Courage Conversations

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Ashley Easter dives into a thought-provoking discussion about healing and worthiness. We will explore the powerful topic of how healing is not determined by whether someone deserves it or not, but rather by their active participation in the journey. She also shares about the upcoming 30 Days of Courage event happening for FREE inside the Courage 365 fac...

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Branon opens up about his journey of childhood abuse and trauma, discussing the discrimination boys face surrounding emotions and vulnerability, the importance of therapy in addressing buried pain, and the challenges of communicating about abuse with loved ones, especially children. Join us as we dive deep into the conversation about breaking cycles, re...

In today's Courage Conversation episode, we speak to Tawni Browning, an “escape artist” from the A&E TV Show Escaping Polygamy and advocate who has dedicated her life to helping individuals recover and heal from cults. Tawni helps women flee polygamous cults and even investigated and helped to shut down one of the world's largest and most violent sk!nhead organizations. We explore the...

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Pastor Brian Metzger talks about the desperate need for reparations in the church on behalf of abuse survivors. He talks about why it must go beyond mere thoughts and prayers and become a tangible form of repentance by taking responsibility for abuse and coverups in the church. From financial support for counseling to creating saf-ER spaces, letting bro...

In today's Courage Conversation episode, prepare yourself for an eye-opening discussion as Dominique Benninger explores the spectrum of cult-like behavior, the use of manipulative techniques, and the long-lasting impact on survivors. Get ready to challenge your understanding of the term "cult" and gain valuable insights into the world of high-control groups. Learn what brain hacking...

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Wendi Renay takes us on a powerful journey of self-discovery, overcoming grief, and finding true self-worth. Wendi shares their personal experience of realizing that her life was a lie and the emotional toll it took on her. She delves into the importance of focusing on oneself and questioning beliefs. Wendi also discusses the concept of fear, obligation...

In today's Courage Conversation episode, we delve into an important yet often unexplored topic: safe parenting and creating just environments for our children. Our guest, Cindy Wang Brandt, is an incredible author and speaker who specializes in helping parents heal from religious trauma and navigate the complexities of raising children in safe and inclusive spaces. Together, we will dive deep...

Shirley Fessel is an advocate for women who have experienced religious-domestic v!olence. As a former minister's wife, she understands the challenges faced by women in these situations and the lack of support from institutional churches. As a former minister's wife, she found herself trapped in a situation where the institutional church and the people in it failed to provide the support sh...

Andrew Pledger is a survivor of a high control religious environment. Raised in the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) church, he experienced trauma and internalized homophobia due to the system's teachings that being queer was demonic and needed to be prayed away. Andrew recognizes the harm caused by such religious environments, where individuals are blamed and shamed for any issues they f...

On this episode of Courage Conversations, we hear from Larry Weathers, CEO of Weather's Agency, who shares his experience growing up in a cult and how it led to navigating similar attitudes in corporate America. Larry talks about leaving the church and starting his own agency to create a safe space for women. He also discusses his struggles with Impostor Syndrome and how surrounding himself wi...

*This episode is adapted from the 30 Days of Courage LIVE event in October 2022.* Picture this: Your partner just disclosed one of the most tragic things you could imagine. They finally worked up the courage to tell you that in their past, they have experienced A B U S E. You love them and want to support them 100%, but you have no idea how to respond. Maybe it's even been a couple of years si...

*This episode is adapted from the 30 Days of Courage LIVE event in October 2022.* From the Discovery+ Documentary, "Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed," comes survivor and activist Noemi Uribe. Scandals, deception, celebrity, and lives damaged on a global scale. In this interview with Noemi, we will talk about the dark underbelly of one of the world's more popular churches, Hillsong. Thi...

This episode is adapted from the 30 Days of Courage LIVE event in October 2022. Forensic psychologists are experts in psychology who work in the legal field. They offer psychotherapy services and investigate reports of child mistreatment and conduct visitation risk assessments. Think Dr. Tara Lewis from the Criminal Minds TV show. Usually, forensic psychologists are asking the questions, but in th...

This episode is adapted from the 30 Days of Courage LIVE event in October 2022. Chrissy Stroop is the co-editor (with Lauren O'Neal) of "Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church," which highlights the stories of survivors leaving toxic religious environments. Chrissy has leveraged the power of story by being published in national magazines, news outlets, and peer-reviewed journa...

This episode is adapted from the 30 Days of Courage LIVE event in October 2022. Ashley Easter shares her story of leaving the religious "Quiverful" cult she grew up in. There are an estimated 5,000+ cults in the US alone, and experts suggest that anyone can be vulnerable to a cult if subjected to the right conditions. In this talk, Ashley will share the characteristics of a cult and how...

This episode is adapted from the 30 Days of Courage LIVE event in October 2022. Sarah Scott is an actress and intimacy coordinator who has worked on some of Hollywood's biggest movies, ensuring actors are safe and comfortable during spicy scenes. Sarah’s work is to create spaces where all people can feel safe, heard, and respected. As abuse survivors, sometimes it can be difficult to know how...

Exercise is one of the most common triggers for abuse survivors.   The reason this happens is that exercise has some of the same effects as traumatic experiences on your body: it increases your heart rate and blood pressure, which can make you feel like you're in danger even when you are not.   But physical movement and exercise are important for abuse survivors because it can help...

This week on Courage Conversations, we talk to Brian Cardoza about discrimination against male survivors.     Tune into this episode to learn the unique challenges male survivors have and what we can do to support them!     Follow Brian: https://www.facebook.com/brian.cardoza.9 https://www.instagram.com/cardozabrian/ https://www.3in1cookiesandcoffee.com/  Use cou...

This week on Courage Conversations, we talk to Andrew Pledger about religious trauma, specifically for those within the LGBTQ+ community.   Tune into this episode to learn about the definition of religious trauma and how to move forward toward healing and empowerment.   Use coupon code: COURAGE30 for $30 off your CalmiGo order! https://calmigo.com/pages/meet-the-exhaler...   Si...

This week on Courage Conversations, our Founder and Executive Director, Ashley Easter, and Courage 365 Safety Advisor Maureen Garcia talk about what the heck is going on with the most recent Matt Chandler scandal.    Tune into this episode to learn about Chandler and his Church's strange history and delve into patterns of concern before this "inappropriate" texting controversy that led t...

This week on Courage Conversations, our Founder and Executive Director, Ashley Easter, and Courage 365 Safety Advisor Maureen Garcia talk about what the heck is going on with the most recent Matt Chandler scandal.    Tune into this episode to learn about Chandler and his Church's strange history and delve into patterns of concern before this "inappropriate" texting controversy that led t...

This week on Courage Conversations, our Founder and Executive Director, Ashley Easter, will share details about new growth at Courage 365!   Tune into this episode to be introduced to new members on the Courage 365 team, details about a new global partnership, and exciting programming and resources coming in the next few months! Donate to Courage 365: https://www.courage365.org/donate &n...

This week on Courage Conversations, we talk to Emely Rumble, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and bilingual, neurodiversity affirming Bibliotherapist.   Learn how book therapy can help you heal trauma and why the representation of different identities in books can cause breakthroughs.   Oh yeah, and Emely is offering a summer promotion through the month of August for $50 off 1:1 bibl...

This week on Courage Conversations, we talk to Alexis Douglas, founder of R&R Village, on the topic of Activism After Disappointment.  Activism is hard work, and sometimes it can feel like things are going backward. It's easy to want to give up! Alexis helps us understand how to keep going, take care of ourselves, and pivot went needed.   Follow Alexis:  https://www.facebook.com...

This week on Courage Conversations, we talk to Kieryn Darkwater, Interim Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.  While homeschooling can be a good choice for many families, the movement as a whole has some pitfalls that parents will need to avoid, including abuse within the movement, lack of quality socialization, and more.  In this episode, Kieryn talks abou...