Ep. #54 Beyond the Church Walls: A Former Reformed Baptist’s LGBTQ+ Awakening

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In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, host Anonymous Andrew and co-host Melody engage with Brooke Baker, a former member of the Reformed Baptist Church. Brooke shares her experiences growing up in a community she believes exhibits cult-like characteristics, including strict control, isolation, and a lack of engagement with broader society. The conversation explores the theological underpinnings of the Reformed Baptist denomination, the impact of homeschooling, and the challenges of leaving such a tightly-knit community. Brooke reflects on her journey towards critical thinking and the stigma surrounding mental health within her former church. The discussion also touches on the absence of reported abuse, providing a nuanced view of her experiences. In this conversation, Brooke shares her journey of questioning her religious upbringing, particularly within the context of the Southern Baptist Church. She discusses the cognitive dissonance she experienced regarding core beliefs, such as creationism and Calvinism, and how these led her to reevaluate her faith. The discussion also touches on her personal identity, including coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and the challenges she faced with her family regarding acceptance. Brooke offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the importance of exploring different communities and fostering open discussions about beliefs.

takeaways

• Brooke defines Reformed Baptist as a smaller, fringe denomination.
• The church was started by Brooke's parents, limiting her choice in involvement.
• The environment was strict, with a vague dress code and limited outside influence.
• Homeschooling was common, leading to a sheltered upbringing.
• Mental health issues were stigmatized, with a preference for spiritual solutions.
• Brooke began to question her beliefs during high school and college.
• The church did not practice shunning, but discomfort led many to leave.

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Ep. #53 Faith Deconstruction: A Mother's Choice

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In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, hosts Anonymous Andrew and Melody welcome Kate Kendrick, a former member of the Mormon Church, who shares her profound journey of leaving the faith. Kate discusses her upbringing in a devout Mormon family, her experiences as a missionary, and the challenges she faced when her child came out as transgender. The conversation delves into the complexities of faith deconstruction, the impact of church doctrine on family relationships, and the emotional turmoil of navigating life after leaving a high-demand religion. Kate emphasizes the importance of community and support in the healing process and reflects on the liberating experience of embracing her true self and her child's identity. In this conversation, Kate Kendrick shares her journey of leaving the Mormon church, the challenges of acceptance, and the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. She discusses her personal experiences with faith crises, the struggles of navigating life after divorce, and her transition to online content creation. The conversation delves into unique practices within Mormonism, the role of women, and the hidden truths of abuse within the church. Kate emphasizes the significance of critical thinking and empathy for those still in high-demand religions, while also addressing the healing process after leaving such organizations.

Kates Social Media & podcast links:

Midlife Exmo YouTube

Midlife Exmo TikTok

An ExMo and a NeverMo Walk Into a Bar... Podcast

An ExMo and a NeverMo Walk Into a Bar... Facebook

Good Morning America segment

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Ep. #52 The Hidden Truths of Human Trafficking with Caroline Pugh-Roberts

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In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, hosts Andrew and Melody engage in a profound conversation with Caroline Pugh Roberts, a survivor of human trafficking. Caroline shares her harrowing journey of being trafficked for eight years, detailing the psychological manipulation, exploitation, and the complex dynamics of her experiences. The discussion highlights the importance of awareness, the challenges faced by survivors, and the systemic issues surrounding human trafficking, including the role of law enforcement and societal perceptions. Caroline's advocacy work aims to shed light on these issues and support others in similar situations. This conversation delves into the complexities of human trafficking, focusing on the experiences of survivors, the societal structures that perpetuate trafficking, and the importance of understanding the demand side of the sex trade. Caroline shares her insights from years of advocacy work, highlighting the need for a shift in how society views and addresses trafficking. The discussion also touches on the cultural implications and racial dynamics involved in trafficking, as well as the hope and recovery pathways available for victims.

takeaways

• Human trafficking is a local issue, not just international.
• Traffickers often use psychological manipulation techniques like love bombing.
• Stripping can be a front for exploitation and trafficking.
• Survivors often face significant challenges reintegrating into society.
• The term 'family' is often misused by traffickers to manipulate victims.
• Leaving trafficking situations can take years and is fraught with challenges.

Caroline's Facebook Support Group Link

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