Leaving the Church to Find God

In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation that first aired on Aviella Aloha's  Student of Wealth Radio Hour on KAKU 88.5 FM in Maui, Hawaii. A note on context: Aviella approaches wealth, purpose, and community through a  Christian faith framework. Her show opens with the Lord's Prayer and she references  scripture throughout. I've recorded an intro for this episode to create...

In this raw and powerful episode, Melissa peels back the layers of internalized shame—especially the kind instilled by religious systems—and reveals the alchemy of turning it into liberation. She speaks candidly about her own journey with metaphysical gifts, neurodivergence, sexuality, money, and mental health, and how owning what was once hidden becomes a portal to personal power, connection, and...

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality — Expressing Your Truth in Day-to-Day Life We love a good “love-and-light” meme, but what happens when positivity glosses over the very real feelings bubbling beneath the surface? In this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God , Melissa peels back the shiny spiritual veneer and gets radically honest about the messy, beautiful work of staying emotionally healthy...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Lucas Wilson —SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga and editor of Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy —shares his journey of deconstructing faith, reconciling identity, and exposing the harm of religious fundamentalism. We dive deep into: 🔹 His personal journey from evangelicalism to leaving the church 🔹 The ro...

In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into empathy —a cornerstone of authentic spiritual living . 🌿 Some recent voices have questioned the value of empathy, calling it a weakness or even a sin. But empathy , as taught by spiritual masters like Jesus and Buddha, is vital to understanding , healing , and connection . Topics covered: ✅ What empathy is and why it matters ✅ The difference between...

Are you unknowingly using spirituality to avoid doing the hard inner work? In this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God , Melissa Whittington dives deep into the concept of spiritual bypassing—what it is, why it's harmful, and how it prevents us from truly healing and growing. Melissa explores the subtle ways religion and the spiritual guru world encourage bypassing through magical think...

In this transformative episode of Leaving the Church to Find God , Melissa speaks with David Hulse, a trailblazer in the field of sound therapy and the founder of SomaEnergetics. Together, they explore the liberating journey of embracing Christ Consciousness and uncovering your inner truth beyond the confines of organized religion. David shares his inspiring story of moving from traditional religi...

In the season two premiere of Leaving the Church to Find God , Melissa Whittington reflects on the transformative power of choice and resilience. Drawing from her personal journey, she explores the importance of building systems rooted in equity and compassion, rather than fighting against oppressive structures. Melissa candidly discusses the challenges of navigating a post-election landscape, the...

In the season finale of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host [Your Name] invites you on a transformative exploration of shadow work and the profound connection between light and shadow within ourselves. What if you are literally made of light, and your shadows are part of your spectrum? **Highlights of this Episode:** - **Personal Shadows & the Inner Child:** Delve into how we crea...

In this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God , we explore the concept of false humility and how it serves as a tool of control, particularly in religious and patriarchal systems. Melissa delves into the ways humility can hold us back from embracing our full power and celebrating our progress. She shares personal stories, including the launch of ALAU, and offers insights on how acknowledging o...

Episode 23: The Alchemy of Authenticity – Launching ALAU and Decolonizing Capitalism In this episode, Melissa Whittington shares a pivotal moment in her journey—announcing the launch of her personal brand, ALAU: The Alchemy of Authenticity. Melissa dives deep into her personal story of leaving the church, deconstructing colonialism and patriarchy, and embracing true authenticity in both life and b...

In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa Whittington explores the true source of miracles through the power of belief, vibrational energy, and faith. Drawing on personal stories, teachings from Neville Goddard, and modern insights from Dr. Joe Dispenza, Melissa uncovers how belief, emotion, and energy alignment can manifest miraculous outcomes. Discover practical tool...

In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa Whittington explores the powerful distinction between intuition and programmed beliefs. Learn how to identify limiting beliefs, quiet the mind, and tune into your true inner voice. Melissa shares practical journaling prompts, reflective questions, and personal insights to help you navigate your spiritual journey with confidence...

In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host Melissa Whittington explores the intersection of money and spirituality. Discover how to overcome money shame, challenge limiting beliefs from religious teachings, and redefine wealth from a spiritual perspective. Learn practical tips for cultivating a healthy money mindset and hear insights from Amanda Frances' "Rich as...

In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host Melissa Whittington delves into the critical importance of regulating your nervous system, particularly when deconstructing belief systems and forming new neural pathways. Melissa explores how our nervous system impacts our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being, and why managing it is essential for personal growth. Learn prac...

In this compelling episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," host Melissa Whittington interviews Dr. Maurice Turmel, a distinguished psychologist, author, and speaker. Dr. Turmel shares his profound journey of deconstructing religious beliefs and the impact of religious trauma on mental health. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Turmel has dedicated his career to helping individual...

In this episode of "Leaving the Church to Find God," Melissa delves into the provocative topic of morality without religion. Melissa addresses the common belief that morality is inherently tied to organized religion, a notion challenged by historical evidence and philosophical thought. She begins by exploring ancient codes of conduct, such as the Code of Hammurabi and the concept of Ma&a...

What if you could reshape your life by simply listening to the whispers of your soul? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of soul-led living, delving into the essence of embodiment and mindfulness. We emphasize the importance of being fully present, tuning into our emotions and senses without judgment. Discover how mindful practices such as breathing, eating, and movement can help you s...

Can you imagine transforming your daily routine into a series of mindful moments that bring peace and clarity? This episode dives into the heart of mindfulness and authentic living, beginning with an exploration of what it means to be present and aware in every moment. I share my unique perspective as a professional photographer specializing in newborn sessions, revealing how being baby-led and mo...

What if your body, mind, and spirit could unite in perfect harmony? Discover how the ancient principles of yoga can guide you to this profound state of embodiment, where being fully present in your physical form meets mindfulness and soulful awareness. Imagine source energy as gold, and learn how each of us is a unique expression of this divine essence, experiencing life through our senses and emo...

Embark with us on a journey that challenges the very core of belief and identity, as Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, shares her profound transition from the Mormon Church to atheism. Our conversation reveals Lynn's confrontation with historical facts and the deep-seated questions that arose from her encounter with an atheist professor, shaking her lifelong beliefs to...

When the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, we navigate the treacherous waters of spiritual ab...

Discovering community can be an unexpected journey—one that leads us far from the steepled silhouettes of our familiar churches. I found myself enveloped by the 'ohana' spirit in Maui, where traditions are reshaped, and bonds are forged on the foundation of shared values, not just shared pews. In this heartfelt episode, I peel back the layers of my life to show you the vibrant tapestry o...

Marla's courageous tale of departing from the church and deconstructing her faith is a beacon for anyone navigating the murky waters of spiritual uncertainty. Her voice resonates with raw authenticity as she peels back the layers of dogma to reveal the systemic issues that plague organized religion. Through her eyes, we witness the personal cost of challenging the status quo, and we're i...

Sometimes, the key to unlocking true happiness and well-being is as simple as recalling the unbridled joy of childhood play. On my latest podcast adventure, I reveal the magic that unfolded over my personal 90 Days of Play project, where I embraced my inner child with everything from dancing in my living room to building forts with my neighbor's daughter, Naya. This journey wasn't just a...