…and hopefully empathy-inducing.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:16 Special Friday Series Announcement

01:38 The Road to Transcendence

02:16 Introduction to Ken Wilbur's Work

04:27 Preconditions for Personal Transformation

06:19 Organic Brain Structure

10:40 Cultural Support for Transformation

17:19 The Magnet Principle and Center of Gravity

21:53 Four Factors for Motivating Transformation

22:28 The Journey of Soul Development

23:22 Personal Example: Nathan's Faith Journey

27:40 The Concept of Dissonance

32:42 Insight and Transformation

36:19 Embracing Personal Growth

44:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Join Dr. Julie Hanks & Valerie in a heartfelt audience Q&A addressing their shared passion as therapists working with thousands of people in and around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Listen in and find hope and comfort as these two women answer questions about their eventful year promoting, leading, and trying to embody (although imperfectly!) lives of psychological and spiritual health. 

Stay tuned for the end of the episode where they announce a 4 week online Q&A session for those interested in exploring how they can stay connected to the LDS church in psychologically healthy ways & on their own terms.  Link to enroll below!

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

03:15 Discussing Faith Journeys and Challenges

03:46 Addressing Audience Questions on Faith and Spirituality

06:12 Experiences with Church Leadership

12:16 Rebuilding Identity and Addressing Scrupulosity

20:29 Taking Feedback and Sacrifice

21:46 Honoring Family While Acknowledging Harm

25:16 Staying in the Church: Personal Reflections

28:31 Marriage and Dating After Stepping Away

31:22 Biggest Shifts in Faith Journeys

36:36 Upcoming Events and Announcements

https://drjuliehanks.as.me/schedule/d028d361/appointment/82717607/calendar/30967?appointment=

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Series Title: Dialogue Foundation Gospel Study: A Novel Approach to D&C 76 [IV of IV]

In this final episode of Val & Nathan's analysis of D&C 76 through they put all of the pieces together, each with their 'mystical filters' in place!  They take several specific pieces of D&C 76 and apply the principles that they have mentioned thus far in this series. 

Among other things, they explore how & why even the writings of great thinkers and influential spiritual leaders (from all traditions & throughout time!) are subject to cultural biases and personal worldviews that will color their writings.  

They also touch on on how and why even current Mormon theological views (originated by reference to this revelation) on heaven and hell may align—but often actually clash—with the perennial wisdom traditions--*all of which* advocate for eternal growth and progression of God's children. 

In the end, maybe this series will intrigue you enough to jump back to an old section or chapter from the LDS standard works to practice looking at old scripture through new awakening eyes!  

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

00:47 Recap of Previous Episodes

02:04 Understanding Spiritual Experiences

02:51 Interpreting Scripture Through Cultural Filters

04:24 Stages of Moral and Spiritual Development

05:55 Applying the Mystical Filter

06:49 Analyzing Doctrine and Covenants Section 76

11:18 Historical Context and Christian Traditions

17:19 Concept of Hell and Eternal Separation

23:39 Celestial Kingdom and Eternal Progression

43:38 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

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In this eye-opening episode Valerie is a guest on the Inside Out Podcast with Ian Wilkes and Jim Bennett, where they dive deep into the complexities of women's roles within the LDS Church, locking in on the recent garment policy shifts. 

You might be surprised to learn Valerie’s take on this topic. A hint: adding women leaders to these policy-making gatherings is NOT the answer to this conundrum where it seems that thousands of LDS women across the belief & practice spectrum are frustrated.  Tune in to explore a thought-provoking discussion on equality, institutional overreach, and the beauty (and simplicity) that unfolds when humans are given the dignity to manage their own underwear drawers. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Jim's Experience in Argentina

01:47 Special Guest: Valerie Hamaker

02:16 Valerie's Background and Podcast

04:50 Challenges of Patriarchy in the Church

06:18 Authority and Decision Making in the Church

16:35 Impact of Patriarchy on Men and Women

22:17 Garment Controversy and Gender Equality

30:21 Church Surveys and Member Feedback

35:38 The Problems with Fundamentalism

36:38 Controlling Dress and Underwear

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Series Title: Dialogue Foundation Gospel Study: A Novel Approach to D&C 76 [III of IV] 

Are you on an LDS faith journey and want to try your hand at seeing scripture from LDS cannon from your emerging 'mystical filter'? If so, this episode is for you as Val & Nathan take D&C 76 & run it through their own 'mystical filters' & report of their findings!

Nath & Val provide a roadmap for reading scripture through a higher lens, moving from literal interpretation to embracing metaphor, symbolism, & truths from the perennial tradition, all aimed at fostering a love-based, inclusive understanding of your own emerging spirituality.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

01:40 Exploring Integral Theory and Doctrine

03:00 Understanding States and Stages of Growth

04:19 Transcend and Include: Practical Applications

09:08 The Role of Experience in Spiritual Growth

15:03 Mystical Filter and Scriptural Interpretation

23:40 Ethnocentric Lens of Early Disciples

24:23 Stages of Development in Scripture Interpretation

25:39 Impact of Translators' Worldviews

28:15 Teachers' Influence on Scriptural Understanding

32:16 Personal Interpretation and Mystical Filter

35:35 Literal vs. Metaphorical Understanding

36:42 Ken Wilber's Integral Theory

46:21 Reinterpreting Fear-Based Concepts

50:43 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Referenced in this Episode: 

All Things New - Fiona & Terryl Givens

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion - Gregory Boyle

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In this heartwarming episode, Val is the guest on the Therapy Brothers podcast hosted by brothers & fellow relationship therapists Brannon and Tyler Patrick.   

The topic is navigating the choppy waters of a marriage in distress due to the faith journey of one of the partners--a demographic of couples that is multiplying rapidly.  

The bottom line? A faith transition can (and has) weakened or destroyed many a marriage.  But guess what?  A faith transition can actually strengthen a marriage in ways that virtually nothing else can--if both partners have the framework and the tools.  

Listen in as Valerie shares her experiences and strategies helping countless distressed couples rediscover love by:

•  redefining what healthy marriage is
• focusing on values over beliefs
• embracing discomfort for growth 
• fostering deep connections through compassion, curiosity, and healthy differentiation of self.   

Whether you're in a faith-expanding journey or just want to deepen your relationship, this episode is packed with wisdom to guide you through the intricate dance of intimate relationship & spiritual evolution.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Going Live

00:33 Weekend Stories and Parenting

02:33 Introducing Valerie Hamer

04:00 Valerie's Professional Journey

06:08 Navigating Faith and Relationships

11:49 The Role of Compassion and Understanding

32:39 Process Over Content in Relationships

42:14 Valerie's Resources and Conclusion

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Series Title: Dialogue Foundation Gospel Study: A Novel Approach to D&C 76 [II of IV]

Join Val and Nathan as they offer a very novel take on D&C 76 as guest instructors for the Dialogue Foundation's Gospel Study Program. In this episode they dive into the difference between "waking up" (a one-time peak spiritual experience) and "growing up" (the slow and steady move through stages of psychological development & consciousness awakening) and contend that "waking up" experiences MUST be looked at through the lens of one's own (and one's culture's) stage of consciousness development.  

This framing sheds a whole new light on prevalent interpretations of the Mormon version of heaven (cishet, transactional, patriarchal, etc.) and might help you understand how this revelation both shares some aspects of the perennial tradition but also veers quite dramatically away from it.  Episodes three and four will illustrate this principle in detail.  

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:34 Discussing Integral Theory

06:08 Stages of Faith and Community

11:28 Exploring Transcend and Include

14:59 Doctrine and Covenants Section 76

17:31 Waking Up vs. Growing Up

36:21 Conclusion and Reflections

Books Referenced: 

The Different Drum: Community Making & Peace (New Hope for Humankind) - M. Scott Peck, M.D.

Finding Radical Wholeness: The Integral Path to Unity, Growth, & Delight - Ken Wilber

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In this episode Valerie is the guest on the podcast Black & White & Gold hosted by Carly and Rob Allred where they engage in a compelling conversation on gender and faith. 

Valerie is becoming the prominent voice for the LDS Church advocating for educating men around the harms of patriarchal indoctrination on male development. This work is yielding good results as more and more LDS men are becoming feminists in their own right and are declining traditional attitudes and roles of male privilege while speaking up for the equality needed to create a truly healthy community.

Tune in to hear a narrative that merges deep love for tradition with a call for transformative change.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Self-Trust and Patriarchal Systems

00:42 Exploring Patriarchy in Season Three

01:29 Defining Patriarchy and Its Impact

03:08 Introducing Valerie Hamaker

03:35 Valerie Hamaker's Background and Work

06:34 Challenges and Resignation from the LDS Church

09:06 The Aftermath and Community Support

12:21 Understanding Patriarchal and Dominator Models

23:37 The Harmful Effects of Patriarchy on Men

24:13 Personal Experiences with Patriarchy

25:33 The Impact of Patriarchy on Men

28:52 Exploring Masculine and Feminine Energies

32:04 Patriarchy and Gender Norms

34:57 The Fragility of Patriarchal Structures

40:55 Hope for Egalitarianism in Church Structures

46:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Series Title:  Dialogue Foundation Gospel Study: A Novel Approach to D&C 76 [ I of IV] 

Can the 76th section of the Doctrine & Covenants be seen through the lens of the Great Wisdom Traditions?  You're about it find out!  Listen as Valerie and Nathan delve into a fascinating exploration of the perennial philosophy and its deep structures that permeate various religious traditions.  One thing that is permeates all of the wisdom traditions?  A universal patterns of understanding of progression that unfolds as humans become more and more like the source of Divine Love.   

After listening to this episode, you'll begin to see more clearly how 'transcending & including' is key to seeing faith in a broader, more loving way.  

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:15 Teaching the Dialogue Foundation Gospel Study

01:43 Doctrine and Covenants Section 76: Three Degrees of Glory

02:57 Transcend and Include: A Case Study

14:37 The Perennial Tradition and Deep Structures

21:42 Surface Structures and Cultural Interpretations

30:27 Applying Perennial Philosophy to Doctrine and Covenants

35:43 Conclusion and Next Steps

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In this episode Valerie is guest on the Parrish the Thought podcast where Brian Parrish interviews Val on the resistance she experienced from local priesthood leaders as a mental health worker tending to the complex issues of faith crisis in an institution that has yet to understand either the faith journey itself or widespread mental/relational/spiritual health issues that come from pathologizing the faith journey. 

As we all know—fear of church leaders did not deter Val & Nathan and their love of YOU [their listeners!] is only stronger these many months following their crucible experience.  

Moral of the story? Integrity breeds empowerment. 

Listen in and feel empowered to own your own soul too!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:25 Valerie's Background and Podcast Journey
01:49 Starting the Private Practice
03:57 Intersection of Faith and Mental Health
05:12 Challenges and Growth in the Church
07:06 Launching the Podcast
09:58 Therapeutic Insights and Faith Dynamics
21:41 Confronting Church Leadership
33:22 Complexities of Faith and Leadership
39:31 The Challenge of Updating Church Doctrine
42:25 Personal Journey and Podcast Impact
46:29 Facing Church Leadership
57:19 Decision to Withdraw Membership
01:05:17 Reflections on Church and Personal Integrity
01:16:25 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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