In this episode, we embark on a captivating journey with Melissa Giberson, author of the book, "Late Bloomer: Finding My Authentic Self At Midlife." Born in Brooklyn, she enjoyed a typical childhood until her parents' divorce when she was just ten years old. Education was instilled in her, and the conventional path – the stereotypical cis-heteronormative future – seemed preordained: marriage, children, suburban life in New Jersey, echoing the TV shows that shaped her upbringing.

Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, Melissa's family, despite their surroundings, had a limited involvement in the community or faith. Thus, she forged her own path, delving into the traditions and practices of Judaism whenever life felt incomplete.

As her children thrived, and suburban life appeared idyllic, an unshakable void gnawed at Melissa's heart. Then, one day at the gym, an unexpected encounter changed everything. A woman she didn't know caught her eye, and in that moment, the question 'Am I Gay?' flashed through her mind, sparking a profound transformation.

Join us on this episode as we accompany Melissa on her journey, witnessing her origin, her experience and struggles in coming out, navigating life's shifting tides, and her emergence as she embraces the empowering act of self-reinvention.

Find Melissa and her Book here: https://melissagiberson.com/

In this poignant and heartfelt episode, I'm joined by my dear friends, Sara Bybee Fisk, a Coach, and Andrea Parks, a Psychotherapist, as we delve into the profound topic of Religious Trauma. Together, we embark on a journey where we explore the importance of sharing through our own stories.

We begin by recounting the serendipitous nature of our meeting, which felt almost like divine intervention. I open up about my own upbringing within evangelical Christianity, detailing the challenges of coming out, and we reflect on Sara and Andrea's unique journeys within Mormonism.

Through our conversations, we highlight the overlap and differences in our upbringings. Our discussion takes us on a profound exploration of their experiences as parents of LGBTQIA+ children and the impact it had on their perspectives on faith and life. We also delve into the complex process of losing our guidance systems, as our religions often demanded us to conform to specific molds and strive endlessly for a love that felt unattainable, and then how we began to reclaim them.

Together, we unravel the layers of religious trauma, examining the impact it had on our lives and the paths we ultimately chose to take. Join us in this heartfelt conversation as we shed light on the healing journey beyond religious trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.

Find Sara here:

www.sarafisk.coach

https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach?lang=en

https://theexgoodgirlpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share

Free Guide: How to Have a Difficult Conversation

https://tinyurl.com/stoppeoplepleasing

Connect with Andrea:

https://bloomhealingaz.com/

Instagram @theandreatales

In this captivating episode, we invite you to explore the remarkable life and transformation of Dr. Michelle Grua, a pediatric anesthesiologist, medical acupuncturist, and devoted mother of three. Dr. Grua's journey demonstrates that the boundaries between the realms of science and data and the spiritual and unexplained can indeed blur and coexist harmoniously.

Our conversation begins with a deep dive into her origin story, the influential figures in her upbringing, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue a career in medicine. Yet, the heart of this episode unveils the profound struggle she endured after the loss of her husband—a period when she grappled with a profound sense of loss and disconnection from her own identity.

Yet during this time as though somehow guiding her from her darkest hours towards a state of personal emergence, her beloved husband sent her sign and message over and over. Challenging her long-held belief that death represents the final chapter of existence. As she navigated the complex landscape of grief, she embarked on a quest for meaning and explanations that defied the conventional wisdom found in traditional books on the subject.

Join us on this intellectual adventure as we venture into Dr. Grua’s world and see how she discovered plausible explanations for these extraordinary communications. Her profound experience reshaped her perspective on life, love, and death, culminating in a newfound wisdom that she generously shares in this episode.

Tune in to this enlightening and heartwarming conversation that has the potential to revolutionize your understanding of life, love, and the enigmatic realm of the afterlife.

In this episode, I had the privilege of talking with the incredible Alaina G. Levine, an award-winning professional speaker, career coach, science writer, TEDx speaker, author, and corporate comedian. Alaina's story is a tapestry woven from diverse threads, reflecting her rich background and experiences. She shares her path from a childhood steeped in Jewish traditions to navigating the complexities of life, including the profound struggles and transformative moments that ultimately led her to become the successful and influential figure in her field that she is today.

Alaina opens up about her early life and the role of faith in shaping her worldview, providing insights into her background. She takes us through the profound struggle she faced when dealing with the loss of her beloved mother, a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of her life.

The heart of this episode centers on Alaina's journey of emerging from this deep personal struggle. She shares how she found beauty amidst the pain and grew as an individual. Her unwavering faith played a crucial role in sustaining her during this challenging period.

We explore the powerful concept of reframing one's life experiences, finding purpose even in moments of adversity, and how faith can be a guiding light during the darkest of times.

Alaina has become a sought-after speaker and career development expert, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. With her speaking, coaching and two books, "Networking for Nerds" and "Create Your Unicorn Career!" (forthcoming), she continues to inspire and guide others on their own journeys to success.

Throughout the episode, Alaina's wisdom and experiences are sure to inspire and resonate with listeners. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and the art of reframing life's challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose.

Find Alaina here:

linkedin.com/in/alainaglevineinstagram.com/alainaglevine

twitter: @AlainaGLevine

www.alainalevine.com

*** TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE DISCUSSION****

This week's episode features my conversation with Ashley Isaiah. As a beacon of inspiration, Ashley has embarked on an incredible journey, beginning with the profound process of self-discovery and culminating in the role of a powerful advocate. From a young age, Ashley recognized his true identity, setting the stage for a personal odyssey that would shape his future. Today, he stands as the LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator at RWJ University Hospital in New Jersey, a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to helping others.

As we delve into Ashley's narrative, we witness his transformative path, which led him to his current role. His dedication shines through as he manages the day-to-day operations and outreach for the RWJUH PROUD Gender Center. This center serves the vital needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender patients, offering care, support, and access to affirming providers. Ashley's tireless efforts extend to coordinating patient relations, sensitizing hospital staff through training, and engaging with the community.

His journey serves as a powerful reminder that self-discovery can lead to profound advocacy, impacting not just your life, but the community around you. Through his remarkable story, we gain insight into the challenges he's faced, the strength he's drawn upon, and the transformative change he's bringing to the world.

*** TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE DISCUSSION****

In this episode Alex Reegan delves deep into his personal journey of grappling with self-acceptance and healing. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a religious environment that challenged his authenticity, Alex candidly shares his quest to answer a powerful question: "If I gave myself mercy, who would I be?" Join him as he reflects on his ongoing pursuit of self-compassion and the profound transformation that emerges when we grant ourselves the grace we deserve.

Step into an engaging episode as we sit down with Nikki La Croce, the remarkable podcaster behind 'Who The F*ck?'. Join us for a candid conversation where Nikki opens up about her childhood marked by not fitting in—whether in her community, her religion, or even her own gender identity. Experience her journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and the quest for belonging. Tune in to hear how Nikki emerged triumphant, embracing her authentic self, and transcending her struggles to find a newfound sense of belonging, self-love, and the power of connection.

Connect with Nikki here:

Who The F*ck? Website: https://whothefck.com/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whothefck_pod 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AoCyjomidBPoTTTxaJvLy 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-the-f-ck/id1481019182?uo=4 

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kY2IzOGY4L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi51bjBlsb_AhX1lo4IHWXYDeMQ9sEGegQIARAC 

In this heartwarming episode of "What Needs To Be Said," we dive into the extraordinary life of Elena Joy Thurston, a woman who has faced tremendous struggles with religious trauma in the Mormon Church and the ordeal of conversion therapy. As a devoted mother of four, Elena Joy's life took an unexpected turn when she bravely embraced her true identity and came out as a lesbian. This decision cost her dearly, causing her to lose her marriage, church, and community. But she emerged stronger, wiser, more resilient and now lives as her authentic self. Discover how she overcame adversity, founded a nonprofit to aid LGBTQ+ youth, and established herself as a sought-after Diversity & Allyship speaker. Together, we explore her transformation from exclusion to inclusion and the impactful work she's doing to foster understanding and acceptance. Her journey will move and inspire you. Tune in now! Find Elena Joy here:

Pride & Joy Foundation HTTP://www.PrideandJoyFoundation.com

The Elena Joy Experience  http://www.elenajoyexperience.com

Pride & Joy Parents event  www.prideandjoyparents.com

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenajoythurston/

 https://www.instagram.com/pridejoyfoundation/

 https://www.facebook.com/PrideJoyFound

Her podcast: http://www.outofqueeriosity.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenajoyspeaks/

TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIhPZMC4UEg

Step into the world of my friendship with my best friend, Nate, and my amazing wife, Dorris, in this raw and unfiltered conversation where we explore the freedom surrender offers and our observable resistance to it. This episode goes beyond the normal format of this podcast, and presents an intimate and candid discussion among friends.

Together, we delve into the depths of what surrender truly means and how it feels in the midst of life's challenges. We share our personal journeys, discussing the contrasting emotions of loss and liberation that surrender can invoke, and contemplate the intriguing question of whether surrendering is a powerful form of being present.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of topics as we touch on a pirate parlay, stern nuns, and even dive into the intriguing idea of the possibility of there being no free will. This episode is a true adventure as we share our perspectives on surrender, the mysteries of life, and what it means to embrace the power of letting go. Get ready to be inspired as we put our heads together and try to put words to an often elusive spiritual concept.

In this episode, which is part 2 of my origin, I delve into the lifelong sense of impending doom that has haunted me, stemming from my religious upbringing and the belief that I was inherently flawed and irreparable. With vulnerability, I recount the heartache I faced while discovering and accepting my queer identity, which added an extra layer of feeling irredeemable. Throughout this episode, I explore the transformative power of healing, acknowledging that it often occurs in waves, unveiling new aspects of pain from our origins as we navigate through different phases of life. My intention in sharing these personal stories is to normalize the cycles of origin, struggle, and emergence, with the hope that you, the listener, can find empowerment in acknowledging and embracing your own journeys with grace and mercy. 

Join me on this glimpse into my transformative journey of self-discovery. Together, let's explore and discover new ways to emerge stronger, more self-aware, and liberated. We all possess the power to unlock new possibilities for growth and find our own paths to a more expansive existence.

Step into the intriguing world of authenticity and self-discovery as I sit down with the extraordinary Jillian Abby on this thought-provoking episode of the "What Needs to be Said" podcast. Brace yourself for an intimate conversation that unravels the complexities of perfectionism and the relentless pursuit of external validation. Witness the defining moment when Jillian, in her late 30s, fearlessly embraced her true identity as a lesbian, paving the way for a profound metamorphosis that would forever change her life. With raw vulnerability and unwavering resilience, she sheds light on the transformative power of self-acceptance, leading her to not only find her authentic self but also a deep spiritual connection and an unexpected love. Be prepared to be inspired, moved, and empowered as we journey through the extraordinary narrative of Jillian Abby.

You can find Jillian here: https://linktr.ee/jillianabby

Embark on an inspiring journey with Dorris Muramatsu, a former musician, visionary artist, and spiritual explorer. Join us as we explore her incredible story, from her years touring with Girlyman, a folk pop band known for their introspective songs, to her profound insights into creativity, belonging, and happiness.

Growing up with immigrant parents, Dorris searched for a sense of belonging, navigating the challenges of being in an in-between place. In our conversation, she shares how our past is shaped by who we are now and how self-reflection can transform our perspectives.

Dorris also opens up about her personal struggles, including a battle with cancer that led her to question if happiness was still within reach. Discover how she emerged from this dark period by reigniting her creativity and curiosity, leading to a deeper connection with her spiritual self.

Join us as we delve into the transformative power of Dorris Muramatsu's story and follow her unique, magical perspective of life, where creativity, joyfulness, and spiritual enlightenment converge. Get ready to be inspired in this mesmerizing episode!

Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the life and journey of Emily Scott Robinson, an internationally touring singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque mountains of Colorado. Born and raised in North Carolina, Emily's musical talent has earned her accolades and a dedicated following. But her artistry is more than just music; it's a spiritual path.

In this enlightening conversation, Emily shares her personal evolution and the transformative moments that shaped her worldview. From her upbringing in the Presbyterian Church to her exploration of shamanism and somatic therapy, we delve into her quest for deeper meaning and connection.

Together, we explore topics that resonate with Emily's experiences, such as purity culture, alternative motherhood, reproductive rights, and the profound relationship between creativity and serving a higher power. Emily's insights and reflections shed light on her journey of breaking free from societal constraints, transcending patriarchal patterns, and finding her authentic path.

Prepare to be inspired as we uncover the intersection of artistry, spirituality, and personal growth in this thought-provoking episode featuring the soulful Emily Scott Robinson.

Connect with Emily at www.emilyscottrobinson.com

 Or on Instagram @emilyscottrobinson

On this episode, join us for a powerful conversation with Ari Wisner, a talented queer artist, tarot author, and reader based in London. Together, we embark on a profound exploration of Ari's origin story, shaped by a conservative religious upbringing. We delve into the struggles they faced, including the weight of shame and inauthenticity, and witness their inspiring emergence into a life of embracing their authentic self. Ari's experiences become a guiding light, illuminating the path to personal growth and empowerment amidst the complexities of identity. As we navigate the depths of self-discovery and resilience, we discover the liberating power that comes from living in alignment with our true selves. Join us on this captivating episode as we embark on a transformative journey, drawing inspiration from Ari's extraordinary emergence into a life of authenticity and fulfillment.

Connect with Ari here: https://www.ariwisner.com/

or on Instagram and other socials at @ari_wisner

Join us on the What Needs to be Said podcast as we embark on an inspiring exploration of the personal journey of Rev. Dr. José M. Román. Raised in New York City by Puerto Rican parents, his remarkable path as a lifelong public servant, minister, and proud Gay Latino Man stands as a profound testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of embracing authenticity.

In this heartfelt episode, we engage in a captivating conversation, delving into the challenges he has faced, the triumphs he has achieved, and the pivotal role of faith in his journey towards embracing his true self. Rev. Dr. Román's career has spanned a wide range of impactful endeavors, from youth development to LGBT civil rights, HIV/AIDS, vaccine research, and international emergency relief and development. Currently serving as Rutgers University's Vice President of Research Administration, he holds one of the highest-ranking positions in the university's research administration.

As a scholar of religion, Rev. Dr. Román has also dedicated himself to fostering dialogue and fellowship among diverse faith communities. Don't miss this inspiring episode of the What Needs to be Said podcast as we delve into Rev. Dr. José M. Román's personal journey of embracing authenticity and faith. Join us as we uncover the profound and transformative power of speaking our truth, releasing shame, and living authentically.

In this episode of the What Needs to be Said podcast, host Alex Reegan sits down with Ruth Schwartz, Ph.D., the brilliant mind behind the Conscious Girlfriend Academy. Ruth shares her personal journey of origin, struggle, and emergence, and offers profound insights into her groundbreaking work in the realm of dating, love, and sexuality. Ruth's own story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self. She opens up about her own struggles and how she overcame them, ultimately emerging as a beacon of empowerment and wisdom. Her experiences have shaped her into a leading global resource, helping lesbians and women who love women navigate the complexities of dating and relationships. At the Conscious Girlfriend Academy, Ruth has created a safe and inclusive space for individuals seeking meaningful connections. Drawing from her extensive educational background, including Creative Writing, Transpersonal Psychology, Applied Shamanism, and Somatica Sex & Intimacy Coaching, Ruth brings a holistic approach to her transformative work. Throughout the interview, Ruth offers practical guidance and shares her expertise, gained through years of teaching at prestigious institutions. Her acclaimed book, Conscious Lesbian Dating and Love, serves as a valuable roadmap for those looking to create fulfilling partnerships. Join Alex Reegan as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ruth Schwartz, exploring her personal journey and the profound insights she has gained along the way. This episode of the What Needs to be Said podcast invites listeners to embrace their authentic selves, navigate the complexities of dating and relationships, and find empowerment through love and sexuality.

Connect with Ruth Schwartz at:

http://www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com/ 

https://www.consciousgirlfriendacademy.com/book