What happens when two paths diverge from a shared faith and find their way back to each other? Join me and my husband, Jake, as we navigate our shared histories of growing up in Mormon households and what it means to leave that world behind. From our missions in Wisconsin and Florida to Jake's brave step of removing his records from the church, we share a candid look at how these experiences have shaped our relationship. Our conversation touches on those unique cultural touchpoints, the complexities of past marriages within the faith, and the deeper understanding that has united us even more.

Walk with us down memory lane as we recount the serendipitous twists that brought us together. Tune in for a heartwarming story of love found and strengthened through the challenges and joys of life’s unpredictable journey.

This Podcast was originally recorded on 12-8-22.

#LoveAndFaith #Podcast

Instagram @lollyweed78
Logo Art by Kyle Rock - https://kylerockart.wixsite.com/website

Join us on an eye-opening exploration with Kyle Rock, a remarkable artist and actor with a passion for body positivity. Inspired during his time in Glasgow, Kyle's journey into art was fueled by his love for comics and animation, ultimately taking a bold turn towards representing plus-size figures, especially women. This episode dives deep into how a friend's challenge to depict plus-size pinup art became a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, sparking a new direction that celebrates diversity and challenges societal norms.

Our conversation uncovers the dynamic interplay between art, empowerment, and personal expression, highlighting Kyle's ability to capture the essence of body positivity. Through touching stories, such as a commission that forever altered his views on nudity, and an interaction with a young adult at Comic-Con, we explore the profound impact of representation. These narratives emphasize the power of seeing oneself reflected in art and media, addressing complex themes like the male gaze, feminism, and the necessity of showcasing diverse body types in today's world.

We wrap up by delving into the societal shifts towards inclusivity, examining the challenges and triumphs of portraying diverse bodies in media. From tackling fatphobia and fetishization to navigating beauty standards of the past, we reflect on the cultural journey towards acceptance and the role art plays in fostering this change. With gratitude, I express appreciation for the insightful dialogue and underscore the importance of professional help when needed, reminding listeners that the perspectives shared are personal insights and not a substitute for professional advice.

This podcast was originally recorded on 11-19-22 for "The Josh and Lolly Podcast."
#Art #BodyPositivity #InclusivityInArt # DiversityInArt

Instagram @lollyweed78
Logo Art by Kyle Rock - https://kylerockart.wixsite.com/website

Setting boundaries in relationships is a vital skill, yet it’s often misunderstood. Imagine a world where asserting your personal limits isn’t seen as selfishness, but as an act of integrity and kindness. That's the journey I invite you to explore with me in this episode, as I draw from my personal experiences and insights from "The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Toxic People." We’ll explore essential rights like saying no and rejecting unsolicited feedback while using the analogy of boundaries as protective fences that define our comfort zones.

Understanding and recognizing unhealthy relationships can be tricky, especially when hidden under layers of manipulation and invalidation. We shed light on these dynamics and emphasize the importance of validating personal feelings and experiences within any relationship. By openly discussing common power struggles, I aim to help you identify and navigate these challenging situations while maintaining empathy and understanding. We'll also touch on the role of conflict as a natural and necessary component of healthy relationships, debunking the myth that harmony means an absence of disagreement.

Lastly, embracing self-acceptance and authenticity is key to nurturing healthy relationships. I encourage you to be your true self and to understand that anyone discouraging your authenticity might not have your best interests at heart. As a licensed mental health therapist, I share my perspective on the importance of self-respect and emotional safety, while urging those in need to seek professional support. Join me to uncover the transformative power of boundaries and to commit to fostering more authentic and healthy relationships in your life.

#Boundaries #SelfRespect #Authenticity #HealthyRelationships #ConflictResolution

Instagram @lollyweed78
Logo Art by Kyle Rock - https://kylerockart.wixsite.com/website

Can understanding gender identity transform our perceptions of self and others? Join us in this poignant episode of Lolly's Candy Store of Emotions, where I sit down with my insightful stepson, Loki, to unravel the layers of transgender experiences. Loki's personal journey illustrates the nuanced distinction between gender identity and gender expression, shattering stereotypes such as the belief that transgender men can't wear makeup. We emphasize the importance of respecting personal boundaries and treating each other with dignity.

And what about the notion that being transgender is just a trend? We dive into the emotional landscape of gender dysphoria, especially among children and teenagers. Through heartfelt anecdotes and professional insights, we shed light on the challenges parents face when their child comes out as transgender. Our conversation also tackles the struggles within conservative religious communities and celebrates how increased visibility has paved the way for more authentic self-expression. The aim is to foster deeper understanding and unwavering support for transgender individuals and their loved ones.

How can organizations like the Girl Scouts better support transgender youth? In our discussion, we share the meaningful journey of a parent and their transgender child, Iris, highlighting the crucial role of validation and gender-affirmation from family and friends. We also confront the exclusionary policies of some groups and the pervasive influence of TERF ideologies. By the end of this episode, we hope to inspire kindness, open-mindedness, and a more inclusive environment for all children. Tune in to hear why believing and supporting transgender youth is not just important—it's essential.

Please note that this podcast was originally recorded on 5/12/23.
#Transgender #Podcast #LGBTQ #TransRights #Inclusivity #TransVisibility #SupportTransKids

Instagram @lollyweed78
Logo Art by Kyle Rock - https://kylerockart.wixsite.com/website

In this episode of Lolly's Candy Store of Emotions, host Lolly Weed, a licensed therapist known for her compassionate and insightful approach, sits down with fellow therapist Aimee Heffernan for a powerful conversation on gender oppression, the weight of patriarchal systems, and the deeply personal journey of reclaiming one’s voice. Both women, having navigated the complex terrain of leaving a church that often stifled their true selves, share their stories of resistance, resilience, and ultimately, liberation.

Lolly, formerly known as Lolly Weed, opens up about her recent experience of legally changing her name back to her maiden name—Shea. In this candid discussion, Lolly delves into the significance of this act, not just as a legal procedure but as a profound step in reclaiming her identity and autonomy. She reflects on the empowering moment in court, where the simple act of asserting her chosen name symbolized a larger victory over the oppressive forces that had sought to define her for so long.

The conversation extends beyond personal stories to explore broader themes of gender oppression and the pervasive influence of patriarchal norms in religious communities. Lolly and Aimee share their insights into how these dynamics impact mental health, particularly for women. They discuss the subtle and overt ways the church that they grew up in enforced gender roles, silenced dissenting voices, and maintained control over its members, often under the guise of spiritual authority.

As therapists, both Lolly and Aimee offer unique perspectives on healing from such experiences. They talk about the importance of reclaiming agency, the therapeutic process of rediscovering one's voice, and the role of community in supporting individuals as they break free from oppressive structures. 

This episode is not just a conversation between two therapists; it's a testament to the resilience and strength it takes to challenge deeply ingrained systems of oppression and redefine one’s path. Whether you're on a similar journey or supporting someone who is, Lolly and Aimee's discussion offers invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to reclaim their voice and identity.

Join Lolly Weed and Aimee Heffernan for this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Reclaiming Voices, where they explore what it means to take back your power and speak your truth in a world that often tries to silence it.

Please note this podcast was originally recorded on 4/28/23.

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Logo Art by Kyle Rock - https://kylerockart.wixsite.com/website