Girlscamp

I went on the Dr. Phil show to talk about being ex-religious, and I’ve got THOUGHTS! After a quick rundown of my experience (plus responding to all the drama from those who are upset I even went on), we dive into this month’s campfire chat. We’re tackling tough questions like, 'What should I do if I realize I’m in a toxic marriage?' and 'How do I handle feeling like the token ex-Mormon in my frien...

Today I'm telling your Mormon funeral stories as we talk through all things grief, death and funerals in the Mormon context. While I attempt to maintain some light-heartedness about this often somber topic, I do end up bawling my eyes out toward the end. You've been warned! TRIGGER WARNING: child & infant loss For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiri...

In response to the big Mormon pop culture moment that is The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, I’m putting my missionary hat back on to break down the fundamentals of Mormon doctrine! Because before really diving into soaking, ketamine treatments, soda shops, garments, and patriarchal marriages, you've got to understand the basics. My husband Bentley joins me to help unpack it all and keep me honest....

That’s right! We got Jessi Ngatikaura from the current number one show on Hulu “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Jessi shares about her Mormon upbringing, what led her out of the church and what it was like being the only ex-Mormon cast member on the show. We get into all the Mormon moments including the infamous flask in the hot tub, the baby shower un-invite and the Chippendales fiasco.  For m...

🔥 It's campfire chat time! 🔥 Today's lineup: a story of an Elder’s Quorum president fiercely defending toxic masculinity, my rant on whether Mormons are really Christians, a quick rundown on why I think LDS doctrine is total BS, and some thoughts on letting go of finding myself.  For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58e...

If you don’t know Emily yet, you’re welcome for the intro! She’s an expert in all things names and where they overlap with Utah/Mormon influencer culture. Today we’re chatting about the Utah name stereotypes (think McKinzleigh), the wild world of Book of Mormon names and what’s going on with the secret temple names. You’re going to love it. She also gives an original theory on why so many influenc...

There’s nothing more Mormon than a big old family reunion! Unless it’s a big old family reunion hosted at a polygamy compound! Or one that has some temple-style role-play in the woods. Or… well, you’ll just have to listen to this episode and find out.  For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to...

It’s no easy feat to rediscover your style after ditching strict modesty standards. Fashion influencer Victoria Miner comes to Girlscamp to share all her practical tips and tricks on finding your personal style. We talk about modesty as control in Mormonism, the power of self-expression via fashion and the “fugliness” of garments. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Yo...

Ballerina Farm, Hulu’s newly announced show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and my personal wrestle before God around womanhood are the interwoven intro topics for this week’s campfire chat. After connecting these dots, we dive into your submissions, discussing whether I've ever questioned my sexuality, a wild story about a Mormon funeral, and the age-old question: do all dogs really go to hea...

I’m doing ketamine treatment! And I’ve got a lot to say about it! Today I’m recapping the how, what and why of my own ketamine therapy, including what led me to it. I share my takeaways, which include thoughts on Mormon faith deconstruction, motherhood, friendship breakups, self-compassion and ~the meaning of life~. I also talk about my recent trip to the South of France and my favorite spots we v...

Tara Herbert opens up about how her identity was repeatedly erased: as a transracial adoptee in a white Mormon family, as a Black woman misled about the church’s problematic past, and as a mother excluded by men from spiritual rituals. She also shares her journey of rediscovering her identity and worth outside the confines of the Mormon church. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram,...

We’re telling more mission tales, focusing on the lack of safety many missionaries experienced. From stalkers and hostile governments to dangerous companions and hurricanes, there's no shortage of ways to feel unsafe on a Mormon mission. The common thread? Those in charge doing the absolute least to ensure our safety. Trigger Warning: This episode contains descriptions of unsafe situations, includ...

Only three days into her honeymoon, Gabby's husband began abusing her. She believed he was a good Mormon boy because he’d always played the part. The violence continued, sometimes even triggered by church rules, until she found the strength to leave. Soon after, she discovered she was pregnant. Gabby shares how the church made her more vulnerable to abuse and how part of her healing journey was st...

As Charli XCX knows, being a girl can be so confusing—especially for a post-Mormon! Around the campfire today, we're chatting about grieving identity after a faith transition, a stake president who needs to grow up and learn some social skills, and why I haven't officially removed my records from the church yet.  I also respond to submissions about:  - How difficult it feels not to proselytize pos...

Meredith Peterson shares the journey that led to her coming out as a transgender woman. She tried to live the model Mormon life, including going on a mission and graduating from Brigham Young University. She even had to endure horrible conversion therapy sessions in a family friend’s basement. After coming out as gay, she discovered the art of drag. Her fabulous drag persona, Ms. Mer, helped her u...

Buckle up for the best (and craziest) posts from the exmormon subreddit. I’ve curated wild stories, thought-provoking questions, and hilarious comments from my favorite Reddit page to scroll through late at night. We’re talking about murderous moms (yes, you read that right), a Sunday school lesson about Taylor Swift, and a return missionary getting engaged after just one day. Like I said, buckle...

After 10 years, Kelsey Wells is finally ready to share her whole story about leaving Mormonism. We dive into her devout Mormon upbringing, her husband leaving the church before her, and the intense social and emotional fallout she faced after discovering the church wasn’t true. Then we chat about how she's rebuilt her sense of self and spirituality since then.  Kelsey's Redefine Fitness episode "T...

First Wednesday of the month means it’s time for a campfire chat! I’m reading and responding to your thoughts, questions and advice inquiries. Some things we’re chatting about:  How I’m REALLY doing since my dad’s death The way you should treat the Mormon missionaries  If ex-religious people are more educated and enlightened than religious ones Why it sucks to go on a “stateside” mission How to he...

Many of us who are ex-religious can pinpoint a moment when everything came crashing down. Today, we are talking through those moments. They run the gamut—from reading multiple accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision and hearing Jeffrey R. Holland’s “musket fire” talk to having a friend come out as gay and watching a Scientology documentary that felt eerily familiar. These moments are fascinating,...

Today, I unpack the Mormon-run "Ward Radio" hate episode about little old me! I discuss my reservations about snark content and then proceed to dive into a snarky episode of my own. But hey, I do it much better than they do. And I guess I've got to live up to my new "mean girl" title somehow.  Cultural Hall recap of Ward Radio video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-lrcy51krc&t=185s Please note t...

Andrew flatlined and had an afterlife experience that really shook up his Mormon worldview when he was brought back to life. This kicked off an unraveling of faith in his 40s that ultimately led to leaving the Mormon church. We talk about his leaving and reconstructing, as well as connect over losing close family members, swap mission stories and appreciate being able to relate across an age gap....

EFY aka Especially for Youth aka Mormon youth summer camp- let's get into it. From COWs (crushes of the week) to creepy counselors to Christian worship knock-off music being sung in unison, there's a lot to talk about. Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in prod...

My partner Bentley joins to kick-off our new once-a-month campfire chat tradition. We answers all your burning questions (how to start swearing, what not to bring up around Mormon family members, how I feel about the criticism for wearing a tank top dress to a temple wedding). Then things get a little juicier as we open up about how we navigate porn and "crushes" on other people. For the full work...

Connecting with Jesus was the catalyst for Nicole leaving the LDS church. After telling her Mormon story (which includes addiction, foster care & a temple marriage at 18), we dig into her love of Jesus now as a post-Mormon. I admit my own Christianity hangups and we get into all the tricky dynamics between people of Christian faith and those who have deconstructed it. Note: I know the video is out...

We’re talking Mormon fortune-telling aka patriarchal blessings. And how, for many ex-Mormons, they were less of a blessing and more of a curse. I give a little patriarchal blessing 101, share about the significant way my blessing changed my life and then read and unpack listener submissions about the crazy things their blessings said.  Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and adv...