Best Laura Padgett Podcasts (2024)

1
Letting Go of 2023 19:55

4M ago19:55

19:55

Today in this solo podcast episode, the last one of 2023 and the last one for a few months, I want to talk about letting go of idolizing the past. We cannot move forward, if we insist on focusing on the past. The tendency to retro reach (trying to recapture and relive the past at the expense of the now and the future) is a prescription for unhappin…

1
Turning from Retro-reach 36:51

5M ago36:51

36:51

Today, I am joined by Ashley Pyles, a Christian Transformational Faith Coach who has spent decades helping women not only strengthen their faith, but also put it into action. There are many reasons why we can stunt our spiritual growth, and one of those is hanging onto the past. In our conversation on Livin' What You're Given, Ashley offers some to…

1
Turning from Burdens to Blessings 18:01

5M ago18:01

18:01

In this week's episode, which is a solo, I want to share the word "burdens" as an acronym. I think this is particularly important as the holidays are here and we can feel overwhelmed by the expectations we place on ourselves and the expectations we try to meet that are placed upon us by others. The point of this is to demonstrate that it is our cho…

1
Turning From Holiday Stress 36:00

6M ago36:00

36:00

Whoa, the holidays are here already and the pressures can be real. In today's episode, my guest Sue Moore Donaldson, and I explore how to drop some of the baggage around what we expect of ourselves and others when it comes to holiday festivities. As an author, podcaster and public speaker, Sue uses her own experiences to help us relax around our im…

1
Turning From Domestic Abuse Part 2 43:01

6M ago43:01

43:01

Please note: This is a re-broadcast of an earlier episode that was taped and aired in 2021. The subject is domestic abuse, and because it is October (National Domestic Violence Awareness Month), I wanted to air this again. The topic follows my September episodes on bullying. Domestic abuse is in fact one of the most commonly seen areas of bullying …

1
Turning From Domestic Abuse Part 1 39:11

7M ago39:11

39:11

Please note: This is a re-broadcast of an earlier episode that was taped and aired in 2021. The subject is domestic abuse, and because it is October (National Domestic Violence Awareness Month), I wanted to air this again. The topic follows my September episodes on bullying. Domestic abuse is in fact one of the most commonly seen areas of bullying …

1
Turning From Bullying Part 2 39:38

7M ago39:38

39:38

"Before you hate, think of Cait." This is the statement that began P.E.E.R. Kindness, an organization started by our guest, Maya Haynes, after her teenage daughter Cait completed suicide in 2015. In the second part of this two-part series on turning the tide on bullying, my guest Maya Haynes and I discuss some of the tools her organization PEER Kin…

1
Turning From Bullying Part 1 32:23

8M ago32:23

32:23

"Before you hate, think of Cait." This is the statement that began P.E.E.R. Kindness, an organization started by our guest, Maya Haynes, after her teenage daughter Cait completed suicide in 2015. I am joined today by Maya Haynes, the mother of a young woman who in her teens completed suicide as a result of being bullied. Sharing from her own experi…

1
Finale 3:16

8M ago3:16

3:16

Get updates on my new project on Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Mindshift - Dr. Clint Heacock 44:21

8M ago44:21

44:21

Dr. Clint Heacock is the host of the MindShift Podcast, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers posed by cults and other high-control religious groups, the agenda of the Christian Right and Dominion theology, and providing resources to those suffering from religious trauma syndrome He is an ex-evangelical former pastor and Bible coll…

1
SAFER - Laura Padgett & Jenni Espinosa 52:24

8M ago52:24

52:24

Laura Padgett & Jenni Espinosa - Abuse Recovery Coaches, Policy Consultants, Domestic Violence Advocates Laura holds nearly two decades of public policy advocacy and cross-cultural ministry leadership experience. She has turned her passion for helping others heal into abuse recovery coaching through body-mind wellness, mindfulness, and therapeutic …

1
When Religion Hurts You - Dr. Laura Anderson 1:21:51

8M ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence and religious trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a PhD in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University with her research fo…

1
Stumbling - Brandon Flanery 53:09

8M ago53:09

53:09

Brandon Flanery is an ex-pastor, ex-missionary, ex-evangelical who has been writing and researching the intersection of faith and sexuality, most recently why people are leaving Christianity. He’s been featured in Baptist News Global, the Colorado Springs Indy, and with the University of Colorado. His new book Stumbling: a sassy memoir about coming…

1
Turning to Lead Together 42:21

8M ago42:21

42:21

Today, I’m joined by Annie Perdue-Olson, a certified coach with a Masters of Arts in Human Resources and Change Leadership. Annie has fifteen years in her current coaching work of helping leaders and teams be healthier in their relationships and workplace processes. In this episode Annie stresses the impact of three particular issues in leadership …

1
My Deconversion - Dee Murphy - ARCHIVE 1:18:55

8M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

Listen to The Stacie's Mom Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thestaciesmompodcast/streams Dee Murphy from "The Stacie's Mom Podcast" shares her upbringing and religious deconversion. Andrew's Links Become a Patreon member HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger Connect with Andrew Pledger through s…

1
Leaving the PCG - Hannah Strickland - ARCHIVE 1:41:11

9M ago1:41:11

1:41:11

Hannah Strickland grew up in the PCG from birth until the age of 15. The organization seemed truly malevolent to them, as it appeared to exploit the less fortunate to provide a lavish lifestyle for the leadership and their headquarters family. Over time, many from their generation decided to leave, but their family, with the exception of their moth…

1
Turning from the Rut 52:40

9M ago52:40

52:40

Do you ever feel you are in a rut? Today, my friend and fellow Christian podcaster, Jerry Dugan, joins me as we discuss the definition of being in a rut. As host of the podcast, "Beyond the Rut" Jerry helps us identify when we are in a rut and how to get out, and beyond it. He explains that being in a rut is doing the same activities day-after-day,…

1
Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult - Trailer #2 1:42

9M ago1:42

1:42

Subscribe here to Surviving BJU: https://lnk.bio/survivingbjupod "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult” is a limited podcast by Andrew Pledger (COMING AUGUST 23, 2023). The show is a thought-provoking podcast series that explores the history of Bob Jones University, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors…

1
Turning Toward Unity 40:40

9M ago40:40

40:40

I was excited to sit down with former senator and house representative, Don Coram, from the Western Slope of Colorado today. Our conversation focused on a frank and honest discussion about how we can begin to turn from toxic political division in America, and toward unity and healthy discourse with civility. When asked how we, in the USA, have gott…

1
Silenced in Eden - Jo Lloyd Johnson 1:11:44

9M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

Jo Lloyd Johnson is a childhood sexual abuse survivor and deconverted Christian who just published her first book “Silenced in Eden.” Her book walks readers through her childhood, the realization of her repressed abuse, and the journey to begin healing. Her path to self-love and acceptance was her journey out of religion. Order her book here: https…

1
Turning from Toxic Politics 39:42

10M ago39:42

39:42

Drawing from personal experiences of living in different countries, having a diverse employment background, running successful companies and being involved in the Colorado Democratic Party, my guest today, Kevin Kuns and I explore how we can turn the tide on the toxic political landscape we are now living in. We also discuss what the word "patriot …

1
From Skepticism to Acceptance - Kristina Mand-Lakhiani 33:45

10M ago33:45

33:45

Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is an international speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of 2 kids. As a co-founder of Mindvalley, a leading publisher in the personal growth industry, Kristina dedicated the last 20 years of her career from teachers like Michael Beckwith, Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, and many more. She started her career i…

1
What is Truth? - PATREON BONUS PREVIEW 3:59

10M ago3:59

3:59

Listen to the full episode on my Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/4ndrewpledger In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the significance, enigmatic nature, and profound impact that truth has on our understanding of the world. I dig into the psychology of mankind's search for truth, and how cults prey on this drive. Join me as I draw from the…

1
Christian Entertainment w/ Ashleigh Doxtater - Patreon Bonus Preview 6:54

10M ago6:54

6:54

Listen to the full episode on my Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/4ndrewpledger In this Patreon bonus episode, I talk with Ashleigh Doxtater about the Christian entertainment that we both grew up with. We discuss Veggie Tales, Bible Man, Adventures in Odyssey, and much more. Follow Ashleigh on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashedendox?_t=8dd…

1
Science and Faith - Haley the Scientist 1:18:16

10M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

Haley Cole is the podcast host of Divinely Modern, a blogger, and scientist with a mission to dismantle patriarchal theology, fight for justice, and discover a healthy spirituality after leaving toxic Christianity. She believes in approaching faith with critical thinking and open-mindedness. To read her blog or learn more about her and her platform…

1
Turning Gracefully 47:55

10M ago47:55

47:55

Mary Hess is the host of the Back Forty Podcast, where she shares stories of people who are navigating the second half of life. She gives examples of topics she is sharing to offer truths and hope as well as the message that we are not alone in some of the changes, struggles and joys of living life in the back forty. Mary says that her generation, …

1
Crucifying the Bible - Deborah Grace 58:40

10M ago58:40

58:40

Deborah Grace spent the better part of her life writing for the legitimacy of the scriptures, but it was in those writings that the truth began to surface. Having been told numerous times over the years that she would one day write a book, Crucifying the Bible is her first published book and the last point of contention she ever imagined taking on.…

1
Exorcisms in a Catholic Cult - Ryan Hernandez 1:13:14

10M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Ryan is still a practicing Catholic but the experiences of trauma he went through have left him wounded. He has been on a healing journey and has been active on a podcast to spread awareness of cult abuse and how religious people with good intentions can turn into fanatics. The name of his podcast is The Truth That Heals Podcast. Connect with Ryan …

1
Christian Camp Stories - Patreon Bonus Preview 3:28

10M ago3:28

3:28

Listen to the full episode HERE for only $3 monthly + access all bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger - I need your support to continue creating the podcast. In this Patreon bonus episode, I share stories of attending the Christian camp that my IFB church owned. Follow me on Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links …

1
Second Anniversary Edition 17:57

11M ago17:57

17:57

It is hard to believe that two years ago, I launched my first podcast episode. Here we are now two years down the line and going strong. In this solo episode I want to share my gratitude for people who have helped me along the way including my friends and family, as well as all the great guests who have agreed to be interviewed. I have learned a lo…

1
The Cultiness of Chick-Fil-A - Patreon Bonus Preview 3:10

11M ago3:10

3:10

Listen to the full episode HERE for only $3 monthly + access all bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger - I need your support to continue creating the podcast. In this Patreon bonus episode, I explore the cultiness of Chick-Fil- A and signs of a corporate cult. I worked for CFA for over 4 years, and I have some stories. The cognitive…

1
Morningland Church Cult (The Monastery) - Frankie from The Frankie Files Podcast - ARCHIVE 1:35:52

11M ago1:35:52

1:35:52

Frankie from The Frankie Files Podcast discusses her experiences growing up in Morningland Church, which has been renamed The Monastery. Frankie talks about being groomed, trafficked, and abused alongside her twin sister. Connect with Frankie - Listen to her podcast, and follow her on social media. Support Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access a…

1
From the Children of God to the Military - Daniella Mestyanek Young 1:06:07

11M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

DANIELLA MESTYANEK YOUNG is an American author and speaker who was raised in the religious cult, Children of God. She later served as an intelligence officer for the US Army for over six years, making the rank of Captain, and became one of the first women in US Army history to conduct deliberate ground combat operations when she volunteered to serv…

1
Shiny Happy People (My Thoughts) - Patreon Bonus Preview 10:47

11M ago10:47

10:47

Access this episode on Patreon HERE for only $3 a month! https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger In this exclusive bonus episode, I share my thoughts on the documentary “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.” DEFINITELY SPOILERS - The docu-series explores the truth beneath the surface of reality TV's mega-family, The Duggars. The IBLP by Bill Go…

1
Growing Up with the Duggars - Patreon Bonus Preview - Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. 7:40

11M ago7:40

7:40

Access the full episode on Patreon HERE Also here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. has been performing standup comedy and storytelling for 15 years. She is the host of the podcast "Growing Up Fundie," as well as a faculty member of The Second City Training Center, and Third Coast Comedy Club. Her comedy special "TRASH" is…

1
Growing Up Fundie - Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. - Crossover Episode 1:11:18

11M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. has been performing standup comedy and storytelling for 15 years. She is the host of the podcast "Growing Up Fundie," as well as a faculty member of The Second City Training Center, and Third Coast Comedy Club. Her comedy special "TRASH" is currently available on Amazon Prime. She lives in Nashville. Listen to Growing Up Fundie…

1
Turning from Self-Sabotage 51:14

11M ago51:14

51:14

Today we welcome The Drill Sergeant of Life, Beatrice Bruno, to help us understand how we sometimes get in our own way by practicing self-sabotage. Speaking from her own experience and from parts of her books based on letting go, letting God and getting what we want out of life, Beatrice is a refreshingly authentic voice that speaks truth into the …

1
Asleep to My Own Magic - Nicole Zell - ARCHIVE 54:49

11M ago54:49

54:49

Singer-Songwriter Nicole Zell has finally found her voice on debut album, Asleep To My Own Magic, undoubtedly her most mature, enlightened work yet. After achieving minor success throughout her twenties such as touring nationally with American Wolves, fronting THRILLCHASER, co-billing with acts such as KT Tunstall and Vanessa Carlton, and being fea…

1
Finding Meaning in Judaism - Kati Tovah - ARCHIVE 51:03

12M ago51:03

51:03

Kati Tovah comes on the show to share her experience of escaping a cultic environment and finding meaning in practicing Judaism. Connect with Katie Tovah Linktree YouTube Instagram Facebook Connect with Andrew Pledger Linktree Support on Patreon Instagram TikTok Twitter YouTube Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Turning Within Estrangement 55:04

12M ago55:04

55:04

Today, my guest Michelle Rohlf, and I talk about the pain suffered when children estrange themselves from their parents. She wants us to know that this is not a unique situation, and we are not alone if we are in this place. Talking from her own experience that is chronicled in her book, "Losing Her, Finding me: A Mother's Story of Estrangement and…

1
Conspiracy Theories and Christianity - Cynane - ARCHIVE 1:01:43

12M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Cynane, a nuclear engineer in SC, escaped a special brand of Floridian white Christian nationalism. Her childhood normalized conspiracy theories, but 2020, with COVID and Q4n0n, finally made her realize something was deeply wrong. Now Cynane is writing a book, “Taking Off the Tinfoil Hat,” to process the deconstruction of her fundamentalist evangel…

1
Not Allowed to Think for Yourself - Keven Gilbert - ARCHIVE 34:01

12M ago34:01

34:01

Keven Gilbert was born in Washington, he is the son of two Indian Conservative parents. He is currently a college student and making money on the side. He shares his story of growing up in a strict Christian household. Connect with Andrew Pledger Linktree Support on Patreon Instagram TikTok Twitter YouTube Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri…

1
Turning to the Light Part 2 42:39

1y ago42:39

42:39

In part two of this two-part series about turning to the light, my friend James Early and I explore how we can embrace the mindset of Jesus Christ. In part one we unpacked some myths around who we sometimes think Jesus is in order to support our agendas. But if we really want to know what Jesus was/is all about, we need to try to think in the minds…

1
Turning to the Light Part 1 50:40

1y ago50:40

50:40

My friend James Early, from The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, and I explore who Jesus is from a spiritual lens. James says that we tend to assign human attributes to Jesus to support our own agendas. We project onto Jesus, as well as other people, our own characteristics. Our mind is the lens through which we see Jesus. But if we really do want to f…

1
For My Mother - Ellis Arlo - ARCHIVE 47:13

1y ago47:13

47:13

Ellis is a young adult who started deconstructing within the past few years and has since come out as nonbinary and queer. They still live in their hometown and work their dream library assistant job. They participate in community theater in their free time, as the theater in their town is a queer safe space. They love movies, and books, and expres…

1
The Recipe for an Abusive Relationship - Sarah Van Etten Leupold - ARCHIVE 1:02:09

1y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Sarah Van Etten Leupold was raised in a conservative Evangelical non-denominational church. When she started to explore her beliefs she was spiritually abused and rejected from her church. As a result she has received a complex PTSD diagnosis. She has struggled with gender dysphoria and identifies as a queer woman. The spiritual abuse led to an abu…

1
White Girl Learning - Marla Taviano - ARCHIVE 1:05:19

1y ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Marla Taviano is into books, love, justice, globes, anti-racism, blue, gray, rainbows, and poems. She reads and writes for a living (especially @whitegirllearning), wears her heart on her t-shirts, and is on a mission/quest/journey to live wholefarted (not a typo). She’s the author of unbelieve: poems on the journey to becoming a heretic. Marla liv…

1
Turning from Hatred 45:15

1y ago45:15

45:15

Did you know that antisemitism is not only back in the U.S. and the rest of the world, it is on the rise? Don't believe it? Listen in as my friend, and former broadcast journalist, Dave Segal and I explore this topic on a national and local level. Born and raised with the idea of religious inclusion, Dave shares stories of growing up in a family wh…

1
Consciousness and Trauma - Blaise Kennedy - ARCHIVE 1:02:04

1y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

About Blaise Kennedy Everything exists within my consciousness. My body sits at the very centre of this reality. I live within my body, and my body lives within my consciousness. The purpose of my life is to bring coherence to the inner and outer lives of all beings, so that they may know themselves as the source of their consciousness. Blaise's wo…

1
Healing Through Humor - Shannon Payton (Shanny Pants) - ARCHIVE 55:47

1y ago55:47

55:47

Shannon Payton, known as Shanny Pants by many, is a content creator and podcaster living in Rocklin, California. Her podcast, "The Shanny Pants Show" is currently in its third season. In her interview-style podcast, Shannon shares her struggles of growing up in a cult, battles through years of infertility that ended in a hysterectomy, and finally h…

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