ExcommuniDate: Life & Love After Religion
Forming and maintaining relationships is hard, especially when religion is involved. But what happens when religion is no longer part of your equation? What if it still is for everyone else?
Join Jessa, an ex-Mormon who loves reality TV, and Austin, a non-practicing Presbyterian who lived in Utah longer than he should have, as they explore the ups and downs of dating post-religion. Whether you’re freshly excommunicated or well into your secular journey, this podcast is here to help you navigate love on your own terms.
We’re all about Connecting Hearts, Not Dogmas.
Episodes
11 episodes
9. Hindu Culture, Caste, and Interfaith Marriage
Leave your shoes – and sanctity – at the door and join us for this conversation with Vishakha (Vi), who grew up in India and moved to the United States at age 19. Raised in Hindu traditions, she talks about what happens when religion and cultur...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:04:13
8. From Catholic Roots to Personal Truth: Navigating Family and Faith
How can you show up in your family relationships when you’re not able to express your truest self? That’s exactly the question we explore in this episode. We’re joined by Bianca, who opted out of some core beliefs of her Catholic upbringing as ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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57:35
7. From Purity to Power: Breaking Free from Christian Shame
On this episode, Melissa Frey joins the show to share her firsthand experience with the Christian church and its chase for chastity, especially in young women. She talks about the overwhelming guilt she felt when she had sex before marriage, ca...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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49:44
6. Grief, Queer Identity, and Art Therapy ft. Caitlin Torres Graham
Caitlin Torres Graham regularly works with people who are grieving, whether that’s coming out, loss, death or, you guessed it, leaving a high-demand religion. As a trauma-informed art therapist, Caitlin works particularly with those grappling w...
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54:06
5. Gay, Not Bi, and Bye Bye Mormonism
What happens when your faith and sexuality collide? In this powerful episode, Jordan shares his journey of embracing his queer identity while navigating a high-demand Mormon upbringing. Discover how he grappled with a mixed-orientation marriage...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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45:41
4. Rebuilding Identity ft. Alleia Davila
What does it take to rebuild your identity after leaving a high-demand religion? Austin and Jessa sit down with Alleia Davila, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at See the Wonder LLC...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:01:44
3. Dating Across Faith Lines
Austin and Jessa dive into the complexities of dating across faith lines, sharing personal experiences and challenges faced when navigating relationships with differing beliefs. Austin discusses the importance of communication, respect, and set...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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40:40
Valentine’s Day Special: No Gods, No Guilt, Just Good Vibes
Cupid has no creed—and no remorse for those flying solo on Valentine’s Day. But what happens when you’re not just single, but also navigating life after leaving a high-demand religion? In this special episode, Jessa and Austin unpac...
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37:32
2. Free the Knee: Social Stigmas & Dating After Leaving Religion
What do “birth control shorts,” septum piercings, and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives have in common? They’re all part of the messy, liberating journey of leaving high-demand religions and facing the ever-terrifying “s” word: stigma.In...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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33:48
1. Love, Life, and Leaving Religion
Jessa (a Utah native) and Austin (a Utah transplant) explore the complexities of dating in a state steeped in religious culture. Austin shares personal stories of navigating Utah's unique dating scene and confronting religious expectation...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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30:18
0. Welcome to ExcommuniDate: Navigating Life and Love Post-Religion
Austin and Jessa introduce "Excommunidate," a podcast focused on the journey of leaving a high-demand religion and rediscovering oneself. From finding love in a new, accepting community to navigating complex relationships, they set the stage fo...
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6:15