NoneLife

Are you a fellow "None"? Do you seek to understand life's complex questions, but beyond a lens of "because [someone] said so"? How do we know which is the right choice? What are the benefits of being kind to others, respectful of differences, and pushing beyond our own comfort zones? NoneLife is a motivational podcast that analyzes tough questions through multiple contemporary and historical viewpoints, providing an aspirational and practical alternative to a morality justified only by religion.

NoneLife Eulogy 06/11/2022

NoneLife Eulogy I think that, if anything, we as a nation and as individuals have not mourned or eulogized our pandemic dead enough. I don't think we've processed the great numbers of loss, or the compound sadnesses of not only the deaths of family members, but being unable to be with them to say goodbye. In this episode, in between the 2-year anniversary of her passing and the 1-year anniversary of her burial, I share the eulogy I gave my mother. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/23394530

Masking (Neurodivergence) 04/19/2022

Masking (Neurodivergence) I talk about the Masking performed by many Neurodivergent individuals. But this masking is occurring in a society where general personality masking - i.e. 'hiding' your 'bad feelings' (sadness, frustration, anger) is taught from early youth as correct behavior. Meanwhile, those of us who have deconstructed from previous faiths are familiar with a practice of "church masking" - where we try to display feelings and beliefs we do not feel. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/22834925

SU1C1 03/01/2022

SU1C1 How have religious views towards self-harm affected our greater societal views - and in some places, even the laws? Isn't it better to offer support and comfort to someone who is struggling? This episode covers painful topics - please be advised of TW's and take care of yourself. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/22292561

My Alma Mater Benet 01/29/2022

My Alma Mater Benet My alma mater, Benet Academy, cannot stay out of the news lately. I share my thoughts regarding the hypocritical and harmful actions towards their highly qualified Coach, as well as a couple stories regarding what it is like - what it is really like - to be a young person in that school's environment. [TW: this episode discusses sensitive topics including self-harm & inappropriate conduct] /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/21940550

Winter Holidays: Greetings and Facts 12/12/2021

Winter Holidays: Greetings and Facts Happy winter holidays! Did you know that many different cultures celebrate the winter solstice? There are so many holidays this time of year - but Christmas is one of the most popular, with holiday shopping significantly impacting multiple economies. This episode provides a few talking points to push against the silly idea that there is any "fight" whatsoever against Xmas. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and fantastic New Year! /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/21455846

Special Episode: Interview on Inclusion, The Humanity Pages 11/23/2021

Special Episode: Interview on Inclusion, The Humanity Pages Special interview!!! The Humanity Pages (thehumanitypages.net) is a new blog that is "dedicated to helping ourselves grow, learn, and evolve through the sharing of stories, thoughts, ideas, or inspirations." I'm fortunate to speak with the creator, my dear friend Chris LeBrun, regarding his intentions for the site. We also discuss his ongoing efforts to try and make the world more inclusive. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/21254282

Inclusion, Normalizing, and the Backfire Effect 10/31/2021

Inclusion, Normalizing, and the Backfire Effect A more inclusive world is a better world for all, yes? But how, exactly, can we be “more inclusive”? This episode discusses normalizing and positive consequences, and what the backfire effect is and methods to counteract it. We wrap up by recommending several different social media sites that might help expand knowledge through exposure to various topics. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/20994743

Special Episode: DonorsChoose.org 09/30/2021

Special Episode: DonorsChoose.org DonorsChoose.org is an organization that allows you to give directly to classrooms in need. This special, short episode gives you all the information you need to know about how to make a teacher's dream come true for their students. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/20660321

Mental Health: Erase the Stigma 09/23/2021

Mental Health: Erase the Stigma 1 in 5 American adults will experience mental health challenges, yet more than half will not seek treatment. This is partially due to stigma affecting how we collectively view mental health. This episode discusses causes of mental health challenges (it is NOT weakness or lack of faith!) and simple steps that ANY of us can take to lessen the stigma on this highly important topic. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/20576030

NoneLife: Sexism, Episode 1 08/17/2021

NoneLife: Sexism, Episode 1 Sexism is wrong. It's pervasive, but it's wrong. Call it out with me, won't you? Whether it's using humor to reframe old, nonsensical stories about a made-up woman, or telling a child that the length of her shorts has nothing to do with an adult's disrespect - there are steps that any and all of us can take to make the world safer. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/20165684

How to Reply to Concerns from Others 07/14/2021

How to Reply to Concerns from Others If you've left a belief system, at some point you may hear from someone you know, who feels compelled to share their concerns about your life choices. This episode provides options for how to reply - or not - to these messages. You have the power and right to elect not to respond, or to give a brief acknowledgement, or to "flip the script," and more! /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/19813787

Pronouns / PRIDE MONTH 21 06/24/2021

Pronouns / PRIDE MONTH 21 There is no "wrong" way to express your gender - there just isn't. Language is arbitrary, and changes over time. Gender constructs differ around the world, and also change over time. The way in which we identify ourselves will - guess what! - change over time. There is nothing wrong with you. Whoever you are; you are valuable, and you deserve respect and love. Show off your pronouns, they are beautiful. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/19587680

Bonus Episode: Interviews for The Importance of Rituals 06/04/2021

Bonus Episode: Interviews for The Importance of Rituals Bonus content! Hear more from the fantastic thoughts of both Melinda Wertz and C.S. Roberts. This is the companion episode to the Importance of Rituals. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/19350122

The Importance of Rituals 05/31/2021

The Importance of Rituals As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, what rituals can we create to help us honor the ones we've lost, bring closure to the worst of the crisis, and step into what comes next? Why are rituals important; and how are rituals, religion, and theatre intertwined? This episode explores what rituals have provided for us over the past 70,000 years. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/19295858

Healing after Leaving a Cult 05/06/2021

Healing after Leaving a Cult If you or a loved one has recently left a harmful community, then know that you are loved and valuable. I wish you well, and wish you strength to move through this transition. This episode examines different kinds of cults, the reasons that victims become indoctrinated, and references expert advice on moving through this painful phase. Hopefully together we will be able to make the world a healthier place. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/19011311

Special Episode: Conference on Religious Trauma 04/30/2021

Special Episode: Conference on Religious Trauma Special episode only available temporarily. Learning about the upcoming Conference on Religious Trauma and access a discount code. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/18927545

NoneLife: Reclaiming "Pro Life" 03/26/2021

NoneLife: Reclaiming "Pro Life" The anti-choice, anti-woman, anti-abortion ideology corrupted the term "pro life" in reaction to Roe v. Wade in 1973. If you're interested in, or tired of, the propaganda touted by an extreme reactionary movement, then learn how and why it is time to reclaim the term "pro life!" /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/18462080

NoneLife Special Episode: Donations 09/11/2019

NoneLife Special Episode: Donations This special episode talks about donating items we no longer want to keep - and how to know whether we are doing this with the greatest impact. Donations can be a way to help others - but can also tug at our heartstrings as we struggle to separate our memories from our possessions. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/11203991

Special Episode: What is the Border Crisis 07/24/2019

Special Episode: What is the Border Crisis A special short episode, talking about what I believe is one of the current most urgent humanitarian crises in our country: the crisis at our southern border. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/10639559

NoneLife: Favorite Story, and Why it Works 07/15/2019

NoneLife: Favorite Story, and Why it Works In episode 2 we shared our top recommendation for making the world a better place: amplify positive news. But, don't take our word for it! Learn about the science and psychology reinforcing why amplifying positive news has such great benefits. Hear one of our favorite stories of good-doing which occurred just this past winter in Chicago. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/10520777

NoneLife Special Episode: Foster Siblings 06/22/2019

NoneLife Special Episode: Foster Siblings Special Episode!!! M, a member of a foster family, says there are not enough resources to prepare children to welcome new foster siblings into their home. She shares advice, drawn from her own experiences and other children in foster families. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/10244726

NoneLife: Amplify Positive News 06/04/2019

NoneLife: Amplify Positive News The awkwardness of approaching life milestones, such as marriage, without a "traditional" ceremony. Also: the power of amplifying positive news. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/10037603

Welcome to NoneLife 06/02/2019

Welcome to NoneLife Welcome to NoneLife! In Episode 1 learn what it means to be a "none." We also talk about why challenging yourself can make you a better person. /episode/index/show/nonelife/id/10018265

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