Girlscamp

Alyssa’s breaking point with Mormonism came when she realized she should have trusted her own reasoning instead of blindly following 'revelation.' Since then, she has been rebuilding her life and has even authored a book about the reconstruction process. We discuss how she overcame severe depression and self-harm, ultimately finding peace and meaning as an optimistic nihilist. REFERENCES: "How to...

I asked for your spiciest takes on sex, dating, marriage, and relationships—and you delivered. On the list? Polyamory, pornography, knowing if you picked the right partner, and surviving Mormon family parties as a single woman. And that’s just the beginning. REFERENCES: Abstinence only education research Aimee Heffernan on Girlscamp "Let's talk about (ex-religious) sex!" Learn more about your ad c...

Rosie Card, a well-known progressive Mormon influencer and founder of the LDS temple dress company Q.Noor, spent years pushing for change from within the faith. Now, she’s stepping away from Mormonism and diving into a new chapter, following her own path and exploring endless possibilities. REFERENCES: Rosie’s op-ed Rosie’s Instagram Jeffrey R. Holland “musket fire” talk Join the Girlscamp: After...

We're back, baby! It's time for CES Letter Breakdown: Part 2. Along with some top-tier Brigham Young shit talk (the best kind), we’re diving into the fallibility of prophets, issues with the Book of Mormon witnesses, and the glaring incongruencies between Mormonism and science. To listen to the rest of this episode, sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever had a moment that felt like a glitch in the matrix? This episode is all about the simulation theory and the uncanny coincidences, eerie events and too-good-to-be-true moments that made you question reality.  Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All oth...

When it comes to reclaiming ourselves, body image often tops the list. Shannon Ricks joins us to explore why our relationships with our bodies became so complicated—and how we can work toward healthier ones. We dive into topics like food, weight, makeup, macro counting, cosmetic surgery, and even the impact of those middle school compliments we all remember. REFERENCES  Elder Ballard “put a little...

I’ve dug into submissions past to bring you a smorgasbord of the wildest Mormon stories. We’ve got everything from patriarchal blessings and awkward dating tales to EFY mishaps, sacrament meeting chaos, and (my personal favorite) bizarre bishop stories. Warning: things get weird. Listen to the whole episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s the day! I’ve been sitting on something big about the direction of Girlscamp, and I can’t wait to share it with you. In this episode, I’m breaking down the what and why of this shift. Plus, I'm sharing my tale of converting to (and quickly deconstructing) The Telepathy Tapes and why it was such an emotional journey. REFERENCES: Telepathy Tapes Telepathy Tapes article Join the Girlscamp: Af...

I’m recapping my 2024 favorites—and notable not-favorites—in books, movies, music, and TV. Plus, I’m sharing some lessons learned. My number one might surprise you!  Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn...

Who knew the CES Letter could be this much fun? Today, I’m breaking down the first half of the infamous CES Letter—which details major concerns about the history and doctrine of the Mormon church. Don’t worry, I’ve jazzed it up with a lot of commentary and plenty of snark aimed at Brother Joe.   Listen to the full episode here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Christmas gift to you: round 2 of wild card Mormon/religious stories! This time, we’re diving into a very weird LDS take on global warming, pregnancy complications turned Sunday School lesson, and the undeniable need for an “I have Mormon grandparents” support group. Happy Holidays! 🎄 Last year's Christmas episode Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content...

We’re reading and reacting to your wild card, off-the-wall Mormon stories, and I brought in Stacey Harkey to help me unpack the, well… chaos. And speaking of chaos, these stories deliver. From demonic possession (allegedly caused by questioning polygamy) to the “Three Nephites” saving a dog, to an evil hot chocolate maker—there’s a little bit of everything in this one. References: Stacey Harkey on...

We’re starting off December’s campfire chat with a rant about my brand new breast implants, and then we’ve got a lot of ground to cover: Mormon criminals, confronting nihilism, being a twin mom, and why so many Dancing with the Stars pros are LDS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got Good Time Girl Heather Gay at Girlscamp! Heather—New York Times bestselling author of Bad Mormon and star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City—joins us to talk about her new book, Good Time Girl. We chat about what being a "good time girl" means to her, navigating disappointment from Mormon loved ones, and facing beauty standards in the public eye. We also dig into the shame tied to...

This week on the Patreon, we're talking boobs! Specifically, my decision to get a breast augmentation. I get into the how, what, when, and why—plus all the baggage that came up around Mormonism, patriarchy, and beauty standards. But before the boob talk, I share my thoughts on Wicked, some behind-the-scenes details about my upcoming interview with Heather Gay, and a parenting plea for help. You ca...

Madi is finally back—with a new last name and lots of life updates about hitting Mormon milestones in a very non-Mormon way. We discuss how sitting with uncertainty weaves through leaving Mormonism, navigating motherhood, and making sense of death. References: Aurora TikTok Drew Barrymore TikTok Glennon Doyle quote: Madi on Girlscamp (March 2023) Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here...

How lucky are we ex-Mormons to have Maddy Mitchell take an interest in our unique upbringing? She brings her own fascinating religious background to the conversation, and we dive into it in depth. Along the way, we discuss finding spirituality outside of religion, managing existential fears, and her fresh take on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. To top it all off, Maddy takes on a little Mormon t...

What happens when two ex-Mormon women watch A24’s Heretic, the horror film about sister missionaries and faith deconstruction? A Girlscamp deep-dive! Chelsea Homer joins me to unpack our thoughts and reactions—trust us, there’s a lot to discuss. TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of violence and suicide References: Chelsea's Girlscamp episode Sophie Thatcher article on Mormonism Lost & Found club Join th...

I asked for the scariest things you did or said as Mormons, and you all DELIVERED. We dive into converting friends, spouting homophobic rhetoric, getting married freaky fast, and much more. And I share plenty of my own haunting Mormon moments along the way. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquirie...

Round 2 of scary religious stories is even spookier than the first! Bentley and I cozied up after dark to read and react to your chilling tales. This round covers haunted pioneer chapels, disembodied hands, a mysterious hair collector, and a late-night sleep paralysis demon who calls himself the "enemy of all righteousness." Happy (and haunted) Halloween! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon acc...

This week on the Patreon, we’re diving into the big question: I’ll walk you through my take on it, break down the academic consensus, and read some of your thoughts and feelings on the matter too. Plus, a fun update—a certain email from A24 just landed in my inbox 👀  Sign up on the Patreon Girlscamp: After Dark to listen the whole episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

What’s better than scary stories? Religious scary stories! Today we’re diving into some wild tales: ghosts guarding sacred stuff, a stake president moonlighting as an exorcist, mission apartments with major paranormal vibes, and a spirit buddy named Michael. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiri...

It’s about time we got another therapist around here. Ashley shares her expertise on all things religious trauma and faith transitions. After getting the lowdown on her mixed-faith upbringing, we dive into what religious trauma really is, how Mormonism operates as a traumatized organization, and—most importantly—how to heal. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here. For more Girlscamp c...

This week on the Patreon, I'm sharing some thoughts, feelings, and lessons learned about a friendship fallout I went through this year. Turns out, 65% of people have gone through something like this, and that shit ain't easy. So let’s talk about it! Sign up on the Patreon Girlscamp: After Dark to listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicidal ideation & attempt Yes, you read that right! At just 16, today's guest, Josie Van Dyke, faced the threat of a Mormon disciplinary council. We dive into what led to that moment and the journey that followed, all the way to Josie's decision to leave Mormonism. Since Josie hosts a podcast where she speaks with people across the Mormon and ex-Mormon spectrum, I also pick her...