Recovering From Religion

Latest Episodes:

E86: Celebrating The Holidays As A Nonbeliever w/ Kace Hodos, LCMHC Sep 20, 2021

Show notes

Many nonbelievers, especially those who have recently left their religion, struggle to redefine what the holidays mean to them. We'll discuss these challenges and provide ways to create your own meaningful rituals that will help you transform this time of year into a season of reason! Kayce Hodos, LCMHS is a licensed therapist specializing in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. She recently started a coaching service to provide secular resources, support and a safe community for new nonbelievers. She lives in Wake Forest, NC, with her husband, son, and dog. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director. Recorded on December 21, 2020 Resource list - RfRx - Grief without God with Kayce Hodos, LPC: https://youtu.be/iocTD5W54pA - Tim Minchin's White Wine In The Sun: https://youtu.be/_CeY0VdhXK8 - Secular holiday song playlist: http://www.atheistliving.com/2014/12/secular-christmas-songs-extended-list.html - RfR Helpline: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org US Based Helplines - Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, Press 1 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : 1-800-273-8255 - Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 (for the transgender community) - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 - TrevorLifeline: 866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)

E85: Seventh-Day Adventists w/ Teri Gamble & Ryan J. Bell Sep 19, 2021

Show notes

In this session Teri and Ryan will explain the beliefs that the Seventh-Day Adventists (SDA) hold and their personal “coming out of religion” stories. We’ll discuss the history of the Seventh-Day Adventists, their practices and the struggles faced by those who leave. Ryan Bell is the host and producer of the Life After God podcast, the humanist chaplain at the University of Southern California, and the National Organizing Manager at the Secular Student Alliance. For 20 years Ryan was a Seventh-day Advenist pastor. He earned a Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Seminary at Andrews University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 2014 he wrote a blog entitled, Year Without God, which was covered internationally on media outlets including CNN, NPR, BBC, CBC, LA Times, and dozens of podcasts. Teri Gamble is an international performing artist and drama coach who has performed on international stages from Los Angeles to Moscow, Boston and New York. She has appeared on the hit TV series Modern Family and ER and has appeared in numerous theater productions and commercials. Teri is the co-host of Horror Movie Survival Guide – a horror movie podcast you can stream anywhere you listen to podcast. She is also an avid D&D – tabletop roleplay gamer – and can be found on various podcast and streaming channels on Twitch (12 Sided Stories, Happy Jack’s RPG and Saving Throw Show). Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director. Recorded on December 14, 2020 Discussion resources - Life After God podcast (www.lifeaftergod.org) - Seventh-Gay Adventists (documentary)https://www.sgamovie.com/ - Year Without God blog (https://www.patheos.com/blogs/yearwithoutgod/) - Mr. Deity - For Some Levity (https://www.youtube.com/user/misterdeity) - Mr. Deity episode with Ryan Bell (https://youtu.be/Dftib43_QRo) Learn more about Ryan J. Bell & Teri Gamble - www.lifeaftergod.org (podcast) - www.ryanjbell.info - IG, Twitter & Facebook: @ryanjbell - http://terigamble.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/horrormoviesurvivalguide/ - All social media: @TheTeriGamble

E84: Shunning: A Trauma-Informed Approach w/ Cathy S. Harris, LCSW Sep 18, 2021

Show notes

Shunning is a hurtful and harmful practice that affects thousands of former members of high-control groups. A trauma-informed approach offers hope and the prospect of moving beyond feeling in bondage to inhumane rules. This presentation will give you tools and ideas for research that can help. Cathy S. Harris is a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years' experience in a variety of settings helping people get beyond traumatic experiences and on to their best life. She was recruited to a religious cult at 17 years old. At 43, she began to question this membership and left the group. In spite of being shunned by family and friends she has found a life she loves. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director. Recorded on December 7, 2020. Resources List - Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan - Leaving The Saints by Martha Beck - Crossing Over: One Woman’ Escape From Amish Life by Ruth Garrett & Rick Farrant - Shunned: A Survival Guide by Bonnie Zieman - Adverse Childhood Experiences Study: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html - What is Trauma-Informed Care? - Breaking Their Will: Religious Child Maltreatment https://youtu.be/R9kGUtitL3A - Dr Dan Siegel: On Ambivalent Attachment: https://youtu.be/nGhZtUrpCuc Learn more about Cathy S. Harris, LCSW - www.discoveryouservices.com

E83: Beyond Religious Identity: Moving Forward w/ Your Past with David Teachout, LMHC Sep 17, 2021

Show notes

A religious identity is more than a label put on for church services. It is a way of seeing yourself, your relationships, and the world around you in a structured ethical way. Everything potentially has meaning at a cosmic level. Losing that sense of structure can be devastating. Here we’re going to look at why you don’t have to give up your Values, even the ones you had before, and consider how to build meaning/purpose/ethics into your life without cosmic interruption.

David Teachout, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor who grew up in Michigan, home of taking the first day of hunting season off from school, and went to a bible college in my then quest to become a minister for Christianity. Questions ensued, answers were not forthcoming, and the result is a life of studying humanity from a place of curiosity rather than condemnation. David currently resides in the Seattle area, with a career almost entirely focused on psychology and possess a sometimes frustrating desire to pursue complicated conversations Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org.

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E82: Morality Without Religion w/ Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. Sep 16, 2021

Show notes

Recorded on November 23, 2020.

How do we know what is right and wrong? If not religion, where do we look for moral guidance? In this talk, Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. explores how we find or create a foundation for our moral decision-making outside the context of religion.

Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. helps moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is a Philosophical Coach and co-creator and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings philosophy to the real world. She has a PhD in Philosophy and a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies from Temple University, and a certification in Philosophical Counseling from the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. When her daughter was born, she almost broke her brain trying to figure out what the hell happened. Now, she helps other moms make sense of motherhood.

Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

Discussion resources

- The Euthyphro http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/euthyfro.html

- “A Defense of Ethical Relativism” Ruth Benedict http://public.callutheran.edu/~chenxi/Phil315_031.pdf

- “The Challenge of Cultural Relativism” James Rachels https://rintintin.colorado.edu/~vancecd/phil1100/Rachels1.pdf

Learn more about Danielle LaSusa

- http://daniellelasusa.com/

- http://www.thinkhardpodcast.com

- TED Talk “What to do when your worldview falls apart” https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_danielle_lasusa_what_to_do_when_your_worldview_falls_apart

E81: How to Not Be a Secular A$$hole w/ Rebecca Williams, LMFT Sep 15, 2021

Show notes

Recorded on Nov 16, 2020

Were you ever a religious asshole? Sometimes when we leave religion we don’t leave enough behind and take our sexism, racism, and homophobia with us. In this talk, we’ll discuss how NOT to be a secular asshole.

Rebecca Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She is the owner of Inland Empire Couples Counseling and specializes in helping mixed faith and religious/secular couples have connected, intimate, satisfying relationships. She’s offering a free mini-course for mixed-faith couples. https://www.iecouplescounseling.com/the-united-couple

One of Rebecca’s therapy superpowers is helping people connect across the religious-secular divide.

Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

Learn more about Rebecca Williams

- Instagram: @RebeccaRelationshipExpert

- Twitter: @RebeccaWLMFT

- Facebook: Inland Empire Couples Counseling

- Free Mini Course: https://www.iecouplescounseling.com/the-united-couple

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E80: The Fear of Hell: Understanding Residual Anxiety & Moving Forward w/ Hayley Twyman Brack Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

In this discussion Hayley Twyman Brack speaks about the fear of hell. We will discuss why even non-believers may experience residual fear of hell, long after they have deconverted. We will also explore the science behind the fear and resources for support.

Hayley Twyman Brack is a licensed professional counselor and freelance writer in Oklahoma. Hayley has co-authored a textbook chapter for mental health clinicians on helping secular individuals navigate grief and has also written over 350 articles for a satirical, socio-political website. In her freetime, she also co-hosts a board game podcast and officiates secular and LGBTQIA+ weddings. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Medelin Nolasco, RfRx Social Hour Host

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E79: How MLMs Work & How to Avoid Them w/ Taylor Leigh (The Antibot) Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

In this RfRx session Taylor will discuss what Multi Level Marketing (pyramid schemes) are, the risks and statistics involved with MLMs, who they prey on, and how to avoid falling into one. Also, she will discuss how to deal with a family member or friend who has become involved with an MLM. MLMs disproportionately target religious people, and many of us who have left/are leaving religion likely know someone who is in an MLM.

Taylor is passionate about educating the public on the dangers and predatory nature of multi-level marketing companies. MLMs target vulnerable individuals and attempt to sell them on an unachievable dream life. She runs the YouTube channel “The Antibot” - in her videos she debunks claims made by MLMs and their distributors using reputable, peer-reviewed sources. More than anything, Taylor wants to help build a world where women are truly empowered through legitimate small business ownership and entrepreneurship, and to stop the cashflow to multi-billion dollar companies that prey on and exploit the very demographic they claim to empower. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E78: Children and Mental Health: Implications when Raising Freethinkers w/ Candace Gorham LPCS Sep 12, 2021

Show notes

Premiered Jan 23, 2021

Children are not just little adults and their mental health concerns cannot be viewed and treated the same way we would address adult mental health. Add on a layer of nonbelief and you are truly facing a different set of circumstances, especially when it comes to seeking treatment. In this talk, I will explore how and why mental health problems require a different approach with children and how freethinking parents can position themselves to provide the best support possible.

Candace R. M. Gorham MA, LPCS is a licensed professional mental health counselor. She is a former ordained minister turned atheist-humanist activist, researcher, and writer on issues related to race and religion. She is a member of the Black Humanist Alliance advisory board, The Secular Therapist Project, and The Clergy Project. Candace is also the author of "The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion—and Others Should Too."

Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

Learn more of Candace Gorham

- The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women are Walking out on Religion and Others Should, too

- Women v. Religion: The Case Against Faith--and for Freedom

The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

+3 4505 2402 in Australia

+20 3856 8791 in the UK

+27 11 043 5323 in South Africa

E77: Religious Trauma, Its Roots and Its Treatments with Dr. Darrel Ray Sep 11, 2021

Show notes

Premiered Jan 20, 2021

Dr. Darrel Ray returns to RfRx to tell us about “Religious Trauma, Its Roots and Its Treatments.” Religious abuse is the root of religious trauma and often goes unrecognized by therapists and clients alike. Children raised in toxic environments do not know it is toxic; it just seems normal to them. When they experience symptoms later in life, failure to identify the root cause leads to inappropriate treatments. Appropriate identification and treatment can often lead to rapid improvement and positive outcomes. Misidentification can lead to years of frustration and inappropriate treatment.

Dr. Ray is the founder and President of the Board of Directors of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: two on organizational teamwork as well as "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality".

Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

Resources

- Leaving the Fold, by Dr. Marlene Winell

- The God Virus, by Dr. Darrel Ray

- The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson

- Battle for the Mind, by William Sargent, Ph.D.

- Center for Disease Control - Adverse Childhood Experiences

- Morgue’s RTS story: “Is Religion Actually Child Abuse?“: https://youtu.be/KZakfMOp5qA

More about Dr. Darrel Ray

- Twitter: @drdray132

- LinkedIn: Dr. Darrel Ray

- https://www.facebook.com/darrel.ray