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Engaging with the Bible often feels like navigating a complex maze of stories and interpretations, especially for women. In this conversation, we dive into a conversation with Karis Bukowski and David Fitzgerald about their collaborative work to retell biblical narratives from the perspectives of several women's stories. These are characters that many are well aware of, but Karis and David bring them to life in a broader, culturally informed, and at times humorous way, to provide a more appreciative and critical inquiry into just what it meant to be a woman of the Bible. Karis and David's exploration of women in the Bible invites readers to rethink not just the stories they know but the narratives that shape their understanding of gender, power, and faith. As the conversation shows, and modern social conversation continues to indicate, it's crucial to recognize the voices and perspectives that have been historically marginalized. Check out the full episode. The stories we tell matter.

In this conversation, SC Nealy and I discuss the impact of beliefs and oppressive systems on the creation of trauma, emphasizing the need for healthier approaches to spirituality and community involvement. We discuss their work in the LGBTQ+ community, with their dedication to the intersection of mental health and social involvement, where the role of the therapist doesn't just exist in the therapeutic space, but extends into advocacy for civil rights and support for minorities. Rather than promoting a binary choice of religious or secularism, we discuss the need for resources that support individuals who choose to remain within religious and/or spiritual communities while avoiding harmful ideologies. SC Nealy, LPC (they/she) is a therapist and owner of an all queer and trans-identifying therapy practice in Washington, DC that focuses on bringing therapists with lived experiences to the LGBT+ population. They specialize in religious trauma work and their first non-fiction book, Healing Sacred Wounds, will be published by Bloomsbury in Fall 2026. Visit lgbtcounselingdmv.com for more information, or follow SC Nealy online at @scnealy on Instagram and @booksbysarahrobinson on Facebook. www.lgbtcounselingdmv.com www.instagram.com/scnealy www.facebook.com/booksbysarahrobinson Takeaways Beliefs and oppressive systems can cause trauma. Spirituality can exist without harming others. Resources for deconstruction are often limited. Not everyone is ready to deconstruct their beliefs. Healthy engagement in religious communities is possible. Creating spaces for those who choose to stay is important. Support for mental health within religious contexts is needed. Deconstructing is not the only path to healing. Community health can be prioritized in spiritual practices.

In this conversation, I talk with Heather Hester exploring the themes of parenting, identity, and the significance of traditions, particularly around Halloween and the upcoming holidays. Heather Hester is the host of the podcast More Human. More Kind., and the author of Parenting with Pride. As a speaker, coach, and LGBTQ+ advocate, she helps parents, allies, and organizations move from fear to fierce, informed love with clarity, compassion, and courage. She believes in the magic of connection and that kindness and belonging aren't just a feeling, they're a practice. We discuss the importance of allowing children to express themselves through costumes, the need for curiosity in parenting, and the value of setting boundaries in relationships. We also touch on the evolution of family traditions and the necessity of reevaluating what works for families as they grow and change. Ultimately, we encourage people to embrace change, explore new experiences, and prioritize authenticity in their lives. Takeaways Halloween is a time for kids to explore their identities through costumes. Parents should encourage curiosity about their children's choices. Traditions can evolve and should be reevaluated over time. Setting boundaries in relationships is essential for personal growth. It's okay to feel grief and sadness when traditions change. Family gatherings should prioritize open communication and respect for boundaries. Life is too short to be controlled by others' expectations. Embracing change can lead to new and fulfilling experiences. Parents should allow their children to express themselves freely. The importance of authenticity in family dynamics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 01:22 Halloween Traditions and Family Dynamics 04:35 Exploring Identity Through Costumes 10:14 The Importance of Curiosity in Parenting 15:43 Navigating Social Expectations and Personal Growth 22:22 Evolving Family Traditions and Personal Reflections 24:15 Reevaluating Traditions and Relationships 35:18 Empowerment and Setting Boundaries 39:48 Redefining Holiday Gatherings and Traditions

Elliott, aka Secular Rarity, is a secular community builder who has worked with many different organizations over the years. He is the founder and current President of Secular Rising US, a non-profit dedicated to connecting and supporting atheists, humanists, and secular-minded people. He is also a founder of The Conversation Coalition, a monthly gathering where believers and nonbelievers have challenging yet cordial conversations on topics most people avoid. Site: http://www.secularrisingus.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecularRisingUS/ Recovering from Religion: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ Reclaim Your Life, a class on moving forward from religious trauma: https://life-weavings.thinkific.com/products/courses/reclaim-your-life

Everett Uhl - media contacts Site: Everett Uhl Therapy Email: [email protected] Instagram @everettuhltherapy In this conversation, I interview Everett Uhl, a licensed marriage and family counselor, about her role as a therapist. We discuss the importance of authenticity in therapeutic practices, the need for action-oriented approaches, and some critiques of traditional therapy models, especially in relation to religious influences. I loved how Everett emphasized the significance of understanding human experiences in context rather than through rigid diagnoses, and of course, I'll always cheer on an advocate for integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into one's practice, with Everett combining it with the Bowen family systems approaches. A Few Highlights Authenticity in therapy fosters a genuine connection with clients. Therapy should empower clients to take action, not just vent. Understanding context is crucial for accurate diagnoses. Expectations of therapy should be realistic and not solely focused on validation. ACT encourages clients to make choices and move forward. Rigid definitions in Christian counseling can lead to harm. Secular therapy provides a safe space free from religious judgment. Therapists should be aware of their biases and dual relationships. The future of therapy should embrace flexibility and critical thinking. Chapters 00:00 From Conservation to Counseling: A Journey of Purpose 04:38 Therapeutic Approaches: Authenticity and Action 08:48 The Role of Therapy: Beyond Venting to Empowerment 12:46 Understanding Human Experience: Context Over Diagnosis 17:02 Critiquing Therapy: The Need for Realistic Expectations 21:25 Integrating ACT and Family Systems: A Holistic Approach 25:49 The Impact of Religion in Therapy: A Critical Perspective 30:18 Navigating Secular Therapy: A Personal Commitment 34:41 The Future of Therapy: Moving Beyond Rigid Models 39:24 Conclusion: Embracing Change in Therapeutic Practices

BIO:    Kristen Hornung is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #2071, offering in-person therapy in Encinitas and virtual therapy throughout California. She holds a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego, and a B.A. in Chemistry from Brown University. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist by EMDRIA. Kristen specializes in helping deep-thinking, over-functioning individuals with anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems.   Therapy website: https://kristenhornung.com/ Author website: https://kghornung.com/   Resources EMDR:  https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/   Pacifica's webpage on depth psychology: https://www.pacifica.edu/about-pacifica/what-is-depth-psychology/

Steve Ghikadis is a Humanist Officiant, who conducts secular marriages, memorials, and many more meaningful life-affirming celebrations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education in primary, junior, and intermediate grades. Raised as a freethinker, Steve has been married to a Christian for over a decade. He and his wife, Cindy, believe in the importance of bridging the gap between believers and non-believers. Their two young children are being raised in an interfaith household and are free to choose their own path. He serves as an Ambassador for Humanist Canada, Recovering from Religion, and Sunday Assembly. In 2024, Steve was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to his community in Windsor/Essex, Ontario, Canada. Book Description: Humanism from the Heart by Steve Ghikadis is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to build bridges of understanding in a world divided by conflicting beliefs. Through personal stories and candid reflections, Steve shares his transformative journey—from struggling with religious apathy and growing resentment to embracing secular humanism, a philosophy rooted in empathy, reason, and meaningful connection.

Rafael is a clinical social worker in North Texas. He has experience working with CPS, Psychiatric settings, hospitals, and is currently a Behavioral Health Officer in the Army National Guard. As a former Catholic, religion and apologetics have always been interesting and engaging. After going through his own personal deconversion, Rafa realized how underrepresented the non-believing populations were in finding treatment, community, and care. That's how he ended up joining the Secular Therapist Project. Rafa can be found at: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1311429 Headway: https://care.headway.co/providers/rafael-zuniga-2?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=83274 Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com/professional/rafael-antonio-iii-zuniga-lcsw-589214?refPageLoadId=6a01c513-78f3-4934-92d0-13711df68f5b

Casey McFarland, LAPC, NCC. Along with my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I also earned a certificate in Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Counseling, which gives me a professional framework to deconstruct religious structures that have caused harm.  As a secular therapist, I offer care that honors each person's values without imposing religious frameworks—something especially important for those who've felt unseen or harmed in traditional spaces. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing is possible, that growth comes in many forms, and that we all have the ability to reclaim our lives and move forward with strength and purpose.   Links: Website- www.coreclarityco.com FB Page- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554031901122

Diagnoses are a frame of reference for looking at behavior, and therefore often limit us to understanding one another and ourselves.  When it comes to gun control, the focus on mental health by both sides is accurate, but not for the reason either thinks. If we want to effect change, then we need to step away from limiting stories about our behavior, and into how we expand a person's flexibility in the face of interpersonal difficulty.

Discussed nature of mental health work, autism, seeing people as wholes rather than parts, and learning to experience life through different understandings of social influence.   Links for Jeff: Twitter: @primalhex Email: [email protected]   Links for show: Twitter: @lifeweavings Humanity's Values Life Weavings, LLC

Juan Lee is an author and teacher on the powerful principle of love. Raised within the Christian church, Juan has turned to teachings about love over the years to find strength, understanding and hope.   As a child, Juan was the youngest of four children raised by a single father. Juan struggled with an undiagnosed learning disability that made school difficult. He joined the US Air Force out of high school in hopes just to survive.     Juan Lee | the Author (juanleetheauthor.com)   Juan Lee, Author | Facebook   Love Made Simple: A Guide to Inner Peace, Contentment, and Success _________   For more information, please check out the website for Humanity's Values, and you can check out the website and Facebook page for Life Weavings, LLC for blogs and other resources.

Interview with Bryan Nixon, a therapist at and founder of Mindful Counseling GR in Grand Rapids, MI. Here we discuss therapeutic modality and the relationship with the client. Things to consider: 1. Philosophy of the therapist 2. Therapist idea of therapeutic relationship with client 3. Therapist dedication to continued education and self-inquiry ------ Why in the World Podcast   Why in the World IG   Relationally Focused Psychodynamic Therapy (RFPT) - A postgrad continuing ed program for therapists to deepen their work with clients   Mindful Counseling GR   ------   For more information, please check out the website for Humanity's Values, and you can check out the website and Facebook page for Life Weavings, LLC for blogs and other resources.

We've been exploring habits and steps for building and maintaining healthy relationships. Here we continue that journey by looking at intimacy and its connection to authenticity. We can learn to express different parts of ourselves in different situations and through different relationships, by building the space for honestly reflecting on whether the person you're showing up as is the person you want to explore becoming. The answer might surprise you. _________   For more information, please check out the website for Humanity's Values, and you can check out the website and Facebook page for Life Weavings, LLC for blogs and other resources.

Exploring the work of John and Julie Gottman on the "4 Horsemen" of relationship communication errors and working through steps to build healthy connections for personal and relationship growth. We work through four steps beginning with identifying what you Value and finishing with applying grace often. Relationships, in all levels of intimacy, are fruitful spaces for expanding meaning and finding out new ways of being the best version of yourself you know to be. _________   For more information, please check out the website for Humanity's Values, and you can check out the website and Facebook page for Life Weavings, LLC for blogs and other resources.