Sunflower Movement

In this listener-submission episode, Ashley explores the discomfort that often comes with leaving Mormonism, creating boundaries, embracing your sexuality, and learning to trust your own instincts. She responds to questions about finding a therapist who understands LDS culture without allowing personal beliefs to interfere with treatment, setting boundaries with parents who repeatedly push church...

In this month’s listener Q&A, Ashley responds to questions about mixed-faith marriage, relationship betrayal, confusing mental health diagnoses, career uncertainty, and the hidden pressures many people carry after growing up in high-demand religious environments. Topics discussed include: • Navigating a mixed-faith marriage while raising children • Processing betrayal and rebuilding trust afte...

In this episode, Ashley explores the complex intersection of personal grief and major life transitions, starting with the passing of her grandmother and the unique challenges of navigating a traditional Mormon funeral after leaving the faith. She shares an update on her move into a new home, reflecting on the process of finally feeling grounded in Utah and the importance of finding community. Thes...

In this episode of In Session , Ashley Buckner, LCSW, dives deep into the neurophysiological impact of LDS missions and the long-term effects of religious conditioning. Ashley explores the developmental vulnerability of eighteen-year-olds entering high-pressure missionary environments, highlighting how strict power dynamics and rigid rules can foster lasting trauma. Beyond systemic critiques, the...

In this episode of In Session with Ashley B, Ashley Buckner returns with a candid reflection on perfectionism, religious trauma, and what it means to show up authentically even when it feels messy. She opens up about the anxiety that resurfaced after launching the podcast again and how old patterns rooted in Mormonism and religious trauma can quietly reappear. From there, the episode moves into po...

Welcome to the relaunch of my podcast, formerly known as Sunflower Movement . In this first episode of In Session with Ashley B , I introduce the new format for the show and what I’m creating moving forward a listener-driven space for honest conversations about trauma, healing, faith, and the nervous system. This episode is part personal update, part reflection, and part response to anonymous list...

This season has been a practice in holding space—for others, for healing, for truth. I started this with a hope: that these conversations might offer light in places we don’t always look. Whether this is the last episode or just a pause in the journey, I want to say thank you. For showing up. For listening. For sitting with the nuance, the discomfort, and the beauty. No matter where this path lead...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Anderson—a psychotherapist and author of When Religion Hurts You . Dr. Anderson specializes in religious trauma and purity culture and brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. We dive into the complexities of faith deconstruction, how it impacts identity and relationships, and what it means to heal after leaving high-control religious environment...

In this episode, I sit down with Carson Ireland to dive into the journey of the Sunflower Movement Podcast—why it started and what it's grown into. We explore what it means to us to stay open, both with ourselves and with others, in a world that often pushes us to pick sides. There’s no single right way—just different paths, perspectives, and possibilities. Let’s talk about it. Pranamat: https...

In this episode, I respond to a DM that highlights the deep-seated fears many of us carry around our bodies, desire, and relationships—especially when shaped by religious trauma. I share my personal journey in reclaiming my sexuality, how I navigate my partner’s sexuality without fear, and the ways unlearning purity culture has allowed me to feel whole. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your ow...

Loved having Mellissa back on the podcast—her depth of knowledge and compassion for those navigating religious trauma, faith deconstruction, and reconstruction is truly unmatched. Mellissa Perry Hill, LPC, joins me for a powerful conversation where we dive into submissions from the community, unpacking the complexities of faith shifts and the resilience it takes to rebuild after religious harm. We...

Brainspotting continues to deeply impact my personal and professional journey. In this episode I talk about why, and the lasting effects of this powerful modality. Tune in to hear how it’s shaping my work and life in ways I never expected! Pranamat:https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coup...10% off code ashleybArmra colostrum:https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER15% off code ASHLEYBUCKNERCozy Confidence...

Welcome to the Sunflower Movement Podcast! 🌻 In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke (@therapy.with.brooke) from Redbird Wellness (https://redbirdwellness.org), a holistic care center specializing in chiropractic care and mental health counseling. Pranamat: https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coupon=ashleyb10% off code ashleyb Armra colostrum: https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER15% off code ASHLEYBUC...

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Getting really vulnerable and open on the pod today. Doing a boudoir shoot was so much more than a Valentine’s Day gift for my husband—it was a reclaiming of my body in a way I had never seen before. More than just taking photos, it was an opportunity to...

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Proud of Jack’s courage for coming forward and sharing his story. He went on his Mormon mission believing it would be a time of growth and service. Instead, he endured a year of trauma under a mission president who, like so many, had no profession...

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Pranamat: https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coupon=ashleyb 10% off code ashleyb Armra colostrum: https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER 15% off code ASHLEYBUCKNER If you listen to just one episode of Sunflower Movement Podcast, let it be this one. I had the ho...

Sam Dalton joins me on the podcast again to dive into the grooming for marriage that happens within Mormonism. Together, we unpack our personal experiences with these practices growing up in the church and respond to audience submissions, shedding light on the impact of these teachings. It’s an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the ways these messages shape our lives and relationship...

In this episode, I'm joined by Gavin, aka G Money, one of my high school boyfriends from my Mormon upbringing. Gavin was the person my younger self felt safest with during a time when my worth felt tied to marriage and external expectations. This conversation was one our 16- and 17-year-old selves desperately needed. It’s raw, reflective, and deeply healing, a rare opportunity to revisit the p...

Today’s conversation with Hannah is both moving and insightful as she delves into the complex ways religious and sexual trauma intertwine. Her reflections on the healing journey are profound and deeply resonant. Tune into her story—I have no doubt she will help you feel seen, heard, & less alone on this journey. Connect with Hannah on TikTok: @hannlynnjohn Disclaimer: This podcast is for education...

Happy New Year! In this special episode of Sunflower Movement Podcast, I welcome 2025 with you. I share some life updates, reflect on the past year, and finally dive into submissions from the community that I’ve been eager to address. Plus, I open up about why I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions, spoiler alert: I’m all about setting intentions instead. Tune in to kick off the year with me. Discl...

In this episode of Sunflower Movement podcast, I sit down with Aubrey Stephens, founder of The Relieved Society. Whether you're seeking inspiration, healing, or a deeper understanding of yourself, this conversation is for you. Connect with Aubrey: Instagram: @the.relieved.society Website: www.relievedsociety.com Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Sunflower Movement channel for more in...

Welcome to Sunflower Movement! This is a podcast for your authentic stories. Together we will explore a variety of personal experiences about mental health, trauma, religious trauma, faith deconstruction, nervous system regulation, & all that the healing process encompasses. Hosted by Ashley Buckner, Licensed Therapist & Brainspotting Practitioner in Utah and California.  In this episode I...

Welcome to Sunflower Movement! This is a podcast for your authentic stories. Together we will explore a variety of personal experiences about mental health, trauma, religious trauma, faith deconstruction, nervous system regulation, & all that the healing process encompasses. Hosted by Ashley Buckner, Licensed Therapist & Brainspotting Practitioner in Utah and California. In this heartfelt...

In this episode of the Sunflower Movement podcast, I sit down with Aimee Mortensen, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist, to explore the powerful intersections of grief, closure, and sexuality. We discuss navigating sexuality within the context of high-control religion, sharing how oppression and trauma impact how we approach the topic of sexuality. We discuss how grief i...

In this episode of the Sunflower Movement podcast, I had an amazing conversation with Katie Schiffgen, a yoga teacher, breath-work facilitator, and meditation guide based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for her work in sound healing, retreats, and as a founding partner of @breathandbodyschool, Katie explores the themes of embodiment, empowerment, and self-pleasure as essential tools for reclaiming...