This is our Season Five finale and it's a great one! We have Dr. Laura Anderson here with us to talk about her wonderful book, When Religion Hurts You: Healing from the Impact of Religious Trauma and High-Impact Religion.

We also have big news about the future of this podcast and what we are doing next, so don't miss out on this jam-packed episode!

About Dr. Laura Anderson:
Dr. Laura Anderson is a psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach and consultant, writer and educator specializing in complex and developmental trauma, dynamics of power and control and religious trauma.

In 2005 she completed her Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Crown College

In 2010 she completed her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University 

and in 2021, she earned her PhD in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University

And she is the co-founder of the Religious Trauma Institute in Nashville, TN 

To connect with Dr. Laura, website is: https://drlauraeanderson.com/
Or her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraeanderson/

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God And My Girlfriends Ministries
A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

First, Marcia and Stacey process the election results. Maybe our discussion will help you with it too.

Then, the Mastermind group is all here! Marcia, Stacey, Althena Pivonka, Marie Griffith and Staci Frenes all share their experiences of being in a Mastermind group. We talk about how and why we started one and how you can start one too!  A Mastermind group is a unique community and we think you'll be inspired by this conversation. 

Join us!

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

This week’s podcast is a fascinating one! Have you heard of Human Design?? Join us as we learn all about it with our special guest, Jen Hoeft and our girlfriend, Athena Pivonka. 

ABOUT JEN:

Jen Hoeft is a certified Human Design Analyst and Integrative Therapist. A Truth-Seeker, poet, teacher, author, yogi, drummer, artist.

 Bringing a lifetime of studying, playing and teaching music and movement, with the one desire of living a joyful, compassionate and real life that serves humanity.

Jen is one of those people that brings light and love to everything she does and everywhere she is. You can’t help but be lifted up when you are in Jen’s presence. If you want to learn more about Human Design or connect with Jen, go to:

https://humandesignwithjen.com/

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

This week on the podcast, Marcia and Stacey talk with guest girlfriend, Amie Pronk about the new short film, For Our Daughters. This film is the brain-child of Kristin Kobes DuMez, author of the book Jesus and John Wayne. They discuss themes from this film, which includes sexual and spiritual abuse in the church. It’s a hard topic, but also hopeful because more and more women are choosing to bravely speak out about their experiences. Their stories matter because they are helping others who have been abused feel seen, believed, and supported. It is our hope that by highlighting this film, we can help continue these important conversations.

Resources mentioned:

For more information about the film: https://www.forourdaughtersfilm.com/

Book mentioned by Nancy French, Ghosted

Kristin Kobes DuMez Substack 

Christa Brown Substack

Stacey's Sunday Night Deconstruction Zone Group on Facebook

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Then we talk with special guest, Irene Williams about how to “find our spark”! It’s a fun and informative conversation about how to get unstuck and move forward in our lives. You will love what Irene has to say!

ABOUT IRENE:

Irene Williams is a speaker, writer and life coach for entrepreneurs and executives. Her unique frameworks are ideal for those ready to take their businesses and lives to the next level, launch personal brands or transition to new career paths. She comes to this chapter of her professional life following 25+ years in brand communications, PR and social media management, including 13 years as a digital marketing agency owner.

Through The Irene Williams Podcast, she shares intelligent inspiration for life, while her Confirm Humanity podcast focuses on ‘how to be human in a digital world.’ 

Find Irene’s digital business card with links to her ventures at irenewilliams.biz.

To sign up for Irene’s new program, “Spark”: https://irenewilliams.com/courses/

Irene's Podcasts:
The Irene Williams Podcast

Confirm Humanity

The Blonde Leading the Blind podcast

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our girlfriend, Marie Griffith joins us this week to talk about her backpacking adventures and how nature can be a healing escape for us. I think even the most "indoorsy" person will be inspired!

To read more about Marie's adventures, check out her blog at: https://www.livelikeitmatters.net/

Then, we talk to our special guest, Dr. Merry Lin about her new book, Rebecoming: Come Out Of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self.

Some of the things we talked with Dr. Lin about are:

1. How we process all our decision through our emotions.
2. Why it’s important to name our emotions correctly.
3. What is our “essential self”? and how do we get in touch with it?
4. What is the Enneagram and how can it help?
5. What causes our essential self to go into hiding?
6. Why do we sometimes stay in unhealthy relationships or situations?
7. How does getting to know ourselves go hand in hand with getting to know God?

We loved our conversation with Dr. Lin and we know you will too!

About Dr. Lin:

Dr. Merry C. Lin is a psychologist, podcaster, and author with over 30 years of clinical expertise.  She is the Executive Director of Dr. Lin & Associates, where she leads a team of psychotherapists, life coaches, and leadership experts. A wise counsellor and respected speaker, she can be heard on her popular podcast, The Fully Lived Life, with her friend, Coach Gillian, where they speak about life, love and purpose through the lens of faith and science. She is an advocate for social justice and works globally to equip and support leaders who serve human trafficking and abuse survivors. Dr. Merry is the author of The Fully Lived Life: Rescuing Our Souls from All that Holds Us Back, and her teaching videos are available on her website, YouTube and RightNow Media. She has a new book that just came out, Rebecoming: Come Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self in July 2024.

To order the book Rebecoming: https://www.amazon.com/Rebecoming-Come-Hiding-God-given-Essential/dp/1540904202

To connect with Dr. Lin:   https://linktr.ee/Drmerry

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Article that Stacey mentioned about change:How to get your team on board with a major change: https://hbr.org/2022/08/how-to-get-your-team-on-board-with-a-major-change

For more information about the iEQ9: Stacey is an iEQ9 practitioner and if you’re interested in taking the iEQ9, you can pick your preferred version at this link: 

https://www.integrative9.com/StaceyWynn/enneagram/test/individual/ 

Stacey uses the iEQ9 as part of her coaching practi

God And My Girlfriends Ministries
A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

We dove right into the political arena this week with our guest girlfriend Melissa Jackson. We talked about the value of debates, how to find trusted sources for breaking down political issues, and how religious beliefs help shape our political beliefs. We also talk about the difference between values and beliefs. It's a great conversation!

Then with special guest, Petra Amrein, we dig into:
1. What does it mean to be our own advocate?

2. How do you fill up your own cup when you feel depleted?

3. What does “turning inward” look like?

4. What is “pro-aging”? 

5. Changing the language around aging.

We had some great conversations and I hope you'll enjoy this first episode of our brand new Season Five!

About Petra Amrein:
"Petra is an integrative health coach and nurse with a deep passion for nurturing well-being and fostering positive change. With a blend of compassionate care and holistic health strategies, Petra guides individuals toward balanced and fulfilling lives, emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Her focus is on empowering women to prioritize self-care, embrace authenticity, and find harmony in all aspects of life. As a pro-age advocate, Petra celebrates the wisdom and strength that come with age, inspiring others to live with confidence and true self-expression.”

To connect with Petra Amrein:

https://petraamrein.com/

https://www.instagram.com/the.happy.peach/

https://www.instagram.com/the.peachie.life/

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LINKS TO THINGS DISCUSSED:

Sharon McMahon
https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/

https://sharonmcmahon.com/podcast

https://substack.com/@sharonmcmahon

Pantsuit Politics:

https://www.instagram.com/pantsuitpolitics/

https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/

https://substack.com/@pantsuitpolitics

Allsides Media:

https://www.instagram.com/allsidesnow/

https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news

*We did some checking and it’s the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable - Melissa was right. :-)  And the regulation Melissa was talking about was called the Fairness Doctrine, which required the holders of broadcast licenses both to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that fairly reflected differing viewpoints. 
Online store we featured:
https://2ndandmine.com/

God And My Girlfriends Ministries
A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Are you a Mom that is going through a faith deconstruction? Do you wonder how to raise your own children to believe in God and have faith when your own journey is in transition? Then you are definitely going to want to listen in to our guest today!

Our guest for our Season Four finale is the wonderful Elizabeth Enns Petters. Lizz is a freelance writer and a podcaster known for the Deconstructing Mamas Podcast. She is the daughter of biblical scholar Pete Enns. Lizz is passionate about normalizing deconstruction as a crucial part of the faith process, and creating a safe space for people from all walks of life to explore God in their own way. She currently lives on the East Coast with her husband and two young children. 

You can connect with Lizz at these links:

Her website: https://www.elizabethpetters.com/

Her Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethennspetters

and to Listen to the Deconstructing Mamas Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deconstructing-mamas/id1612182466

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Also, Stacey and Marcia do a little recap of some of their favorite conversations from Season 4 and talk about what might be coming up for Season 5. Thanks to everyone who has joined our podcast community. Make sure you subscribe to our Instagram and our Facebook page to keep up with all the latest and to give us feedback on what you are enjoying and what you want to hear so we can serve you best with this podcast.

Have a great summer and we will see you in August 2024!

Resources Lizz mentioned:

Meredith Anne Miller

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

As we enter into this political election season, we reached out to former Nashville Mayor and current TN Congressional Candidate, Megan Barry for a chat. We found her lovely, forthcoming, and inspiring.  

Also, Marcia and Melissa Jackson discuss how they are navigating the political climate and why it's important for us as women to pay attention to what is happening right now... and then use our voices... and of course, VOTE.

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ABOUT MEGAN BARRY:
Megan is the daughter of a proud Marine and a stay-at-home-mom. She grew up with her three sisters in Kansas and moved to Tennessee to attend Vanderbilt University. She served on the Nashville/Davidson county Metro Council, and then became the first woman elected Mayor of Nashville/Davidson County.  While in office, she worked across party-lines to promote and pass funding for transportation and road projects across Tennessee. She also created Opportunity Now, a program that creates thousands of paid opportunities for young people throughout the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Bringing together business and community interests, Barry played a key leadership role in attracting professional soccer to Nashville, and forged a public-private partnership that enabled construction of a permanent home for Nashville SC. While mayor, the Barry’s lost their only son, Max, to a drug overdose. Since leaving office, Barry has worked to combat the shame and stigma of substance use disorder by sharing Max’s story. Megan Barry is married to Bruce Barry, and they share their home with two rescue pups, Natasha and Winslow Arizona.

In Congress, Barry will focus on protecting reproductive freedom, addressing gun violence, creating economic opportunities and safeguarding benefits for seniors and addressing the devastation of the opioid epidemic.

Connect with Megan:
Website: https://www.meganbarryforcongress.com/

or on her socials:

Twitter: 

Instagram:

Facebook: 

TikTok: 

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Mentioned in this podcast:

Articles on Election Stress Disorder:

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-election-stress-disorder-real/

The amazing Ember mugs:  https://bit.ly/3xMYP0v

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Links to Resources for Substance Abuse Help:

https://www.samhsa.gov   This is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - lots of resources to help people who need access to treatment and other resources.

https://www.shatterproof.org/learn/addiction-resources 

https://countitlockitdropit.org -provides resources on where to drop your unused medications 

God And My Girlfriends Ministries
A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Without a doubt, we have the most requests on this podcast to address friendship issues and how to forge more meaningful relationships with women. Today, we do just that! We have as our guests this week, three of the most talented and respected singer/songwriters in Nashville joining us to talk about their careers, their families, their friendship and how they balance them all!

We welcome Emily Shackelton, Jenn Bostic and Sarah Darling this week as they discuss how to forge friendships in a competitive business, how to find balance in their lives and more. You guys are going to fall in love with these three ladies and get inspired too. So join us this week for a great episode!

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:
Emily Shackelton is a singer/songwriter hailing from Biwabik, Minnesota. She celebrated her first Number 1 with Carly Pearce's breakout single "Every Little Thing” in 2018, and recently celebrated her second Number 1 with Pearce's hit song "What He Didn't Do".  Emily was awarded “Breakout Songwriter of the Year 2018” by Music Row Magazine and proudly writes for Winsongs Publishing. Her writing catalog also includes singles and cuts by Reba McEntire, Joe Nichols, Runaway June, Sara Evans, Jana Kramer, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Chrissy Metz, Joy Williams and more, as well as tv shows like Nashville, American Idol, and Dancing With the Stars.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emilyshackelton/

Jenn Bostic is a soulful singer/songwriter with a hint of pop, blues and gospel. Her hit song “Jealous of the Angels,” written for her late father,  has over 50 million collective streams on YouTube, has gone #1 on various iTunes charts by various artists in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Bostic has performed sold out tours across the United States and Europe, including performances on the stages of The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, and Lincoln Center. She was twice named “International Touring Artist of the Year,” by the British Country Music Association (2017/2018).  Her latest album, “You Find a Way,” created with Grammy nominated producer and hit songwriter, Lauren Christy, released July 2022, and was named “Album of the Year” at the 2022 Louder than the Music Awards.
WEBSITE: https://www.jennbostic.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jennbostic/

Sarah Darling’s musical journey has taken her from a small town in Iowa to a global tour to hone her craft and develop her unique sound. Her credits include five full-length albums, multiple singles, including a #1 on the UK Country charts, and many duets. She has over 20 million streams, 11 million video views, and over 90 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. She is one of the first Sirius XM The Highway™ Finds and part of the first class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. She has performed at the CMA Music Fest, Nashville Meets London, British Country Music Festival, British Summertime Festival supporting Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, and more. She has appeared on Conan, CMT, The Bachelor, HLN, Fox & Friends, and more.
WEBSITE: https://www.sarahdarling.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/officialsarahdarling/

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Church is supposed to be our safe place. Our Christian brothers and sisters are supposed to support us when we are lied about, misrepresented and treated unfairly. What do you do when all that fails you?

Our guest today knows all too well about this kind of church hurt. Aimee has been through it all and is using her voice to help others who are trying to process this kind of hurt. The kind of hurt that shatters everything you knew to be true. Her story is compelling and awful and beautiful all at the same time. Find out how she is walking out of a deeply painful place, with her faith in Christ intact.

We are thrilled to have author/speaker/blogger, Aimee Byrd as our guest this week. Marcia, Stacey and Marie Griffith have a beautiful conversation with Aimee about healing after church hurt and how to move on from that without losing your faith in Christ. Her story is powerful and we know it will be encouraging for many of you.

ABOUT AIMEE BYRD:
Aimee is the author of several books, including The Sexual Reformation, Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Why Can’t We Be Friends?, No Little Women, and her new book coming out May 7th is called The Hope In Our Scars.

She writes about looking for the beauty and wonder in theology—learning about God—and spiritual formation, Aimee writes about the things she hoped to talk about in church. In this quest, she’s found many others who’ve been disillusioned by the church but are still looking for what’s real, beautiful, true, and good. It’s often not where we think it is. She writes regularly on her Substack at https://aimeebyrd.substack.com/

To learn more about Aimee: https://aimeebyrd.com/
To pre-order The Hope In Our Scars: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Our-Scars-Underground-Disillusionment/dp/0310157145/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699453248&sr=8-1

More podcasts that dive deeper into Aimee's story:
The Roys Report

The Two Cities Podcast
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Also, our friend Staci Frenes joins Marcia in the girlfriend chat segment and they talk about the complicated emotions surrounding Easter when you are in deconstruction and the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. Join us!

To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org