Uncovered: Life Beyond Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:22:22 -0400 https://uncoveredlifebeyond.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Uncovered: Life Beyond yes b721d7c0-4f09-5e5f-86e7-65016927e528 Naomi and Rebecca episodic false Join the conversations of Rebecca and Naomi, two ex-Amish Mennonite women who jumped the proverbial fence in their younger years and later experienced college as first-gen, non-traditional students. They discuss pursuing formal education while raising a family, navigating the hidden curriculum of academia, and other dimensions of reimagining a life beyond high-demand religion. Send your questions to uncoveredlifebeyond@gmail.com.


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) education, college, first-gen, non-traditional, relationships, religion, Mennonite, Amish, deconstruction, Naomi and Rebecca https://storage.buzzsprout.com/y1zl5yh34lowkbm0voa7lpcxkxin?.jpg Uncovered: Life Beyond https://uncoveredlifebeyond.buzzsprout.com Naomi Clark Rebecca Coblentz 62. Grace for Him, Silence for Them: Power, Patriarchy, and Religious Scandal 62. Grace for Him, Silence for Them: Power, Patriarchy, and Religious Scandal Send us Fan Mail

 When news breaks that a respected Christian author has carried on an eight-year affair, the story doesn’t end with the confession. It reveals a familiar reflex inside many high-control religious systems: forgiveness flows upward to powerful men—while people who feel hurt or disillusioned get scolded, shamed, and told to “move on.”  But why is the finger of blame so quickly pointed at those who feel the disappointment most deeply? And what do these calls for instant forgiveness distract us from? 

  • Why “it could be any of us” can function as a warning sign, not a comfort
  • The double standard: why mercy is often extended to powerful men while women, LGBTQ folks, and “rebellious” question-askers get crushed
  • Why shame is such an effective control tool—and how it keeps people thinking with their “downstairs brain”
  • The gendered story we’re handed early: how the Adam & Eve narrative is often told to teach people to distrust women
  • Why pressured forgiveness isn’t forgiveness—and how rushing it can deepen resentment and kill real connection
  • How parenting can move from control to connection—and why that shift matters for breaking cycles
  • To nurture connection, start honest conversations with safe people, trust what you know, and practice curiosity again


Relevant Links

Author Philip Yancey Confesses Affair, Withdraws from Ministry - Christianity Today

What the Story of Adam and Eve Teaches about Communication (@marriageishappening)

Anti-Purity Ball: Jessica Valenti on Fighting Sexualization









Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

 When news breaks that a respected Christian author has carried on an eight-year affair, the story doesn’t end with the confession. It reveals a familiar reflex inside many high-control religious systems: forgiveness flows upward to powerful men—while people who feel hurt or disillusioned get scolded, shamed, and told to “move on.”  But why is the finger of blame so quickly pointed at those who feel the disappointment most deeply? And what do these calls for instant forgiveness distract us from? 

  • Why “it could be any of us” can function as a warning sign, not a comfort
  • The double standard: why mercy is often extended to powerful men while women, LGBTQ folks, and “rebellious” question-askers get crushed
  • Why shame is such an effective control tool—and how it keeps people thinking with their “downstairs brain”
  • The gendered story we’re handed early: how the Adam & Eve narrative is often told to teach people to distrust women
  • Why pressured forgiveness isn’t forgiveness—and how rushing it can deepen resentment and kill real connection
  • How parenting can move from control to connection—and why that shift matters for breaking cycles
  • To nurture connection, start honest conversations with safe people, trust what you know, and practice curiosity again


Relevant Links

Author Philip Yancey Confesses Affair, Withdraws from Ministry - Christianity Today

What the Story of Adam and Eve Teaches about Communication (@marriageishappening)

Anti-Purity Ball: Jessica Valenti on Fighting Sexualization









Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-18489375 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0600 3485 religious trauma podcast, deconstruction podcast, evangelical deconstruction, purity culture and patriarchy, church leadership scandal, spiritual bypassing, forced forgiveness, religious gaslighting, faith and betrayal, rebuilding self trust, high control 62 full true 61. Relationship Post-Mortem: How a Relationship Dies when Mutuality Never Arrives 61. Relationship Post-Mortem: How a Relationship Dies when Mutuality Never Arrives Send us Fan Mail

We're back! As podcasters, when we can't be consistent, we aim for persistence. In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca reflect on the slow end of a long relationship, mapping how trust erodes, how patriarchy trains us to ignore women’s needs, and how grief and loss can be gateways to new dreams.

• How relational trust is like a jar of marbles
• Emotional labor, minimising, and who does the work
• Default patriarchal patterns that prevent collaboration
• Concrete signs a relationship is already over
• Sitting with the awkwardness of growth and change
• New avenues for finding mutuality and genuine connection 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

We're back! As podcasters, when we can't be consistent, we aim for persistence. In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca reflect on the slow end of a long relationship, mapping how trust erodes, how patriarchy trains us to ignore women’s needs, and how grief and loss can be gateways to new dreams.

• How relational trust is like a jar of marbles
• Emotional labor, minimising, and who does the work
• Default patriarchal patterns that prevent collaboration
• Concrete signs a relationship is already over
• Sitting with the awkwardness of growth and change
• New avenues for finding mutuality and genuine connection 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-18437664 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0600 3858 Relationships, Breakups, Emotional Health , Mental Health, Personal Growth, Women’s Issue, Healing, Feminism, Emotional Labor, Boundaries, Midlife, Grief, People Pleasing, Patriarchy, Life transitions, 61 full true 60. You Are More than Your Resume: Turning Life Experience into Confidence 60. You Are More than Your Resume: Turning Life Experience into Confidence Send us Fan Mail

As midlife moms who have navigated identity changes without roadmaps, we're sharing what we've learned about translating caregiving experience into professional opportunities when facing a blank resume. We break down some of the emotional and practical aspects of job hunting for those who may have never had an official job title or feel their skills have expired.

• Challenging the myth that resume gaps mean you lack marketable skills
• Understanding how society's devaluation of women's work creates artificial barriers to employment
• Recognizing that managing family schedules, budgeting, and organizing events are valuable professional skills
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT to help translate caregiving experiences into professional resume language
• Identifying strategies to build confidence in job interviews without apologizing or sounding cocky
• Learning alternatives to excessive apologizing in professional settings
• Recognizing that experience matters, regardless of whether it came with a paycheck
• Finding the right support network that offers both encouragement and valuable feedback

Whether you're 21 or 61, you're not too late to make a career change. Your story isn't behind you—it's always unfolding, and we are cheering you on!

Links to Resources

ChatGPT, Google Gemini and other AI models are using your data for training: here's how to stop it (Tom's Guide)

How can I protect my privacy when using ChatGPT? (Boston University))

How To Write A BIFF Response® (High Conflict Institute): Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm

Deborah Tannen and Language (National Endowment for the Humanities)

18 Sample AI Prompts for Career Exploration

Digital Writing Careers Information Sheet

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

As midlife moms who have navigated identity changes without roadmaps, we're sharing what we've learned about translating caregiving experience into professional opportunities when facing a blank resume. We break down some of the emotional and practical aspects of job hunting for those who may have never had an official job title or feel their skills have expired.

• Challenging the myth that resume gaps mean you lack marketable skills
• Understanding how society's devaluation of women's work creates artificial barriers to employment
• Recognizing that managing family schedules, budgeting, and organizing events are valuable professional skills
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT to help translate caregiving experiences into professional resume language
• Identifying strategies to build confidence in job interviews without apologizing or sounding cocky
• Learning alternatives to excessive apologizing in professional settings
• Recognizing that experience matters, regardless of whether it came with a paycheck
• Finding the right support network that offers both encouragement and valuable feedback

Whether you're 21 or 61, you're not too late to make a career change. Your story isn't behind you—it's always unfolding, and we are cheering you on!

Links to Resources

ChatGPT, Google Gemini and other AI models are using your data for training: here's how to stop it (Tom's Guide)

How can I protect my privacy when using ChatGPT? (Boston University))

How To Write A BIFF Response® (High Conflict Institute): Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm

Deborah Tannen and Language (National Endowment for the Humanities)

18 Sample AI Prompts for Career Exploration

Digital Writing Careers Information Sheet

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-17458377 Sun, 13 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500 4110 NontradGrad, FirstGenGrad, CollegeMom, LifelongLearner, Midlife, Graduation, UncoveredLifeBeyond, Amishscholars, educationalneglect, midlifepivots, careerexploration, jobsearch, 60 full false 59. The Courage to Ask Why: When Questions = Rebellion 59. The Courage to Ask Why: When Questions = Rebellion Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi explore why curiosity requires courage, especially for those on the margins. We examine how gender, race, and religious upbringing shape who feels safe to ask questions and who faces consequences for challenging the status quo.

• Safety is a prerequisite for curiosity, but not everyone is equally encouraged to be inquisitive
• Women, particularly women of color, often face negative consequences for asking challenging questions
• Religious communities frequently use concepts like submission, forgiveness, and respect for authority to silence questioning
• Power structures in churches, schools, and families often treat curiosity as a threat rather than a virtue
• Critical thinking asks uncomfortable questions: who built these systems, who benefits, and what alternatives exist?
• Developing internal safety and self-trust helps us ask difficult questions even in unsafe environments
• The more dangerous a question feels to ask, the more important it probably is

We'd love to hear your story. When was the first time you remember feeling safe enough to ask hard questions but then realized it wasn't safe after all? Send us a voice memo, email, or text using the link above. 


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi explore why curiosity requires courage, especially for those on the margins. We examine how gender, race, and religious upbringing shape who feels safe to ask questions and who faces consequences for challenging the status quo.

• Safety is a prerequisite for curiosity, but not everyone is equally encouraged to be inquisitive
• Women, particularly women of color, often face negative consequences for asking challenging questions
• Religious communities frequently use concepts like submission, forgiveness, and respect for authority to silence questioning
• Power structures in churches, schools, and families often treat curiosity as a threat rather than a virtue
• Critical thinking asks uncomfortable questions: who built these systems, who benefits, and what alternatives exist?
• Developing internal safety and self-trust helps us ask difficult questions even in unsafe environments
• The more dangerous a question feels to ask, the more important it probably is

We'd love to hear your story. When was the first time you remember feeling safe enough to ask hard questions but then realized it wasn't safe after all? Send us a voice memo, email, or text using the link above. 


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-17423333 Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0500 4375 59 full false 58. She Did It! What Graduation Means in Midlife (And What Comes Next) 58. She Did It! What Graduation Means in Midlife (And What Comes Next) Send us Fan Mail

Celebrating Rebecca's recent college graduation has been a long time coming! In this episode, we reflect on the challenges and rewards she experienced as a midlife student as well as on the complicated transition to life after graduation.

• What it was like starting college without knowing all available options or having proper guidance
• How she learned to ask for help (including successfully advocating for scholarship funds)
• Her thoughts on navigating the tension between motherhood responsibilities and educational goals and how she consciously resisted passing along the tradition of parentification
• What she discovered about the common adage that "belief is an inside job"
• How she's finding the job market as a 50-year-old new liberal arts graduate
• The comfort she's finding in fiction, writing, and supportive relationships right now--as well as the tiny house community she's dreaming of building.

See the summa cum laude graduate in her regalia! (Summa cum laude means "with highest honors")     https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16jAraWNb7/

Important Announcement: The Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund offers mentorship and financial support for anyone who left an Amish or Plain community with only an eighth-grade education and is now pursuing college. Apply now for funding for the 2025-2026 school year! (Application deadline is July 20, 2025.) Visit AmishScholarship.com to apply for mentorship or scholarships, or to donate to support others' educational journeys.

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out to them with your questions before you apply. Remember, they want to help!


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Celebrating Rebecca's recent college graduation has been a long time coming! In this episode, we reflect on the challenges and rewards she experienced as a midlife student as well as on the complicated transition to life after graduation.

• What it was like starting college without knowing all available options or having proper guidance
• How she learned to ask for help (including successfully advocating for scholarship funds)
• Her thoughts on navigating the tension between motherhood responsibilities and educational goals and how she consciously resisted passing along the tradition of parentification
• What she discovered about the common adage that "belief is an inside job"
• How she's finding the job market as a 50-year-old new liberal arts graduate
• The comfort she's finding in fiction, writing, and supportive relationships right now--as well as the tiny house community she's dreaming of building.

See the summa cum laude graduate in her regalia! (Summa cum laude means "with highest honors")     https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16jAraWNb7/

Important Announcement: The Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund offers mentorship and financial support for anyone who left an Amish or Plain community with only an eighth-grade education and is now pursuing college. Apply now for funding for the 2025-2026 school year! (Application deadline is July 20, 2025.) Visit AmishScholarship.com to apply for mentorship or scholarships, or to donate to support others' educational journeys.

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out to them with your questions before you apply. Remember, they want to help!


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-17402961 Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3128 NontradGrad, FirstGenGrad, CollegeMom, LifelongLearner, Midlife, Graduation, Womeninhigher ed, HigherEd, UncoveredLifeBeyond, Amishscholars, educationalneglect, 58 full false 57. Celebrating Five Generations of Stories, Silences, and Surprises at the 2025 D.D. Miller Family Reunion 57. Celebrating Five Generations of Stories, Silences, and Surprises at the 2025 D.D. Miller Family Reunion Send us Fan Mail

This episode recaps a family reunion we recently attended, tracing five generations back to our great-great-grandfather Daniel D. Miller, discovering unexpected connections and untold stories that shape how we see ourselves today.

• Rebecca and Naomi join with Margaret (Naomi's sister) to discuss their experiences at a gathering of the descendants of Daniel D. and Mary Miller's ten sons.
• The recurring theme of strong, unsubmissive women in our family history raises more questions than answers as we wonder about their lived experiences and influence on their descendants.
• Were the frequent sawmill accidents unique to our family line or do they simply remind us of the harsh realities of farm life and child labor in the past?
• What value do extended family reunions hold for younger generations? How can we access a sense of belonging regardless of the life choices or current identity of individuals?
• What qualities (such as hospitality, pacifism, or a quirky sense of humor) do we want to consciously preserve and pass down to future generations?

If you're part of the DD Miller line, save the date for our next reunion in Sarasota in two years. Join our Facebook group for updates and connections!

Links We Mentioned (or should have)

Attendees representing Daniel D.'s Valentine's Irene: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zkW5aVts/

The cousin party: https://www.facebook.com/share/18vrrirHpj/

Daniel D. Miller Family (private Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1791987254171830

Geauga Amish History Center (Geauga County, Ohio): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553567564967

Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center (Holmes County, Ohio): https://behalt.com/

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

This episode recaps a family reunion we recently attended, tracing five generations back to our great-great-grandfather Daniel D. Miller, discovering unexpected connections and untold stories that shape how we see ourselves today.

• Rebecca and Naomi join with Margaret (Naomi's sister) to discuss their experiences at a gathering of the descendants of Daniel D. and Mary Miller's ten sons.
• The recurring theme of strong, unsubmissive women in our family history raises more questions than answers as we wonder about their lived experiences and influence on their descendants.
• Were the frequent sawmill accidents unique to our family line or do they simply remind us of the harsh realities of farm life and child labor in the past?
• What value do extended family reunions hold for younger generations? How can we access a sense of belonging regardless of the life choices or current identity of individuals?
• What qualities (such as hospitality, pacifism, or a quirky sense of humor) do we want to consciously preserve and pass down to future generations?

If you're part of the DD Miller line, save the date for our next reunion in Sarasota in two years. Join our Facebook group for updates and connections!

Links We Mentioned (or should have)

Attendees representing Daniel D.'s Valentine's Irene: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zkW5aVts/

The cousin party: https://www.facebook.com/share/18vrrirHpj/

Daniel D. Miller Family (private Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1791987254171830

Geauga Amish History Center (Geauga County, Ohio): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553567564967

Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center (Holmes County, Ohio): https://behalt.com/

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-17391766 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0500 3237 Amish, Ex-Amish, Mennonite, Ex-Mennonite, Anabaptist, deconstruction, family, identity, history, Holmes County Ohio, Geauga County Ohio, ancestry, 57 full false 56. Homeschool Roots, Global Vision: Patricia Lewis on Building a Life of Learning 56. Homeschool Roots, Global Vision: Patricia Lewis on Building a Life of Learning Send us Fan Mail

Tricia joins Rebecca and Naomi to share her journey from homeschooled student to college graduate and beyond, offering valuable insights for first-generation students navigating higher education without traditional guidance.

• Following curiosity and determination despite lack of traditional educational pathways
• Navigating college applications and standardized tests without guidance counselors
• Balancing full-time work with educational pursuits
• Finding funding for undergraduate education through grants and scholarships
• The challenges of financing graduate education without institutional support
• The value of on-campus living for building social connections and networks
• Taking risks to teach in Texas and Japan after graduation
• The importance of maintaining identity through continuous learning
• How small steps build confidence for bigger life changes
• The reality that educational journeys rarely follow straight lines
• The value of asking questions and seeking information when facing obstacles

Keep bringing on your questions! Message us at uncoveredlifebeyond@gmail.com with your thoughts and experiences.

Connect with Tricia: 

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.lewis

https://bsky.app/profile/hopenafuture.bsky.social

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Tricia joins Rebecca and Naomi to share her journey from homeschooled student to college graduate and beyond, offering valuable insights for first-generation students navigating higher education without traditional guidance.

• Following curiosity and determination despite lack of traditional educational pathways
• Navigating college applications and standardized tests without guidance counselors
• Balancing full-time work with educational pursuits
• Finding funding for undergraduate education through grants and scholarships
• The challenges of financing graduate education without institutional support
• The value of on-campus living for building social connections and networks
• Taking risks to teach in Texas and Japan after graduation
• The importance of maintaining identity through continuous learning
• How small steps build confidence for bigger life changes
• The reality that educational journeys rarely follow straight lines
• The value of asking questions and seeking information when facing obstacles

Keep bringing on your questions! Message us at uncoveredlifebeyond@gmail.com with your thoughts and experiences.

Connect with Tricia: 

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.lewis

https://bsky.app/profile/hopenafuture.bsky.social

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16969794 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0500 4825 56 full false Patricia "Tricia" Lewis Naomi Clark Rebecca Coblentz 55. From Financial Struggle to Stability: How One Family Flipped the Script (with special guest Patricia Lewis) 55. From Financial Struggle to Stability: How One Family Flipped the Script (with special guest Patricia Lewis) Send us Fan Mail

Patricia Lewis shares her remarkable journey from financial struggle to stability by challenging traditional gender roles and overcoming the shame of accepting public assistance. After marrying her husband who she met while teaching in Japan, they returned to the U.S. to start a family in the midst of the Great Recession. Through the birth of their five sons and many job changes, they faced years of financial hardship before finding an unconventional solution.

Key points from Tricia's story: 

• Growing up Mennonite with a father who taught practical skills regardless of gender
• Becoming reacquainted with her husband online while teaching in Japan and developing a relationship built on honest communication
• Struggling through dozens of jobs, medical bills, and raising five boys born via C-sections within eight years
• Confronting the shame of accepting public assistance while living at poverty level
• Transforming their finances by flipping traditional roles – Tricia becoming the primary breadwinner while her husband drove a school bus and homeschooled their sons
• Learning to counter negative self-talk and treat ourselves with the same kindness we show others
• Practical tips for financial independence: knowing your accounts, passwords, and financial situation
• Creative ways to stretch resources like buying turkeys in bulk during sales

For women facing financial insecurity, know what your plan is going forward. Identify your networks, consider your abilities, and understand your current financial situation – including accounts, debts, and assets. Don't let shame prevent you from using available resources designed to help you reach stability.

Connect with Tricia: 

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.lewis

https://bsky.app/profile/hopenafuture.bsky.social

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Patricia Lewis shares her remarkable journey from financial struggle to stability by challenging traditional gender roles and overcoming the shame of accepting public assistance. After marrying her husband who she met while teaching in Japan, they returned to the U.S. to start a family in the midst of the Great Recession. Through the birth of their five sons and many job changes, they faced years of financial hardship before finding an unconventional solution.

Key points from Tricia's story: 

• Growing up Mennonite with a father who taught practical skills regardless of gender
• Becoming reacquainted with her husband online while teaching in Japan and developing a relationship built on honest communication
• Struggling through dozens of jobs, medical bills, and raising five boys born via C-sections within eight years
• Confronting the shame of accepting public assistance while living at poverty level
• Transforming their finances by flipping traditional roles – Tricia becoming the primary breadwinner while her husband drove a school bus and homeschooled their sons
• Learning to counter negative self-talk and treat ourselves with the same kindness we show others
• Practical tips for financial independence: knowing your accounts, passwords, and financial situation
• Creative ways to stretch resources like buying turkeys in bulk during sales

For women facing financial insecurity, know what your plan is going forward. Identify your networks, consider your abilities, and understand your current financial situation – including accounts, debts, and assets. Don't let shame prevent you from using available resources designed to help you reach stability.

Connect with Tricia: 

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.lewis

https://bsky.app/profile/hopenafuture.bsky.social

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16924174 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0500 5541 firstgen, frugalliving, financial security, financial freedom, personal finances, gender roles, traditional gender roles, family, ex-Mennonite, ex-Amish, deconstruction, ex-evangelical, ex-mormon, fundamentalism, ideology, 55 full false Patricia "Tricia" Lewis Naomi Clark Rebecca Coblentz 54. Deconstructing "Nice Guys": When He's Progressive in Public but Patriarchal at Home 54. Deconstructing "Nice Guys": When He's Progressive in Public but Patriarchal at Home Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi explore how men in progressive spaces often default to patriarchal behaviors when challenged, despite claiming to be allies and feminists.

• Deconstruction requires ongoing work rather than simply changing labels or terminology
• Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals controversy reveals common patterns of male entitlement
• Men who claim to be allies often revert to control tactics when their authority is questioned
• The "fake ally playbook" includes expecting women to manage emotional labor without recognition
• Weaponizing women's trauma to discredit their concerns is a common gaslighting technique
• Mediation often functions as image management rather than genuine reconciliation
• Women are socialized to treat men's perspectives as authoritative while questioning their own
• Authentic allies demonstrate humility, share domestic responsibilities, and listen without defensiveness
• Healthy relationships require mutuality and shared power, not dominance and control
• Women need to recognize their needs matter and speaking up is an invitation to authentic relationship

Join us next week as we conclude our financial autonomy series with actionable steps that stay-at-home parents can take to protect themselves financially.


Links

https://www.tnereckoning.com/summary

https://baptistnews.com/article/that-time-i-got-an-angry-call-from-the-subject-of-an-article-about-anger-and-abuse/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4yVfcwPSMl/

https://terryreal.com/

https://karljforehand.substack.com/p/getting-out-of-survival-mode/

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi explore how men in progressive spaces often default to patriarchal behaviors when challenged, despite claiming to be allies and feminists.

• Deconstruction requires ongoing work rather than simply changing labels or terminology
• Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals controversy reveals common patterns of male entitlement
• Men who claim to be allies often revert to control tactics when their authority is questioned
• The "fake ally playbook" includes expecting women to manage emotional labor without recognition
• Weaponizing women's trauma to discredit their concerns is a common gaslighting technique
• Mediation often functions as image management rather than genuine reconciliation
• Women are socialized to treat men's perspectives as authoritative while questioning their own
• Authentic allies demonstrate humility, share domestic responsibilities, and listen without defensiveness
• Healthy relationships require mutuality and shared power, not dominance and control
• Women need to recognize their needs matter and speaking up is an invitation to authentic relationship

Join us next week as we conclude our financial autonomy series with actionable steps that stay-at-home parents can take to protect themselves financially.


Links

https://www.tnereckoning.com/summary

https://baptistnews.com/article/that-time-i-got-an-angry-call-from-the-subject-of-an-article-about-anger-and-abuse/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4yVfcwPSMl/

https://terryreal.com/

https://karljforehand.substack.com/p/getting-out-of-survival-mode/

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16864123 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0500 3104 tnereckoning, thenewevangetlicals, timwhitaker, tne, deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, patriarchy, feminism, relationships, communication, entitlement, toxic masculinity, gaslighting, 54 full false 53. Facing Down a Stonewall: Standing up for Financial Fairness 53. Facing Down a Stonewall: Standing up for Financial Fairness Send us Fan Mail

Financial autonomy is crucial to everyone's wellbeing, but what happens when one partner refuses to engage in conversations about money? We explore the dynamics of financial stonewalling and share practical strategies for taking ownership of your adult responsibilities. 

• Financial issues can become control mechanisms when one partner refuses to engage in good faith
• Both men and women have been socialized to question women's financial abilities and understanding
• Red flags include: lack of access to accounts, asking for money like an allowance, monitored spending, refusal to share information
• Religious contexts often use spiritual language to validate financial dependence and lack of autonomy
• Taking steps toward financial independence isn't being sneaky—it's being smart
• Running your credit report helps identify accounts in your name you may not be aware of
• Opening your own bank account provides security and independence
• Understanding your own values helps guide decision-making when faced with resistance
• Having financial options doesn't mean planning to leave—it means staying by choice, not necessity
• A financially independent woman isn't a threat—she's simply someone who refuses to be stuck

Join us next time to discuss practical ways a stay-at-home parent can build financial autonomy--beyond the obvious ways like winning the lottery!


Resources We Mentioned in the Show (or should have)

Terry Real Homepage

What is Financial Abuse? (The Hotline)

Values Clarification

Learn about your credit report and how to get a copy (USAGov)

Your Money Matters: A Guide to Financial Independence for Women

Financial Literacy for Women

Financial Freedom: Women, Money, and Domestic Abuse

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Financial autonomy is crucial to everyone's wellbeing, but what happens when one partner refuses to engage in conversations about money? We explore the dynamics of financial stonewalling and share practical strategies for taking ownership of your adult responsibilities. 

• Financial issues can become control mechanisms when one partner refuses to engage in good faith
• Both men and women have been socialized to question women's financial abilities and understanding
• Red flags include: lack of access to accounts, asking for money like an allowance, monitored spending, refusal to share information
• Religious contexts often use spiritual language to validate financial dependence and lack of autonomy
• Taking steps toward financial independence isn't being sneaky—it's being smart
• Running your credit report helps identify accounts in your name you may not be aware of
• Opening your own bank account provides security and independence
• Understanding your own values helps guide decision-making when faced with resistance
• Having financial options doesn't mean planning to leave—it means staying by choice, not necessity
• A financially independent woman isn't a threat—she's simply someone who refuses to be stuck

Join us next time to discuss practical ways a stay-at-home parent can build financial autonomy--beyond the obvious ways like winning the lottery!


Resources We Mentioned in the Show (or should have)

Terry Real Homepage

What is Financial Abuse? (The Hotline)

Values Clarification

Learn about your credit report and how to get a copy (USAGov)

Your Money Matters: A Guide to Financial Independence for Women

Financial Literacy for Women

Financial Freedom: Women, Money, and Domestic Abuse

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Buzzsprout-16768918 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2745 financial autonomy, financial freedom, financial abuse, communication, stonewalling, partnership, equity, equality, Terry Real, ex-Mennonite, ex-Amish, ex-evangelical, ex-Mormon, deconstruction, patriarchy, feminism, personal autonomy 53 full false 52. Who Supports Whom? Breadwinner vs. Stay-at-Home Parent 52. Who Supports Whom? Breadwinner vs. Stay-at-Home Parent Send us Fan Mail

Financial autonomy for stay-at-home parents means having options and being able to exercise them without justification or permission, even when you're not collecting a paycheck. We examine how historical patterns like the law of coverture have evolved into modern expectations that devalue domestic labor while romanticizing the stay-at-home parent role.

• Economists estimate the unpaid labor of stay-at-home parents is worth over $100,000 annually
• The narrative of who's "supporting" whom needs to be flipped - the stay-at-home parent enables the working parent's career
• Financial autonomy doesn't undermine partnership but strengthens it by creating equality
• Access to separate accounts, having your own money, and retirement savings are practical steps toward autonomy
• Teaching financial literacy to children, especially daughters, helps break intergenerational patterns
• Both spouses deserve financial autonomy regardless of who's bringing home a paycheck
• Feeling resentful about finances often signals a boundary violation that needs addressing

Your work is valuable, and your contribution is real whether you're getting a paycheck or not. Share your thoughts on social media, and join us next time as we discuss what to do when your partner won't play fair.

Links

The Way We Never Were American Families and the Nostalgia Trap by Stephanie Coontz

Domestic Dialogue: Flipping the Labor Script

Notes on Project 2025 by Rachel Hurley

End the Dysfunctional Cycles in Your Relationship and Stay in Love for Life (Terry Real)

If we empower women to work outside the house without expecting men to work inside the house…

The Fair Play Book | Fair Play Life by Eve Rodsky 

The Documentary | Fair Play Life

THE EMOTIONAL LABOR SERIES: Let's Talk Emotional Labor and Mental Load - Bare Marriage

Suze Orman's Retirement Plan for Stay-at-Home Moms





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Financial autonomy for stay-at-home parents means having options and being able to exercise them without justification or permission, even when you're not collecting a paycheck. We examine how historical patterns like the law of coverture have evolved into modern expectations that devalue domestic labor while romanticizing the stay-at-home parent role.

• Economists estimate the unpaid labor of stay-at-home parents is worth over $100,000 annually
• The narrative of who's "supporting" whom needs to be flipped - the stay-at-home parent enables the working parent's career
• Financial autonomy doesn't undermine partnership but strengthens it by creating equality
• Access to separate accounts, having your own money, and retirement savings are practical steps toward autonomy
• Teaching financial literacy to children, especially daughters, helps break intergenerational patterns
• Both spouses deserve financial autonomy regardless of who's bringing home a paycheck
• Feeling resentful about finances often signals a boundary violation that needs addressing

Your work is valuable, and your contribution is real whether you're getting a paycheck or not. Share your thoughts on social media, and join us next time as we discuss what to do when your partner won't play fair.

Links

The Way We Never Were American Families and the Nostalgia Trap by Stephanie Coontz

Domestic Dialogue: Flipping the Labor Script

Notes on Project 2025 by Rachel Hurley

End the Dysfunctional Cycles in Your Relationship and Stay in Love for Life (Terry Real)

If we empower women to work outside the house without expecting men to work inside the house…

The Fair Play Book | Fair Play Life by Eve Rodsky 

The Documentary | Fair Play Life

THE EMOTIONAL LABOR SERIES: Let's Talk Emotional Labor and Mental Load - Bare Marriage

Suze Orman's Retirement Plan for Stay-at-Home Moms





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Buzzsprout-16768899 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3509 personal finances, autonomy, marriage, partnership, SAHM, stay-at-home-parents, equity, fair play, feminism, patriarchy, exploitation, labor, childcare, 52 full false 51. Break Free from Money Myths and Take Charge of Your Future 51. Break Free from Money Myths and Take Charge of Your Future Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi tackle the often-taboo subject of financial freedom for women breaking away from restrictive traditions and relationships where money is used as a form of control. They explore the intentional ways financial dependence is created and maintained, especially in religious contexts.

• Many women go from parents' homes to married life with no financial experience or autonomy
• Financial manipulation often disguises itself as protection or spiritual guidance
• Staying in the dark about finances doesn't exempt you from legal responsibility
• The importance of having your own bank account, even with minimal funds
• Learning to advocate for yourself when patronized about financial matters
• Religious communities frequently use spiritual language to maintain financial control
• Breaking financial dependency cycles is difficult but leads to greater security
• Resources like financial podcasts, budget tools, and campus resources can help build literacy
• Starting small and learning basic terminology empowers better decision-making
• Taking control of your finances compounds not just money but internal confidence

Send us your questions or share what financial advice you'd give your younger self through the link at the top of our show notes. Our next episode will explore "the secret salary of a stay-at-home parent" and how that factors into women's financial independence.

Links to Resources
@Marriageishappening on the struggle to be heard
Family Budget Tracker Bundle Google Sheets, Expense & Bill Tracker, Debt Payoff Sinking Funds, Paycheck Budget (Etsy)
Financial Feminist Podcast (she has thoughts about Dave Ramsey)
Kathryn Anne Edwards (@Keds_economist)
How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit with All 3 Bureaus

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi tackle the often-taboo subject of financial freedom for women breaking away from restrictive traditions and relationships where money is used as a form of control. They explore the intentional ways financial dependence is created and maintained, especially in religious contexts.

• Many women go from parents' homes to married life with no financial experience or autonomy
• Financial manipulation often disguises itself as protection or spiritual guidance
• Staying in the dark about finances doesn't exempt you from legal responsibility
• The importance of having your own bank account, even with minimal funds
• Learning to advocate for yourself when patronized about financial matters
• Religious communities frequently use spiritual language to maintain financial control
• Breaking financial dependency cycles is difficult but leads to greater security
• Resources like financial podcasts, budget tools, and campus resources can help build literacy
• Starting small and learning basic terminology empowers better decision-making
• Taking control of your finances compounds not just money but internal confidence

Send us your questions or share what financial advice you'd give your younger self through the link at the top of our show notes. Our next episode will explore "the secret salary of a stay-at-home parent" and how that factors into women's financial independence.

Links to Resources
@Marriageishappening on the struggle to be heard
Family Budget Tracker Bundle Google Sheets, Expense & Bill Tracker, Debt Payoff Sinking Funds, Paycheck Budget (Etsy)
Financial Feminist Podcast (she has thoughts about Dave Ramsey)
Kathryn Anne Edwards (@Keds_economist)
How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit with All 3 Bureaus

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16766677 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0500 3377 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, cultrecovery, mothers, divorce, money myths, fear, financial dependence, financial barriers, religion, tradition, social expectations, gender, cycle-breaking, 51 full false 50. Mentorship Over Status: Credentials Aren’t the Prize— Uplifting Others Is (with special guest Rebekah Mui) 50. Mentorship Over Status: Credentials Aren’t the Prize— Uplifting Others Is (with special guest Rebekah Mui) Send us Fan Mail

We're proud to introduce our friend, Rebekah Mui, who has traveled around the world in pursuit of education and more authentic faith expressions. Using her recent Facebook post as a point of departure, we discuss the role of mentorship in academia, the responsibilities of first-gen students to open doors for those who follow, and why deep learning necessarily leads to humility. (Content warning for a few spicy takes!)

• Driving your own car as a metaphor for religious deconstruction
• Discussing the role of mentorship in academia for first-generation students
• Strategies for advocating for oneself in educational settings
• Building meaningful connections and a supportive network
• The impact of cultural background on perspectives and narratives

Thank you for listening! We appreciate your support.


The post that started it all. 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

We're proud to introduce our friend, Rebekah Mui, who has traveled around the world in pursuit of education and more authentic faith expressions. Using her recent Facebook post as a point of departure, we discuss the role of mentorship in academia, the responsibilities of first-gen students to open doors for those who follow, and why deep learning necessarily leads to humility. (Content warning for a few spicy takes!)

• Driving your own car as a metaphor for religious deconstruction
• Discussing the role of mentorship in academia for first-generation students
• Strategies for advocating for oneself in educational settings
• Building meaningful connections and a supportive network
• The impact of cultural background on perspectives and narratives

Thank you for listening! We appreciate your support.


The post that started it all. 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16716529 Sun, 02 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0600 6603 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, academia, education, college, first-gen, communication, self-advocacy, mentors, mentorship, gatekeeping, status, elitism, uplift 50 full true 49. Cheesy Potatoes and Collaboration: Turning Religious Roots into Real-World Impact 49. Cheesy Potatoes and Collaboration: Turning Religious Roots into Real-World Impact Send us Fan Mail

This episode is a call to reframe our past experiences in high-demand religious communities (especially those of Anabaptist origin) as preparation for meaningful action in our world today.  Hosts Naomi and Rebecca explore the significance of core beliefs over outward symbols, advocating for a reclaiming of personal values and the potential for community engagement.

• The incongruity of Christian nationalism and historic Anabaptist beliefs
• Recalling the positive qualities of Plain communities
• How resources from past experiences can be relevant in our lives today
• The tremendous power of nonviolent resistance in social change
• Deploying our communal networks and mutual aid in precarious times
• The significance of empathy and kindness in human connections

Links to Sources and Resources 

 "The Success of Nonviolent Civil Resistance" by Erica Chenoweth 

The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control, Third Edition, by John W. Bowers, Donovan J. Ochs, Richard J. Jensen, David P. Schulz

Chapter 9 The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control: An Interface

The Sword and Trumpet Bookstore

Janna Hunter-Bowman on Anabaptist Nonresistance

Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)

Historical Context of Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)

Danielle Bayard Jackson on building community



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

This episode is a call to reframe our past experiences in high-demand religious communities (especially those of Anabaptist origin) as preparation for meaningful action in our world today.  Hosts Naomi and Rebecca explore the significance of core beliefs over outward symbols, advocating for a reclaiming of personal values and the potential for community engagement.

• The incongruity of Christian nationalism and historic Anabaptist beliefs
• Recalling the positive qualities of Plain communities
• How resources from past experiences can be relevant in our lives today
• The tremendous power of nonviolent resistance in social change
• Deploying our communal networks and mutual aid in precarious times
• The significance of empathy and kindness in human connections

Links to Sources and Resources 

 "The Success of Nonviolent Civil Resistance" by Erica Chenoweth 

The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control, Third Edition, by John W. Bowers, Donovan J. Ochs, Richard J. Jensen, David P. Schulz

Chapter 9 The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control: An Interface

The Sword and Trumpet Bookstore

Janna Hunter-Bowman on Anabaptist Nonresistance

Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)

Historical Context of Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)

Danielle Bayard Jackson on building community



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16628869 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0600 3712 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, patriarchy, feminism, relationships, community service, community engagement, mutual aid, social networks, social justice, volunteering, solidarity, 49 full false 48. From the Martyr's Mirror to Manifest Destiny: Have Anabaptists Kept the Headship Order but Lost the Two Kingdoms? 48. From the Martyr's Mirror to Manifest Destiny: Have Anabaptists Kept the Headship Order but Lost the Two Kingdoms? Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, we explore the shifting beliefs within Anabaptism against the backdrop of growing Christian nationalism. We reflect on our own journeys, the influence of childhood literature, and the need for active compassion towards marginalized communities. 

• The history of the Anabaptist movement and its relevance today 
• Understanding the conflict between Anabaptist principles and contemporary nationalism 
• The role of literature in shaping beliefs and perspectives 
• The importance of addressing injustices faced by immigrants and marginalized groups 

Historical Resources:

 Titles from our childhood:

Recommended Follows:


 

 

 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, we explore the shifting beliefs within Anabaptism against the backdrop of growing Christian nationalism. We reflect on our own journeys, the influence of childhood literature, and the need for active compassion towards marginalized communities. 

• The history of the Anabaptist movement and its relevance today 
• Understanding the conflict between Anabaptist principles and contemporary nationalism 
• The role of literature in shaping beliefs and perspectives 
• The importance of addressing injustices faced by immigrants and marginalized groups 

Historical Resources:

 Titles from our childhood:

Recommended Follows:


 

 

 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16569242 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0600 2331 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, nationalism, Christian nationalism, deconstruction, immigrants, refugees, Two Kingdom Theology, nonviolence, nonresistance, pacifism 48 full false 47. When Passive-Aggressive is Your First Language: Moving on from Manipulation 47. When Passive-Aggressive is Your First Language: Moving on from Manipulation Send us Fan Mail

Join us as we share recent personal wins and take on a listener question about dealing with passive-aggressive communication. We discuss reasons why direct communication can feel so difficult for some of us and how we can learn to do it anyway. As we look back on our own life experiences, we talk about the questions that stumped us and people who inspired us. 

  • What's so toxic about following the rules and trying to meet all the expectations others place on us? Isn't self-sacrifice the ultimate good? 
  • Are passivity and rudeness the only options for speaking our mind? 
  • How is assertiveness different from being bossy or high-maintenance?
  • What if opting out of manipulation games actually makes relationships  worse? 
  • What does it mean when your most earnest attempts at communication keep backfiring?

We don't have all the answers, but we share what we've learned along the way and what we want to leave behind--such as self-sabotaging advice that only serves those who wish to control us. The good news is that each of us have some degree of personal power and a responsibility to use it well.

Resources we mentioned (or should have): 


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Join us as we share recent personal wins and take on a listener question about dealing with passive-aggressive communication. We discuss reasons why direct communication can feel so difficult for some of us and how we can learn to do it anyway. As we look back on our own life experiences, we talk about the questions that stumped us and people who inspired us. 

  • What's so toxic about following the rules and trying to meet all the expectations others place on us? Isn't self-sacrifice the ultimate good? 
  • Are passivity and rudeness the only options for speaking our mind? 
  • How is assertiveness different from being bossy or high-maintenance?
  • What if opting out of manipulation games actually makes relationships  worse? 
  • What does it mean when your most earnest attempts at communication keep backfiring?

We don't have all the answers, but we share what we've learned along the way and what we want to leave behind--such as self-sabotaging advice that only serves those who wish to control us. The good news is that each of us have some degree of personal power and a responsibility to use it well.

Resources we mentioned (or should have): 


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16506785 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0600 5725 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, patriarchy, feminism, mental health, relationships, communication, passive-aggressive, direct communication, assertiveness 47 full false 46. Unpacking Baggage: 6 Truths for Healing Religious Harm 46. Unpacking Baggage: 6 Truths for Healing Religious Harm Send us Fan Mail

What advice would we give our younger, deconstructing selves if we could go back in time a decade or two? Join us, Rebecca and Naomi, as we reflect on the process of discovering ourselves beyond the confines of a prescribed religious identity. Inspired by an Instagram post by religious harm recovery coaches Cara and Rachael, we share six transformative insights that anyone redefining their identity might find helpful. From embracing emotions like anger as a powerful healing force to challenging the narrative that women must maintain relationships at any cost, we explore how letting go of guilt and shame can reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us. In the process, we found that embracing the reality of our humanity and accepting that mistakes are unavoidable didn't destroy our lives as we'd been warned, but instead opened a path to authenticity and meaningful relationships.

Cara and Rachael, Religious Harm Recovery Coaches
IG: @happywholeway

Resources we should have mentioned:
The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

What advice would we give our younger, deconstructing selves if we could go back in time a decade or two? Join us, Rebecca and Naomi, as we reflect on the process of discovering ourselves beyond the confines of a prescribed religious identity. Inspired by an Instagram post by religious harm recovery coaches Cara and Rachael, we share six transformative insights that anyone redefining their identity might find helpful. From embracing emotions like anger as a powerful healing force to challenging the narrative that women must maintain relationships at any cost, we explore how letting go of guilt and shame can reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us. In the process, we found that embracing the reality of our humanity and accepting that mistakes are unavoidable didn't destroy our lives as we'd been warned, but instead opened a path to authenticity and meaningful relationships.

Cara and Rachael, Religious Harm Recovery Coaches
IG: @happywholeway

Resources we should have mentioned:
The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16426163 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:00:00 -0600 3436 religious trauma, religious harm, identity, high demand religion, deconstruction, fundamentalism, ex-vangelical, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, sexuality, patriarchy, feminism 46 full false 45. Christmas Dreams vs. Reality: Embracing the Holiday We Actually Got 45. Christmas Dreams vs. Reality: Embracing the Holiday We Actually Got Send us Fan Mail

We, Rebecca and Naomi, sit down to recap our holidays and reflect on the ways traditions and expectations have evolved over the years. Somewhere between the low-frills Christmas traditions of our background and the extravagant expectations of Pinterest and Instagram today, can we make meaningful memories without sacrificing Mom's sanity in the process? Is it better to sacrifice spontaneity to get the precise gift we want or is it worth the risk to trust that our oved ones have been attentive to our likes and dislikes? And who is supposed to fill the adults' stockings, anyway? 

We also celebrate the beginning of Rebecca's last semester of college and the dogged determination that has brought her so far. Naomi recalls her advice to her college-bound daughter about handling the pressure to choose the "right" college and how to respond to the never-ending question about what her major is going to be (when the decision is still years away).

Links mentioned in the show:
Jews for Jesus, for Just One Day (This American Life podcast)
The Secret to Gift-Giving (Hidden Brain podcast)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

We, Rebecca and Naomi, sit down to recap our holidays and reflect on the ways traditions and expectations have evolved over the years. Somewhere between the low-frills Christmas traditions of our background and the extravagant expectations of Pinterest and Instagram today, can we make meaningful memories without sacrificing Mom's sanity in the process? Is it better to sacrifice spontaneity to get the precise gift we want or is it worth the risk to trust that our oved ones have been attentive to our likes and dislikes? And who is supposed to fill the adults' stockings, anyway? 

We also celebrate the beginning of Rebecca's last semester of college and the dogged determination that has brought her so far. Naomi recalls her advice to her college-bound daughter about handling the pressure to choose the "right" college and how to respond to the never-ending question about what her major is going to be (when the decision is still years away).

Links mentioned in the show:
Jews for Jesus, for Just One Day (This American Life podcast)
The Secret to Gift-Giving (Hidden Brain podcast)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16400399 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0600 3788 Family holidays, holiday traditions, Christmas, midlife moms, education, nontraditional students, first gen students, college, university 45 full false 44. Beyond the Block: Overcoming Creative Barriers 44. Beyond the Block: Overcoming Creative Barriers Send us Fan Mail

Last week we teased a book review for this episode, but--plot twist! We decided Julia Cameron's classic book, The Artist's Way deserves much more time than one episode. Instead, today we're discussing external and internal reasons we might doubt our creative abilities. 

First, though, we catch up on each other's lives and congratulate Margaret Schrock on her recent publication, a natural prelude to our topic today! We begin by discussing some of the cultural and social messages many of us have received (especially in conservative religious communities) that tend to devalue artistic self-expression. It's not that we as individuals aren't creative, but that our creative interests are often directly or indirectly stifled, making it very difficult for us to strengthen our creative "muscle."

Over time, these external messages become internalized and continue to block our creativity even if we've consciously moved on to spaces that are more friendly to self-expression. We talk about the need to find and create communities that greet "baby steps" with cheers rather than criticism. Emotionally safe spaces like these help free us from thinking of art as a performance done for the approval of others. Rather, art becomes a way to explore, try something new, take artistic risks, and even fail just for the experience itself and what it can teach us about ourselves.

Do you have a community of creative support like this? Do you wish you had one? We've got great news for you! Listen to the end to hear all about what we have planned for the New Year. We hope you'll send us a text via the link above telling us you're interested and providing your email so we can keep you in the loop as our plans develop.

Show Notes
I'm So Glad You Left Me: 88 Stories of Courage, Self-Love and Personal Growth
The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Last week we teased a book review for this episode, but--plot twist! We decided Julia Cameron's classic book, The Artist's Way deserves much more time than one episode. Instead, today we're discussing external and internal reasons we might doubt our creative abilities. 

First, though, we catch up on each other's lives and congratulate Margaret Schrock on her recent publication, a natural prelude to our topic today! We begin by discussing some of the cultural and social messages many of us have received (especially in conservative religious communities) that tend to devalue artistic self-expression. It's not that we as individuals aren't creative, but that our creative interests are often directly or indirectly stifled, making it very difficult for us to strengthen our creative "muscle."

Over time, these external messages become internalized and continue to block our creativity even if we've consciously moved on to spaces that are more friendly to self-expression. We talk about the need to find and create communities that greet "baby steps" with cheers rather than criticism. Emotionally safe spaces like these help free us from thinking of art as a performance done for the approval of others. Rather, art becomes a way to explore, try something new, take artistic risks, and even fail just for the experience itself and what it can teach us about ourselves.

Do you have a community of creative support like this? Do you wish you had one? We've got great news for you! Listen to the end to hear all about what we have planned for the New Year. We hope you'll send us a text via the link above telling us you're interested and providing your email so we can keep you in the loop as our plans develop.

Show Notes
I'm So Glad You Left Me: 88 Stories of Courage, Self-Love and Personal Growth
The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16079283 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600 3482 creativity, creative, art, artist, self-expression, deconstruction, Amish, Mennonite, ex-Amish, ex-Mennonite, exvangelical, writing, writer, JuliaCameron, theartistsway, women writers, 44 full false 43. Professors & Propaganda: Debunking the Drama in God’s Not Dead 43. Professors & Propaganda: Debunking the Drama in God’s Not Dead Send us Fan Mail

If you've had any exposure at all to evangelical cinema over the past decade, it's almost certain that you're familiar with the film God's Not Dead and maybe even the sequels it has spawned.  Recently we (Naomi and Rebecca) watched it for the first time. Unsurprisingly, we have thoughts which we share in this episode.

First of all, we are very curious about the fever dream that must have inspired the antagonistic atheist professor's character; in all our years on college campuses, we've seen--and heard of--nothing remotely like the events that transpire in his classroom. From implausible story lines and cartoonish villains to racist depictions of non-white characters, it's a pastiche of what some conservative Christian filmmaker imagined is the social martyrdom any "true Christian" faces in higher education.

Unlike the fantastical two-dimensional characters in this film, we discuss the range of personalities and beliefs we've found in both college campuses and church communities. Ultimately, we conclude that the film reflects precious little about the realities of American college classrooms while unintentionally telling us much more about the dogmatism of the filmmakers.

Links to Sources and Resources

God's Not Dead (2014) - IMDb

God’s Not Dead: A Brief Review and Analysis

Did an Atheist Professor Test God by Dropping a Breakable Object? | Snopes.com

The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

If you've had any exposure at all to evangelical cinema over the past decade, it's almost certain that you're familiar with the film God's Not Dead and maybe even the sequels it has spawned.  Recently we (Naomi and Rebecca) watched it for the first time. Unsurprisingly, we have thoughts which we share in this episode.

First of all, we are very curious about the fever dream that must have inspired the antagonistic atheist professor's character; in all our years on college campuses, we've seen--and heard of--nothing remotely like the events that transpire in his classroom. From implausible story lines and cartoonish villains to racist depictions of non-white characters, it's a pastiche of what some conservative Christian filmmaker imagined is the social martyrdom any "true Christian" faces in higher education.

Unlike the fantastical two-dimensional characters in this film, we discuss the range of personalities and beliefs we've found in both college campuses and church communities. Ultimately, we conclude that the film reflects precious little about the realities of American college classrooms while unintentionally telling us much more about the dogmatism of the filmmakers.

Links to Sources and Resources

God's Not Dead (2014) - IMDb

God’s Not Dead: A Brief Review and Analysis

Did an Atheist Professor Test God by Dropping a Breakable Object? | Snopes.com

The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-16040428 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0600 4299 godsnotdeadfilm, godsnotdead, deconstruction, religion, faith, movie, review, education, college, university, atheism, martyrdom, 43 full false 42. Daring to Seek Safety for Our Daughters 42. Daring to Seek Safety for Our Daughters Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we discuss the recently release documentary, For Our Daughters, based on a chapter of Kristin Kobes Du Mez' bestselling book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. This relatively short documentary exposes toxic power dynamics with the Southern Baptist Convention among other religious institutions where victims are often shamed while predators are protected. We reflect on the predictable patterns that often accompany systemic abuse within institutions and the devastating effects of these conditions on those who are harmed by them as well as those deconstructing them. We question the protective mechanisms that shield abusers and the societal norms that keep victims silent.

In light of the historical dangers of melding religious and political power, we challenge those who identify with the Anabaptist tradition to lead the way in cautioning the broader American church from seeking political power at the expense of spiritual integrity.

We conclude with a brief non-partisan public service announcement about voting in the upcoming election and where to find accurate polling information in your local community.

Links and Resources

For Our Daughters (YouTube)

Resources and Discussion Guide: https://www.forourdaughtersfilm.com/

Distinctive Features of the "Radical" Anabaptist Tradition

Elections and Voting Information

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we discuss the recently release documentary, For Our Daughters, based on a chapter of Kristin Kobes Du Mez' bestselling book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. This relatively short documentary exposes toxic power dynamics with the Southern Baptist Convention among other religious institutions where victims are often shamed while predators are protected. We reflect on the predictable patterns that often accompany systemic abuse within institutions and the devastating effects of these conditions on those who are harmed by them as well as those deconstructing them. We question the protective mechanisms that shield abusers and the societal norms that keep victims silent.

In light of the historical dangers of melding religious and political power, we challenge those who identify with the Anabaptist tradition to lead the way in cautioning the broader American church from seeking political power at the expense of spiritual integrity.

We conclude with a brief non-partisan public service announcement about voting in the upcoming election and where to find accurate polling information in your local community.

Links and Resources

For Our Daughters (YouTube)

Resources and Discussion Guide: https://www.forourdaughtersfilm.com/

Distinctive Features of the "Radical" Anabaptist Tradition

Elections and Voting Information

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15964423 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0500 2963 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, sexuality, patriarchy, feminism, ForOurDaughters, documentary, review, KristinKobesDuMez, Southern Baptist, SBC, spiritual abuse, spiritual trauma, politics, religion, el 42 full false 41. Forgive, Fight, or Flee: Unpacking Women Talking 41. Forgive, Fight, or Flee: Unpacking Women Talking Send us Fan Mail

What happens when women in a tightly-knit religious community decide they've had enough? It's a scenario rarely considered. Join us as we reflect on the gut-wrenching film directed by Sarah Polley and based on the novel by Miriam Toews.

While the film and novel take a real-life tragedy as their starting points, neither attempts to retell actual events. Instead, they invite us to imagine what might be possible if women owned their collective power, gave voice to their deepest sorrows and dreams, and embraced their faith to leave all they have known behind.

It wasn't just the familiarity of cape dresses and head coverings that resonated with us, but we were gripped by the narrative unfolding on the screen that dared to imagine an entirely different outcome than what is typical in most communities that turn a blind eye to assault and systemic abuse. Sequestered in a hay loft, these fictional women contemplate the violence of forced forgiveness and the restoration that is only possible with distance. In this imagined world, we see an example of how women everywhere might radically accept an unacceptable situation, find healing in mutual accountability, and prioritize the welfare of their loved ones over the egos of complicit men.

Links

Women Talking (IMDB)

Women Talking by Miriam Towes

The Ghost Rapes of Bolivia (Vice)

Why I Want Viewers to Know about the Story Behind Women Talking (TIME)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

What happens when women in a tightly-knit religious community decide they've had enough? It's a scenario rarely considered. Join us as we reflect on the gut-wrenching film directed by Sarah Polley and based on the novel by Miriam Toews.

While the film and novel take a real-life tragedy as their starting points, neither attempts to retell actual events. Instead, they invite us to imagine what might be possible if women owned their collective power, gave voice to their deepest sorrows and dreams, and embraced their faith to leave all they have known behind.

It wasn't just the familiarity of cape dresses and head coverings that resonated with us, but we were gripped by the narrative unfolding on the screen that dared to imagine an entirely different outcome than what is typical in most communities that turn a blind eye to assault and systemic abuse. Sequestered in a hay loft, these fictional women contemplate the violence of forced forgiveness and the restoration that is only possible with distance. In this imagined world, we see an example of how women everywhere might radically accept an unacceptable situation, find healing in mutual accountability, and prioritize the welfare of their loved ones over the egos of complicit men.

Links

Women Talking (IMDB)

Women Talking by Miriam Towes

The Ghost Rapes of Bolivia (Vice)

Why I Want Viewers to Know about the Story Behind Women Talking (TIME)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15730886 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0500 3606 womentalking, MiriamTowes, Mennonite, women, highdemandreligion, educational neglect, abuse, trauma, healing, recovery, escape, gender, sexism, assault, 41 full false 40. Beyond the Brochure: What First-Gens Need to Know about Grad School 40. Beyond the Brochure: What First-Gens Need to Know about Grad School Send us Fan Mail

How did Naomi stumble into one of the most defining experiences of her life? In this episode Rebecca gets the scoop on Naomi's (scenic) route to grad school as well as the good, the bad, and the unexpected that happened along the way. They discuss Naomi's inner struggles over combining motherhood and grad school, the impact on her children, as well as the activism she found at this intersection in her life.

Along the way, Naomi explains some of the distinguishing features of advanced degrees such as time to degree, how students are typically funded, when prestige matters (and when it doesn't), and a host of other important things to consider when deciding which program is right for you--or whether the reality of grad school will be worth the benefits.

As Naomi discovered, success in graduate school involves much more than just good grades and perfect attendance. Navigating the politics of graduate school can be as complex as the coursework itself. As for any institution, universities are minefields of gender dynamics, academic hierarchies, and unspoken rules. With personal anecdotes, she reveals the importance of networking, the ups and downs of "passing," and, ultimately, her reflection on where her seven years of grad school have ultimately brought her.

Links we mentioned in the show (or should have):
Graduate Study for the Twenty-First Century: How to Build an Academic Career in the Humanities (G. Semenza)

The Professor Is In (Karen Kelsky)
Academia is a Cult (TEDx Talk by Karen Kelsky)

Outline of Academic Disciplines (Wikipedia)

Dear Committee Members (Julie Schumacher)
The Shakespeare Requirement (Julie Schumacher)

PhD Comics 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

How did Naomi stumble into one of the most defining experiences of her life? In this episode Rebecca gets the scoop on Naomi's (scenic) route to grad school as well as the good, the bad, and the unexpected that happened along the way. They discuss Naomi's inner struggles over combining motherhood and grad school, the impact on her children, as well as the activism she found at this intersection in her life.

Along the way, Naomi explains some of the distinguishing features of advanced degrees such as time to degree, how students are typically funded, when prestige matters (and when it doesn't), and a host of other important things to consider when deciding which program is right for you--or whether the reality of grad school will be worth the benefits.

As Naomi discovered, success in graduate school involves much more than just good grades and perfect attendance. Navigating the politics of graduate school can be as complex as the coursework itself. As for any institution, universities are minefields of gender dynamics, academic hierarchies, and unspoken rules. With personal anecdotes, she reveals the importance of networking, the ups and downs of "passing," and, ultimately, her reflection on where her seven years of grad school have ultimately brought her.

Links we mentioned in the show (or should have):
Graduate Study for the Twenty-First Century: How to Build an Academic Career in the Humanities (G. Semenza)

The Professor Is In (Karen Kelsky)
Academia is a Cult (TEDx Talk by Karen Kelsky)

Outline of Academic Disciplines (Wikipedia)

Dear Committee Members (Julie Schumacher)
The Shakespeare Requirement (Julie Schumacher)

PhD Comics 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15677809 Sun, 01 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0500 3908 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, graduatestudy, graduateschool, career, vocationaldiscernment 40 full false 39. Caregiving and College: How one Midlife Mom Manages 39. Caregiving and College: How one Midlife Mom Manages Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder how midlife moms juggle college, caregiving, and running a business? Today Rebecca walks us through the ways that she has combined her college career with all her other responsibilities. She gives us a glimpse into typical features of her daily life, describing the ways her days have changed over the past decade of her long, determined march to graduation. We find out how she motivated her teens to take responsibility around the house and how she explained a pile of dirty tissues to her daughter on a particularly rough day. 

Rebecca describes how her classes have changed since the pandemic and her complicated feelings about online courses. Along the way she offers practical tips that anyone can use to help manage the chaos of adulting and keeping everyone fed. We also find out which hallowed family tradition she dropped, and why she feels no guilt for doing so.  Her advice for her younger self changes depends on the realities of different life stages, but always includes grace for doing the best she could at the time. Ultimately, letting go of the need for external validation or others' permission to pursue life goals is the first step toward reaching them.

And you'll never guess what Amish tradition Rebecca's twins insisted on taking with them to college. Here's a hit: you can't really enjoy potpie or yumazetti without it! (IYKYK)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder how midlife moms juggle college, caregiving, and running a business? Today Rebecca walks us through the ways that she has combined her college career with all her other responsibilities. She gives us a glimpse into typical features of her daily life, describing the ways her days have changed over the past decade of her long, determined march to graduation. We find out how she motivated her teens to take responsibility around the house and how she explained a pile of dirty tissues to her daughter on a particularly rough day. 

Rebecca describes how her classes have changed since the pandemic and her complicated feelings about online courses. Along the way she offers practical tips that anyone can use to help manage the chaos of adulting and keeping everyone fed. We also find out which hallowed family tradition she dropped, and why she feels no guilt for doing so.  Her advice for her younger self changes depends on the realities of different life stages, but always includes grace for doing the best she could at the time. Ultimately, letting go of the need for external validation or others' permission to pursue life goals is the first step toward reaching them.

And you'll never guess what Amish tradition Rebecca's twins insisted on taking with them to college. Here's a hit: you can't really enjoy potpie or yumazetti without it! (IYKYK)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15642868 Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0500 3134 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, educationalneglect, collegelife, university, education, caregiving, homework, homemanagement, parenting, moms 39 full false 38. Book Review: Tia Levings' A Well-Trained Wife...or Widget? (Part 2) 38. Book Review: Tia Levings' A Well-Trained Wife...or Widget? (Part 2) Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered what it's like to break free from a high-control environment? Join us as we celebrate Tia Leving's incredible achievement—her book "A Well-Trained Wife" has skyrocketed to the New York Times bestseller list.

We share stories from our own past about compassionate bystanders who made a big difference and offer practical suggestions for ways to meaningfully support those in a major life transition or in a crisis situation.

We also talk about the complex emotions of loss and new beginnings when cherished dreams crumble into dust. We reflect on the inevitable grief of unmet expectations and the magic of learning to hold mystery, uncertainty, and two competing truths at once.

Finally, we touch on the unexpected influence of evangelical fundamentalism and Calvinism on contemporary Anabaptist communities, scratching our heads at the seeming contradictions and unlikely resonances between these religious traditions given  their vociferous theological differences in past centuries.

Show Notes:
A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings

Ep. 37 - Part 1 of our discussion about A Well-Trained Wife 

Rebecca's Post: Stepping off the Tightrope: A Journey of Faith, Struggle, and Redemption
 
Naomi’s Post: Unveiling the Unseen: Navigating Obstacles and Opportunities on the Way to College

Jana Duggar…A Mennonite? Christian Nationalism among the Evangelicalized Mennonites by Rebekah Mui

Straight White American Jesus podcast by Brad Onishi and Dan Miller

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered what it's like to break free from a high-control environment? Join us as we celebrate Tia Leving's incredible achievement—her book "A Well-Trained Wife" has skyrocketed to the New York Times bestseller list.

We share stories from our own past about compassionate bystanders who made a big difference and offer practical suggestions for ways to meaningfully support those in a major life transition or in a crisis situation.

We also talk about the complex emotions of loss and new beginnings when cherished dreams crumble into dust. We reflect on the inevitable grief of unmet expectations and the magic of learning to hold mystery, uncertainty, and two competing truths at once.

Finally, we touch on the unexpected influence of evangelical fundamentalism and Calvinism on contemporary Anabaptist communities, scratching our heads at the seeming contradictions and unlikely resonances between these religious traditions given  their vociferous theological differences in past centuries.

Show Notes:
A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings

Ep. 37 - Part 1 of our discussion about A Well-Trained Wife 

Rebecca's Post: Stepping off the Tightrope: A Journey of Faith, Struggle, and Redemption
 
Naomi’s Post: Unveiling the Unseen: Navigating Obstacles and Opportunities on the Way to College

Jana Duggar…A Mennonite? Christian Nationalism among the Evangelicalized Mennonites by Rebekah Mui

Straight White American Jesus podcast by Brad Onishi and Dan Miller

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15602693 Sun, 18 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0500 3961 TiaLevingsWriter, deconstruction, religioustrauma, fundamentalism, WellTrainedWife, domesticviolence, Anabaptists, 38 full false 37. Book Review: Tia Levings' A Well-Trained Wife...or Widget? (Part 1) 37. Book Review: Tia Levings' A Well-Trained Wife...or Widget? (Part 1) Send us Fan Mail

What if the very teachings that promise to bring you love and belong are the same ones that will put you in the greatest dangers? Join us as we explore Tia Leving's phenomenal book, "Well-Trained Wife," and the many parts that resonate with us. We discuss the tight grip of rigid faith traditions and societal expectations, and how liberating it can be to seize control of our own destinies. From personal anecdotes to reflections on our younger selves, this episode is packed with heartfelt dialogue about breaking free and growing stronger, with a gentle reminder to brace for heavy content around various forms of abuse.

Show Notes

A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings

PODCAST: The Problems with The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace (Bare Marriage)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

What if the very teachings that promise to bring you love and belong are the same ones that will put you in the greatest dangers? Join us as we explore Tia Leving's phenomenal book, "Well-Trained Wife," and the many parts that resonate with us. We discuss the tight grip of rigid faith traditions and societal expectations, and how liberating it can be to seize control of our own destinies. From personal anecdotes to reflections on our younger selves, this episode is packed with heartfelt dialogue about breaking free and growing stronger, with a gentle reminder to brace for heavy content around various forms of abuse.

Show Notes

A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings

PODCAST: The Problems with The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace (Bare Marriage)

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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15582808 Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0500 3248 TiaLevingsWriter, deconstruction, religioustrauma, fundamentalism, WellTrainedWife, domesticviolence, 37 full false 36. Set up to Fail: Patriarchy's Femininity Trap 36. Set up to Fail: Patriarchy's Femininity Trap Send us Fan Mail

Are women guilty of manipulation and passive-aggressive tendencies? Sure! However, we are here to point out that these tactics are used across the board by women AND men. Moreover, we can't ignore the unfortunate reality that many of us were trained as young children to avoid more direct ways of communicating, so manipulation is often the only tool available to us to get our needs met.

In this episode, we talk about the role of authoritarian religious parenting in conditioning us to use manipulation to get our needs met, the social pressures that further promote manipulation, and the projection that often lurks behind accusations of manipulation. Rather than buying into notions of women as the "weaker sex" and thus more prone to "emotional irrationality," we uncover the power struggle behind these deep-seated sexist ideas to show how they trap women (and men!) in dysfunctional and dissatisfying relationships. We also suggest more healthy alternatives that offer liberation to ourselves and our loved ones.

Relevant Articles and Resources: 

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Are women guilty of manipulation and passive-aggressive tendencies? Sure! However, we are here to point out that these tactics are used across the board by women AND men. Moreover, we can't ignore the unfortunate reality that many of us were trained as young children to avoid more direct ways of communicating, so manipulation is often the only tool available to us to get our needs met.

In this episode, we talk about the role of authoritarian religious parenting in conditioning us to use manipulation to get our needs met, the social pressures that further promote manipulation, and the projection that often lurks behind accusations of manipulation. Rather than buying into notions of women as the "weaker sex" and thus more prone to "emotional irrationality," we uncover the power struggle behind these deep-seated sexist ideas to show how they trap women (and men!) in dysfunctional and dissatisfying relationships. We also suggest more healthy alternatives that offer liberation to ourselves and our loved ones.

Relevant Articles and Resources: 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15520612 Sun, 04 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3416 patriarchy, femininity, feminism, gender roles, manipulation, power struggles, relationships, deconstruction, projection, social conditioning, internalized sexism, phobia indoctrination, masculinity, dysfunction 36 full false 35. 15 Summer Hacks to Rock the School Year Before it Starts 35. 15 Summer Hacks to Rock the School Year Before it Starts Send us Fan Mail

What if the best way to get ready for fall is to rest this summer? In this episode we challenge common expectations about productivity and laziness, making the case that rest is not a luxury but is foundational for being the happy, relaxed parent our children need. 

We're sharing 15 ways we're making the most of summer's remaining weeks. Instead of working harder, we're trying to work softer, to focus on what really matters, and soak up some low-brow fiction and TV. We discuss practical ways to prepare for the onslaught of school forms and artwork that will soon be pouring in and share our best tips for making housework and meal prep easier come fall. Stay to the end to find out what Rebecca means when she recommends ordering pizza on your time too. Please join us!

Resources

Excerpt from Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

Mom Stays in the Picture by Allison Tate

The Durrells in Corfu | Prime Video

Happy Valley | Prime Video

Last Tango in Halifax | Netflix

Ted Lasso - IMDb

Good Witch - IMDb

Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

The Best Paper Clutter Solution I've Ever Tried! - Dana K. White

Cozi Family Organizer App

@fayette_nyehn | Linktree

Stay Fit Mom

How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis or listen to an interview with the author

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi

Christine Koh’s list of 100 Life Skills 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

What if the best way to get ready for fall is to rest this summer? In this episode we challenge common expectations about productivity and laziness, making the case that rest is not a luxury but is foundational for being the happy, relaxed parent our children need. 

We're sharing 15 ways we're making the most of summer's remaining weeks. Instead of working harder, we're trying to work softer, to focus on what really matters, and soak up some low-brow fiction and TV. We discuss practical ways to prepare for the onslaught of school forms and artwork that will soon be pouring in and share our best tips for making housework and meal prep easier come fall. Stay to the end to find out what Rebecca means when she recommends ordering pizza on your time too. Please join us!

Resources

Excerpt from Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

Mom Stays in the Picture by Allison Tate

The Durrells in Corfu | Prime Video

Happy Valley | Prime Video

Last Tango in Halifax | Netflix

Ted Lasso - IMDb

Good Witch - IMDb

Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

The Best Paper Clutter Solution I've Ever Tried! - Dana K. White

Cozi Family Organizer App

@fayette_nyehn | Linktree

Stay Fit Mom

How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis or listen to an interview with the author

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi

Christine Koh’s list of 100 Life Skills 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15437934 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3788 midlifemoms, parenting, homelife, workingmoms, lifehacks, backtoschool, mealprep, rest, relaxation, decluttering, simplify 35 full false 34. From Judgement to Joy: Navigating Divorce in Conservative Communities (Part 2) 34. From Judgement to Joy: Navigating Divorce in Conservative Communities (Part 2) Send us Fan Mail

This is a continuation of the previous episode where we pull back the curtain on Naomi's divorce journey and her perspective six years later. We address systemic issues that often leave women feeling trapped--issues such as financial dependency, lack of education, and inadequate support from family and faith communities. We also discuss the benefits of no-fault divorce laws, which have been proven to reduce female suicides and domestic violence. The evidence makes a compelling case for seeing divorce not as a failure but as a path to empowerment and healthier, more authentic relationships.


Resources 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

This is a continuation of the previous episode where we pull back the curtain on Naomi's divorce journey and her perspective six years later. We address systemic issues that often leave women feeling trapped--issues such as financial dependency, lack of education, and inadequate support from family and faith communities. We also discuss the benefits of no-fault divorce laws, which have been proven to reduce female suicides and domestic violence. The evidence makes a compelling case for seeing divorce not as a failure but as a path to empowerment and healthier, more authentic relationships.


Resources 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15437790 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3767 Divorce, no-faultdivorce, domesticviolence, women, parenting, families, project2025, gender, liberation, deconstruction, ex-amish, ex-mennonite 34 full false 33. From Judgment to Joy: Navigating Divorce in Conservative Communities (Part 1) 33. From Judgment to Joy: Navigating Divorce in Conservative Communities (Part 1) Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we pull back the curtain on Naomi's divorce journey and her perspective six years later. We address systemic issues that often leave women feeling trapped--issues such as financial dependency, lack of education, and inadequate support from family and faith communities. We also discuss the benefits of no-fault divorce laws, which have been proven to reduce female suicides and domestic violence. The evidence makes a compelling case for seeing divorce not as a failure but as a path to empowerment and healthier, more authentic relationships.

Tune in next week for the second installment of this hope-filled conversation. 

Resources 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we pull back the curtain on Naomi's divorce journey and her perspective six years later. We address systemic issues that often leave women feeling trapped--issues such as financial dependency, lack of education, and inadequate support from family and faith communities. We also discuss the benefits of no-fault divorce laws, which have been proven to reduce female suicides and domestic violence. The evidence makes a compelling case for seeing divorce not as a failure but as a path to empowerment and healthier, more authentic relationships.

Tune in next week for the second installment of this hope-filled conversation. 

Resources 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15404874 Sun, 14 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0500 2774 Divorce, no-fault divorce, domestic violence, women, parenting, families, project2025, gender, liberation, deconstruction, ex-amish, ex-mennonite 33 full false 32. 10 Things Saving our Summer: Finding Joy in the Chaos 32. 10 Things Saving our Summer: Finding Joy in the Chaos Send us Fan Mail

In the mood for a deep, serious discussion? Then keep right on scrolling because this is NOT the episode for you. We're here to talk about the overwhelm that comes with summer's chaos--the kind of overwhelm that makes even picking out a watermelon feel like too much. Join us for a feel-good conversation that celebrates the small joys and the strong connections that make life beautiful. Expect to laugh, nod in agreement, and perhaps feel a little less alone in the daily juggle.

Links for Rebecca’s List


Links for Naomi’s List

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

In the mood for a deep, serious discussion? Then keep right on scrolling because this is NOT the episode for you. We're here to talk about the overwhelm that comes with summer's chaos--the kind of overwhelm that makes even picking out a watermelon feel like too much. Join us for a feel-good conversation that celebrates the small joys and the strong connections that make life beautiful. Expect to laugh, nod in agreement, and perhaps feel a little less alone in the daily juggle.

Links for Rebecca’s List


Links for Naomi’s List

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15382658 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0500 2447 summersurvival, parenting, mental health, gardening, thrifting, bargain hunting, frugal living, coffee, midlife 32 full false 31. From Quilts to Inquiry: Reflections on the Amish Heritage Scholars Symposium 31. From Quilts to Inquiry: Reflections on the Amish Heritage Scholars Symposium Send us Fan Mail

This week we start out with an update on Naomi's recent health adventures and then turn our attention to recapping the first weekend in June when we attended a Symposium on How Our Amish Heritage Influences Our Education and Career at Elizabethtown College.

It all started with a very social Costco run to kick off our girls' weekend with all the necessary supplies (cheesecake, almonds, and salsa, FTW). Next, we reflect on the Symposium and themes that emerged over the course of the day. Specifically, there was a consensus on what didn't matter nearly as much as we'd feared (being smart enough) and what did matter (moral support and resources). Surprising challenges included things like the difficulty of finding new social circles and the loneliness of having no one to understand or celebrate your academic successes with you.

Finally, we look ahead to possible future Symposia (join us!) and wonder about the need for a memoir writing workshop/group/retreat of some kind. And if you listen to the end, you'll learn how to enter to win a copy of Lizzie Hershberger's memoir, Behind Blue Curtains!

Links to all the things we mentioned (or should have):

Sonder: The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one's own, which they are constantly living despite one's personal lack of awareness of it (Wiktionary) 

A City at Work: 1912 and 2012, specifically Mercy Hospital Operating Room: 1912 vs. 2012

A Heart for Truth (Cousin Erma’s podcast)

How Our Amish Heritage Influences Our Education and Career: A Symposium (event recap on Saloma Furlong’s blog) 

Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College

Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund (Naomi Kramer Yoder and Emma Miller)

Lizzie Hershberger, author of Behind Blue Curtains: A True Crime Memoir of an Amish Woman's Survival, Escape, and Pursuit of Justice



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

This week we start out with an update on Naomi's recent health adventures and then turn our attention to recapping the first weekend in June when we attended a Symposium on How Our Amish Heritage Influences Our Education and Career at Elizabethtown College.

It all started with a very social Costco run to kick off our girls' weekend with all the necessary supplies (cheesecake, almonds, and salsa, FTW). Next, we reflect on the Symposium and themes that emerged over the course of the day. Specifically, there was a consensus on what didn't matter nearly as much as we'd feared (being smart enough) and what did matter (moral support and resources). Surprising challenges included things like the difficulty of finding new social circles and the loneliness of having no one to understand or celebrate your academic successes with you.

Finally, we look ahead to possible future Symposia (join us!) and wonder about the need for a memoir writing workshop/group/retreat of some kind. And if you listen to the end, you'll learn how to enter to win a copy of Lizzie Hershberger's memoir, Behind Blue Curtains!

Links to all the things we mentioned (or should have):

Sonder: The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one's own, which they are constantly living despite one's personal lack of awareness of it (Wiktionary) 

A City at Work: 1912 and 2012, specifically Mercy Hospital Operating Room: 1912 vs. 2012

A Heart for Truth (Cousin Erma’s podcast)

How Our Amish Heritage Influences Our Education and Career: A Symposium (event recap on Saloma Furlong’s blog) 

Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College

Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund (Naomi Kramer Yoder and Emma Miller)

Lizzie Hershberger, author of Behind Blue Curtains: A True Crime Memoir of an Amish Woman's Survival, Escape, and Pursuit of Justice



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15333131 Sun, 30 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3290 Amish, Mennonite, ex-Amish, ex-Mennonite, education, college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, high-demand religion, memoir, cultrecovery, 31 full false 30. Rereading The Pineapple Story 30. Rereading The Pineapple Story Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever reread a cherished story from childhood only to find your sense of nostalgia replaced by cringe?  In this episode, we reflect on The Pineapple Story, a seemingly innocent book that, for us, represents a mashup of influences that colored our upbringing and sense of the world.

The Pineapple Story is just one example of a missionary story that at first glance may seem to be an inspirational story of faith and personal growth, but when examined more closely, reveals a colonialist, xenophobic mindset and political agenda. We use  research and analytical tools learned in college to question its assumptions and challenge its narratives.

Links we (should have) mentioned: 


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever reread a cherished story from childhood only to find your sense of nostalgia replaced by cringe?  In this episode, we reflect on The Pineapple Story, a seemingly innocent book that, for us, represents a mashup of influences that colored our upbringing and sense of the world.

The Pineapple Story is just one example of a missionary story that at first glance may seem to be an inspirational story of faith and personal growth, but when examined more closely, reveals a colonialist, xenophobic mindset and political agenda. We use  research and analytical tools learned in college to question its assumptions and challenge its narratives.

Links we (should have) mentioned: 


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15290520 Sun, 23 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3394 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, missions, colonialism, cultural imperialism, capitalism, papua, western new guinea, IBLP, The Pineapple Story, 30 full false 29. Who is Smart Enough for College? 29. Who is Smart Enough for College? Send us Fan Mail

Have you missed us? We’ve missed you! This episode was recorded in mid-May 2024 but not released until  mid-June because of some health issues that threw a wrench in our production plans. We're happy to report that all is well and we're back in action. 

-------
Many of us who are the first in our families to go to college might be held back by the worry that we aren’t smart enough for college. If that’s true for you, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we share our short quiz that will help put that question to rest once and for all. 

We also suggest more useful questions to ask when considering college and wondering how it might fit into a life that already has a full plate of responsibilities. We conclude that when a strong work ethic and a positive attitude aren’t enough to help us reach big life goals,  radical acceptance can often open our eyes to new strategies for overcoming obstacles in life. 

Tune in for a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement aimed at anyone navigating the barriers to higher education.



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Have you missed us? We’ve missed you! This episode was recorded in mid-May 2024 but not released until  mid-June because of some health issues that threw a wrench in our production plans. We're happy to report that all is well and we're back in action. 

-------
Many of us who are the first in our families to go to college might be held back by the worry that we aren’t smart enough for college. If that’s true for you, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we share our short quiz that will help put that question to rest once and for all. 

We also suggest more useful questions to ask when considering college and wondering how it might fit into a life that already has a full plate of responsibilities. We conclude that when a strong work ethic and a positive attitude aren’t enough to help us reach big life goals,  radical acceptance can often open our eyes to new strategies for overcoming obstacles in life. 

Tune in for a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement aimed at anyone navigating the barriers to higher education.



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15270939 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500 2342 college, education, intelligence, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, self-doubt, ex-Amish, ex-Mennonite 29 full false 28. All Talk: When Therapy Feels Pointless 28. All Talk: When Therapy Feels Pointless Send us Fan Mail

Now that we've (nearly) survived the end of semester crunch time, we're delighted to return to a regular podcasting schedule again. We're also excited about the new texting option for listeners. (Click the link above to try it out!)

Have you ever been overwhelmed by life circumstances beyond your control and wondered what good therapy could do? Maybe you've tried everything and concluded there's nothing to be done so why talk about it?  We've been there too! Today we're unpacking those feelings and dishing about the good, bad, and the ugly of our own experiences with therapy. We discuss qualities we look for in a therapist as well as the value of reflecting on our emotional health and what important messages might be embedded in our deepest, darkest emotions.
 
Find a Therapist Near You (Psychology Today)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Now that we've (nearly) survived the end of semester crunch time, we're delighted to return to a regular podcasting schedule again. We're also excited about the new texting option for listeners. (Click the link above to try it out!)

Have you ever been overwhelmed by life circumstances beyond your control and wondered what good therapy could do? Maybe you've tried everything and concluded there's nothing to be done so why talk about it?  We've been there too! Today we're unpacking those feelings and dishing about the good, bad, and the ugly of our own experiences with therapy. We discuss qualities we look for in a therapist as well as the value of reflecting on our emotional health and what important messages might be embedded in our deepest, darkest emotions.
 
Find a Therapist Near You (Psychology Today)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15042743 Sun, 12 May 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3146 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, mental health, therapy, counseling, depression, anxiety, religious trauma, stress management, emotions 28 full false 27. College 101: The Best-Kept Secret to Earning FREE College Credit 27. College 101: The Best-Kept Secret to Earning FREE College Credit Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder how you got here as you blow out the candles on your birthday cake? That's where we begin in this episode, making space for the bittersweet emotions of milestone birthdays and the impending retirements of colleagues we admire. 

In our main segment, we talk about the possibilities of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) that can save college students serious time and money. Never heard of it? We speculate about why that might be as well as describe what it can (and can’t) do for lifelong learners curious about alternative pathways to college. 

Wherever you are in your educational journey, it’s never too late to experience the joy of learning and discovery!

Show Notes

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder how you got here as you blow out the candles on your birthday cake? That's where we begin in this episode, making space for the bittersweet emotions of milestone birthdays and the impending retirements of colleagues we admire. 

In our main segment, we talk about the possibilities of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) that can save college students serious time and money. Never heard of it? We speculate about why that might be as well as describe what it can (and can’t) do for lifelong learners curious about alternative pathways to college. 

Wherever you are in your educational journey, it’s never too late to experience the joy of learning and discovery!

Show Notes

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-15020039 Mon, 06 May 2024 15:00:00 -0500 2565 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, freecollegecredit, midlife, CLEP, tutition, 27 full false 26. Identity Quilts: Making Peace with the Patches 26. Identity Quilts: Making Peace with the Patches Send us Fan Mail

This episode is for anyone who has called many different places home and often waffles just a bit before answering the question, "Where are you from?" How do we answer this simple question while accounting for all the twists and turns and layers of experience that make up our identity?  How deep do our roots need to go before we can claim to be Amish or Mennonite--or any other particular cultural identity? To help make sense of the patchwork of our lives, we turn to three different ways to understand cultural dynamics and to discuss why we can expect that any two individuals in the same culture will have significantly different experiences.

Resources mentioned in the show:
 
Gerald J. Mast, PhD (website and links to writings)

Amish and Mennonite Separations and Mergers (Dwight Gingerich Blog)

Intercultural Communication by Kathryn Sorrells (2020, SAGE Publications)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

This episode is for anyone who has called many different places home and often waffles just a bit before answering the question, "Where are you from?" How do we answer this simple question while accounting for all the twists and turns and layers of experience that make up our identity?  How deep do our roots need to go before we can claim to be Amish or Mennonite--or any other particular cultural identity? To help make sense of the patchwork of our lives, we turn to three different ways to understand cultural dynamics and to discuss why we can expect that any two individuals in the same culture will have significantly different experiences.

Resources mentioned in the show:
 
Gerald J. Mast, PhD (website and links to writings)

Amish and Mennonite Separations and Mergers (Dwight Gingerich Blog)

Intercultural Communication by Kathryn Sorrells (2020, SAGE Publications)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14808793 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3343 Amish, Ex-Amish, Mennonite, Ex-Mennonite, Anabaptist, deconstruction, family, identity, history, Menno Simons, splitting, spiritual warfare, Jakob Ammon, church, ex-fundie, exvangelical, 26 full false 25. College 101: What to Ask on a Campus Visit 25. College 101: What to Ask on a Campus Visit Send us Fan Mail

If the thought of scheduling an official campus tour fills you with uncertainty or even dread, this podcast is for you! Navigating unfamiliar places and institutions can feel daunting for any of us, including first generation students (and their parents) who may not be sure where to start or what to expect beyond the glossy brochures and flashy websites. In this episode, we (Naomi and Rebecca) talk about our own experiences with campus visits--which came much later than you might expect. Now that we have experienced campus visits from a variety of roles, we're here to give listeners the low-down about what to ask, what to listen for, and what to consider when evaluating your options. The good news is that no one has it all figured out before they get started, but it's not too soon to start exploring your options today. 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

If the thought of scheduling an official campus tour fills you with uncertainty or even dread, this podcast is for you! Navigating unfamiliar places and institutions can feel daunting for any of us, including first generation students (and their parents) who may not be sure where to start or what to expect beyond the glossy brochures and flashy websites. In this episode, we (Naomi and Rebecca) talk about our own experiences with campus visits--which came much later than you might expect. Now that we have experienced campus visits from a variety of roles, we're here to give listeners the low-down about what to ask, what to listen for, and what to consider when evaluating your options. The good news is that no one has it all figured out before they get started, but it's not too soon to start exploring your options today. 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14755712 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2992 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, ex-Amish, ex-Mennonite, educationalneglect, 25 full false 24. Raging Against the Inevitable: When He Gets No Respect 24. Raging Against the Inevitable: When He Gets No Respect Send us Fan Mail

If your win this week is a kitchen floor that's clean for the first time in ages, you've found your people! We start this episode with a pop culture minute where we wonder aloud about  the Royal Family's odd handling of Kate Middleton's recent absence from the public eye as well as the public's reaction to the public's reaction. Then we shift our focus to analyze a short video clip of a domestic argument and the responses it prompted on social media. We discuss some of the different ways respect is defined and interpreted in families and by leaders, and we reflect on what we have personally observed about double standards in expectations for socially acceptable behavior. What kind of risks come with upholding a "united front" at all costs? What does it mean when popular narratives have a survivorship bias and what is the minimum we all deserve in our relationships? As always, we have more questions than answers, and we hope you'll join us as we explore them together.

Links We Mentioned–or Should Have


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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

If your win this week is a kitchen floor that's clean for the first time in ages, you've found your people! We start this episode with a pop culture minute where we wonder aloud about  the Royal Family's odd handling of Kate Middleton's recent absence from the public eye as well as the public's reaction to the public's reaction. Then we shift our focus to analyze a short video clip of a domestic argument and the responses it prompted on social media. We discuss some of the different ways respect is defined and interpreted in families and by leaders, and we reflect on what we have personally observed about double standards in expectations for socially acceptable behavior. What kind of risks come with upholding a "united front" at all costs? What does it mean when popular narratives have a survivorship bias and what is the minimum we all deserve in our relationships? As always, we have more questions than answers, and we hope you'll join us as we explore them together.

Links We Mentioned–or Should Have


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14701719 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500 2237 toxic masculinity, gender, religion, family, respect, parenting, authority, obedience, teens, leadership, 24 full false 23. Listening for Personal Truth Over the Clamor of Social Guilt 23. Listening for Personal Truth Over the Clamor of Social Guilt Send us Fan Mail

Ever wrestled with the weight of a difficult decision, feeling the tug-of-war between what you've been taught and what your gut is screaming at you? Join us for this heart-to-heart as we peel back the layers of socialized guilt and its power in our lives.  First, we explore some of the reasons we often find ourselves pulled along by social norms even when they aren't working for us or we fundamentally disagree with them. Next, we turn to some of the shifts in perspective that have helped us focus on what we truly value. Finally, we discuss some of  the tools that have helped us make difficult life choices from a place of confidence rather than fear.

Links we mentioned (or should have):
Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall
"Boundaries 101 for the Recovering People-Pleaser" by Hailey Magee
"Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Ever wrestled with the weight of a difficult decision, feeling the tug-of-war between what you've been taught and what your gut is screaming at you? Join us for this heart-to-heart as we peel back the layers of socialized guilt and its power in our lives.  First, we explore some of the reasons we often find ourselves pulled along by social norms even when they aren't working for us or we fundamentally disagree with them. Next, we turn to some of the shifts in perspective that have helped us focus on what we truly value. Finally, we discuss some of  the tools that have helped us make difficult life choices from a place of confidence rather than fear.

Links we mentioned (or should have):
Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall
"Boundaries 101 for the Recovering People-Pleaser" by Hailey Magee
"Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14678852 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0500 5367 guilt, social pressure, personal truth, gut instinct, people-pleasing, boundaries, resentment, needs, deconstruction, fundamentalism, religion, Amish, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, patriarchy, feminism 23 full false 22. What if Women Dared to Tell the Truth? 22. What if Women Dared to Tell the Truth? Send us Fan Mail

We reflect on last week's episode and the events that prompted it--such as public figures spreading misconceptions about Amish culture and failing to honor the truths of those living in high-demand religion. We stress the importance of listening to and respecting the broad range of individual experiences that together make up a culture far more dynamic and complex than any fiction writer could imagine. We also ask how our world might change if more women took our professed ideals and values more seriously than we do keeping the secrets of powerful men. 

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Previous episode we referenced: 21. The Fantasy and Fallout of Amish-themed Romance Novels
Complete, unedited panel discussion: Coffee with JC, Ruth, Rebecca, and Naomi on YouTube Live; Hosted by Mary Byler (Abe Troyer and Old Order Amish); produced by The Misfit Amish 2024

The danger of a single story (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk)

Rhetorical Listening (brief summary) 

Women Talking (Official Trailer) The film takes a Russian Mennonite colony in South America dealing with the fallout of rape culture as its jumping off point and then explores the revolutionary possibility of these devout women taking their future in their own hands. It is self-described as “an act of female imagination.”

Women Talking (Miriam Toews; Extended Preview)

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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

We reflect on last week's episode and the events that prompted it--such as public figures spreading misconceptions about Amish culture and failing to honor the truths of those living in high-demand religion. We stress the importance of listening to and respecting the broad range of individual experiences that together make up a culture far more dynamic and complex than any fiction writer could imagine. We also ask how our world might change if more women took our professed ideals and values more seriously than we do keeping the secrets of powerful men. 

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Previous episode we referenced: 21. The Fantasy and Fallout of Amish-themed Romance Novels
Complete, unedited panel discussion: Coffee with JC, Ruth, Rebecca, and Naomi on YouTube Live; Hosted by Mary Byler (Abe Troyer and Old Order Amish); produced by The Misfit Amish 2024

The danger of a single story (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk)

Rhetorical Listening (brief summary) 

Women Talking (Official Trailer) The film takes a Russian Mennonite colony in South America dealing with the fallout of rape culture as its jumping off point and then explores the revolutionary possibility of these devout women taking their future in their own hands. It is self-described as “an act of female imagination.”

Women Talking (Miriam Toews; Extended Preview)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14628176 Sun, 10 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500 1583 Amish, Ex-Amish, Mennonite, Ex-Mennonite, Anabaptist, deconstruction, people-pleasing, family, relationships, history, books, nonviolence, pacifism, fiction, Amish romance novels 22 full false 21. The Fantasy and Fallout of Amish-themed Romance Novels 21. The Fantasy and Fallout of Amish-themed Romance Novels Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder what it would be like to step into the world represented by Amish-themed romance novels? Well, just as the cottages in a Thomas Kincade painting don't actually exist (has anyone ever seen glowing windows in the middle of the day?), neither do the communities of Beverly Lewis' imagination. These books  reflect as much about Amish culture as the Little House on the Prairie TV show  tells us about pioneer life.  But is it all just harmless fluff and fun? Does it really matter since fiction is fiction, after all? Naomi and Rebecca join a few friends to discuss the impact of these books on the lives of actual Amish women and the material harm it does to romanticize a culture as they do. We are publishing the first thirty minutes of our conversation here.

Listen to our complete discussion:
Coffee with JC, Ruth, Rebecca & Naomi (Misfit Amish Podcast)
Coffee with JC, Ruth, Rebecca, and Naomi (YouTube Live)
Hosted by Mary Byler (Abe Troyer and Old Order Amish); Produced by The Misfit Amish 2024

Connect with JC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jc_8287?_t=8jpv1gr8jew&_r=1

Sins of the Amish | Official Trailer | Peacock Original



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder what it would be like to step into the world represented by Amish-themed romance novels? Well, just as the cottages in a Thomas Kincade painting don't actually exist (has anyone ever seen glowing windows in the middle of the day?), neither do the communities of Beverly Lewis' imagination. These books  reflect as much about Amish culture as the Little House on the Prairie TV show  tells us about pioneer life.  But is it all just harmless fluff and fun? Does it really matter since fiction is fiction, after all? Naomi and Rebecca join a few friends to discuss the impact of these books on the lives of actual Amish women and the material harm it does to romanticize a culture as they do. We are publishing the first thirty minutes of our conversation here.

Listen to our complete discussion:
Coffee with JC, Ruth, Rebecca & Naomi (Misfit Amish Podcast)
Coffee with JC, Ruth, Rebecca, and Naomi (YouTube Live)
Hosted by Mary Byler (Abe Troyer and Old Order Amish); Produced by The Misfit Amish 2024

Connect with JC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jc_8287?_t=8jpv1gr8jew&_r=1

Sins of the Amish | Official Trailer | Peacock Original



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14572816 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0600 2054 Amish, Ex-Amish, Mennonite, Ex-Mennonite, Anabaptist, deconstruction, family, relationships, history, books, bonnet rippers, exploitation 21 full false 20. Daycare Dilemma: Gut vs. Guilt 20. Daycare Dilemma: Gut vs. Guilt Send us Fan Mail

What if putting my child in daycare is going to mess them up forever? Am I sacrificing their wellbeing for my personal ambition? These are the kinds of questions many mothers face as they consider college and/or joining the workforce.  We respond to a listener question about navigating the guilt that is often heaped upon mothers who break the family tradition of being a stay-at-home mom. We reflect on our own experiences with childcare while acknowledging the irony of hesitating to ask for childcare when we've been providers ourselves. We unpack some of the challenges that come with making the best choices for our children while pointing out how broader gender norms and social policies shape the limited options available to American parents. (Warning: It gets a little punchy!) In the long run, arbitrary rules and cultural prejudices won't keep children safe; children thrive when they have curious, connected, and fulfilled parents.

Links (we should have) mentioned in the show: 



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

What if putting my child in daycare is going to mess them up forever? Am I sacrificing their wellbeing for my personal ambition? These are the kinds of questions many mothers face as they consider college and/or joining the workforce.  We respond to a listener question about navigating the guilt that is often heaped upon mothers who break the family tradition of being a stay-at-home mom. We reflect on our own experiences with childcare while acknowledging the irony of hesitating to ask for childcare when we've been providers ourselves. We unpack some of the challenges that come with making the best choices for our children while pointing out how broader gender norms and social policies shape the limited options available to American parents. (Warning: It gets a little punchy!) In the long run, arbitrary rules and cultural prejudices won't keep children safe; children thrive when they have curious, connected, and fulfilled parents.

Links (we should have) mentioned in the show: 



Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14571310 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0600 2138 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, cultrecovery, mothers, daycare, children, momguilt, 20 full false 19. When Best-Laid Plans Fail 19. When Best-Laid Plans Fail Send us Fan Mail

Ever been sucker-punched by the realization that you've dropped the ball on something super important? If so, come sit with us! In this episode we unpack big feelings about a recent slip-up in the balancing act of work, family, and school. We can't tell you how to prevent the curveballs, but we can assure you that you're not alone and that it's all part of being human.  In fact, asking for grace and leaning on each other is not only natural—it's essential for our collective well-being.

What shall we talk about next? Click this link to Vote for Upcoming Topics.

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Ever been sucker-punched by the realization that you've dropped the ball on something super important? If so, come sit with us! In this episode we unpack big feelings about a recent slip-up in the balancing act of work, family, and school. We can't tell you how to prevent the curveballs, but we can assure you that you're not alone and that it's all part of being human.  In fact, asking for grace and leaning on each other is not only natural—it's essential for our collective well-being.

What shall we talk about next? Click this link to Vote for Upcoming Topics.

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14489501 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0600 2472 education, college, university, school, vulnerability, imperfection, mistakes, grace 19 full false 18. Cousin Weekend In Review: Processing the Past to Understand the Present 18. Cousin Weekend In Review: Processing the Past to Understand the Present Send us Fan Mail

Listen in as Rebecca and Naomi rehash a weekend last fall with a few far-flung cousins where the coffee and conversation flowed freely. 

Items mentioned in the show: 

Naomi’s Book Haul: 

The Narrow Way of Self-Denial: An Amish Man’s Counsel for His Children by D.J. Stutzman (1917; reprinted by Sweetwater Publications, 2006)

History of our Parochial Schools and Newspaper Clippings of Prosecution Times compiled by Henry and MaryAnn Raber (2021)

Ich Kann PA Deitsch Shreiva by Tomas Beachy (Carlisle Press, 2011)

Speaking Amish: A Beginner’s Introduction to Pennsylvania German by Lillian Stoltzfus (Eckshank Publishing, 2013)

The Amazing Story of the Ausbund: The Oldest Hymnal in the World Known to Still be in Continuous Use by Benuel S. Blank (Blank Family Books, 2021)

Grounded upon God’s Word: The Life and Labors of Jakob Ammann by Andrew V. Ste. Marie  and Mike Atnip (Cross Bearers, 2020)

Report for Duty by Lily A. Bear (Christian Light Publications, 2016)

Pacifists in Chains: The Persecution of Hutterites During the Great War by Duane C.S. Stoltzfus (Young Center, 2013)


Rebecca’s Book Haul

Hope’s Table by Hope Helmuth (Herald Press, 2019)

Jacob’s Choice by Ervin R. Stutzman (Herald Press, 2014)

Tom Lyons: The Indains among the Amish by Wayne R. Miller (Ohio Amish Library, 2017)

The Amish in Switzerland and other European Countries by Betty Miller

Memorial History of Peter Bitsche: Complete Family Register 1767-1892 (Trollope Press, 2008)


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Listen in as Rebecca and Naomi rehash a weekend last fall with a few far-flung cousins where the coffee and conversation flowed freely. 

Items mentioned in the show: 

Naomi’s Book Haul: 

The Narrow Way of Self-Denial: An Amish Man’s Counsel for His Children by D.J. Stutzman (1917; reprinted by Sweetwater Publications, 2006)

History of our Parochial Schools and Newspaper Clippings of Prosecution Times compiled by Henry and MaryAnn Raber (2021)

Ich Kann PA Deitsch Shreiva by Tomas Beachy (Carlisle Press, 2011)

Speaking Amish: A Beginner’s Introduction to Pennsylvania German by Lillian Stoltzfus (Eckshank Publishing, 2013)

The Amazing Story of the Ausbund: The Oldest Hymnal in the World Known to Still be in Continuous Use by Benuel S. Blank (Blank Family Books, 2021)

Grounded upon God’s Word: The Life and Labors of Jakob Ammann by Andrew V. Ste. Marie  and Mike Atnip (Cross Bearers, 2020)

Report for Duty by Lily A. Bear (Christian Light Publications, 2016)

Pacifists in Chains: The Persecution of Hutterites During the Great War by Duane C.S. Stoltzfus (Young Center, 2013)


Rebecca’s Book Haul

Hope’s Table by Hope Helmuth (Herald Press, 2019)

Jacob’s Choice by Ervin R. Stutzman (Herald Press, 2014)

Tom Lyons: The Indains among the Amish by Wayne R. Miller (Ohio Amish Library, 2017)

The Amish in Switzerland and other European Countries by Betty Miller

Memorial History of Peter Bitsche: Complete Family Register 1767-1892 (Trollope Press, 2008)


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14443803 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0600 4068 Amish, Ex-Amish, Mennonite, Ex-Mennonite, Anabaptist, deconstruction, people-pleasing, family, relationships, history, books, Behalt, nonviolence, pacifism, 18 full false 17. The Scandal of Women Protesting Patriarchal Click-Bait 17. The Scandal of Women Protesting Patriarchal Click-Bait Send us Fan Mail

The Scandal of Women Protesting Patriarchal Click-Bait 

After their unplanned absence, Naomi and Rebecca are back to discuss changes to the podcast, catch up on life, and break down some recent distress expressed online at women taking issue with offensive theology. 


Help plan future episodes! Click this link to Vote for Upcoming Topics.

Articles mentioned in the episode:

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

The Scandal of Women Protesting Patriarchal Click-Bait 

After their unplanned absence, Naomi and Rebecca are back to discuss changes to the podcast, catch up on life, and break down some recent distress expressed online at women taking issue with offensive theology. 


Help plan future episodes! Click this link to Vote for Upcoming Topics.

Articles mentioned in the episode:

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-14393481 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0600 2789 deconstruction, fundamentalism, evangelicals, religion, Mennonite, ex-Menno, sexism, sexuality, patriarchy, feminism 17 full false 16. College 101: From Coverings to Camis and Crocs 16. College 101: From Coverings to Camis and Crocs Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Rebecca and Naomi discuss the fraught issue of fashion and personal style after growing up in plain culture where your clothes not only broadcast your church identity and social status but also are interpreted as indicators of your spiritual health and family cohesiveness. Rebecca and Naomi don't tell you what to wear, but they do suggest some ways to reframe familiar narratives about modesty and guilt that have helped them feel less judgmental and more accepting of themselves and others.


Show Notes

Brené Brown on Fitting in vs. Belonging: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvVPGG7JYVH/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==


Sheila Wray Gregoire’s discussion on what modesty means in the Bible:

https://baremarriage.com/2019/03/new-look-at-christian-modesty-guidelines/


Sheila Wray Gregoire’s guide for talking to a woman about what she’s wearing: 

https://baremarriage.com/2023/05/should-you-talk-woman-about-what-shes-wearing-dress-codes-modesty/





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Rebecca and Naomi discuss the fraught issue of fashion and personal style after growing up in plain culture where your clothes not only broadcast your church identity and social status but also are interpreted as indicators of your spiritual health and family cohesiveness. Rebecca and Naomi don't tell you what to wear, but they do suggest some ways to reframe familiar narratives about modesty and guilt that have helped them feel less judgmental and more accepting of themselves and others.


Show Notes

Brené Brown on Fitting in vs. Belonging: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvVPGG7JYVH/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==


Sheila Wray Gregoire’s discussion on what modesty means in the Bible:

https://baremarriage.com/2019/03/new-look-at-christian-modesty-guidelines/


Sheila Wray Gregoire’s guide for talking to a woman about what she’s wearing: 

https://baremarriage.com/2023/05/should-you-talk-woman-about-what-shes-wearing-dress-codes-modesty/





Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13663246 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0500 3287 Amish, Mennonite, fundamentalism, ex-fundie, education, clothing, clothes, modesty, fashion 16 full false 15. Juggling it All: Is it Even Possible? 15. Juggling it All: Is it Even Possible? Send us Fan Mail

If you're wondering how you're ever going to manage all the caregiving, paid work, and school on your plate this fall, you're in the right place! In this episode Naomi and Rebecca discuss their own sense of overwhelm at all the things coming at them in the new school year and share survival tips they've learned over the years. Come for the solidarity and stay for a vision of a brighter tomorrow. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

If you're wondering how you're ever going to manage all the caregiving, paid work, and school on your plate this fall, you're in the right place! In this episode Naomi and Rebecca discuss their own sense of overwhelm at all the things coming at them in the new school year and share survival tips they've learned over the years. Come for the solidarity and stay for a vision of a brighter tomorrow. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13480503 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0500 2814 education, college, caregiving, career, parenting, women, ex-fundie, ex-Amish, ex-Mennonite 15 full false 14. Contradictions and Consequences of Amish Schooling (Part 2) 14. Contradictions and Consequences of Amish Schooling (Part 2) Send us Fan Mail

It may seem that Wisconsin vs. Yoder was a major win for the Amish since today 85-90% of Amish young people continue in the tradition and the Old Order population doubles nearly every twenty years. However, in this episode, Naomi and Rebecca take a closer look at the realities of Amish life more than half a century out from that landmark Supreme Court decision. They find that banning formal high school education not only sabotages the lives of young people who leave (as was intended), but it also shortchanges the lives of those who stay. 


Show Notes

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

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]]> Send us Fan Mail

It may seem that Wisconsin vs. Yoder was a major win for the Amish since today 85-90% of Amish young people continue in the tradition and the Old Order population doubles nearly every twenty years. However, in this episode, Naomi and Rebecca take a closer look at the realities of Amish life more than half a century out from that landmark Supreme Court decision. They find that banning formal high school education not only sabotages the lives of young people who leave (as was intended), but it also shortchanges the lives of those who stay. 


Show Notes

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13365589 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0500 2767 Amish, Mennonite, fundamentalism, ex-fundie, education, educational neglect, 14 full false 13. Contradictions and Consequences of Amish Schooling (Part 1) 13. Contradictions and Consequences of Amish Schooling (Part 1) Send us Fan Mail

The reality that Amish teens are prevented from attending high school has been supported by broader American society for more than fifty years–and is often even romanticized as a cultural norm to celebrate. Yet how is this situation possible at a time when education is so crucial to becoming an employable adult? In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca discuss the internal contradictions and inconsistent logic of Wisconsin vs. Yoder, the 1972 Supreme Court decision that exempted youth in Amish (as well as in  Amish Mennonite, Old Order Mennonite, and conservative Mennonite) communities from formal schooling beyond eighth grade. 

Link to Show Transcript 

Show Notes

Full Transcript of the 1971 Wisconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court Hearing (The Amish Heritage Foundation)

Wisconsin v. Yoder (Audio version of oral testimony) 

Full text of William O. Douglas’ dissenting opinion: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Wisconsin_v._Yoder/Dissent_Douglas

"Yoder" Revisited: Why the Landmark Amish Schooling Case Could—And Should—Be Overturned (Gage Raley in the Virginia Law Review).

"Framing Affirmative Action" by Kimberlé Crenshaw


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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

The reality that Amish teens are prevented from attending high school has been supported by broader American society for more than fifty years–and is often even romanticized as a cultural norm to celebrate. Yet how is this situation possible at a time when education is so crucial to becoming an employable adult? In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca discuss the internal contradictions and inconsistent logic of Wisconsin vs. Yoder, the 1972 Supreme Court decision that exempted youth in Amish (as well as in  Amish Mennonite, Old Order Mennonite, and conservative Mennonite) communities from formal schooling beyond eighth grade. 

Link to Show Transcript 

Show Notes

Full Transcript of the 1971 Wisconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court Hearing (The Amish Heritage Foundation)

Wisconsin v. Yoder (Audio version of oral testimony) 

Full text of William O. Douglas’ dissenting opinion: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Wisconsin_v._Yoder/Dissent_Douglas

"Yoder" Revisited: Why the Landmark Amish Schooling Case Could—And Should—Be Overturned (Gage Raley in the Virginia Law Review).

"Framing Affirmative Action" by Kimberlé Crenshaw


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13364977 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500 2485 Amish, Mennonite, fundamentalism, ex-fundie, education, educational neglect 13 full false 12. College 101: Writing a Winning Application Essay 12. College 101: Writing a Winning Application Essay Send us Fan Mail

Whether we're exploring new educational or professional opportunities, writing about ourselves and our accomplishments can blast open doors--or slam them shut.  So when we're feeling inexperienced and uncertain, how do we get started on these high-stakes writing projects? In this episode, Naomi (a writing professor) and Rebecca (a scholarship wizard) discuss strategies to help even the most anxious applicant write with confidence. 


Show Notes
Application Essay Brainstorming Worksheet 

Advice from Undergraduate Admissions Officers (Purdue OWL)

Essays (UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center)

12 Strategies to Writing the Perfect College Essay (Harvard Summer School)

Essays That Worked (Johns Hopkins University Admissions)


Audio editing: BethAnnie Hartman

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]]> Send us Fan Mail

Whether we're exploring new educational or professional opportunities, writing about ourselves and our accomplishments can blast open doors--or slam them shut.  So when we're feeling inexperienced and uncertain, how do we get started on these high-stakes writing projects? In this episode, Naomi (a writing professor) and Rebecca (a scholarship wizard) discuss strategies to help even the most anxious applicant write with confidence. 


Show Notes
Application Essay Brainstorming Worksheet 

Advice from Undergraduate Admissions Officers (Purdue OWL)

Essays (UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center)

12 Strategies to Writing the Perfect College Essay (Harvard Summer School)

Essays That Worked (Johns Hopkins University Admissions)


Audio editing: BethAnnie Hartman

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13364400 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0500 1730 writing, writing strategies, nontraditional students, college, how-to, application essays, university, midlife, 12 full false 11. Reparenting for Cycle-Breakers 11. Reparenting for Cycle-Breakers Send us Fan Mail

Once we've left behind our bubble of origin, how do we heal the emotional wounds that may still remain? How do we replace the looping mental tapes that still haunt us years later? In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca reflect on the practice of reparenting as a way adults can offer our younger selves the understanding and compassion we may have longed for but never received. Ultimately, reparenting is a practice for anyone raised by imperfect adults–which is why Naomi and Rebecca are already teaching it to their own children.

Resources referenced (or should have been):

Reparenting Our Inner Child (YouTube)

Healing Inner Child Wounds: The Essential Guide to Reparenting (A helpful bog post with journaling prompts.)

Ep. 88 How to Reparent Yourself and Ep. 89 How to Reparent Part 2 (Guidance from a therapist on SelfHealers Soundboard Podcast)

Stop Trying to be Perfect and Start Being OK: Why being the OK-est version of you is the antidote to OCD (A Psychology Today article describing the symptoms of moral scrupulosity and its debilitating effects.)

Audio Editing: BethAnnie Hartman

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

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]]> Send us Fan Mail

Once we've left behind our bubble of origin, how do we heal the emotional wounds that may still remain? How do we replace the looping mental tapes that still haunt us years later? In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca reflect on the practice of reparenting as a way adults can offer our younger selves the understanding and compassion we may have longed for but never received. Ultimately, reparenting is a practice for anyone raised by imperfect adults–which is why Naomi and Rebecca are already teaching it to their own children.

Resources referenced (or should have been):

Reparenting Our Inner Child (YouTube)

Healing Inner Child Wounds: The Essential Guide to Reparenting (A helpful bog post with journaling prompts.)

Ep. 88 How to Reparent Yourself and Ep. 89 How to Reparent Part 2 (Guidance from a therapist on SelfHealers Soundboard Podcast)

Stop Trying to be Perfect and Start Being OK: Why being the OK-est version of you is the antidote to OCD (A Psychology Today article describing the symptoms of moral scrupulosity and its debilitating effects.)

Audio Editing: BethAnnie Hartman

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13310126 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0500 2216 reparenting, inner child, cycle-breaking, 11 full false 10. Breaking the Cycle of Parental Fragility 10. Breaking the Cycle of Parental Fragility Send us Fan Mail

Breaking away from family's long-held patterns and expectations can trigger a minefield of difficult emotions and ruptured relationships. In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca remember moments from their own cycle-breaking journeys and reflect on the words that helped bring compassion and nuanced meaning to these challenging experiences.



Show Notes

What is a Cycle Breaker? (Psychology Today article)

Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder  (Gabor Mate's book where he explains the crucial role of attunement for infants' brain development.) 


Audio Editing: BethAnnie Hartman


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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Breaking away from family's long-held patterns and expectations can trigger a minefield of difficult emotions and ruptured relationships. In this episode, Naomi and Rebecca remember moments from their own cycle-breaking journeys and reflect on the words that helped bring compassion and nuanced meaning to these challenging experiences.



Show Notes

What is a Cycle Breaker? (Psychology Today article)

Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder  (Gabor Mate's book where he explains the crucial role of attunement for infants' brain development.) 


Audio Editing: BethAnnie Hartman


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13260237 Thu, 20 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0500 2167 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, cultrecovery, cycle-breaking, intergenerational trauma 10 full false 9. Uncovered: Deconstructing the Dogma of Shiny Happy People 9. Uncovered: Deconstructing the Dogma of Shiny Happy People Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi have more to say about the docuseries, Shiny Happy People. In this episode they analyze some of the central ideology of patriarchal, fundamentalist teachings such as those promoted by IBLP, the Duggars, and others. They share their own stories as well as evidence-based research that illustrates the damaging effects these beliefs and practices have on individuals and communities. 

Links

Recommended Podcasts

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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca and Naomi have more to say about the docuseries, Shiny Happy People. In this episode they analyze some of the central ideology of patriarchal, fundamentalist teachings such as those promoted by IBLP, the Duggars, and others. They share their own stories as well as evidence-based research that illustrates the damaging effects these beliefs and practices have on individuals and communities. 

Links

Recommended Podcasts

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13114840 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0500 3354 Duggars, IBLP, ATI, fundamentalism, education, Amish, Mennonite, anabaptist, homeschooling, church schools, patriarchy, domestic violence, 9 full false 8. Uncovered: Valid Reasons to Delay College 8. Uncovered: Valid Reasons to Delay College Send us Fan Mail

To balance out our last episode, in this one we discuss specific situations where it might be better to delay college for a while so that you have a better chance of success when you do get there. We also offer suggestions for alternatives to consider in the meanwhile. 

Audio editing by BethAnnie Hartman 

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

To balance out our last episode, in this one we discuss specific situations where it might be better to delay college for a while so that you have a better chance of success when you do get there. We also offer suggestions for alternatives to consider in the meanwhile. 

Audio editing by BethAnnie Hartman 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13078295 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 18:00:00 -0500 938 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, cultrecovery, 8 full false 7. Uncovered: Misguided Reasons to Delay College 7. Uncovered: Misguided Reasons to Delay College Send us Fan Mail

If your social environment hasn't set you up for college, you've probably heard a million reasons why it's not a good idea for you--at least for right now. In this episode we break down these scripts to show how they worked as diversionary tactics and how they contrast with what we have found to be true. 

Audio editing: BethAnnie Hartman 

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

If your social environment hasn't set you up for college, you've probably heard a million reasons why it's not a good idea for you--at least for right now. In this episode we break down these scripts to show how they worked as diversionary tactics and how they contrast with what we have found to be true. 

Audio editing: BethAnnie Hartman 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-13022916 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0500 1616 college, firstgenerationcollegestudent, nontraditionalcollegestudent, midlifewomenpodcast, cultrecovery, 7 full false 6. Uncovered: Shiny Happy People and their Secrets 6. Uncovered: Shiny Happy People and their Secrets Send us Fan Mail

UPDATE: We recorded a follow up to this episode, available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171591/13114840

________________________

Rebecca and Naomi react to the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets that dropped on Amazon Prime this week. They discuss their own past involvement with IBLP and how that informs their interpretation of the docuseries and Duggar family dynamics. 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode: 

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets - Official Trailer | Prime Video

TLC's Michelle Duggar fights ordinance protecting transgender rights - Los Angeles Times

Shiny Happy People: The Unofficial Podcast

Leaving Eden Podcast (IG Live) 


What’s on your mind? Like and comment on our Facebook page at Uncovered: Life Beyond by midnight on Saturday, June 10.  One lucky name will be randomly drawn to receive a free copy of Jill Duggar’s book when it comes out next year. For an extra entry, share the page with your FB friends. See you there!


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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

UPDATE: We recorded a follow up to this episode, available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171591/13114840

________________________

Rebecca and Naomi react to the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets that dropped on Amazon Prime this week. They discuss their own past involvement with IBLP and how that informs their interpretation of the docuseries and Duggar family dynamics. 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode: 

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets - Official Trailer | Prime Video

TLC's Michelle Duggar fights ordinance protecting transgender rights - Los Angeles Times

Shiny Happy People: The Unofficial Podcast

Leaving Eden Podcast (IG Live) 


What’s on your mind? Like and comment on our Facebook page at Uncovered: Life Beyond by midnight on Saturday, June 10.  One lucky name will be randomly drawn to receive a free copy of Jill Duggar’s book when it comes out next year. For an extra entry, share the page with your FB friends. See you there!


Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-12978116 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:00:00 -0500 1875 duggars, iblp, ati, fundamentalism, education 6 full false 5. Uncovered: Dealing with Creepy Dudes 5. Uncovered: Dealing with Creepy Dudes Send us Fan Mail

Naomi and Rebecca take a break from regular programming to talk through an incident Naomi witnessed recently and to discuss different options for dealing with a creepy dude who is trying to take advantage of another person's perceived vulnerability.

Mentioned on the show:
Bell Bajao's video, Got Milk? (content warning for disturbing audio)

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Naomi and Rebecca take a break from regular programming to talk through an incident Naomi witnessed recently and to discuss different options for dealing with a creepy dude who is trying to take advantage of another person's perceived vulnerability.

Mentioned on the show:
Bell Bajao's video, Got Milk? (content warning for disturbing audio)

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-12825547 Wed, 10 May 2023 17:00:00 -0500 1163 5 full false 4. Uncovered: How to Get Started 4. Uncovered: How to Get Started Send us Fan Mail

If you weren't expected to ever go to college, it can be tough to figure out how to begin the process. In this episode, we talk about how to get the qualifications you need (even when you don't have a high school diploma) and where you can find the help and information to get started. 

Mentioned in the show: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

If you weren't expected to ever go to college, it can be tough to figure out how to begin the process. In this episode, we talk about how to get the qualifications you need (even when you don't have a high school diploma) and where you can find the help and information to get started. 

Mentioned in the show: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-12756871 Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1094 4 full false 3. Uncovered: What to Do When College Feels out of Reach 3. Uncovered: What to Do When College Feels out of Reach Send us Fan Mail

Do you feel stuck and out of options? Maybe you can imagine a different life but don't see a path to getting there? Rebecca and Naomi have been there too, and are here to share the insights and practical tips they've learned in the process of getting themselves unstuck. 

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Do you feel stuck and out of options? Maybe you can imagine a different life but don't see a path to getting there? Rebecca and Naomi have been there too, and are here to share the insights and practical tips they've learned in the process of getting themselves unstuck. 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-12756837 Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 -0500 980 3 full false 2. Uncovered: Naomi's Story 2. Uncovered: Naomi's Story Send us Fan Mail

It's Naomi's turn in the hotseat where she shares about her path  through church school, home school, college, and graduate school on her way to becoming an English professor. 

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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

It's Naomi's turn in the hotseat where she shares about her path  through church school, home school, college, and graduate school on her way to becoming an English professor. 

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Naomi and Rebecca Buzzsprout-12756816 Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 -0500 1531 2 full false 1. Uncovered: Rebecca's Story 1. Uncovered: Rebecca's Story Send us Fan Mail

Meet your hosts and learn about Rebecca's experiences in school and the barriers she overcame on her path to college in midlife.

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Subscribe (for free) to Uncovered: Life Beyond on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode!

What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

]]> Send us Fan Mail

Meet your hosts and learn about Rebecca's experiences in school and the barriers she overcame on her path to college in midlife.

Thanks for listening! Connect with us via

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What topics at the intersection of education, high-demand religion, career, parenting, and emotional intelligence are of interest to you? Help us plan future episodes by taking this quick listener survey. We appreciate your input very much!

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