MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt

In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Cameron Staley to talk about something rarely discussed openly: pornography, compulsive eating, gaming, and the behaviors we use to escape uncomfortable emotions. Dr. Staley shares his groundbreaking research showing pornography viewing does not activate the brain like substance addiction. The term addiction itself is not even a scientific diagnosis. Calling yourself an addict actually maintains the behavior over time by making it central to your identity. Instead, unwanted pornography viewing is a compulsion driven by shame and emotion avoidance, and the same is true for sugar, food, gaming, and scrolling. All behavior is purposeful. The question is what are you escaping? We discuss how sin is really disconnection from yourself, others, and God, and how repentance means turning back toward connection. Dr. Staley shares his self-directed ACT therapy program Life After Pornography and his book Confessions of an LDS Sex Researcher.Brynne’s Social:Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355Instagram: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/Threads: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Dr. Cameron Staley's Resources:Website: https://cameronstaley.com/TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNGg5SMcyhIProgram: Life After Pornography (self-directed, 10 sessions of ACT therapy, under $100, 90%+ reduction in viewing) https://cameronstaley.com/programs/Book: Confessions of an LDS Sex Researcher - https://cameronstaley.com/2024-book-release/One-on-one counseling: Available virtually across the country - https://cameronstaley.com/programs/Chapters01:05 Introduction to the Conversation on Pornography and Sexuality04:09 Understanding the Role of Intent in Pornography Use06:45 Curiosity as a Tool for Self-Reflection09:48 Navigating Religious Beliefs and Pornography12:42 The Misconception of Addiction vs. Compulsion15:48 The Impact of Language on Identity and Behavior18:28 Reframing Sexuality and Agency21:25 The Importance of Education in Sexuality24:31 The Role of Emotions in Sexual Behavior27:37 Defining Buffers and Coping Mechanisms31:21 Understanding Our Relationship with Sugar and Compulsions36:20 Navigating Emotions and Their Physical Manifestations41:45 The Importance of Regulation and Connection47:34 Redefining Sin and Connection in Our Lives50:45 Resources for Overcoming Buffers and Addictions

In this episode, Kathy Sherwood and I explore the connection between spirituality, personal growth, and coaching. Kathy shares about her unique upbringing and the diverse spiritual influences that shaped her path to becoming a spiritual coach. We talk about intuition, unconditional love, and the journey of self-discovery, and we really dig into this idea that everyone is worthy of a beautiful life. Kathy also gets into the importance of breaking free from rigid beliefs and encourages us to tap into our own inner guidance to create lives that feel meaningful.Brynne’s Social:Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355Instagram: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/Threads: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Kathy Sherwood:Websites: www.kathysherwood.comwww.inspiritude.comIG: @_kathysherwood_ https://www.instagram.com/_kathysherwood_/@_inspiritudehttps://www.instagram.com/_inspiritude/✨And a free gift to help people tap into, or strengthen, their intuition:www.kathysherwood.com/unpackingthenudgesTakeawaysKathy's upbringing was influenced by various spiritual beliefs.She emphasizes the importance of intuition in personal growth.Unconditional love is a guiding principle in her life.Beliefs can be limiting; it's essential to question them.Spiritual coaching was a natural progression for Kathy.People often doubt their capabilities due to societal conditioning.Life is a journey of self-discovery and exploration.Inner dialogue shapes our experiences and outcomes.Everyone is worthy of a beautiful life.Tapping into intuition can lead to meaningful success. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Mentorship03:26 Kathy's Upbringing and Spiritual Influences06:15 Exploring Different Spiritual Paths09:05 The Role of Intuition in Spirituality11:51 Beliefs and Practices from the Past15:01 The Journey to Becoming a Spiritual Coach17:45 The Transition from Business to Spiritual Coaching20:46 Embracing Spirituality in Coaching23:27 Encouragement to Explore New Ideas24:16 Turning Dreams into Reality26:30 The Power of Community and Support29:23 Understanding Our Inner Journey33:14 The Nature of a Loving God36:59 Breaking Free from Rules and Expectations39:06 Empowering Others to Follow Their Dreams43:57 Tapping into Intuition for a Beautiful Life46:40 call to action

In this episode, Brynne Erickson interviews Evan Fitzgerald, who shares his profound journey through chronic pain and the transformative power of meditation. Evan reflects on his childhood experiences, including the loss of his father. He discusses how this experience shaped his desire to become a firefighter and the emotional toll that his profession took on him. After a life-altering injury while fighting a fire, Evan faced a long and painful struggle with his health, leading him to explore various avenues for healing, including meditation and psychedelics. Through this journey, he emphasizes the importance of being present with one another in suffering and the necessity of self-compassion in the face of adversity.Evan's insights on pain, suffering, and the human experience resonate deeply, as he articulates the idea that pain is not a bug but a feature of life. He shares how learning to embrace pain rather than resist it can lead to personal growth and healing. The conversation also touches on spirituality, the importance of community, and the need for open-mindedness in exploring different paths to wellness. Evan's story is one of resilience, hope, and the belief that we can transform our suffering into something meaningful, ultimately finding peace and connection in our shared human experience.Brynne’s Social:Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355Instagram: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/Threads: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Evan's Resources:Pain's Purpose podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5LOy5TwZ0MJpGHTV0XPhrsThomas McConkie's Lower Lights - https://lowerlightswisdom.org/Takeaways"It's okay to set a boundary and not take on what isn't yours.""Pain itself isn't unbearable; it's the suffering we add that makes it unbearable.""We need each other to change the hell we've been given to heaven.""The pain is intrusive, but all of it is important and included.""If you die before you die, then you won't die when you die.""Truth comes from everywhere; if we only go to one place for it, we miss a lot.""We are all fractals of the same light, and we show up in unique ways.""The natural aspects of life, mistakes, illness, and death are not problems; they are part of the journey.""Meditation was the only place I could really go and see what was true.""We can learn to be with pain in a way that we don't add extra suffering."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Evan Fitzgerald01:36 Evan's Early Life and Family Background04:11 The Call to Firefighting05:34 Journey to Becoming a Firefighter08:23 The Life-Altering Incident10:44 Health Decline and Diagnosis Struggles12:07 The Role of Meditation in Healing16:18 Exploring Psychedelics for Healing23:09 Finding Balance in Life25:37 Lessons on Pain and Suffering27:45 Writing as a Healing Tool28:34 Death, Rebirth, and Personal Growth30:33 The Importance of Community and Support37:00 Trusting Intuition and Inner Knowing40:53 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth43:15 Transforming Relationships Through Adversity44:33 Resources for Healing and Support45:05 Finding Hope in Pain

In this episode I talk with my dear friend and intuitive guide Sheree Carlisle about her remarkable journey from active Latter-day Saint to someone who now moves fluidly through energy healing, sound baths, human design, astrology, Reiki, and so much more. Sheree shares what it was like when her husband stepped away from the church and how she found her way through it with love rather than ultimatums. We talk about the Claire gifts, how to develop your intuition, what human design has meant for Sheree's self understanding, and why she believes God is guiding her every step no matter what label she puts on her spirituality. This one is warm, honest, and genuinely fascinating.Brynne’s Social:Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355Instagram: @brynne_ericksonhttps://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/Sharee’s Resources:Instagram: @journey.of_strengthhttps://www.instagram.com/journey.of_strength/Youtube: @Sharee Carlislehttps://www.youtube.com/@ShareecarlisleFor sounds baths or coaching please contact her via Instagram. TakeawaysSheree identifies as an intuitive guide, utilizing various healing modalities.Helping women reconnect with their bodies and emotions is a key focus.Spirituality is viewed as separate from organized religion.Love is the central theme in navigating personal beliefs and relationships.Intuition involves different 'Claire' gifts: claircognizance, clairsentience, clairaudience, and clairvoyance.Every individual has their own truth and should be respected in their beliefs.Sheree emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and processing.The journey of healing is unique for everyone and requires self-exploration.Taking the first step in pursuing a spiritual path can lead to unexpected opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Intuition05:03 Sheree's Journey into Spirituality08:29 Defining Spirituality and Intuition14:43 The Role of Religion in Personal Growth19:28 Unconditional Love and Acceptance26:15 Navigating Change in Relationships29:34 Finding Alignment in Relationships34:34 Navigating Grief and Loss40:55 Exploring Spiritual Modalities48:50 Embracing Human Design and Astrology55:21 Taking the Leap into Healing Practices

In this solo episode I share some thoughts two days before Christmas on how to actually enjoy the holiday season when you cannot control what anyone else does, says, thinks, or feels. I talk about buying my own presents and why I think that is genuinely the most empowering move, how my family is evolving our traditions as everyone gets married and grows up, and why holding our traditions too tightly can actually cost us the people we love most. This one is a quick and honest reminder that the holidays are about your people and everything else is just a means of being together.TakeawaysYou can't control what people think or feel.The best person to meet your expectations is yourself.Consider the true purpose behind giving gifts.Traditions should evolve with family dynamics.It's important to focus on the people, not just the traditions.Embrace change in family traditions as families grow.Connection is more important than material gifts.You can opt out of traditions that don't resonate with you.Show up in love, regardless of others' opinions.Your thoughts shape your feelings and experiences.Chapters00:00 Embracing the Holiday Spirit03:15 The True Meaning of Giving05:53 Evolving Traditions and Family Dynamics09:08 Focusing on Connection Over Gifts

In this solo episode I share a lot of thoughts swirling around after seeing Wicked and somehow also watching K-pop Demon Hunters, two very different movies with a surprisingly similar message. I talk about the concept of truth and why I find it so hard to use that word in the context of religion anymore, what it was like when my perspective on the church started shifting and my husband and I found ourselves not on the same page, and why I think being broken and whole at the same time is not a contradiction but actually the whole point. This one is reflective, honest, and a little all over the place in the best way.TakeawaysTruth is subjective and shaped by our perspectives.Personal beliefs can evolve and transform over time.Embracing both light and darkness is essential for wholeness.Compassion and empathy are crucial in understanding others.Being broken can be a part of our wholeness.Authenticity involves accepting all parts of ourselves.It's okay to not always feel aligned with our beliefs.Self-acceptance leads to inner peace and contentment.We should strive to see others as their highest selves.Living authentically means embracing our imperfections.Chapters00:00 Exploring the Nature of Truth03:53 The Subjectivity of Experience07:15 Good vs. Wicked: Perspectives on Morality10:22 Embracing Wholeness: The Beauty of Being Broken13:43 Authenticity and Self-Acceptance