How the Canvas Became My Church with JoAnne Yada

How the Canvas Became My Church with Jo Anne Yada

Jo Anne Yada joined me in the studio to talk about art, creativity, and teaching kids through music and self-expression. What I didn't expect was a conversation that would take us through growing up Mormon, leaving a high-demand religion, questioning long-held beliefs, and learning how to build a life that actually feels like your own.

We talk about purity culture, family, faith, LGBTQ+ acceptance, church history, awkward first experiences with alcohol and coffee, and the freedom that comes from realizing you don't need someone else to tell you how to be a good person.

Along the way, we dive into childhood nostalgia, Jem and the Holograms, David Bowie, Joan Jett, drag queens, art education, and the incredible community Jo Anne has built through murals, teaching, and creativity.

At its heart, this episode is about finding your people, trusting yourself enough to ask hard questions, and discovering that sometimes what replaces the thing you leave behind becomes something even more meaningful.

Funny, thoughtful, occasionally heartbreaking, and full of curiosity, this is exactly the kind of casual conversation about serious shit we love around here.

In This Episode:

•  Growing up Mormon and leaving the church 
•  Faith deconstruction and personal freedom 
•  Family, acceptance, and choosing love 
•  Purity culture and church control 
•  Art as healing and community building 
•  Teaching creativity through music and storytelling 
•  Building a life outside of other people's expectations 

Resources & Mentions:

•  Rock the Blacktop — https://www.rocktheblacktop.com
•  Alameda Gallery & Collective 
•  Fireside Lounge 
•  The BITE Model 
•  Jem and the Holograms 
•  David Bowie 
•  Joan Jett 
•  The Book of Mormon