Moral Combat Podcast

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

Autumn Fesler, Surviving the Independent Baptist Church and Reclaiming Life | Ep 82 | Moral CombatIn episode 82 of the M...
13/09/2024

Autumn Fesler, Surviving the Independent Baptist Church and Reclaiming Life | Ep 82 | Moral Combat

In episode 82 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zachary Blaustone interview Autumn Fesler, who bravely shares her journey of healing from religious trauma after growing up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church. Autumn reflects on the psychological toll of constant fear, strict rules, and control within her religious upbringing, including traumatic experiences like being shamed for immodest clothing and the emotional trauma of her mother's public expulsion from the church. She explains the liberating process of reclaiming her identity and finding peace outside of religion, while also discussing the struggle with "fawning" behavior and setting boundaries with her family and former religious community. The episode delves into larger issues of race, gender, and deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs. Autumn's resilience shines through as she shares her desire to become a religious trauma therapist, offering advice to others on the healing power of self-worth, autonomy, and embracing discomfort to foster growth. The conversation is a deeply human exploration of how to rebuild after leaving a restrictive faith and offers hope for those navigating similar journeys.

In episode 82 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zachary Blaustone interview Autumn Fesler, who bravely shares her journey of healing from reli...

Christian Outrage, Trump, Kamala & Paris Olympics Drama | Ep 79 | Moral CombatIn episode 79 of the Moral Combat Podcast,...
02/08/2024

Christian Outrage, Trump, Kamala & Paris Olympics Drama | Ep 79 | Moral Combat

In episode 79 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zach dive into a wide-ranging discussion that starts with a reintroduction of themselves and their backgrounds as sons of evangelical Christian pastors. They express excitement about returning to solo episodes, reflecting on their past interviews with various religious guests and sharing their distinct approaches to social media. The main topic centers on "Christian outrage," sparked by a viral Instagram reel featuring Nathan's provocative statement, "I am God, you are God, we are God," which garnered over 2,600 comments. The hosts humorously read and react to the outraged responses, including accusations of blasphemy and threats of divine punishment, while reminiscing about their own experiences with fear-based religious teachings. They transition to discussing the backlash against the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, criticizing the organizers for apologizing and lauding France's secular traditions. The conversation shifts to potential civil unrest in the US, which they believe would manifest as isolated incidents rather than a full-scale war, driven by fear-mongering rhetoric. They also touch on political commentary, expressing support for Kamala Harris despite her controversial past, and discussing her stance on abortion rights and the Israel-Gaza conflict. The hosts emphasize the importance of holding all leaders accountable, likening political performance to their podcast. Briefly, they address the underpayment of Olympic athletes before engaging in a playful game of Mario Kart 64, where Zach emerges victorious. Wrapping up, they seek listener feedback on their political discussions, mention upcoming merchandise, outline their guest interview approach, and explain their podcast schedule, all while maintaining a casual, humorous tone filled with personal anecdotes.

In episode 79 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zach dive into a wide-ranging discussion that starts with a reintroduction of themselves and thei...

Lyn Smith Gregory: Joseph Smith's Great Niece Escaping Mormonism | Ep 78 | Moral CombatIn Episode 78 of the Moral Combat...
19/07/2024

Lyn Smith Gregory: Joseph Smith's Great Niece Escaping Mormonism | Ep 78 | Moral Combat

In Episode 78 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zachary welcome Lyn Smith Gregory, who brings a unique perspective on religious trauma from her experiences with Mormonism. Lyn, a descendant of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, shares insights from her memoir, detailing the hierarchical structure and beliefs of Mormonism, including tithing, polygamy, and financial success. She recounts her journey of questioning her faith during college, leading to atheism at age 19, and the subsequent impact on her family relationships. Lyn discusses the ingrained guilt and shame she struggled with, eventually seeking therapy at age 28. She delves into her fascination with brainwashing and groupthink, her triggers when watching "The Book of Mormon '' play, and Mormon beliefs about the afterlife. Lyn highlights the growing trend of millennials and Gen Z leaving the Mormon Church, particularly over LGBTQ+ issues, and emphasizes the importance of finding common ground in family estrangement. She reflects on whether complete healing from religious trauma is possible, suggesting that wounds can be transformed into compassion. Lyn's advice to those struggling includes seeking support, being patient, and finding like-minded individuals and professionals for help.

In Episode 78 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zachary welcome Lyn Smith Gregory, who brings a unique perspective on religious trauma from he...

Shea Quinn, Leaving the Baptist Church & Transformation | Ep 77 | Moral CombatIn episode 77 of the Moral Combat Podcast,...
05/07/2024

Shea Quinn, Leaving the Baptist Church & Transformation | Ep 77 | Moral Combat

In episode 77 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zachary and Nathaniel welcome Shea Quinn, who traveled from Medford, Oregon, to share her transformative journey. Shea, host of the podcast "Grow with Shea" and co-host of "The Waiting Table," opens up about her weight loss surgery in 2022, which sparked profound self-discovery and a reevaluation of her Baptist upbringing. She recounts how reconnecting with her body and emotions led her to question her faith and confront the discomfort she felt regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within her religious community. Shea reflects on her marriage to Dylan, their shared deconstruction process, and the pivotal moment they considered divorce. Drawing a vivid parallel to the film Pleasantville, she describes her awakening from a "black and white" existence to one full of color and emotion. Throughout the conversation, themes of self-love, intuition, and spiritual openness emerge, as Shea shares a significant encounter with the angel Gabriel and her ability to sense and name emotional blockages in others. The hosts resonate with Shea's experiences, touching on their own spiritual and psychedelic journeys, and participate in a prayer experiment to release their blockages. The episode concludes with Shea offering heartfelt advice to those deconstructing their faith, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the freedom in acknowledging one's own limitations. The hosts express gratitude for Shea's genuine insights and encourage listeners to explore her podcast and workshop on blockages.

In episode 77 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zachary and Nathaniel welcome Shea Quinn, who traveled from Medford, Oregon, to share her transformative jou...

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...

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