Girlscamp

It’s wedding season! So we’re diving into the pinnacle Mormon version of marriage: the temple sealing. I break down what a temple sealing actually is, what people did (or didn’t do) to be deemed “worthy,” and read tons of listener stories that show this tradition from all its bizarre, secretive, and sometimes downright wild angles. Let’s just say it’s less wedding bells and more red flags. “Spilli...

Today we’re talking mixed-politics marriages, the true villain of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, when I feel “the spirit” most, and whether I’ve ever considered exploring with women 👀—among plenty of other things. My answers got a little more unfiltered than usual because, well, you know. 🍃 Listen to the whole episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Dehlin, a fixture of the post-Mormon community and founder of Mormon Stories, joins me to chat about life beyond Mormonism. We cover his favorite movies, books, places, parenting philosophy, and what he feels people most often misunderstand about him. Then—surprise, surprise—we break the no M-word rule and talk a little ex-Mormon podcasting shop. We couldn’t help ourselves. Mormon Stories Hay...

For my 30th birthday, I asked anyone and everyone over 30 what they wish they’d known when they hit this milestone—and wow, did they deliver. We’re covering everything from skincare to motherhood to spirituality, and reading through all this advice truly felt like the best birthday gift I could’ve asked for. Whether you’re 25, 35, or just curious what’s coming next, I hope you find something in he...

We’re talking about the one thing none of us can avoid—but most of us were never taught how to really face: death. I’m joined by Camille Miskin, LCSW, licensed grief counselor and death doula, to unpack what death, grief, and dying look like after religion. From Mormon heaven to mortality mindset shifts, we’re getting into it all. Camille’s practice Channeling Expansion Camille on Instagram The vi...

As someone who spends a lot of time dissecting Mormon culture and doctrine—especially its impact on millennial and Gen Z women in Utah—Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is basically my Super Bowl. Today we’re diving into all things season 2: the claim that these women are “smashing the patriarchy,” Jen and Zac’s faith crisis, Taylor’s swinger shame spiral, Layla’s s-e-x party, the pregnancy roulette, a...

I’m opening up today about the not-so-linear path of healing—what I’ve tried, what’s helped, and what’s still a big ol’ work in progress. From talk therapy to ketamine, psilocybin, and SSRIs, I’ve dabbled in a little bit of everything… and I’ve got thoughts. I’m also sharing a recent EMDR breakthrough that cracked something open for me—one that’s got me (begrudgingly?) learning how to actually ~lo...

If you know me, you know I love a good evening scroll on Reddit. In this episode, I’ve rounded up some of the most fascinating threads from my favorite subreddits—r/todayilearned, r/AITAH, r/unresolvedmysteries, and (of course) r/exmormon. We’re covering everything from the Japanese government to undercover Mormons to peanut allergies on a plane. This episode’s got range. I’m also sharing my own n...

I’ve had some LDS garment-related rage simmering lately—especially with the new  tank top design and the attempt to rewrite history about what garments are actually for. So today, we’re doing a quick rundown of how garments have evolved, then diving into the recent wave of pro-garment content popping up online. And to close it out, I’m reading some thoughts and feelings about the garment stuff fro...

We’re keeping it light this week with an episode full of funny, weird, and very Mormon mission stories. Think: a raw chicken casserole for lunch, an Elder who got an unexpected nude surprise, and a Southern Baptist vs. Mormon missionary face-off that felt more WWE than WWJD. Come for the chaos, stay for the laughs! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content fol...

This week I’m joined by Samantha Dalton—therapist, co-host of the Nuance Needed podcast, and the voice behind @sam.the.therapistt on Instagram. Our conversation centers loosely on community and friendship after leaving high-demand religion, but we cover a lot of ground: the misuse of therapy-speak (including how “trauma dumping” gets weaponized), emotional immaturity among women raised in sheltere...

I’m letting you peek inside the very tortured brain of my former self: Sister Walker of the Berlin, Germany mission. After reading some dramatic (and slightly unhinged) excerpts from my missionary journal, I dive into your wild mission stories—featuring everything from being held up at gunpoint to someone putting a toilet seat in the dishwasher. Yep. Strap in. You can listen to the rest of the epi...

As many of us rethink what spring means outside the framework of Easter, may I suggest a new holiday to center: Earth Day. 🌱 I’m joined by stylist and thrifting extraordinaire Lucy Hutchins to chat all things sustainable fashion, slower living, and how reconnecting with the planet can offer a spiritual anchor post-religion. We get into the why behind buying less, the magic of thrifting, and how s...

Do Mormons really believe the Catholic Church is the “great and abominable church” that the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi warned about? 👀 Today we’re diving into that—plus: my new tattoo, whether ex-Mormons have a superiority complex, the latest round of Mormon hate content about me, and a little 420 participation guide (because why not). REFERENCES Ward Radio “the Bible is corrupt” reel The green...

It’s that time of year again! Welcome to the first annual Girlscamp General Conference, where we reflect on the craziest and most problematic moments from General Conferences past. If you don’t come for all the terrible Russell M. Nelson quotes, at least stay for David A. Bednar’s pickle analogy. You can listen to the whole episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your a...

Marisa was adopted as a baby into a strict, conservative Mormon family in Mesa, Arizona. Growing up, she faced a tumultuous upbringing marked by religiously justified discipline, all while navigating life as a Black woman in a predominantly white LDS culture. In this episode, she opens up about her childhood, the challenges she faced, and her journey of healing. TW: Brief mention of self-harm Patr...

Did something about the world of Severance (Apple TV+) feel eerily familiar? That might be because there’s a surprising amount of Mormon overlap. Today, we’re breaking down the striking similarities between Mormonism and Severance—and trust me, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Praise to the man? Praise Kier? Yeah… maybe not! REFERENCES r/ExMormon Reddit thread r/SeveranceAppleTVPlus Reddit thread...

Once you step away from the strict rules of a high-demand religion, you’ve got to reassess where you stand on a lot of things. Today, we’re diving into my current standards around sex, drugs, and media—plus, taking a scary trip down memory lane with some wild Mormon quotes on all of the above. You can listen to the whole episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn more about your ad c...

Aspyn Ovard comes to Girlscamp to talk about growing up in Utah surrounded by Mormon culture and her brief stint in the LDS church. We dive into the "Mormon-adjacent" milestones of her life and the ways church influence showed up along the way. Then, Aspyn shares what she believes now, a recent experience with a medium that left her questioning some things, and how she's navigating the grief of lo...

Jaci Marie Smith returns! We dive into the case that’s on everyone’s minds following Hulu’s Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. Jaci shares her thoughts on the case’s deep ties to Mormonism and how she navigates having an online presence as a mom. Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke Jaci’s dad's episode on Youtube Jaci’s dad's episode on Spotify Jaci's Instagram Join the Girlsc...

Welp, starting therapy again is exposing just how much the Mormon church messed with my brain! In this episode, I’m unpacking the ways Mormonism has shaped my mental health and fed into some classic cognitive distortions. Plus, a catch-up on my recent LA interviews and some thoughts on the Ruby Franke documentary. You can listen to the full episode on the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon here. Learn...

Today, we’re diving into the nature of God—just girly things! I’ll share my journey deconstructing the 'traditional' idea of God, we’ll explore the Mormon conception of God, take a quick look at how views of God have evolved throughout history, and then I’ll read your submissions about how you’ve reimagined God after leaving high-demand religion. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here...

It’s time to get a little rage out! I asked you to tell me about the most infuriating thing a man has ever said or done to you- be it a bishop, ex-boyfriend or boss. And unfortunately, we’ve all got some anger-inducing stories to tell. At least we get to vent together.  REFERENCES: Monster Mormon In-Law episode  Male loneliness epidemic infographic Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account he...

Public Enemy #1 at BYU? Today’s guest, Robert Carpenter! He's the man behind the viral TikToks exposing the quirks of BYU Mormons. We dive into how he first encountered Mormonism, his thoughts on the religion now, the wildest answers he’s ever gotten, and how he’d respond to his own go-to questions. Listen to the whole episode here at Girlscamp: After Dark. Robert's TikTok Robert's Instagram Learn...

In this episode, I dive into a collection of listener-submitted high thoughts—the kind that range from absurd to awe-inspiring. We’re talking everything from the meaning of life to thigh-high Crocs and baby doppelgängers. Plus, I throw in a few of my own for good measure. Whether you’re a stoner or just someone who loves a good mind-bending musing, I think you’ll enjoy the trip. Join the Girlscamp...