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 40 House Church and Demon Kinks

Send us a text We both grew up in house church and we're here to share the deets on those experiences. Topics may or may not include, lake baptisms, all day services, daddy god kinks, demon kinks, and a weird skit they randomly remembered that was super popular in churches 15 years ago. Let's do this. Support Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook Random Weird Skit: (471) [HQ] Lifehouse - Everything Skit Remastered High Quality - YouTube Support the show Facebook Supppo...

Aug 04, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 40

Ep 39 Shame Kinks, Exvangelical Parenting and Original Sin.

Send us a text Today we answer listener questions and read listener responses and go down rabbit holes in between. We cover a wide range of topics but hey you asked and we answered! Join our support group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Jul 28, 20221 hr 26 minEp. 39

Ep 38 Church Friends After Church Ends

Send us a text Do you still have friends from your old church? Do you still have people in your life that you want to keep but arent sure if you should? Lets talk about it! Navigating these relationships can be hard and sometimes they are worth keeping and sometimes they aren't. Join us as we dive into this hard conversation and hopefully offer you some clairty. Join our support group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to L...

Jul 21, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 38

Ep 37 We were Christian Theater kids (with Nathaniel Bozarth)

Send us a text Today we have a special guest, Nathaniel Bozarth. Nathaniel is a former evangelical, and former Christian theater kid. Nathaniel and Rachael used to be in Christian youth theater together as well as the homeschool world. In this episode we touch on weird Christian theater(obviously), white supremacy, shame, and how it all intertwines with white evangelicals. Nathaniel Bozarth is an Emmy award-winning storyteller, public historian, and data scientist. His creative work has centered...

Jul 14, 20221 hr 37 minEp. 37

Ep 36 How Do We Heal (with Andrew Jasko)

Send us a text Back at it with Andrew Jasko! If you didn't listen to episode 34 we definitely suggest you do before listening to this one to hear more about Andrew and his story. In this episode we cover PTSD, the difference between religious trauma and other trauma, and most importantly how do we heal. Andrew Jasko, M.Div., MA Counseling Psychology in progress, is a former Princeton Seminary educated minister. He left his religious faith and community because of the severe psychological trauma ...

Jul 07, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 36

Ep 35 Roe v Wade Overturned

Send us a text Hello beautiful listeners. In light of recent events, we could not be silent about how we feel and how it has impacted us and how it will impact you. We are tired and angry and shit talk about evangelical's posts on Facebook but ultimately hope to provide you with resources and empower you as well. Resources: Donate – Together Rising Home - National Network of Abortion Funds PLAN C: Learn to access at-home abortion pill options online (plancpills.org) Support Group: Cheers to Leav...

Jun 30, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 35

Ep 34 God is a fascist and hell isn't real (with Andrew Jasko)

Send us a text Oh HELL yes (see what I did there?) we are talking to Andrew Jasko today about religious trauma, psychedelics, hell, healing and much more. You might need a glass of wine for this one cause we're diving real deep. Andrew Jasko, M.Div., MA Counseling Psychology in progress, is a former Princeton Seminary educated minister. He left his religious faith and community because of the severe psychological trauma he experienced. After spending years and thousands of dollars healing his tr...

Jun 23, 20221 hr 8 minEp. 34

Ep 33 Born Sinful (with Phill Drysdale)

Send us a text 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 Instagram with a DM! Phil ...

Jun 16, 20221 hr 2 minEp. 33

Ep 32 God Loves Divorce

Send us a text Sidenote: Rachael's voice audio file got messed up so we apologize in advance for the sound quality of her voice. Daphne shares her story of marriage, divorce, and leaving evangelicalism through her blog and IG platform. She is also a relationship coach for folks who are looking for support when leaving harmful situations and trying to find peace and happiness in relationships. Daphne's blog and ways to work with her can be found at the links below: Daphne | Relationship Coach (@g...

Jun 09, 20221 hr 3 minEp. 32

Ep 31 Unsolicited Bible Verses

Send us a text This episode we talk about unsolicited bible verses which frankly might be worse than an unsolicited dick pic? You can decide for yourself. We chat about receiving these kinds of texts from parents and family members, boundaries, and how to navigate both of these. Friendly reminder: send us your stories! We want to read them! Email us at: cheerstoleaving@gmail.com Please join our facebook group as well! Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook --- Send in a voice ...

Jun 02, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Ep 30 Deconstructing Purity Culture (with Sarah Lacour)

Send us a text This week we are talking to Sarah Lacour who runs a page on Instagram called @deconstructingpurityculture. In this episode we discuss Sarah's experience growing up in purity culture, the new 300-page third party investigation of the SBC, the christian sex gal, and how purity culture and diet culture go hand in hand. To find Sarah: Sarah (@deconstructingpurityculture) • Instagram photos and videos Support FB Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook Sound by ...

May 26, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Ep 29 From Christian Mingle to Tinder

Send us a text Another classic episode of Molly and Rachael talking about purity culture, but this time we zero in on what it was like to 'date' in evangelical culture and dating AFTER evangelical culture. So fun right? Lets do this. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/support Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

May 19, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Ep 28 A Double Life (With Dr. Josie McSkimming)

Send us a text In today's episode we talk about Josie's journey of leaving evangelicalism, how she was once accused of being the antichrist, having an identity crisis and much more. Dr Josie McSkimming is a clinical social worker with more than 30 years experience. She has practiced in a wide range of settings, including hospital social work, inter-country adoption, post-adoption services, drug and alcohol treatment, individual and couples therapy and adult mental health. She is the Author of 'L...

May 05, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Ep 27 Christian Nightmares

Send us a text TW: Spanking This week our special guest is Christian Nightmares. You know, the page that has all funny yet terrifying things Christians do. In this episode we talk to christian nightmares about his page, his religious background, christian punishments and why he chooses to stay anonymous and a lot more! So settle in, grab a margarita(or 3), and lets talk about christian nightmares. To find out more about christian nightmares and to donate to his cause click the link below: @Chris...

Apr 28, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Ep 26 Horny for Easter

Send us a text I think you know what this episode is about.Show notes:Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | FacebookOrigin Of Easter (allaboutjesuschrist.org)--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/support Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Apr 21, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Ep 25 Down the Rabbit Hole: Philosophy and Ambiguity (with Cameron Smith)

Send us a text Currently experiencing existential dread? Cool. Us too. Here's some philosophical theories to help you. Cameron Smith is our special guest today. He has a degree in physics, math, business, and economics and has devoted his life to forever learning. Cameron is on TikTok as XerofoX where he posts philosophical videos about different theories about reality and consciousness. He was raised as a christian but later found that science was more of an answer than Christianity. Today we t...

Apr 14, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Ep 24 Getcho Bliss (with Yeside A Davis)

Send us a text We thought it was about time for some sexy talk. Our special guest today is Yeside Davis who is an Intimacy Doula & Erotica Writer. Dont know what an intimacy doula is? Guess you'll have to listen to find out. Ope. We talk about autonomy, self love, self intimacy after leaving religion and so much more! To follow and learn more or book with Yeside, see below: Home | Getcho Bliss Instagram: Yeside (@getchobliss) • Instagram photos and videos --- Send in a voice message: https:/...

Apr 07, 20221 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Ep 23 Puppets for Jesus

Send us a text Hellooooooo listeners. Today we are speaking with Dr. Lauren Sawyer and yes you guessed it, puppets. But not just puppets, we will dive into purity culture (cause thats always relevant), sex, being lgbtq+ and a believer? Is it possible? Social justice and holding the church accountable for wrong doings. Strap on in cause its gonna be a bumpy ride. Dr. Lauren D. Sawyer is an educator and ethicist living in Seattle, Washington. For more than 5 years, Lauren has taught courses in phi...

Mar 31, 20221 hr 31 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Ep 22 We've Been Warned

Send us a text Hello lovelies! Molly and I check in with each other in this episode and talk about how our deconstruction is going and lots of other epiphanies we've had lately and just generally shooting the shit as one does. Molly received a warning letter and we read it on the pod! We have recently made a facebook support group and we hope you'll join us there! Much love xoxo Facebook group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook Email: cheerstoleaving@gmail.com --- Send in...

Mar 24, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Ep 21 Dr Death

Send us a text In this episode we talk we talk with Dr. Terri Daniel about the death, the afterlife and dealing with religious trauma around hell. Terri is a hospice and hospital-trained clinical chaplain and end-of-life educator certified in death, dying and bereavement and in trauma support. She conducts workshops throughout the U.S. for the dying and the bereaved, and teaches in the interreligious chaplaincy program at the Graduate Theological Union. She is the founder of the The Afterlife Co...

Mar 17, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Ep 20 Exvangelis

Send us a text Ivy, creator of Exvangelis, is talking with us about his video project where he interviews exvangelicals about their stories. We also discuss his background as an evangelical christian, a successful exorcism, purity culture and much more! Exvangelis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exvangelis/ https://allmylinks.com/exvangelis To share your story on Exvangelis email at: exvangelis@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podc...

Mar 10, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Ep 19 "I chose me"

Send us a text Andrew Pledger is sharing his story with us today all the way from South Carolina. We had such an incredible conversation with him and we hope his story and his passion will inspire you. He was recently expelled from Bob Jones university so of course we got the deets on that. Oh and if you see a toxic person ranting about prayer, walk the other way hun. Lets do this! Josh Harris Video: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYcOw9LqHL0/?utm_medium=copy_link Andrews link page: https://www.li...

Mar 03, 20221 hr 55 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Ep 18 It's About To Get Culty

Send us a text This week Rachael and Molly talk about Church Camp! We touch on purity culture (cause how could you not), super cult like shit that happened but it was normal to us, worship camp sessions, "coming of age" ceremonies (ew) and other fun culty things! This is Molly's first episode as my new cohost! She will be with us for as long as she likes and I'm super excited to have her. She was in Ep 9 "Healthy Hoe" if you want to go back and listen! She is an ex-missionary kid and exvangelica...

Feb 24, 20221 hr 37 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Ep 17 My Gay Church Days

Send us a text George Azar is here to promote his upcoming book My Gay Church Days which releases on February 14th 2022 and share his story with us.Find George at www.mygaychurchdays.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygaychurchdays/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/support Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Facebook...

Feb 10, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Ep 16 (BONUS) Purity Culture, Non Denominational churches, and Porn, Oh My! (With Deconversion Therapy)

Send us a text Collaborating with the Deconversion Therapy pod in this Bonus episode! We talk about our individual stories, purity culture, being 'good', non denominational church's as well as porn and masturbation! 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 blog! https://cheerstoleaving.wordpress.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm...

Dec 09, 20211 hr 34 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Ep 15 Christian Crimes - Jesus made me do it!

Send us a text Honestly let’s talk about the amount of crimes committed in the Christian agenda and in the name of the good Lord, but also the “voices” are concerning…let’s hear about crusades, crimes in the name of Jesus, and some weird ass Facebook posts… Show notes and references: https://www.cairn.info/revue-francaise-d-etudes-americaines-2006-4-page-107.htm https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/crusades “[Christian nationalists] see it in cataclysmic terms: This is the moment, and God’...

Dec 06, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Ep 14 Jesus Camp!

Send us a text My thoughts on the 2006 film jesus camp. WTFFFF Images and more information on the blog! https://cheerstoleaving.wordpress.com/ "There is a lot of psychological damage that follows when people are trained not to trust themselves" -Valerie Tarico, child psychologist --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/support Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Gr...

Oct 19, 202135 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Ep 13 How much room is there gonna be in Heaven?

Send us a text TW: Rape. Having a chat with my sister about growing up in an evangelical household and how they kept us from talking and seeing each other for a few years because she “was rebelling against god.” We also talk about ghosts, reincarnation, Christianity equals control, and how sexual oppression will stunt you for years. Come along for the ride! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/support Suppor...

Oct 04, 20211 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Ep 12 let’s talk about abortion

Send us a text Well, the title is pretty self explanatory. I feel compelled to share my story to reduce the stigma surrounding abortion as well as bring awareness and hopefully help other women who have had one to feel better about it or safe to share their own stories. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cheerstoleaving/support Support the show Facebook Suppport Group: Cheers to Leaving - Exvangelical Support Group | Face...

Sep 20, 202159 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Ep 11 Doctrine Over Person

Send us a text Were you ever told your ear ache was the result of satan keeping you from hearing Gods word? Did you ever have a sinus infection as a child and were told that snot smell was your intuition that evil spirits were around? Well you’ve come to the right place cause SAME. My special guest Jennifer and I are talking about mental health and all the crazy shit surrounding it when it comes to the church. You’re not crazy bb just indoctrinated! Jennifer French is a mental health counselor w...

Sep 06, 20212 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 11
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