A more inclusive world is a better world for all, yes? But how, exactly, can we be “more inclusive”? This episode discusses normalizing and positive consequences, and what the backfire effect is and methods to counteract it. We wrap up by recommending several different social media sites that might help expand knowledge through exposure to various topics.
Category:Playlist
Mental Health: Erase the Stigma
1 in 5 American adults will experience mental health challenges, yet more than half will not seek treatment. This is partially due to stigma affecting how we collectively view mental health. This episode discusses causes of mental health challenges (it is NOT weakness or lack of faith!) and simple steps that ANY of us can take to lessen the stigma on this highly important topic.
Sexism: Episode 1 (Women in Christianity, Adam & Eve)
Sexism is wrong. It’s pervasive, but it’s wrong. Call it out with me, won’t you? Whether it’s using humor to reframe old, nonsensical stories about a made-up woman, or telling a child that the length of her shorts has nothing to do with an adult’s disrespect – there are steps that any and all of us can take to make the world safer.
How to Reply to Concerns from Others
If you’ve left a belief system, at some point you may hear from someone you know, who feels compelled to share their concerns about your life choices. This episode provides options for how to reply – or not – to these messages. You have the power and right to elect not to respond, or to give a brief acknowledgement, or to “flip the script,” and more!
Pronouns / Pride Month 2021
There is no “wrong” way to express your gender – there just isn’t. Language is arbitrary, and changes over time. Gender constructs differ around the world, and also change over time. The way in which we identify ourselves will – guess what! – change over time. There is nothing wrong with you. Whoever you are; you are valuable, and you deserve respect and love. Show off your pronouns, they are beautiful.
Bonus: Extended Interviews for the Importance of Rituals
Bonus content! Hear more from the fantastic thoughts of both Melinda Wertz and C.S. Roberts. This is the companion episode to the Importance of Rituals.
The Importance of Rituals
As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, what rituals can we create to help us honor the ones we’ve lost, bring closure to the worst of the crisis, and step into what comes next? Why are rituals important; and how are rituals, religion, and theatre intertwined? This episode explores what rituals have provided for us over the past 70,000 years.
Healing after Leaving a Cult
If you or someone you love is walking away from indoctrination, then I wish you strength during this transition. This episode looks at why victims join harmful communities, and ways to support leaving.
There are so many fantastic sources on this topic! Click this excerpt for a full list. Here are some great channels that focus on this topic:
Women Beyond Faith podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-beyond-faith/id1441232338?mt=2
Graceful Atheist podcast: https://gracefulatheist.com/category/podcast/deconversion-anonymous/
Harmonic Atheist YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HarmonicAtheist
Practicing Decency: PechaKucha Chicago
The concept of celebrating an ethical life absent organized religion has been on my mind for years. I’ve tried sharing these ideas in various formats: here is my PechaKucha Chicago talk from 2018. I called my topic: “Practicing Decency.”
Speaker biography: Amy is a shameless heathen who tries to remember that it’s rewarding to be nice to others. She’d prefer not to create a cult, but don’t test her. https://www.pechakucha.com/presentations/practicing-decency
Reclaiming Pro-Life
The anti-choice, anti-woman, anti-abortion ideology corrupted the term “pro life” in reaction to Roe v. Wade in 1973. If you’re interested in, or tired of, the propaganda touted by an extreme reactionary movement, then learn how and why it is time to reclaim the term “pro life!”