https://www.spreaker.com/show/women-beyond-beliefenEducationCopyright Women Beyond Beliefhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/1b56ca4754145e3c91e734cfc9026d32.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/women-beyond-beliefWed, 21 Feb 2018 14:46:38 +0000Women Beyond BeliefWomen Beyond Belieffeeds@spreaker.comA Podcast for Women Moving Beyond ReligionyesepisodicWomen Beyond Belieffeeds@spreaker.comA Podcast for Women Moving Beyond ReligionYeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/final-episode-and-new-podcast-nameMy name is Wendy Marsman and this is my final episode hosting under the Women Beyond Belief title. I have decided to rebrand under a new name.
Today (Feb. 14, 2018) marks the 1-year anniversary when I first met Karen Garst and we talked on the phone. She agreed to share the name Women beyond belief as if was also the name of her book. we agreed to collaborate, and we have been in partnership with cross-promoting each other, etc. However, because the name Women Beyond Belief was originally “owned” by Karen, it will always be connected to her and her book.
My original focus for the WBB podcast was to help women who had left religion and bring more women’s voices to the atheist movement.
Due to my views and focus changing away from the atheist movement, I just could no longer keep the name and the partnership with Karen.  I talked to Karen Garst a few days ago on the phone and I told her that I feel I am needing to rebrand the podcast. Originally I didn’t’ think I would need to but feel it is the right choice I feel. I do want to acknowledge that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help and collaboration.
I will aim to still keep the domain name for another year (womenbeyondbelief.com)
I will aim to still pay for and maintain the WordPress Website, Libsyn monthly media hosting so that the archived podcasts will still be available to listen to. And all of you who were guests on the podcast will still be able to share the links etc. for another year.
At that point, I’m not sure if I will keeping paying for it to stay up and running or not. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Due to feeling some burn-out from a number of issues, I am taking a bit of a break from activism. I still feel very strongly that social justice issues and feminism is is needed to change our patricidal society but I’m not strong enough to fight all the time. I have very little RL support and so need to dial down the extra drama in my life. If I use the terms atheist, feminist, social justice etc. I know there are haters out there. I don’t do well with hate mail at all!
So, I’m looking for a more neutral name and theme but still hoping it to be a platform for women telling their stories of leaving religion and learning to live in the big wide secular world.
My new podcast will be very similar in that I will still focused on women’ stories of leaving religion. I still see a great need to get women to find out they have a voice after so many years in religion thinking they didn’t. I know I have some episodes already recorded and just needing some editing and I hope to be able to publish them soon, but I will with the new podcast name. I also want to change some things, have more topical series, as with the 3-part body image and 6-part sex and religion series (which I have over 10 women lined up and 4 already interviewed).
After having dozens of emails from women telling their stories, I want to start reading these emails during the episodes as well. I will not be interviewing or reading emails from men. I have decided this is a women’s only podcast going forward. There are literally hundreds of male hosted podcasts so if you want to tell your story men, there are so many places to do that.
I will review the long guest waiting list and see if there are any that I had agreed to that may be too focused on the atheist movement still and let them know that my new podcast won’t be a good fit for them. I am an atheist and secular feminist. Those views influence who I do and who I don’t interview.
I will be careful with who I endorse going forward and if in doubt, I will publish this declaimer with many of the episodes. The disclaimer being that the views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinio...]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1432Wed, 14 Feb 2018 20:53:14 +0000Women Beyond BeliefFINAL Episode and NEW Podcast Name My name is Wendy Marsman and this is my final episode hosting under the Women Beyond Belief title. I have decided to rebrand under a new name. Today (Feb. 14, 2018) marks the 1-year anniversary when I first met Karen...My name is Wendy Marsman and this is my final episode hosting under the Women Beyond Belief title. I have decided to rebrand under a new name.
Today (Feb. 14, 2018) marks the 1-year anniversary when I first met Karen Garst and we talked on the phone. She agreed to share the name Women beyond belief as if was also the name of her book. we agreed to collaborate, and we have been in partnership with cross-promoting each other, etc. However, because the name Women Beyond Belief was originally “owned” by Karen, it will always be connected to her and her book.
My original focus for the WBB podcast was to help women who had left religion and bring more women’s voices to the atheist movement.
Due to my views and focus changing away from the atheist movement, I just could no longer keep the name and the partnership with Karen.  I talked to Karen Garst a few days ago on the phone and I told her that I feel I am needing to rebrand the podcast. Originally I didn’t’ think I would need to but feel it is the right choice I feel. I do want to acknowledge that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help and collaboration.
I will aim to still keep the domain name for another year (womenbeyondbelief.com)
I will aim to still pay for and maintain the WordPress Website, Libsyn monthly media hosting so that the archived podcasts will still be available to listen to. And all of you who were guests on the podcast will still be able to share the links etc. for another year.
At that point, I’m not sure if I will keeping paying for it to stay up and running or not. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Due to feeling some burn-out from a number of issues, I am taking a bit of a break from activism. I still feel very strongly that social justice issues and feminism is is needed to change our patricidal society but I’m not strong enough to fight all the time. I have very little RL support and so need to dial down the extra drama in my life. If I use the terms atheist, feminist, social justice etc. I know there are haters out there. I don’t do well with hate mail at all!
So, I’m looking for a more neutral name and theme but still hoping it to be a platform for women telling their stories of leaving religion and learning to live in the big wide secular world.
My new podcast will be very similar in that I will still focused on women’ stories of leaving religion. I still see a great need to get women to find out they have a voice after so many years in religion thinking they didn’t. I know I have some episodes already recorded and just needing some editing and I hope to be able to publish them soon, but I will with the new podcast name. I also want to change some things, have more topical series, as with the 3-part body image and 6-part sex and religion series (which I have over 10 women lined up and 4 already interviewed).
After having dozens of emails from women telling their stories, I want to start reading these emails during the episodes as well. I will not be interviewing or reading emails from men. I have decided this is a women’s only podcast going forward. There are literally hundreds of male hosted podcasts so if you want to tell your story men, there are so many places to do that.
I will review the long guest waiting list and see if there are any that I had agreed to that may be too focused on the atheist movement still and let them know that my new podcast won’t be a good fit for them. I am an atheist and secular feminist. Those views influence who I do and who I don’t interview.
I will be careful with who I endorse going forward and if in doubt, I will publish this declaimer with many of the episodes. The disclaimer being that the views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinio...]]>531yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefFINAL Episode and NEW Podcast Name My name is Wendy Marsman and this is my final episode hosting under the Women Beyond Belief title. I have decided to rebrand under a new name. Today (Feb. 14, 2018) marks the 1-year anniversary when I first met Karen Garst and we talked on the phone. She agreed to share the name Women beyond belief as if was also the name of her book. we agreed to collaborate, and we have been in partnership with cross-promoting each other, etc. However, because the name Women Beyond Belief was originally “owned” by Karen, it will always be connected to her and her book. My original focus for the WBB podcast was to help women who had left religion and bring more women’s voices to the atheist movement. Due to my views and focus changing away from the atheist movement, I just could no longer keep the name and the partnership with Karen.  I talked to Karen Garst a few days ago on the phone and I told her that I feel I am needing to rebrand the podcast. Originally I didn’t’ think I would need to but feel it is the right choice I feel. I do want to acknowledge that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help and collaboration. I will aim to still keep the domain name for another year (womenbeyondbelief.com) I will aim to still pay for and maintain the WordPress Website, Libsyn monthly media hosting so that the archived podcasts will still be available to listen to. And all of you who were guests on the podcast will still be able to share the links etc. for another year. At that point, I’m not sure if I will keeping paying for it to stay up and running or not. I will cross that bridge when I get to it. Due to feeling some burn-out from a number of issues, I am taking a bit of a break from activism. I still feel very strongly that social justice issues and feminism is is needed to change our patricidal society but I’m not strong enough to fight all the time. I have very little RL support and so need to dial down the extra drama in my life. If I use the terms atheist, feminist, social justice etc. I know there are haters out there. I don’t do well with hate mail at all! So, I’m looking for a more neutral name and theme but still hoping it to be a platform for women telling their stories of leaving religion and learning to live in the big wide secular world. My new podcast will be very similar in that I will still focused on women’ stories of leaving religion. I still see a great need to get women to find out they have a voice after so many years in religion thinking they didn’t. I know I have some episodes already recorded and just needing some editing and I hope to be able to publish them soon, but I will with the new podcast name. I also want to change some things, have more topical series, as with the 3-part body image and 6-part sex and religion series (which I have over 10 women lined up and 4 already interviewed). After having dozens of emails from women telling their stories, I want to start reading these emails during the episodes as well. I will not be interviewing or reading emails from men. I have decided this is a women’s only podcast going forward. There are literally hundreds of male hosted podcasts so if you want to tell your story men, there are so many places to do that. I will review the long guest waiting list and see if there are any that I had agreed to that may be too focused on the atheist movement still and let them know that my new podcast won’t be a good fit for them. I am an atheist and secular feminist. Those views influence who I do and who I don’t interview. I will be careful with who I endorse going forward and if in doubt, I will publish this declaimer with many of the episodes. The disclaimer being that the views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinio...Yeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/50-valerie-tarico-attended-wheaton-colleInterview recorded on January 18th, 2018
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the podcast host. 
Valerie Tarico is the author of Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light and Deas and Other Imaginings.  Raised in a staunch fundamentalist family, Valerie attended Wheaton College, of Billy Graham fame.  She completed a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington.
For years Valerie maintained a psychotherapy practice and practiced "don't ask, don't tell" about matters of faith.  But as it became clear that Evangelicals weren’t playing by the same rules, she decided to join the fray.  She closed her practice and began writing and speaking about fundamentalism, American style.  Her articles about religion, reproductive health, and the role of women in society are featured at Salon, AlterNet and Raw Story. They all can be found at her website, ValerieTarico.com along with links to media and her Youtube Channel.  Only one of her brothers thinks that she is actually channeling Satan.
Valeris’ blog: https://valerietarico.com/
Valerie’s book:
Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light
______
YouTube Channel
Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1412Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:36:09 +0000Women Beyond BeliefValerie Tarico- Attended Wheaton College- Now a Psychologist, Blogger and Feminist Activist Interview recorded on January 18th, 2018 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of...Interview recorded on January 18th, 2018
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the podcast host. 
Valerie Tarico is the author of Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light and Deas and Other Imaginings.  Raised in a staunch fundamentalist family, Valerie attended Wheaton College, of Billy Graham fame.  She completed a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington.
For years Valerie maintained a psychotherapy practice and practiced "don't ask, don't tell" about matters of faith.  But as it became clear that Evangelicals weren’t playing by the same rules, she decided to join the fray.  She closed her practice and began writing and speaking about fundamentalism, American style.  Her articles about religion, reproductive health, and the role of women in society are featured at Salon, AlterNet and Raw Story. They all can be found at her website, ValerieTarico.com along with links to media and her Youtube Channel.  Only one of her brothers thinks that she is actually channeling Satan.
Valeris’ blog: https://valerietarico.com/
Valerie’s book:
Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light
______
YouTube Channel
Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>3121yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefValerie Tarico- Attended Wheaton College- Now a Psychologist, Blogger and Feminist Activist Interview recorded on January 18th, 2018 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast guest do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the podcast host.  Valerie Tarico is the author of Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light and Deas and Other Imaginings.  Raised in a staunch fundamentalist family, Valerie attended Wheaton College, of Billy Graham fame.  She completed a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington. For years Valerie maintained a psychotherapy practice and practiced "don't ask, don't tell" about matters of faith.  But as it became clear that Evangelicals weren’t playing by the same rules, she decided to join the fray.  She closed her practice and began writing and speaking about fundamentalism, American style.  Her articles about religion, reproductive health, and the role of women in society are featured at Salon, AlterNet and Raw Story. They all can be found at her website, ValerieTarico.com along with links to media and her Youtube Channel.  Only one of her brothers thinks that she is actually channeling Satan. Valeris’ blog: https://valerietarico.com/ Valerie’s book: Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light ______ YouTube Channel Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson Podcast Logo by Sarah NicholsonYeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/49-glenys-oyston-aaron-flores-2-dietitiaGlenys Oyston is a registered dietitian who helps women recover from toxic diet culture and eating anxiety through the non-diet approach. As someone who struggled with her weight, chronic hunger, and feeling out-of-control around food for years, Glenys knows exactly what others are going through and how to get them to food freedom. She works with people in person in her Los Angeles office and remotely via video. She is the creator of Dare to Eat, an online program that helps women to learn to eat as much as they want, without guilt, in total freedom. You can find her at Dare To Not Diet and on her podcast Dietitians Unplugged.
Aaron Flores is a registered dietitian nutritionist with nearly10 years of experience in the field.  Aaron has worked with eating disorders in a variety of settings, including the VA of Greater Los Angeles, Destinations to Recovery, La Ventana and currently with Center for Discovery.  Aaron Flores’s private practice is in Calabasas, CA where he uses Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size® in his work to help adults and adolescents learn how to make peace with food and reclaim Body Trust®.  Aaron is also the co-host of the popular podcast, Dietitians Unplugged. Aaron Flores, RDN – Balance Variety and Moderation RDN
Other Recommended resources:
Book: The Gluten Lie – Allan Lavinovitz
Food Psych Podcast – Episode #94 – How to Leave the Religion of Dieting with Alan Levinovitz
Secrets behind the Biggest Loser – Kai Hibbard – Every Body Podcast
_______
Find this episode on YouTube
Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson ]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1349Mon, 05 Feb 2018 14:04:09 +0000Women Beyond BeliefGlenys Oyston, Aaron Flores – 2 Dietitians, Body Positivity and Health at Every Size Glenys Oyston is a registered dietitian who helps women recover from toxic diet culture and eating anxiety through the non-diet approach. As someone who struggled...Glenys Oyston is a registered dietitian who helps women recover from toxic diet culture and eating anxiety through the non-diet approach. As someone who struggled with her weight, chronic hunger, and feeling out-of-control around food for years, Glenys knows exactly what others are going through and how to get them to food freedom. She works with people in person in her Los Angeles office and remotely via video. She is the creator of Dare to Eat, an online program that helps women to learn to eat as much as they want, without guilt, in total freedom. You can find her at Dare To Not Diet and on her podcast Dietitians Unplugged.
Aaron Flores is a registered dietitian nutritionist with nearly10 years of experience in the field.  Aaron has worked with eating disorders in a variety of settings, including the VA of Greater Los Angeles, Destinations to Recovery, La Ventana and currently with Center for Discovery.  Aaron Flores’s private practice is in Calabasas, CA where he uses Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size® in his work to help adults and adolescents learn how to make peace with food and reclaim Body Trust®.  Aaron is also the co-host of the popular podcast, Dietitians Unplugged. Aaron Flores, RDN – Balance Variety and Moderation RDN
Other Recommended resources:
Book: The Gluten Lie – Allan Lavinovitz
Food Psych Podcast – Episode #94 – How to Leave the Religion of Dieting with Alan Levinovitz
Secrets behind the Biggest Loser – Kai Hibbard – Every Body Podcast
_______
Find this episode on YouTube
Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson ]]>3704yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefGlenys Oyston, Aaron Flores – 2 Dietitians, Body Positivity and Health at Every Size Glenys Oyston is a registered dietitian who helps women recover from toxic diet culture and eating anxiety through the non-diet approach. As someone who struggled with her weight, chronic hunger, and feeling out-of-control around food for years, Glenys knows exactly what others are going through and how to get them to food freedom. She works with people in person in her Los Angeles office and remotely via video. She is the creator of Dare to Eat, an online program that helps women to learn to eat as much as they want, without guilt, in total freedom. You can find her at Dare To Not Diet and on her podcast Dietitians Unplugged. Aaron Flores is a registered dietitian nutritionist with nearly10 years of experience in the field.  Aaron has worked with eating disorders in a variety of settings, including the VA of Greater Los Angeles, Destinations to Recovery, La Ventana and currently with Center for Discovery.  Aaron Flores’s private practice is in Calabasas, CA where he uses Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size® in his work to help adults and adolescents learn how to make peace with food and reclaim Body Trust®.  Aaron is also the co-host of the popular podcast, Dietitians Unplugged. Aaron Flores, RDN – Balance Variety and Moderation RDN Other Recommended resources: Book: The Gluten Lie – Allan Lavinovitz Food Psych Podcast – Episode #94 – How to Leave the Religion of Dieting with Alan Levinovitz Secrets behind the Biggest Loser – Kai Hibbard – Every Body Podcast _______ Find this episode on YouTube Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson Yeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/48-leaving-the-atheist-movement-new-focuThis episode marks a new focus, a course correction and some thoughts on leaving the atheist movement. The views and opinions expressed in this episode may change in the future as new information becomes available.
Links related to this episode:
Kristi Winters YouTube Channel
Steve Shives YouTube Channel
Inciting Incident Podcast
Skeptics Defending Jerry Sandusky?! – Steve Shives
Rebecca Watson and "Elevator Gate"
Michael Shermer's allegations
Timeline of Sexual Harassment Accusations
Lawrence Krauss 
1st of Neil Carter's Scandal
Lawsuit issue Stephanie Zvan's blog
Legal defense fund for Slapp Suit against Stephanie and others]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1326Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:07:11 +0000Women Beyond BeliefLeaving the Atheist movement – New Focus for the podcast This episode marks a new focus, a course correction and some thoughts on leaving the atheist movement. The views and opinions expressed in this episode may change in the future as new...This episode marks a new focus, a course correction and some thoughts on leaving the atheist movement. The views and opinions expressed in this episode may change in the future as new information becomes available.
Links related to this episode:
Kristi Winters YouTube Channel
Steve Shives YouTube Channel
Inciting Incident Podcast
Skeptics Defending Jerry Sandusky?! – Steve Shives
Rebecca Watson and "Elevator Gate"
Michael Shermer's allegations
Timeline of Sexual Harassment Accusations
Lawrence Krauss 
1st of Neil Carter's Scandal
Lawsuit issue Stephanie Zvan's blog
Legal defense fund for Slapp Suit against Stephanie and others]]>1757yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefLeaving the Atheist movement – New Focus for the podcast This episode marks a new focus, a course correction and some thoughts on leaving the atheist movement. The views and opinions expressed in this episode may change in the future as new information becomes available. Links related to this episode: Kristi Winters YouTube Channel Steve Shives YouTube Channel Inciting Incident Podcast Skeptics Defending Jerry Sandusky?! – Steve Shives Rebecca Watson and "Elevator Gate" Michael Shermer's allegations Timeline of Sexual Harassment Accusations Lawrence Krauss  1st of Neil Carter's Scandal Lawsuit issue Stephanie Zvan's blog Legal defense fund for Slapp Suit against Stephanie and othersYeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/47-stephanie-zvan-atheist-and-feminist-aStephanie Zvan is an atheist and feminist activist and speaker. She writes at Almost Diamonds on The Orbit network and interviews interesting people on Minnesota Atheists' Atheists Talk radio show. She serves on the board of Secular Woman and is one of the founders of the Secular Women Work conference.
Stephanie's blog  – Almost Diamonds 
Secular Woman website
Secular Women Work Conference
Minnesota Atheists' Talk Radio Show
Rebecca Watson and "Elevator Gate"
Lawsuit issue Stephanie talked about in this episode
Legal defense fund for Slapp Suit against Stephanie and others
_____
Theme Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1311Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:02:50 +0000Women Beyond BeliefStephanie Zvan – Atheist and Feminist Activist, Speaker, Blogger, Radio Show Host Stephanie Zvan is an atheist and feminist activist and speaker. She writes at Almost Diamonds on The Orbit network and interviews interesting people on Minnesota...Stephanie Zvan is an atheist and feminist activist and speaker. She writes at Almost Diamonds on The Orbit network and interviews interesting people on Minnesota Atheists' Atheists Talk radio show. She serves on the board of Secular Woman and is one of the founders of the Secular Women Work conference.
Stephanie's blog  – Almost Diamonds 
Secular Woman website
Secular Women Work Conference
Minnesota Atheists' Talk Radio Show
Rebecca Watson and "Elevator Gate"
Lawsuit issue Stephanie talked about in this episode
Legal defense fund for Slapp Suit against Stephanie and others
_____
Theme Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>3124yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefStephanie Zvan – Atheist and Feminist Activist, Speaker, Blogger, Radio Show Host Stephanie Zvan is an atheist and feminist activist and speaker. She writes at Almost Diamonds on The Orbit network and interviews interesting people on Minnesota Atheists' Atheists Talk radio show. She serves on the board of Secular Woman and is one of the founders of the Secular Women Work conference. Stephanie's blog  – Almost Diamonds  Secular Woman website Secular Women Work Conference Minnesota Atheists' Talk Radio Show Rebecca Watson and "Elevator Gate" Lawsuit issue Stephanie talked about in this episode Legal defense fund for Slapp Suit against Stephanie and others _____ Theme Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson Podcast Logo by Sarah NicholsonYeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/46-brittany-stirling-pseudonym-leaving-cBrittany Stirling (Pseudonym) was born 32 years ago and raised in the Canadian Reformed Church in southern Ontario. She doesn't remember having many questions or doubts as a child. Her parents were devout and somewhat legalistic about their Christianity. Brittany wasn’t raised with a very pervasive feeling of God's love in her life, but she does remember the feeling of being part of an exclusive group – and that essentially the rest of the world was full of outsiders who were different from her and were inferior in some way.
When Brittany was 12, she moved to Ottawa for a few years and then spent Grade 10-12 in Indonesia. She made friends with people from different races/religions along the way. She moved home to Ottawa for 2 years after high school and then spent her early 20's in Alberta.
Throughout all these stages she was a good Christian girl (FAR from perfect) but with no major questions against what she had always been taught. But she was time and time again being exposed to other people and other people’s beliefs. The slow and constant barrage began wearing away at her foundation.
Ultimately it came down to a few things. A sexual relationship, questions about human nature and how responsible we actually are for choices we make, and the death of a friend who had been going through his own tumultuous deconversion journey. She remembers the moment she first truly realized there was no god. Brittany had been contemplating that thought for a couple years already, but felt like everything in that moment shifted.
Podcast YouTube Channel
Theme Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1303Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:13:29 +0000Women Beyond BeliefBrittany Stirling (Pseudonym) – Leaving Christianity, Following the Paths of Questioning to Atheism Brittany Stirling (Pseudonym) was born 32 years ago and raised in the Canadian Reformed Church in southern Ontario. She doesn't remember having many...Brittany Stirling (Pseudonym) was born 32 years ago and raised in the Canadian Reformed Church in southern Ontario. She doesn't remember having many questions or doubts as a child. Her parents were devout and somewhat legalistic about their Christianity. Brittany wasn’t raised with a very pervasive feeling of God's love in her life, but she does remember the feeling of being part of an exclusive group – and that essentially the rest of the world was full of outsiders who were different from her and were inferior in some way.
When Brittany was 12, she moved to Ottawa for a few years and then spent Grade 10-12 in Indonesia. She made friends with people from different races/religions along the way. She moved home to Ottawa for 2 years after high school and then spent her early 20's in Alberta.
Throughout all these stages she was a good Christian girl (FAR from perfect) but with no major questions against what she had always been taught. But she was time and time again being exposed to other people and other people’s beliefs. The slow and constant barrage began wearing away at her foundation.
Ultimately it came down to a few things. A sexual relationship, questions about human nature and how responsible we actually are for choices we make, and the death of a friend who had been going through his own tumultuous deconversion journey. She remembers the moment she first truly realized there was no god. Brittany had been contemplating that thought for a couple years already, but felt like everything in that moment shifted.
Podcast YouTube Channel
Theme Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>3653yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefBrittany Stirling (Pseudonym) – Leaving Christianity, Following the Paths of Questioning to Atheism Brittany Stirling (Pseudonym) was born 32 years ago and raised in the Canadian Reformed Church in southern Ontario. She doesn't remember having many questions or doubts as a child. Her parents were devout and somewhat legalistic about their Christianity. Brittany wasn’t raised with a very pervasive feeling of God's love in her life, but she does remember the feeling of being part of an exclusive group – and that essentially the rest of the world was full of outsiders who were different from her and were inferior in some way. When Brittany was 12, she moved to Ottawa for a few years and then spent Grade 10-12 in Indonesia. She made friends with people from different races/religions along the way. She moved home to Ottawa for 2 years after high school and then spent her early 20's in Alberta. Throughout all these stages she was a good Christian girl (FAR from perfect) but with no major questions against what she had always been taught. But she was time and time again being exposed to other people and other people’s beliefs. The slow and constant barrage began wearing away at her foundation. Ultimately it came down to a few things. A sexual relationship, questions about human nature and how responsible we actually are for choices we make, and the death of a friend who had been going through his own tumultuous deconversion journey. She remembers the moment she first truly realized there was no god. Brittany had been contemplating that thought for a couple years already, but felt like everything in that moment shifted. Podcast YouTube Channel Theme Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson Podcast Logo by Sarah NicholsonYeshttps://www.spreaker.com/user/wbbpodcast/45-audio-blog-9-karen-garst-letter-to-myDr. Karen L. Garst is the editor of Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion. Her book received reviews from Richard Dawkins, Valerie Tarico, Peter Boghossian, Rebecca Hale, John Loftus, Sikivu Hutchinson and others. The book is a collection of personal essays from 22 women from diverse backgrounds who tell their stories of leaving religion. From various Judeo-Christian traditions, they talk about the shame, guilt, and oppression religion imposed on them and how they freed themselves from its grip. She is also working on her second book which will be a collection of persuasive essays from women atheists, most of whom are already authors such as Valerie Tarico, Abby Hafer, and Candace Gorham.
Karen has a blog which can be found at www.faithlessfeminist.com.
This podcast episode is the 9th in a series where Karen reads two guest posts from her blog. In the first blog post, Dorothy Husen, writes a letter to her two children, apologizing for raising them in a conservative religious home and passing on the trauma she learned from her parents. She emphasizes how much she loved them when they were young and even more now.
The second post is written by an atheist parent, Karen Leothen, who talks about how to discuss religiosity with your children.
Blog #1 –  A letter to my children: Emma, who is 27 years old and Dustin, who is 24 years old (Dorothy Husen)
http://faithlessfeminist.com/blog-posts/letter-children-emma-27-years-old-dustin-24-years-old/
Blog #2 –  Talking About Religion in Your Skeptical Family (Karen Leothen)
http://faithlessfeminist.com/blog-posts/talking-about-religion-in-your-skeptical-family/
Karen’s Book: Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion
https://www.amazon.ca/Women-Beyond-Belief-Discovering-Religion/dp/1634310829
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Podcast YouTube Channel
Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>http://womenbeyondbelief.com/?p=1280Sun, 14 Jan 2018 22:50:25 +0000Women Beyond BeliefAudio Blog #9 – Karen Garst – Letter To My Children (Dorothy Husen), Talking About Religion in Your Skeptical Family (Karen Leothen) Dr. Karen L. Garst is the editor of Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion. Her book received reviews...Dr. Karen L. Garst is the editor of Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion. Her book received reviews from Richard Dawkins, Valerie Tarico, Peter Boghossian, Rebecca Hale, John Loftus, Sikivu Hutchinson and others. The book is a collection of personal essays from 22 women from diverse backgrounds who tell their stories of leaving religion. From various Judeo-Christian traditions, they talk about the shame, guilt, and oppression religion imposed on them and how they freed themselves from its grip. She is also working on her second book which will be a collection of persuasive essays from women atheists, most of whom are already authors such as Valerie Tarico, Abby Hafer, and Candace Gorham.
Karen has a blog which can be found at www.faithlessfeminist.com.
This podcast episode is the 9th in a series where Karen reads two guest posts from her blog. In the first blog post, Dorothy Husen, writes a letter to her two children, apologizing for raising them in a conservative religious home and passing on the trauma she learned from her parents. She emphasizes how much she loved them when they were young and even more now.
The second post is written by an atheist parent, Karen Leothen, who talks about how to discuss religiosity with your children.
Blog #1 –  A letter to my children: Emma, who is 27 years old and Dustin, who is 24 years old (Dorothy Husen)
http://faithlessfeminist.com/blog-posts/letter-children-emma-27-years-old-dustin-24-years-old/
Blog #2 –  Talking About Religion in Your Skeptical Family (Karen Leothen)
http://faithlessfeminist.com/blog-posts/talking-about-religion-in-your-skeptical-family/
Karen’s Book: Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion
https://www.amazon.ca/Women-Beyond-Belief-Discovering-Religion/dp/1634310829
________
Podcast YouTube Channel
Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson
Podcast Logo by Sarah Nicholson]]>974yesfullWomen Beyond BeliefAudio Blog #9 – Karen Garst – Letter To My Children (Dorothy Husen), Talking About Religion in Your Skeptical Family (Karen Leothen) Dr. Karen L. Garst is the editor of Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion. Her book received reviews from Richard Dawkins, Valerie Tarico, Peter Boghossian, Rebecca Hale, John Loftus, Sikivu Hutchinson and others. The book is a collection of personal essays from 22 women from diverse backgrounds who tell their stories of leaving religion. From various Judeo-Christian traditions, they talk about the shame, guilt, and oppression religion imposed on them and how they freed themselves from its grip. She is also working on her second book which will be a collection of persuasive essays from women atheists, most of whom are already authors such as Valerie Tarico, Abby Hafer, and Candace Gorham. Karen has a blog which can be found at www.faithlessfeminist.com. This podcast episode is the 9th in a series where Karen reads two guest posts from her blog. In the first blog post, Dorothy Husen, writes a letter to her two children, apologizing for raising them in a conservative religious home and passing on the trauma she learned from her parents. She emphasizes how much she loved them when they were young and even more now. The second post is written by an atheist parent, Karen Leothen, who talks about how to discuss religiosity with your children. Blog #1 –  A letter to my children: Emma, who is 27 years old and Dustin, who is 24 years old (Dorothy Husen) http://faithlessfeminist.com/blog-posts/letter-children-emma-27-years-old-dustin-24-years-old/ Blog #2 –  Talking About Religion in Your Skeptical Family (Karen Leothen) http://faithlessfeminist.com/blog-posts/talking-about-religion-in-your-skeptical-family/ Karen’s Book: Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion https://www.amazon.ca/Women-Beyond-Belief-Discovering-Religion/dp/1634310829 ________ Podcast YouTube Channel Music – Original Composition by Esther Nicholson Podcast Logo by Sarah NicholsonYes