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

In this solo episode I share a lot of thoughts swirling around after seeing Wicked and somehow also watching K-pop Demon Hunters, two very different movies with a surprisingly similar message. I talk about the concept of truth and why I find it so hard to use that word in the context of religion anymore, what it was like when my perspective on the church started shifting and my husband and I found ourselves not on the same page, and why I think being broken and whole at the same time is not a contradiction but actually the whole point. This one is reflective, honest, and a little all over the place in the best way.

Takeaways
Truth is subjective and shaped by our perspectives.
Personal beliefs can evolve and transform over time.
Embracing both light and darkness is essential for wholeness.
Compassion and empathy are crucial in understanding others.
Being broken can be a part of our wholeness.
Authenticity involves accepting all parts of ourselves.
It's okay to not always feel aligned with our beliefs.
Self-acceptance leads to inner peace and contentment.
We should strive to see others as their highest selves.
Living authentically means embracing our imperfections.

Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Nature of Truth
03:53 The Subjectivity of Experience
07:15 Good vs. Wicked: Perspectives on Morality
10:22 Embracing Wholeness: The Beauty of Being Broken
13:43 Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

In this episode I talk with the wonderful Mindy Cope about the seven ground rules she has spent a decade collecting that have completely transformed the way she thinks, reacts, and shows up in her life. We talk about her faith journey, what gratitude has to do with faith, and how learning to trust her own inner voice changed everything. Then Mindy walks us through each ground rule one by one, most of them rooted in the teachings of Byron Katie, and shares real stories of how she has practiced them in everyday moments big and small. This one is full of so much wisdom and I took notes the entire time.

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
Gratitude is linked to faith.
Living in gratitude transforms experiences into gifts.
Spiritual goals can guide personal growth.
Service to others brings peace and fulfillment.
Family influences shape our beliefs and values.
Understanding the spirit requires personal integrity.
Personal beliefs can challenge societal norms.
Ground rules help navigate life's challenges.
Negative thoughts signal a need for self-reflection.
Taking accountability empowers personal change.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mindy Cope
03:21 The Connection Between Gratitude and Faith
06:23 Spiritual Goals and Personal Experiences
09:20 The Role of Service in Spiritual Growth
12:26 Navigating Relationships and Spirituality
15:23 Understanding the Spirit and Personal Guidance
18:29 Empowerment Through Self-Trust
20:52 Ground Rules for Life: A New Perspective
23:49 Challenging Negative Thoughts
24:22 The Importance of Personal Responsibility
28:05 Understanding Personal Boundaries
31:06 The Power of Self-Responsibility
34:46 Living in the Present Moment
38:52 Loving What Is
43:38 Radical Responsibility in Relationships
45:41 Taking Accountability for Your Reactions

In this solo episode I share a different take on gratitude, one rooted in the idea of vibrational frequency and why what we focus on is what we attract more of into our lives. I talk about why gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for keeping yourself in a higher vibration, what that actually means in everyday life, and how even simple habits like prayer and writing things down can shift your entire perspective. I also share one of my favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon and why it has changed the way I think about joy and how much power I actually have over experiencing it.

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

Gratitude is a form of maintenance for emotional well-being.

High vibrations attract similar energies into our lives.

Awareness of our emotions is critical for personal growth.

Compassion can help elevate our emotional state.

We have control over our joy, even in difficult times.

Daily practices of gratitude can enhance our lives.

Emotions are neutral; it's our perception that matters.

Self-care is essential for maintaining high vibrations.

Finding evidence of joy can shift our perspective.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Vibration and Gratitude

03:09 Raising Your Vibration Through Gratitude and Compassion

In this episode I talk with my friend and clinical mental health counselor Ashley Ciminski about all things trauma and mental health treatment. We get into what trauma actually is, why it is so personal and different for everyone, and how your nervous system responds in ways you might not even realize. Ashley walks us through three powerful treatment options her clinic offers including EMDR, TMS therapy, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy, and breaks down what each one actually looks like in practice. We also talk about how to find the right therapist, what a consultation appointment is and why you should ask for one, and why healing is healing no matter what form it takes. This one is so good and so needed.

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

Mental health is as important as physical health.

Trauma is personal and can affect individuals differently.

Therapy can help with everyday issues, not just severe problems.

Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective treatment.

There are various types of trauma, including acute and chronic.

Innovative treatments like EMDR and TMS can aid in healing.

Ketamine therapy offers rapid relief for some mental health issues.

Self-awareness and understanding triggers are key to managing mental health.

It's important to seek help when feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Counseling

03:25 The Journey to Becoming a Counselor

06:27 Understanding Mental Health and Its Importance

09:28 The Role of Therapy and Coaching

12:23 Exploring Trauma and Its Impact

15:23 Recognizing Personal Trauma

18:28 Seeking Professional Help

21:34 Finding the Right Therapist

24:18 Unique Approaches in Counseling

28:01 Understanding Psychiatric Care

30:11 Exploring EMDR Therapy

34:35 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

37:09 The Power of Ketamine Therapy

48:45 Finding Credible Mental Health Clinics

In this solo episode I talk all about flow and what it actually means to live in alignment with your values and desires every single day. I share how I think about flow in my own life and walk through three specific areas I have had to do a lot of experimenting with, laundry, groceries and meal planning, and movement, showing how getting clear on what you value makes the whole thing so much easier. I also talk about my nightly routine, the power of visualizing your next day before you go to sleep, and what I do when things come up that I cannot control. This one is practical, personal, and full of little shifts that can make everyday life feel a lot more like yours.

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

Flow is about being in alignment with your needs and desires.

Understanding your values is crucial for achieving flow.

Daily tasks can be simplified to create more flow.

Meal planning and grocery shopping can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.

Movement should be enjoyable and adaptable to your needs.

Setting up a nightly routine can enhance your next day.

Curiosity helps in navigating challenges and stress.

It's okay to acknowledge when things feel hard.

Flexibility in plans is essential for maintaining flow.

Creating joy and peace in life is an intentional process.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Flow: An Introduction to Alignment

02:53 Values and Goals: The Foundation of Flow

05:45 Practical Strategies for Daily Tasks

08:58 Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping Simplified

11:48 Movement and Exercise: Finding What Works

14:34 Setting Up for Success: Nightly Routines

17:57 Navigating Challenges: Curiosity and Self-Care

23:47 Conclusion: Creating a Joyful Life Through Flow

In this episode I sit down with my aunt Kolette Hall, a life coach for leaders, and we go deep on her clarity framework, a four step process she and her late husband Jason developed over 30 years that has shaped every area of her life. We talk about grief, radical responsibility, how to figure out what you actually want, and why putting your happiness in the hands of a six year old or a teenager is never the move. Kolette also shares her own faith journey and how she moved from fear, anger and judgment into calm, curiosity and compassion. And the idea that we are not trying to become divine but simply remembering the divinity we already have genuinely stopped me in my tracks.

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/

Kolette Hall’s Resources

Website: https://www.kolettehall.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolettehall/

📕”Messy Victories” by Kolette and Jason Hall

https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Victories-Allowing-Pursuing-Rolling/dp/1736485407

📕”The Infallible Choice” by Kolette Hall

https://www.amazon.com/Infallible-Choice-Revolutionary-System-Decision/dp/1736485415

📕”The Let Them Lead Handbook” by Kolette Hall

(The URL link is SO LONG, search it and you’ll find it)

Talk by Russell M. Nelson, “The Sacbath Day Is a Delight”

 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng

Mentor: Thomas McConkie

Takeaways:

Identifying personal values is crucial for intentional living.

Grief can be navigated with purpose and intention.

Radical responsibility empowers individuals to take control of their emotions.

Intentional living involves planning and reflecting on desired outcomes.

The clarity framework helps identify values and desired outcomes.

Transitioning from negative to positive states is a journey.

Intentionality in living can transform experiences and relationships.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kolette Hall's Journey

03:07 The Impact of Grief and Loss

05:55 Navigating Life After Loss

07:28 The Clarity Framework for Decision Making

10:39 Understanding Values and Intentions

12:54 Practical Steps in Grief Management

15:51 Creating Meaningful Experiences

18:38 The Role of Expectations in Relationships

21:33 Intentional Living and Daily Choices

28:49 Embracing Personal Responsibility for Emotions

33:46 Radical Responsibility and Emotional Power

38:47 Taking Control of Special Days

43:35 Intentional Living and Communication

48:47 Navigating Faith and Emotions

55:41 Co-Creating with a Higher Power

56:10 Creating Together with God

56:40 Writing Letters to God

57:32 Receiving Divine Guidance

59:35 Understanding Personal Revelation

01:02:28 Living in the Path of Revelation

01:05:24 Practices for Clarity and Connection

01:07:11 Remembering Our Divine Nature

01:10:04 The Power of Change and Growth

01:12:59 Living Intentionally and Creating

01:15:33 Embracing Challenges and Change

01:18:11 How Will You Change?

01:20:29 The Abundance of Divine Guidance

In this conversation, Brynne Erickson explores the topic of garments and modesty within the context of the Latter-day Saint faith. She reflects on her personal experiences with garments, the evolution of dress standards, and the societal pressures surrounding clothing choices. Brynne emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding the deeper meanings behind clothing, urging listeners to focus on what truly matters in their spiritual journeys.

Takeaways:

The evolution of Latter-day Saint garments reflects broader societal changes.

Personal relationships with garments can vary significantly among individuals.

Brynne questions the emphasis placed on clothing in relation to worthiness.

She highlights the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity in clothing choices.

The conversation touches on the cultural implications of modesty and dress standards.

Brynne expresses frustration over societal judgments related to clothing.

She encourages listeners to focus on their personal spiritual journeys rather than societal expectations.

The meaning behind clothing can be deeply personal and varies across cultures.

Brynne advocates for love and support among individuals, regardless of differing views. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Garments and Modesty

04:17 The Evolution of Garments

11:40 Personal Reflections on Modesty and Standards

17:13 The Meaning Behind Clothing Choices

Keywords:

Latter-day Saints, garments, modesty, dress standards, personal reflection, faith, clothing choices, cultural perspectives, self-acceptance, spirituality

In this episode I talk with Cami Sanders about the divine feminine through an LDS lens and it genuinely blew my mind. Cami shares how watching her daughters navigate the church as young girls sent her on a deep dive into scripture, etymology, and ancient texts, and what she found was far more than she expected. We talk about Heavenly Mother, the women of the Old and New Testament who held prophetic and apostolic roles, the real meaning of the word virtuous, Eve as a woman of vision and courage, and what an ongoing restoration might actually look like for women in the church. This one is thought provoking, faith expanding, and so good.

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/

Cami’s Suggested Resources: 

Margaret Barker - 📕The Mother of God

Laurel Hatch Ulrich

Mandy Green

Daniel Person - Journal Of Book of Mormon Studies; “Nephi & His Asherah”

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol9/iss2/4/

Takeaways:

Cami's exploration of the divine feminine began with her daughters' experiences.

The LDS perspective on Heavenly Mother is unique and significant.

Scriptures can be read through a lens that acknowledges feminine divinity.

Women in the scriptures played important roles that are often overlooked.

Resources for understanding women's roles in religion are abundant.

Collaboration between genders is essential for progress.

Historical contexts show that women have held significant positions in faith.

Change in religious structures is ongoing and necessary.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of spirituality and gender roles.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Divine Feminine

03:22 Cami's Journey and Insights

06:16 Exploring Scriptures and the Role of Heavenly Mother

09:19 Redefining Virtue and Gender Roles

12:26 Historical Perspectives on Women in Scripture

15:14 Resources for Further Exploration

18:08 The Future of Women in Spiritual Roles

18:34 Eve's Choice and the Path to Progress

22:01 The Role of Women in Building Zion

24:43 Power Dynamics and Gender Equality

27:19 Imagining a New Structure for Leadership

31:21 The Evolution of Religious Practices

34:23 Navigating Change in Organized Religion

In this solo episode I share what has been heavy on my heart following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the divisive reactions I saw flooding social media. I talk about the question I keep coming back to, which is how we as a human family are ever going to live in peace with all of our differences. I share my thoughts on grace, forgiveness, the natural man, trauma, and why I believe the real work of creating more peace in the world has to start on the inside. This one got emotional for me, and I think it will for you too.

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:

We all have different opinions and thoughts, but we can still live in peace.

Creating a peaceful world requires internal change, not just external rules.

Experiencing both highs and lows is essential to appreciate life.

Everyone has low moments; no one is exempt from struggles.

Compassion and support for one another can lead to healing.

Love can take many forms, and it's important to explore how we express it.

Our choices impact others, highlighting our collective responsibility.

We should focus on connection rather than division.

Finding grace in our imperfections is crucial for personal growth.

Living with our scars means learning to manage them, not eliminating them.

Chapters:

00:00 Seeking Peace in a Divided World

03:29 The Role of Grace in Human Interaction

06:32 Understanding Human Reactions and Emotions

09:28 The Importance of Compassion and Support

12:20 Love and Forgiveness as Pathways to Healing

15:17 Collective Responsibility and Community

18:07 Living with Our Scars and Finding Peace

In this episode I sit down with my uncle Cameron Coleman for what is honestly our first real conversation in 37 years, and we open by talking about the family estrangement that created that distance and why it happened. Cameron shares his story of leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 20 years, what he discovered in Sufi Islam and mysticism during that time, and the profound personal experience that brought him back. We also talk about his life's work, the Apotheosis Scroll, a 600 foot long artwork connecting gospel ordinances to ancient astronomy, star stories, world religions, and what Cameron believes Joseph Smith was actually restoring. This one genuinely blew my mind.

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/

Kamron Coleman:

Art and Apotheosis Scroll - https://kamroncoleman.com/

Interview with David Butler - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTvdTVEBHE0

Takeaways:

Cultural and religious separations can create emotional distance.

Leaving a religion is often a complex and painful process.

Sufism offers profound insights into spirituality and mysticism.

Art can serve as a powerful medium for spiritual expression.

Suffering is a key aspect of spiritual growth and understanding.

Returning to faith can be a transformative experience.

Community and belonging are essential in spiritual journeys.

All religions share a universal language of spirituality.

Recognizing our divine nature is central to spiritual exploration.

Chapters:

00:00 Family Connections and Misunderstandings

03:29 Cultural Separation and Emotional Distance

06:13 The Complexity of Leaving a Religion

07:03 Exploring Sufism and Mysticism

10:15 The Heart of Spirituality vs. Organized Religion

13:19 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth

15:53 Returning to Faith and Community

19:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

22:18 The Voice of the Lord and Personal Revelation

25:06 Navigating Relationships and Alcoholism

27:58 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Faith

31:00 The Nature of the Church as a Living Entity

34:11 Art as a Medium for Spiritual Expression

36:56 Universal Themes in Religion

40:22 The Amalgamation of Religious Testimonies

46:04 The Lost Language of the Stars

49:32 Star Stories and the Gospel

52:52 The Apotheosis Scroll: A Lifelong Journey

55:58 Mystery Schools and Initiation

59:00 The Cosmic Cycle of Salvation

01:03:32 Recognizing Our Divinity

01:10:01 The Role of Suffering in Growth

01:17:53 The Collective Journey to Zion

01:25:14 The Ongoing Restoration of Knowledge