Cheers To Leaving! - podcast cover

Cheers To Leaving!

Rachael Kuttes & Cameron Smithcheerstoleaving.wordpress.com

Welcome to "Cheers to Leaving," the podcast that's all about expanding our horizons and embracing diverse perspectives. Join your hosts, Rachael and Cameron, as they embark on a new journey of understanding and connection.

In this revamped season, Rachael and Cameron, both who left their evangelical Christian backgrounds, are shifting the spotlight to illuminate stories that exist beyond the realm of Christianity. With an open heart and a commitment to fostering dialogue, they explore the narratives of individuals who bring unique experiences, beliefs, and perspectives to the table.

"Cheers to Leaving" is not just a departure from religion and the familiar; it's an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of human stories that may lie outside our comfort zones. Through thoughtful conversations, the hosts aim to bridge the gap between different worlds, fostering empathy, understanding, and unity.

Whether you identify with a specific faith, philosophy, or are still finding your path, this podcast invites you to pull up a chair, grab a metaphorical drink, and join the conversation. It's time to raise our glasses to leaving behind Christianity, preconceptions, embracing diversity, and celebrating the multitude of voices that make up the human experience. 

Get ready for insightful conversations, eye-opening revelations, and a journey that promises to challenge, inspire, and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the vast tapestry of beliefs that shape our world. Welcome to the new era of "Cheers to Leaving" - where everyone's story is not just heard but celebrated. Cheers! 🥂

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Episodes

Ep 97 Choosing Truth, Losing Everything (Part 2)

Send us a text TW: We talk about a lot of intense content that some might not be ready to hear to may not want to listen to and we wanted to put a precursor to this episode in case you are expecting an easy listening episode. But if you're ready for lots of truth bombs and existentialism and contemplating reality you're going to love this episode! Part 2 of our episode with Brittney Hartley! Go listen to Part 1 first before you dive in into this! In this episode she brings a unique blend of scho...

Jun 26, 202552 minSeason 3Ep. 97

Ep. 96 Choosing Truth, Losing Everything (Part 1)

Send us a text TW: We talk about a lot of intense content that some might not be ready to hear to may not want to listen to and we wanted to put a precursor to this episode in case you are expecting an easy listening episode. But if you're ready for lots of truth bombs and existentialism and contemplating reality you're going to love this episode! Our guest today, Britney Hartley, brings a unique blend of scholarly depth and real-world spiritual insight to our conversation today. We talk about n...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 96

Ep 95 Therapy Session with Brian and Troy (from IWATF)

Send us a text The gangs all here! We are so happy to have Brian and Troy back on the podcast. We spend the first 25min venting about the current situation in America because WHAT THE HELL. Then Cameron and Rachael share personal stories involving loved ones who are in Christianity and Brian and Troy comment on it. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

May 22, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 3Ep. 95

Ep 94 Relationships, Faith and Hot Takes

Send us a text We have things to say and we are saying them. Welcome to another manic episode where Cameron and Rachael 'shoot the shit'. They talk relationships, politics and christianity. They may even divulge never before heard secrets...so Join the conversation as they explore the highs, lows, and awkward moments that come with mixing personal beliefs, political views, and romantic connections. Whether you're looking for laughs or deep dives, this episode brings it all with a side of spicy o...

Mar 27, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 3Ep. 94

Ep 93 Christian Nationalism’s Endgame: Trump, Elon, and Project 2025 (with Tia Levings)

Send us a text The Christian nationalist movement isn’t just a fringe ideology—it’s shaping the highest levels of government. In this episode, we sit down with author Tia Levings to break down Project 2025, Trump’s hand-picked cabinet, and the alarming role of Elon Musk in the new administration. We discuss the calculated rise of Christian nationalism, how it threatens democracy, and what we can do to fight back. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle, Tia offers insight into how to sta...

Feb 20, 202547 minSeason 3Ep. 93

Ep 92 Jesus was a Socialist

Send us a text Today we are talking about our favorite zombie! Jesus. We’re diving into a topic that ruffles feathers across the political and religious spectrum: Would Jesus be a socialist? Spoiler alert, we think so. Tune in to find out why! This episode will make you think, make you mad, or make you reconsider that framed picture of Jesus with an American flag. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 92

Ep 91 We Die at the End of This

Send us a text Coming to you on inauguration day and Cameron and Rachael MIGHT be feeling a little existential. Tune in to hear more updates about Rachael and her mom, Trumps Cabinet picks, executive orders, Tiktok Ban, Meta and more. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 3Ep. 91

Ep 90 Project 2025: A Blueprint for the Future of America

Send us a text We're baaaaack. Thanks for your patience during our little hiatus. Cameron was busy with his classes and Rachael had a BABY. Listen as Rachael and Cameron catch up with what's been going on in their lives, talk about the election and dive into project 2025... What is Project 2025, and why is it sparking controversy? In this episode, we critically examine the conservative movement’s bold plan to reshape America’s future. Project 2025 outlines a sweeping agenda to transform federal ...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 3Ep. 90

Ep 89 Was Everyone in my Church Experiencing Religious Psychosis?

Send us a text So trending on the tiktok is spiritual psychosis. We hadn't heard this term before so we wanted to discuss it. Honestly, this sounds like it could be applied to A LOT of evangelical christians, charismatics and possibly Cameron. Was everyone in your church growing up experiencing psychosis? What exactly is it? Does it go unnoticed in church communities? Lets talk about it on todays episode! I'M SORRY IT'S LATE -Cam Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exva...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 3Ep. 89

Ep 88 The Infinite Self: Bubbles, Minds, and the Cosmic Connection

Send us a text Are we living in a vast interconnected reality, isolated bubbles, or is the universe just a projection of your own consciousness? Tune in as we unravel these philosophical ideas on today's episode as well as some of our own personal stories. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 33 minSeason 3Ep. 88

Ep 87 White Guy Thinks He's Japanese After 2 Weeks In Japan

Send us a text In todays episode we talk about Cameron's trip to Japan, his observations about the the culture and religion, we talk about their state religion Shintoism, interesting aspects about living in Japan, and how the one girl Cameron met there was(you guessed it) Christian. Join us on this unhinged and enlightening journey as Rachael and Cameron sleepily talk all things Japan. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Aug 15, 20241 hrSeason 3Ep. 87

Ep 86 Persecution, The Paris Olympics, and a Greek God.

Send us a text In this episode Rachael gives us some life updates, talks about deconstructing as an adult child and trying to still have a relationship with a religious parent, the Paris Olympics opening, the last supper and Greek Bacchanalia - The god of wine. Sometimes I sit around and think, 'THIS IS THE BAD PLACE." The pictures mentioned in the episode will be put up on our Instagram page! Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Aug 01, 202446 minSeason 3Ep. 86

Ep 85 Are We Alone in the Universe?

Send us a text In this episode we talk about the belief in Aliens. We dive deep into one of humanity's most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? Tune in to hear our guest Alex's insights on government secrecy, the potential impact of alien contact on humanity, and what the future holds for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode promises to challenge your perceptions and ignite your curiosity about the cosmos. Links to what ...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 37 minSeason 3Ep. 85

Ep 84 Holy Copycats: Did Christianity Borrow from Zoroastrianism?

Send us a text Join us on an enlightening journey into one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, Zoroastrianism. We will talk about the history, beliefs and ancient texts. We will compare the texts to that of the Bible and discover many similarities between this religion that came before the other modern monotheistic religions we know today. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Jun 20, 202459 minSeason 3Ep. 84

Ep 83 Educatin' with Satan

Send us a text Today's episode might be a mind-blowing topic for those of you who grew up in the evangelical satanic panic. Today we are talking about satanism, and you might be surprised - it has nothing to do with Satan. Our special guest today is Kyra Maddix - Kyria and I connected on TikTok - she has 50k followers and likes to talk about her beliefs surrounding satanism, philosophy, deconstruction with an aim to educate people. Follow Kyria on TikTok @kyramaddix https://linktr.ee/kyramaddix?...

Jun 06, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 83

Ep 82 Susan Is Getting the Toaster - A Wiccan Tale.

Send us a text Join us today as we learn about Wicca. And who better to walk us through the world of Wicca than Susan Grafton, a practicing wiccan. Susan talks about what drew her to Wicca, rituals and practices, symbolization, deities, and where to start if you're interested! She is determined to get that toaster. (IYKYK) The Real Margie Mack, the Happy Medium WIPPA Authors mentioned in the episode: Marion Weinstein Margot Alder - Drawing Down the Moon Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: ...

May 23, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 3Ep. 82

Ep 81 Burning Books and Eating Babies? What Were the Early Century Christians Hiding?

Send us a text This week on the pod we are exploring Gnosticism! Don’t know what it is? No problem. Listen as Cameron and Rachael tell you all about this strange forgotten early century Christian belief that other Christians never wanted you to know about. We’ll talk all things history and cosmology of this religion as well as some astrology, vibrations, how tiktok is ending and even Tom Brady! Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

May 09, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 3Ep. 81

Ep 80 God, Sex & Rich People: A Pastor's Kid's Journey in the Big Apple

Send us a text TW: Mentions of rape and sexual assault This is the last of our purity culture series. For this last episode we had an amazing conversation with Mattie Jo Cowsert. Before terms like “deconstruction” “purity culture” or “Exvangelical'' became hashtags all over the internet, Mattie Jo’ popular blog God, Sex & Rich People exposed the sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious realities of a young female Exvangelical navigating the diversity of Big Apple, working for the 1%, and datin...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 3Ep. 80

Ep 79 Devastating Sex and the Aftermath of Purity Culture

Send us a text The word/theme for this episode is devastating. In this episode we discuss sex expectations in purity culture, relationships, relationships during and after deconstructing, late-stage adolescence, sex therapy and much more. Our special guests today are Julia Postema and Jeremiah Gibson! They are the co-hosts of the podcast Sexvangelicals: The Sex Education the Church Didn't Want You to Have. They are both Boston-based licensed psychotherapists and certified sex therapists who work...

Apr 11, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 79

Ep 78 True Love Waits

Send us a text This is one of the few episodes we will be releasing over the next few weeks regarding purity culture. If you've been listening to us for a while, you know purity culture is something that often comes up in our episodes and I wanted to do a mini-series focusing on it. Here to discuss their own journey with purity culture, we have Canadian queer alt-pop artist Adaline, who just released a purity culture inspired single "True Love Waits", the third single from upcoming EP "Hymnal" (...

Mar 28, 20241 hr 25 minSeason 3Ep. 78

Ep 77 Insulting Squirrels and Pagan Deities

Send us a text Our first episode back after the break and we are diving right in! Join our hosts as we journey into the depths of archetypal paganism. What does a cheeky squirrel, Marvel movies, and the trinity have in common? This episode! If you wanna know what the heck we're talking about, click play! Grab your cloak and staff, and join us as we raise a toast to the ancient wisdom of archetypal paganism. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group ...

Mar 14, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 3Ep. 77

Hiatus Ep Born Sinful (with Phil Drysdale)

Send us a text On our hiatus episode today we're going to explore original sin. Oh yeah, shes a doozy. But dont worry, we have an amazing guest here to walk us through the mess of being born sinful. Phil Drysdale is a companion to those going through the painful process of deconstruction. He conducts research on those who deconstruct, has various free resources, including his podcast and offers a safe space for people to anonymously explore their deconstruction. You can reach out to Phil on Inst...

Feb 01, 20241 hr 3 min

Hiatus Ep Purity Culture, Non Denominational Churches, and Porn, Oh My! (With Deconversion Therapy)

Send us a text For this Hiatus episode we must go in the way way back machine to 2021 where Rachael Collaborates with the Deconversion Therapy pod! We talk about our individual stories, purity culture, being 'good', non denominational church's as well as porn and masturbation! You know, all the good stuff. To find out more about Deconversion Therapy: https://www.deconversiontherapypodcast.com/ Heavens Gates and Hells Flames video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njG9P0JvzyI Full Porn post on the...

Jan 18, 20241 hr 35 min

Hiatus Ep Christian Weddings (Thanks, We Hate It)

Send us a text Bringing back a fan favorite while we're on hiatus! In this flashback episode from 2022, Molly and Rachael discuss cringey memories from christian weddings you just cant get out of your head. We talk about our cringe stories we remember, and our listeners tell us theirs! You might wanna grab a drink for this one. Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Jan 04, 20241 hr 12 min

Ep 76 Cheers to Another Year!

Send us a text Exvangelicals and Heathens, welcome back to another episode of 'Cheers to Leaving'! Our final episode of the year! In this episode we share a brief recap of the podcast's theme and the topics covered throughout the season. We reflect on the journey we have taken as well as our listeners have taken, highlighting key moments, insights, and lessons learned. We share listener stories: Feature messages, emails, from listeners who have shared their own stories of leaving, transformation...

Dec 21, 20231 hr 38 minSeason 2Ep. 75

Ep 75 I Am a Walking Sin (with The Burning Eden Podcast)

Send us a text Releasing a collaboration we did with the Burning Eden podcast 3 months ago when they had us on their show. We cover our individual stories, talk theology, sex ed, and much more. We had so much fun with Baph and Mel! Go check them out. To watch the video see below: (94) Baph and Mel Say Cheers to Leaving! - YouTube Check them out: The Burning Eden Podcast: With Baph and Mel • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangel...

Dec 07, 20231 hr 18 minSeason 2Ep. 75

Ep 74 Jezebel Spirit

Send us a text We've all heard the term 'Jezebel spirit.' Well today we are diving into the biblical story of Jezebel and what that term actually means. Jezebel Spirit: Refers to a perceived spiritual force or attitude characterized by manipulation, control, and a rebellious nature, often associated with the biblical figure Queen Jezebel. - basically, she was just a baddie before her time and we are HERE for it. Lets dissect and reckon with what being a jezebel actually means. Support the show F...

Nov 23, 20231 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 74

Ep 73 See You On the Other Side

Send us a text Join us for an enlightening episode of Cheers to Leaving with See You on the Side! We talk with Leah and Christine and delve deep into the world of psychedelics and their incredible potential for healing and personal transformation. In this thought-provoking discussion our two passionate and informed guests share their personal experiences and insights. Discover the profound ways in which psychedelics can aid in healing, both mentally and emotionally. Tune in to gain a fresh persp...

Nov 09, 20231 hr 48 minSeason 2Ep. 73

Ep 72 Grease Up These Nations for Christ (with Jonathan Logerstedt)

Send us a text Were you a missionary kid? Want to learn some missionary lingo? Then this episode is for you. We go down rabbit trails including but not limited to, group edging (you heard me), comedians we like and don't like, church porn/masturbation accountability groups and much more. Jonathan is a graphic designer by day and stand-up comedian by night. The son of Southern Baptist missionaries, he was born and grew up in West Africa for the first 18 years of his life. And yes, he has seen Mea...

Oct 26, 20231 hr 45 minSeason 2Ep. 72

Ep 71 Noah's Ark-pocalypse

Send us a text Welcome babies! In this episode we discuss our favorite genocide story! Did you know Noah's ark isn't only in the Bible and actually appears in history EARLIER than the Bible but slightly different? We discuss that and more in this episode! Lets dive in and talk about that one-time God swiped right on the flood and murdered everyone. Cheers! Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Oct 12, 20231 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 71
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