Moral Combat Podcast

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Moral Combat Podcast Those Boys are North-Bay Californian brothers who make music, short films, and podcasts.

Jordan Dolby, Punk Rock Religion, Childhood Memories, & The Devil | Ep 76 | Moral CombatIn episode 76 of the Moral Comba...
21/06/2024

Jordan Dolby, Punk Rock Religion, Childhood Memories, & The Devil | Ep 76 | Moral Combat

In episode 76 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts delve into a rich tapestry of personal experiences and reflections with their special guest, Jordan Dolby, a longtime family friend and tattoo artist. They fondly reminisce about childhood memories, from playing video games and watching movies like The Princess Bride at church gatherings to participating in dramatic religious plays and mission trips. Jordan shares his unique perspective on growing up with what he describes as a "punk rock religion," highlighting both the positive and challenging aspects of his upbringing. The conversation touches on substance use, with Jordan's limited experiences with ma*****na and alcohol contrasting with the hosts' more extensive encounters and subsequent sobriety journeys. Personal growth and struggles are candidly discussed, including dealing with anger issues, the impact of ADHD on focus, and the dynamics of family relationships shaped by religious differences. Jordan's career as a tattoo artist, motivated by his need to focus and quiet mental noise, adds another layer to the dialogue. Amidst these deep discussions, lighter moments surface, such as an engaging game of Mario Kart, which Nathan wins, marking the first time a guest joins them on the "game cam." The episode seamlessly blends introspective conversations about religious trauma and personal growth with moments of joy and connection, offering listeners a heartfelt and multifaceted exploration of life within and beyond a tight-knit religious community.

In episode 76 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts delve into a rich tapestry of personal experiences and reflections with their special guest, Jordan Dolby, a...

Stacie Benedict, Deconstructing Christianity, Family, & Social Awakening | Ep 75| Moral CombatIn episode 75 of the Moral...
07/06/2024

Stacie Benedict, Deconstructing Christianity, Family, & Social Awakening | Ep 75| Moral Combat

In episode 75 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Stacey shares her journey from a sporadically religious upbringing to a deep involvement in evangelical Christianity, and eventually to deconstructing her faith. Stacey's early experiences included accepting Jesus at age six without fully understanding it and feeling pressured by her mother to make "good choices." In middle school, she found a sense of belonging in a small Church of God congregation but also felt the burden of being the "good Christian girl." College life intensified these pressures with purity culture teachings and conservative doctrines. Despite international mission trips and a long-distance relationship with her now-husband Forrest, Stacey struggled with the colonialist aspects of evangelism and the oppressive expectations placed on women. After returning to the US and marrying Forrest, Stacey began questioning her faith, spurred by political events and the church's stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Her healing journey has included therapy, plant medicine, and EMDR, leading her to reclaim her voice and identity. Stacey advises listeners to trust their inner voice, embrace the hard work of self-discovery, and live authentically.

In episode 75 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Stacey shares her journey from a sporadically religious upbringing to a deep involvement in evangelical Christiani...

Sorcha Porter-Homes, Breaking Silence on Sexual Abuse at Calvary Chapel | Ep 74 | Moral CombatIn episode 74 of the Moral...
24/05/2024

Sorcha Porter-Homes, Breaking Silence on Sexual Abuse at Calvary Chapel | Ep 74 | Moral Combat

In episode 74 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Sorcha Porter-Homes courageously recounts her harrowing journey of enduring s*xual abuse within the Calvary Chapel youth group, where leaders not only failed to protect her but blamed her for dressing immodestly. She shares vivid memories from a youth mission trip to San Francisco’s Tenderloin district and the damaging purity culture that treated girls as mere “gifts” for their future husbands, shaming their bodies and clothing choices. Despite the abuse happening just feet away from oblivious adult leaders, Sorcha received no support until college when she revealed her trauma to her parents, who were devastated. Therapy helped her understand that the abuse wasn’t her fault. Moving to Portland marked the beginning of her and her husband’s simultaneous and independent deconstruction of their faith. Expelled from Moody Bible Institute for wearing pants, Sorcha had a liberating moment in 2018, fully rejecting the church’s oppressive teachings. She and her husband sold everything to travel the world and deconstruct their limiting beliefs. Sorcha, now an agnostic ethnically Jewish intuitive witch, finds healing through therapy, medication, and spiritual practices like gardening. She has rebuilt her life, running businesses focused on financial freedom and advocating for others to listen to their inner voice. Her story underscores the persistence of abuse and toxicity despite adhering to Christian doctrines, offering a message of resilience, self-discovery, and profound transformation.

In episode 74 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Sorcha Porter-Homes courageously recounts her harrowing journey of enduring s*xual abuse within the Calvary Chapel...

The Congo, Leonard Peltier & Plant Medicine Retreats | Ep 73 | Moral CombatIn episode 73 of the Moral Combat Podcast, ho...
10/05/2024

The Congo, Leonard Peltier & Plant Medicine Retreats | Ep 73 | Moral Combat

In episode 73 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zachary dive into an intimate solo discussion, reflecting on a range of poignant topics, from global issues to personal journeys. They kick off by sharing their recent updates on upgrading the podcast's equipment, enhancing the quality of their engagement. Nathan elucidates the historical and ongoing crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo, tracing its roots from Belgian colonization to the exploitation of mineral resources. Meanwhile, Zachary brings light to the plight of Leonard Peltier, a symbol of injustice against Native American activists. Their conversation takes a personal turn as they explore the therapeutic potential of plant medicines, spurred by Nathan's revealing dream about his father at a spiritual retreat, illustrating a profound acceptance of differing beliefs. Zachary shares his struggles with family boundaries over political misinformation, underscoring the evolving dynamics in parental relationships as children carve their own ideological paths. The episode closes on a nostalgic note, with a spirited round of Mario Kart 64, reminiscent of their childhood pastimes post-church.

In episode 73 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zachary dive into an intimate solo discussion, reflecting on a range of poignant topics, from glo...

Ivan Rodriguez, A Symphony of Survival & Success Beyond Religious Trauma | Ep 72 | Moral CombatIn this captivating episo...
26/04/2024

Ivan Rodriguez, A Symphony of Survival & Success Beyond Religious Trauma | Ep 72 | Moral Combat

In this captivating episode of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zachary, alongside guest Ivan Rodriguez, delve into the complex journey of healing from religious trauma after disentangling from evangelical Christian church involvement. Ivan shares his poignant experiences of growing up in an authoritarian Pentecostal church in Puerto Rico, where church leadership was rife with conflicts and scandals. From a young age, he felt compelled to lead a double life, concealing his true beliefs due to the oppressive environment at home and church. Despite the joy music and playing the violin initially brought him, it became just another obligation to the church, pushing him to pursue his passion against his family’s wishes. Ivan’s journey towards freedom began at 18 when he left his abusive home and church, with the support of his husband, who played a crucial role in helping him deconstruct his past religious trauma. Ivan's reflection on the healing process underscores the importance of persistence, kindness to oneself, and the therapeutic power of publicly sharing one's story. His eventual acceptance into Juilliard marked a significant turning point, transforming music from a mere life-raft to a profound tool for communication and expression.

Ivan Rodriguez:
https://www.instagram.com/ivanecomposer/
https://www.ivanrodriguezmusic.com/home

In this captivating episode of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zachary, alongside guest Ivan Rodriguez, delve into the complex journey of healing ...

Heidi Monuteaux on Deconstruction, Betrayal Recovery, & Therapeutic Healing | Ep 71 | Moral CombatIn episode 71 of the "...
13/04/2024

Heidi Monuteaux on Deconstruction, Betrayal Recovery, & Therapeutic Healing | Ep 71 | Moral Combat

In episode 71 of the "Moral Combat Podcast," hosts Nathaniel and Zachary welcome Heidi Monuteaux, a therapist based in Boise, Idaho, with a practice known as "10 Mile Counseling," to discuss the intricate journey of healing from religious trauma. Heidi shares her personal narrative of growing up in a Christian home, identifying as the "black sheep" for departing from the Grace Brethren denomination amidst her family's deep religious roots. Her process of deconstruction began in earnest around 2010, catalyzed by her return to academia for a master's degree and further compounded by marital strife, including infidelity and gaslighting by her then-husband, a youth pastor. Heidi's transformative experience at a Seattle Pride parade marked a pivotal moment, challenging the church's teachings on the LGBTQ+ community and fostering a sense of love and acceptance contrary to her previous beliefs. As she navigated her faith's deconstruction, she prioritized creating a safe space for her children to explore their beliefs, all while battling the lingering guilt and self-doubt instilled by her conservative upbringing. The discussion touches upon the significance of "emotion regulation" and the detrimental impact of fear-based religious teachings. Heidi, specializing in treating betrayal trauma, religious trauma, and complex trauma, highlights the therapeutic value of EMDR and IFS modalities. The episode culminates in a reflection on the courage required to face religious trauma, advocating for gentleness, self-compassion, and the continuous pursuit of questioning as keys to healing. The hosts commend Heidi's bravery and contribution to the conversation on religious trauma, underscoring the episode's essence of vulnerability and the path to recovery.

In episode 71 of the "Moral Combat Podcast," hosts Nathaniel and Zachary welcome Heidi Monuteaux, a therapist based in Boise, Idaho, with a practice known as...

Forest Benedict Returns, The Power of Internal Family Systems | Ep 70 | Moral CombatIn episode 70 of the Moral Combat Po...
29/03/2024

Forest Benedict Returns, The Power of Internal Family Systems | Ep 70 | Moral Combat

In episode 70 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Forest Benedict, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with a specialization in religious trauma and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, shares an enlightening discussion on his transition from a Christian s*x addiction therapist to embracing a broader understanding of healing through IFS. Forest opens up about his personal healing journey, which was significantly impacted by psychedelics, leading him to discover IFS therapy—a method that emphasizes understanding and healing the various 'parts' of ourselves that have developed in response to trauma. By accessing one's authentic core self, characterized by compassion, courage, and clarity, individuals can offer wounded parts of themselves the safety needed to heal. Forest discusses the profound impact this approach has had on his life, particularly through inner child work and re-experiencing past traumas from a place of compassion. He touches on the complex nature of religious trauma, highlighting the persistence of survival behaviors long after leaving a religious context and the importance of developing self-trust and intuition. His reflections on how religious teachings may be shaped by the unhealed traumas of their authors, along with his appreciation for the courage shown by Nathaniel and Zach in addressing religious trauma through the podcast, add depth to the conversation. The hosts' gratitude for Forest's vulnerability and the safe space he creates through his own healing journey rounds out an episode that's not only professional and insightful but also deeply human and relatable.

Forest Benedict, LMFT

In episode 70 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Forest Benedict, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with a specialization in religious trauma and Int...

Nick Vallentino, Ex-Calvary Chapel Pastor's Path to Clarity & Healing | Ep 69 | Moral CombatIn episode 69 of the Moral C...
15/03/2024

Nick Vallentino, Ex-Calvary Chapel Pastor's Path to Clarity & Healing | Ep 69 | Moral Combat

In episode 69 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nick Vallentino recounts his tumultuous journey from being a pastor's kid entrenched in the Calvary Chapel community, through the escalation of his personal and professional life crises, to his path toward healing from severe religious trauma. Raised in a devout family, Nick's life took a pivotal turn following a car accident that led to his expulsion from Bible College, propelling him into ministry work in Puerto Rico and later, to leading a burgeoning church in Phoenix. However, beneath the surface of these achievements, Nick battled with anxiety, panic attacks, and a failing marriage, culminating in a divorce that cost him his pastoral position and severed ties with his mentor. Facing intense shame, anger, and diagnosed with PTSD, Nick embarked on a healing journey, leveraging therapy, plant medicine, and cannabis. His realization of his father's abusive behavior and the subsequent estrangement from his family marked a significant turning point. Nick's commitment to sharing his story and supporting others through their religious trauma underscores the episode, offering hope and validation to those navigating the challenging process of deconstruction. His approach emphasizes listening, validating experiences, and providing a non-judgmental space for healing, showcasing a deeply human narrative of resilience and redemption.

Nick Vallentino:
https://www.instagram.com/nickvallentino

In episode 69 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nick Vallentino recounts his tumultuous journey from being a pastor's kid entrenched in the Calvary Chapel communi...

Julia Myers, Deconstructing Christianity & Escaping Calvary Chapel | Ep 68 | Moral CombatIn episode 68 of the Moral Comb...
01/03/2024

Julia Myers, Deconstructing Christianity & Escaping Calvary Chapel | Ep 68 | Moral Combat

In episode 68 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Julia shares a deeply personal narrative of growing up under the stringent doctrines of a conservative Calvary Chapel, leading to a profound journey of faith deconstruction and healing from religious trauma. Her story, marked by questioning rigid church teachings, navigating the complexities of relationships within a faith-based context, and experiencing significant personal losses, highlights the challenging path towards spiritual and emotional liberation. Julia's transformative journey is further enriched by her research on religious trauma's impact on s*xuality and her pursuit of psychology to aid others in similar struggles. Despite facing gender inequality and the stifling of her voice within the church, Julia finds support in her husband, a pastor who respects her deconstruction journey. This episode encapsulates the essence of resilience, the importance of setting boundaries, and the pursuit of a spirituality that aligns with one's true self, offering solace and encouragement to others facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after religious trauma.

In episode 68 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Julia shares a deeply personal narrative of growing up under the stringent doctrines of a conservative Calvary Cha...

Genocide Joe, Head Injuries & Vietnam Veterans | Ep 67 | Moral CombatIn episode 67 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nathanie...
16/02/2024

Genocide Joe, Head Injuries & Vietnam Veterans | Ep 67 | Moral Combat

In episode 67 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nathaniel and Zachary delve into the complexities of healing from religious trauma after leaving their evangelical Christian upbringing. The brothers discuss the challenging process of questioning ingrained beliefs and values, the importance of finding joy in the present, and the everyday challenges of work, health, and maintaining friendships. Their conversations cover a wide range of topics, including the therapeutic benefits of podcasting, the role of trauma bonding in personal connections, and the discrepancies between religious teachings and historical evidence about Christianity. They critically examine the influence of the black church on social justice issues, particularly its stance on international conflicts and the contradiction of political figures exploiting religious spaces for personal gain. Additionally, they explore the intersection of neuroscience and religion, discussing studies on brain injuries and religious fundamentalism, and consider the healing potential of plant medicine. The episode is peppered with personal anecdotes, from military service to video games, and culminates in a discussion on creative projects, including Zachary's upcoming music release. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal reflection, societal critique, and the search for healing and growth beyond religious trauma.

In episode 67 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nathaniel and Zachary delve into the complexities of healing from religious trauma after leaving their evangelical...

In episode 67 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nathan and Zachary delve into the complexities of healing from religious trau...
16/02/2024

In episode 67 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nathan and Zachary delve into the complexities of healing from religious trauma after leaving their evangelical Christian upbringing. The brothers discuss the challenging process of questioning ingrained beliefs and values, the importance of finding joy in the present, and the everyday challenges of work, health, and maintaining friendships. Their conversations cover a wide range of topics, including the therapeutic benefits of podcasting, the role of trauma bonding in personal connections, and the discrepancies between religious teachings and historical evidence about Christianity. They critically examine the influence of the black church on social justice issues, particularly its stance on international conflicts and the contradiction of political figures exploiting religious spaces for personal gain. Additionally, they explore the intersection of neuroscience and religion, discussing studies on brain injuries and religious fundamentalism, and consider the healing potential of plant medicine. The episode is peppered with personal anecdotes, from military service to video games, and culminates in a discussion on creative projects, including Zachary’s upcoming music release. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal reflection, societal critique, and the search for healing and growth beyond religious trauma.
• Full episode link in bio







Forest Benedict’s Deconstruction of Evangelical Christianity | Ep 66 | Moral CombatFull episode link in bio  Forest Bene...
02/02/2024

Forest Benedict’s Deconstruction of Evangelical Christianity | Ep 66 | Moral Combat

Full episode link in bio
Forest Benedict:

In Episode 66 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zach and Nathan reconnect with Forest Benedict, whom they knew from their childhood days at Petaluma Calvary Chapel, and who was also a member of the Christian band Gone Fishing. Forest opens up about his intense engagement with Christianity from a young age, driven by a desire to connect with his father and a belief in his divine purpose. However, this commitment was shadowed by deep internal struggles, particularly with s*xual shame exacerbated by purity culture, leading him to years of self-punishment and discomfort around women. Despite his success as a speaker and author in the “p**n addiction” recovery realm, abstaining from p**n and ma********on for 17 years, Forest’s perspective shifted radically after participating in an ayahuasca retreat. This experience, along with therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) training, helped him realize the possibility of self-healing outside of religious frameworks, prompting him to leave Christianity and directly address his religious trauma. Forest discusses the importance of becoming curious about oneself and one’s s*xuality as a part of overcoming religious shame, now advocating for a s*x/body-positive approach. The episode explores themes of self-parenting, healing from religious trauma, and the transformation that comes with embracing curiosity, self-exploration, and a greater appreciation for life beyond rigid religious doctrines.

Kim Shambaugh’s Story: Breaking Free From The Southern Baptist Church | Ep 65 | Moral CombatFull Podcast Episode link in...
19/01/2024

Kim Shambaugh’s Story: Breaking Free From The Southern Baptist Church | Ep 65 | Moral Combat
Full Podcast Episode link in bio:

Kim Shambaugh:

In Episode 65 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zach and Nathan Blaustone delve into a deep conversation with guest Kim Shambaugh, exploring the impact of religious upbringing on personal growth and healing. Raised in an evangelical Baptist family, Kim’s early life was dominated by purity culture and strict religious norms. Her journey, marked by a challenging marriage and struggles with perfectionism and eating disorders, led to a transformative divorce at 26 and subsequent ostracization from her church. Finding love and acceptance with her non-religious husband, Kim moved to Ohio, where she began deconstructing her faith and embracing practices like meditation and intuitive work. Her story culminates in founding Never Settle Life, a company focused on holistic nutrition and transformation, reflecting her journey towards self-discovery and healing.

New Years 24, AMTR, Raves & Block Fort 7.0 | Ep 64 | Moral Combat• Full episode link in bio  • In episode 64 of the Mora...
05/01/2024

New Years 24, AMTR, Raves & Block Fort 7.0 | Ep 64 | Moral Combat
• Full episode link in bio
• In episode 64 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zach, siblings and children of a pastor, delve into their journey of healing from religious trauma stemming from their evangelical Christian upbringing. The episode kicks off with reflections on a recent interview with Jonathan Gaza and a reminder for listeners to engage through their podcast phone number. A significant portion of the discussion centers around the holidays, highlighting their ongoing healing process and mentioning specific trauma triggers like their parents’ church events and politically charged family texts. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries to manage these triggers. The episode also features an insightful analysis of Reddit posts from ex-Christians and religious trauma forums, discussing themes such as morality, the portrayal of God, and familial challenges. Looking ahead, Nathan and Zach express their commitment to diversifying their guest lineup, aiming to include voices from various ethnic backgrounds and non-Christian religions. The episode concludes with a casual game of Mario Kart, New Year’s wishes, and an anticipation of the next episode’s interview, inviting listeners to participate with their questions.

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