MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt

In this episode, I talk with Ryan and Stevie Peterson about their experiences with pre-marriage counseling and therapy. We discuss why understanding attachment styles matters, how to navigate relationship challenges, and the role emotions play in relationships. Ryan and Stevie share their own journey of personal growth and how therapy has positively impacted their marriage. We really dig into the importance of communication and vulnerability when it comes to building a strong partnership.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Takeaways
Pre-marriage counseling can set couples up for success.
Understanding attachment styles helps navigate relationship dynamics.
Therapy is not just for crisis; it's preventive care.
Communication of expectations is crucial in relationships.
Crying is a healthy way to process emotions.
Curiosity about each other's feelings fosters connection.
Personal growth enhances relationship dynamics.
Vulnerability is key to a strong partnership.
Every relationship has its challenges; working through them is essential.
Therapy can be beneficial for individual and couple growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pre-Marriage Counseling
01:00 The Journey of Marriage
02:49 The Importance of Therapy
06:18 Understanding Attachment Styles
10:56 Navigating Relationship Challenges
18:24 The Role of Emotions in Relationships
21:45 Masculinity and Emotional Expression
30:11 Curiosity in Relationships
39:38 Communication and Expectations
45:42 Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics

In this episode, I’m sharing about my experience serving as a Young Women's President in my church while navigating motherhood and my own personal growth.  I talk honestly about the tension of wanting to serve well while also honoring my real-life capacity. Stepping back from my calling wasn’t about quitting, it was about recognizing my limits, creating space for self-care, and leaning into my next season, including pursuing life coaching more intentionally.  We can love serving others and still choose what’s sustainable. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it allows you to show up more grounded, present, and aligned in every area of your life.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Takeaways
I genuinely loved doing my calling.
It was a lot to make it happen.
I honored my impressions and my thoughts.
I felt resistance to that calling.
My capacity to create has enlarged.
Taking care of ourselves enlarges our capacity.
I find joy in taking care of others.
Being a disciple is serving others.
Taking care of myself starts it all.
What's one small thing to take care of yourself?

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Leadership and Motherhood
02:55 Honoring Personal Capacity and Commitments
05:49 The Joy of Serving Others

Keywords
leadership, motherhood, personal capacity, service, life coaching, self-care, community, church, support, balance

In this episode, Kathy Sherwood and I explore the connection between spirituality, personal growth, and coaching. Kathy shares about her unique upbringing and the diverse spiritual influences that shaped her path to becoming a spiritual coach. We talk about intuition, unconditional love, and the journey of self-discovery, and we really dig into this idea that everyone is worthy of a beautiful life. Kathy also gets into the importance of breaking free from rigid beliefs and encourages us to tap into our own inner guidance to create lives that feel meaningful.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Kathy Sherwood:
Websites: 

www.kathysherwood.com

www.inspiritude.com

IG: 

@_kathysherwood_
https://www.instagram.com/_kathysherwood_/

@_inspiritude
https://www.instagram.com/_inspiritude/

✨And a free gift to help people tap into, or strengthen, their intuition:

www.kathysherwood.com/unpackingthenudges

Takeaways
Kathy's upbringing was influenced by various spiritual beliefs.
She emphasizes the importance of intuition in personal growth.
Unconditional love is a guiding principle in her life.
Beliefs can be limiting; it's essential to question them.
Spiritual coaching was a natural progression for Kathy.
People often doubt their capabilities due to societal conditioning.
Life is a journey of self-discovery and exploration.
Inner dialogue shapes our experiences and outcomes.
Everyone is worthy of a beautiful life.
Tapping into intuition can lead to meaningful success.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Mentorship
03:26 Kathy's Upbringing and Spiritual Influences
06:15 Exploring Different Spiritual Paths
09:05 The Role of Intuition in Spirituality
11:51 Beliefs and Practices from the Past
15:01 The Journey to Becoming a Spiritual Coach
17:45 The Transition from Business to Spiritual Coaching
20:46 Embracing Spirituality in Coaching
23:27 Encouragement to Explore New Ideas
24:16 Turning Dreams into Reality
26:30 The Power of Community and Support
29:23 Understanding Our Inner Journey
33:14 The Nature of a Loving God
36:59 Breaking Free from Rules and Expectations
39:06 Empowering Others to Follow Their Dreams
43:57 Tapping into Intuition for a Beautiful Life
46:40 call to action 

In this episode, I talk about how our finances, health, and time are all connected, and why it's so important to take real ownership in each of these areas. I share my own journey with budgeting and manifesting my dreams, and I get into why delaying instant gratification has been such a game-changer for reaching my financial goals. I also dive into how powerful it is when you get really clear on what you actually want, and how having the right resources can help you make your dreams happen.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Resources:
YNAB Budgeting App - You Need A Budget
https://www.ynab.com/

Takeaways
The way we use finances, health, and time is similar.
Emotions drive our decisions in all areas of life.
Taking ownership leads to clarity in spending and saving.
Manifesting is about co-creating with the universe.
Delaying instant gratification can lead to better financial decisions.
Using budgeting apps can empower financial management.
Clarity on what matters helps in resource allocation.
Self-care improves our ability to care for others.
Small steps can lead to significant changes in life.
Understanding needs versus wants is crucial for budgeting.

Chapters
00:00 The Interconnection of Finances, Health, and Time
08:47 Manifesting Dreams and Taking Ownership
12:09 Delaying Instant Gratification in Spending
16:27 Embracing the Journey of Financial Clarity
16:31 call to action 

In this episode, Brynne Erickson interviews Evan Fitzgerald, who shares his profound journey through chronic pain and the transformative power of meditation. Evan reflects on his childhood experiences, including the loss of his father. He discusses how this experience shaped his desire to become a firefighter and the emotional toll that his profession took on him. After a life-altering injury while fighting a fire, Evan faced a long and painful struggle with his health, leading him to explore various avenues for healing, including meditation and psychedelics. Through this journey, he emphasizes the importance of being present with one another in suffering and the necessity of self-compassion in the face of adversity.

Evan's insights on pain, suffering, and the human experience resonate deeply, as he articulates the idea that pain is not a bug but a feature of life. He shares how learning to embrace pain rather than resist it can lead to personal growth and healing. The conversation also touches on spirituality, the importance of community, and the need for open-mindedness in exploring different paths to wellness. Evan's story is one of resilience, hope, and the belief that we can transform our suffering into something meaningful, ultimately finding peace and connection in our shared human experience.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Evan's Resources:
Pain's Purpose podcast -  https://open.spotify.com/show/5LOy5TwZ0MJpGHTV0XPhrs
Thomas McConkie's Lower Lights - https://lowerlightswisdom.org/

Takeaways
"It's okay to set a boundary and not take on what isn't yours."
"Pain itself isn't unbearable; it's the suffering we add that makes it unbearable."
"We need each other to change the hell we've been given to heaven."
"The pain is intrusive, but all of it is important and included."
"If you die before you die, then you won't die when you die."
"Truth comes from everywhere; if we only go to one place for it, we miss a lot."
"We are all fractals of the same light, and we show up in unique ways."
"The natural aspects of life, mistakes, illness, and death are not problems; they are part of the journey."
"Meditation was the only place I could really go and see what was true."
"We can learn to be with pain in a way that we don't add extra suffering."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Evan Fitzgerald
01:36 Evan's Early Life and Family Background
04:11 The Call to Firefighting
05:34 Journey to Becoming a Firefighter
08:23 The Life-Altering Incident
10:44 Health Decline and Diagnosis Struggles
12:07 The Role of Meditation in Healing
16:18 Exploring Psychedelics for Healing
23:09 Finding Balance in Life
25:37 Lessons on Pain and Suffering
27:45 Writing as a Healing Tool
28:34 Death, Rebirth, and Personal Growth
30:33 The Importance of Community and Support
37:00 Trusting Intuition and Inner Knowing
40:53 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth
43:15 Transforming Relationships Through Adversity
44:33 Resources for Healing and Support
45:05 Finding Hope in Pain

In this episode I share my journey of personal growth and self-improvement over the past eight months, focusing on my approach to movement and fitness. Rather than sticking to traditional New Year's resolutions, I emphasize the importance of setting achievable goals that align with my lifestyle. I also discuss my commitment to reaching 10,000 steps a day and how I've learned to listen to my body, balancing fun activities with more intense workouts. I reflect on my past experiences with fitness, including running a half marathon, and how those experiences shape my current mindset towards movement and health.

I also dive into my evolving relationship with food, particularly sugar (it's definitely an addiction). I share my desire to enjoy treats without obsessing over them, aiming for a healthier balance. Through mindfulness and reflection, I am working on being present during meals and understanding my body's needs. I encourage all y'all to reflect on your own goals and methods of self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the impact it has on overall well-being. My message is one of empowerment, encouraging everyone to take small steps towards your goals and to embrace your unique journeys.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Threads: @brynne_erickson

https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Takeaways

• I always have tons of to-do lists.
• Just something rather than nothing, right?
• Failure doesn't have to mean anything about your worth.
• You finished it differently, and you started it, which is amazing.
• I'm improving my relationship with sugar.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Personal Goals
00:58 Finding Joy in Movement
02:49 Learning from Trial and Error
04:45 Redefining Failure and Success
06:10 Improving Relationship with Food
08:01 Mindfulness in Eating
09:53 Reflection and Continuous Refinement

In this episode I talk with my dear friend and intuitive guide Sheree Carlisle about her remarkable journey from active Latter-day Saint to someone who now moves fluidly through energy healing, sound baths, human design, astrology, Reiki, and so much more. Sheree shares what it was like when her husband stepped away from the church and how she found her way through it with love rather than ultimatums. We talk about the Claire gifts, how to develop your intuition, what human design has meant for Sheree's self understanding, and why she believes God is guiding her every step no matter what label she puts on her spirituality. This one is warm, honest, and genuinely fascinating.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Sharee’s Resources:

Instagram: @journey.of_strength

https://www.instagram.com/journey.of_strength/

Youtube: @Sharee Carlisle

https://www.youtube.com/@Shareecarlisle

For sounds baths or coaching please contact her via Instagram. 

Takeaways
Sheree identifies as an intuitive guide, utilizing various healing modalities.
Helping women reconnect with their bodies and emotions is a key focus.
Spirituality is viewed as separate from organized religion.
Love is the central theme in navigating personal beliefs and relationships.
Intuition involves different 'Claire' gifts: claircognizance, clairsentience, clairaudience, and clairvoyance.
Every individual has their own truth and should be respected in their beliefs.
Sheree emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and processing.
The journey of healing is unique for everyone and requires self-exploration.
Taking the first step in pursuing a spiritual path can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Intuition
05:03 Sheree's Journey into Spirituality
08:29 Defining Spirituality and Intuition
14:43 The Role of Religion in Personal Growth
19:28 Unconditional Love and Acceptance
26:15 Navigating Change in Relationships
29:34 Finding Alignment in Relationships
34:34 Navigating Grief and Loss
40:55 Exploring Spiritual Modalities
48:50 Embracing Human Design and Astrology
55:21 Taking the Leap into Healing Practices

In this solo episode I give you full permission to let go of any pressure you are feeling to have it all figured out by January 1st. I share why I personally prefer to flow with the seasons rather than the calendar, why I do my real goal setting in the spring, and what I have learned about honoring my energy rather than pushing through it. I also talk about how I have attempted the same workout program five times without finishing it and why I think that is actually kind of perfect. This one is a gentle, grounding reminder that every single moment is a chance to start again and there is no wrong way to do a year.

Brynne’s Social:

Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Takeaways
I love flowing more with the seasons than the calendar.
You can let go of that pressure at any time.
Every moment is a new moment to start over.
Your actions need to align with your energy.
I evaluate every aspect of my life twice a year.
There's no right or wrong way of doing a year.
What does your body need this year?
Did you learn something? Did you become somebody?

Chapters
00:00 Embracing the New Year with Ease
03:19 Flowing with Seasons vs. Calendar Goals
05:56 Honoring Energy and Rest
08:47 Goal Setting and Personal Growth

In this solo episode I share some thoughts two days before Christmas on how to actually enjoy the holiday season when you cannot control what anyone else does, says, thinks, or feels. I talk about buying my own presents and why I think that is genuinely the most empowering move, how my family is evolving our traditions as everyone gets married and grows up, and why holding our traditions too tightly can actually cost us the people we love most. This one is a quick and honest reminder that the holidays are about your people and everything else is just a means of being together.

Takeaways
You can't control what people think or feel.
The best person to meet your expectations is yourself.
Consider the true purpose behind giving gifts.
Traditions should evolve with family dynamics.
It's important to focus on the people, not just the traditions.
Embrace change in family traditions as families grow.
Connection is more important than material gifts.
You can opt out of traditions that don't resonate with you.
Show up in love, regardless of others' opinions.
Your thoughts shape your feelings and experiences.

Chapters
00:00 Embracing the Holiday Spirit
03:15 The True Meaning of Giving
05:53 Evolving Traditions and Family Dynamics
09:08 Focusing on Connection Over Gifts

In this episode I talk with financial psychologist Karina Pribil-Corbett about something most of us were never taught, how our emotions drive almost every financial decision we make. Karina walks us through what money scripts are, how they form by age seven, and how to start uncovering the beliefs about money that might be quietly running your life. We talk about the five tools she uses with clients to shift those beliefs, how to have productive money conversations with your partner, and her genius concept of the money date. We also get into the stay at home spouse question and how to think about contribution when you're not the one bringing home the paycheck. This one is empowering, practical, and honestly kind of life changing.

Brynne’s Social:

-Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355

-Instagram: @brynne_erickson

https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/

Karina’s Resources:

-Instagram: @getemotionallyinvested

https://www.instagram.com/getemotionallyinvested/

-Website: https://getemotionallyinvested.com/

-Money Script Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-OIoJ9Aee11y2uWethZ-X6lKhQ3542Nq/view

-Book an Appointment: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ2bTlqHNGMLAA3-AHeOpf1rVPabnryvpmJkWtGExIMVDR6AjOLu11YQP534_QPLqyEMtep5WxxJ

Takeaways
Understanding your relationship with money is crucial.
Emotions play a significant role in financial decisions.
Money scripts are formed early in life and influence behavior.
Self-compassion is essential in financial wellness.
Setting boundaries can help manage spending habits.
Money dates can improve communication between partners.
Recognizing non-monetary contributions is important for stay-at-home parents.
Financial wellness is a holistic approach, not just about numbers.
Awareness of spending triggers can lead to better financial decisions.
It's normal to struggle with finances; seeking help is a positive step.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Financial Psychology
02:31 Karina's Journey to Financial Psychology
06:52 The Impact of Emotions on Financial Decisions
11:39 Understanding Money Scripts
19:24 Tools for Changing Money Scripts
28:45 Empowering Conversations About Money
30:42 The Impact of Financial Mindset on Relationships
34:05 Navigating Different Money Beliefs in Relationships
37:17 The Importance of Open Financial Communication
39:17 Tools for Overcoming Money Beliefs
46:46 The Role of Intentionality in Financial Decisions
47:42 The Concept of Money Dates for Couples
49:27 The Power of Gratitude in Relationships
50:43 Transforming Money Conversations with Positivity
52:36 Navigating Chaser-Avoider Dynamics in Money Talks
54:31 Structuring Effective Money Dates
57:28 Understanding Money Beliefs and Communication
58:55 The Role of Contribution in Financial Dynamics
01:06:05 Redefining Family Values Beyond Finances