Girlscamp - podcast cover

Girlscamp

Hayley Rawle
I deconstructed my Mormon faith down to the bone—and then, when my dad died, the deconstruction shit really hit the fan. Now, Girlscamp is steering toward something deeper: finding meaning again. Whether you’re piecing things together after a faith deconstruction, a loss, or a life change, grab a camp chair and join the conversation around the fire. We’ll explore spiritual ideas and philosophies, chat with experts about living ~our best lives~, interview people who’ve rebuilt their beliefs to see where they’ve landed, and share wild stories about the highs, lows, and in-betweens of figuring it all out. All with honesty, heart, and humor—because that's what Girlscamp is all about.
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Episodes

*TEASER* The Man Behind the BYU Interviews: Robert Carpenter

Public Enemy #1 at BYU? Today’s guest, Robert Carpenter! He's the man behind the viral TikToks exposing the quirks of BYU Mormons. We dive into how he first encountered Mormonism, his thoughts on the religion now, the wildest answers he’s ever gotten, and how he’d respond to his own go-to questions. Listen to the whole episode here at Girlscamp: After Dark. Robert's TikTok Robert's Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 23, 20254 min

HIGH THOUGHTS 💭

In this episode, I dive into a collection of listener-submitted high thoughts —the kind that range from absurd to awe-inspiring. We’re talking everything from the meaning of life to thigh-high Crocs and baby doppelgängers. Plus, I throw in a few of my own for good measure. Whether you’re a stoner or just someone who loves a good mind-bending musing, I think you’ll enjoy the trip. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok a...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 8 min

Following reason, not revelation with Alyssa Grenfell

Alyssa’s breaking point with Mormonism came when she realized she should have trusted her own reasoning instead of blindly following 'revelation.' Since then, she has been rebuilding her life and has even authored a book about the reconstruction process. We discuss how she overcame severe depression and self-harm, ultimately finding peace and meaning as an optimistic nihilist. REFERENCES: "How to Leave the Mormon Church" by Alyssa Grenfell Alyssa's YouTube Alyssa Instagram Wife No.19 "Not yet a ...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 22 min

Hot (& Sexy) Takes

I asked for your spiciest takes on sex, dating, marriage, and relationships—and you delivered. On the list? Polyamory, pornography, knowing if you picked the right partner, and surviving Mormon family parties as a single woman. And that’s just the beginning. REFERENCES: Abstinence only education research Aimee Heffernan on Girlscamp "Let's talk about (ex-religious) sex!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 16 min

Free to just be me with Rosie Card

Rosie Card, a well-known progressive Mormon influencer and founder of the LDS temple dress company Q.Noor, spent years pushing for change from within the faith. Now, she’s stepping away from Mormonism and diving into a new chapter, following her own path and exploring endless possibilities. REFERENCES: Rosie’s op-ed Rosie’s Instagram Jeffrey R. Holland “musket fire” talk Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTub...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 12 min

*TEASER* CES Letter: Twice as Spicy

We're back, baby! It's time for CES Letter Breakdown: Part 2 . Along with some top-tier Brigham Young shit talk (the best kind), we’re diving into the fallibility of prophets, issues with the Book of Mormon witnesses, and the glaring incongruencies between Mormonism and science. To listen to the rest of this episode, sign up here . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 26, 20252 min

Signs We’re in a Simulation

Ever had a moment that felt like a glitch in the matrix? This episode is all about the simulation theory and the uncanny coincidences, eerie events and too-good-to-be-true moments that made you question reality. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Jan 22, 202559 min

Making Peace with Your Body with Shannon Ricks

When it comes to reclaiming ourselves, body image often tops the list. Shannon Ricks joins us to explore why our relationships with our bodies became so complicated—and how we can work toward healthier ones. We dive into topics like food, weight, makeup, macro counting, cosmetic surgery, and even the impact of those middle school compliments we all remember. REFERENCES Elder Ballard “put a little lipstick on” video Modern Eve Instagram Modern Eve website Glennon Doyle “ Your Body is Not Your Mas...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 10 min

*TEASER* Hidden Gems of Girlscamp

I’ve dug into submissions past to bring you a smorgasbord of the wildest Mormon stories. We’ve got everything from patriarchal blessings and awkward dating tales to EFY mishaps, sacrament meeting chaos, and (my personal favorite) bizarre bishop stories. Warning: things get weird. Listen to the whole episode here . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13, 20253 min

I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT

Today’s the day! I’ve been sitting on something big about the direction of Girlscamp, and I can’t wait to share it with you. In this episode, I’m breaking down the what and why of this shift. Plus, I'm sharing my tale of converting to (and quickly deconstructing) The Telepathy Tapes and why it was such an emotional journey. REFERENCES: Telepathy Tapes Telepathy Tapes article Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and Yo...

Jan 08, 202550 min

Lessons learned, things loved ❤️

I’m recapping my 2024 favorites—and notable not-favorites—in books, movies, music, and TV. Plus, I’m sharing some lessons learned. My number one might surprise you! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 10 min

*TEASER* CES Letter, But Make It Cute

Who knew the CES Letter could be this much fun? Today, I’m breaking down the first half of the infamous CES Letter—which details major concerns about the history and doctrine of the Mormon church. Don’t worry, I’ve jazzed it up with a lot of commentary and plenty of snark aimed at Brother Joe. Listen to the full episode here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Dec 30, 20245 min

SUGAR DADDY MISSIONARY?

My Christmas gift to you: round 2 of wild card Mormon/religious stories! This time, we’re diving into a very weird LDS take on global warming, pregnancy complications turned Sunday School lesson, and the undeniable need for an “I have Mormon grandparents” support group. Happy Holidays! 🎄 Last year's Christmas episode Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.co...

Dec 25, 20241 hr 3 min

Wild Cards Against Mormon-ity with Stacey Harkey

We’re reading and reacting to your wild card, off-the-wall Mormon stories, and I brought in Stacey Harkey to help me unpack the, well… chaos. And speaking of chaos, these stories deliver. From demonic possession (allegedly caused by questioning polygamy) to the “Three Nephites” saving a dog, to an evil hot chocolate maker—there’s a little bit of everything in this one. References: Stacey Harkey on Mormon Stories Stacey Harkey on Black Menaces The “breast augmentation” reel Join the Girlscamp: Af...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 30 min

Confessions, questions & breast augmentation reflections

We’re starting off December’s campfire chat with a rant about my brand new breast implants, and then we’ve got a lot of ground to cover: Mormon criminals, confronting nihilism, being a twin mom, and why so many Dancing with the Stars pros are LDS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 20241 hr 4 min

Good Time Girl(scamp) with Heather Gay

We've got Good Time Girl Heather Gay at Girlscamp! Heather—New York Times bestselling author of Bad Mormon and star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City —joins us to talk about her new book, Good Time Girl . We chat about what being a "good time girl" means to her, navigating disappointment from Mormon loved ones, and facing beauty standards in the public eye. We also dig into the shame tied to ambition as Mormon women. As a fellow Mormon-born gal who never quite fit the mold, I found so muc...

Dec 04, 202456 min

*TEASER* The B-Word 🍒

This week on the Patreon, we're talking boobs! Specifically, my decision to get a breast augmentation. I get into the how, what, when, and why—plus all the baggage that came up around Mormonism, patriarchy, and beauty standards. But before the boob talk, I share my thoughts on Wicked , some behind-the-scenes details about my upcoming interview with Heather Gay, and a parenting plea for help. You can listen to the full episode by signing up here for Girlscamp: After Dark ! Learn more about your a...

Dec 01, 20243 min

Mormonism, Motherhood & Death with Madi Murphy West

Madi is finally back—with a new last name and lots of life updates about hitting Mormon milestones in a very non-Mormon way. We discuss how sitting with uncertainty weaves through leaving Mormonism, navigating motherhood, and making sense of death. References: Aurora TikTok Drew Barrymore TikTok Glennon Doyle quote : Madi on Girlscamp (March 2023) Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries ple...

Nov 27, 20241 hr 6 min

MORMON TRIVIA with Maddy Mitchell

How lucky are we ex-Mormons to have Maddy Mitchell take an interest in our unique upbringing? She brings her own fascinating religious background to the conversation, and we dive into it in depth. Along the way, we discuss finding spirituality outside of religion, managing existential fears, and her fresh take on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives . To top it all off, Maddy takes on a little Mormon trivia game I created—because why not have some fun with it? Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon ...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 14 min

Former Mormons react to Heretic

What happens when two ex-Mormon women watch A24’s Heretic , the horror film about sister missionaries and faith deconstruction? A Girlscamp deep-dive! Chelsea Homer joins me to unpack our thoughts and reactions—trust us, there’s a lot to discuss. TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of violence and suicide References: Chelsea's Girlscamp episode Sophie Thatcher article on Mormonism Lost & Found club Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Insta...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 18 min

The WORST thing I did when Mormon

I asked for the scariest things you did or said as Mormons, and you all DELIVERED. We dive into converting friends, spouting homophobic rhetoric, getting married freaky fast, and much more. And I share plenty of my own haunting Mormon moments along the way. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more ...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 2 min

HELL HOUSE & other scary religious stories

Round 2 of scary religious stories is even spookier than the first! Bentley and I cozied up after dark to read and react to your chilling tales. This round covers haunted pioneer chapels, disembodied hands, a mysterious hair collector, and a late-night sleep paralysis demon who calls himself the "enemy of all righteousness." Happy (and haunted) Halloween! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inqui...

Oct 30, 20241 hr 5 min

*TEASER* The C-Word: Is Mormonism a Cult?

This week on the Patreon, we’re diving into the big question: I’ll walk you through my take on it, break down the academic consensus, and read some of your thoughts and feelings on the matter too. Plus, a fun update—a certain email from A24 just landed in my inbox 👀 Sign up on the Patreon Girlscamp: After Dark to listen the whole episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Oct 28, 20242 min

Nightmare on Mormon Street

What’s better than scary stories? Religious scary stories! Today we’re diving into some wild tales: ghosts guarding sacred stuff, a stake president moonlighting as an exorcist, mission apartments with major paranormal vibes, and a spirit buddy named Michael. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 2 min

Your religious trauma is real! with Ashley Buckner, LMFT

It’s about time we got another therapist around here. Ashley shares her expertise on all things religious trauma and faith transitions. After getting the lowdown on her mixed-faith upbringing, we dive into what religious trauma really is, how Mormonism operates as a traumatized organization, and—most importantly—how to heal. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account here . For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58e...

Oct 16, 20241 hr 26 min

*TEASER* Friendship Breakup ❤️‍🩹

This week on the Patreon, I'm sharing some thoughts, feelings, and lessons learned about a friendship fallout I went through this year. Turns out, 65% of people have gone through something like this, and that shit ain't easy. So let’s talk about it! Sign up on the Patreon Girlscamp: After Dark to listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 15, 20244 min

Almost ex-communicated with Josie Van Dyke

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicidal ideation & attempt Yes, you read that right! At just 16, today's guest, Josie Van Dyke, faced the threat of a Mormon disciplinary council. We dive into what led to that moment and the journey that followed, all the way to Josie's decision to leave Mormonism. Since Josie hosts a podcast where she speaks with people across the Mormon and ex-Mormon spectrum, I also pick her brain about the patterns and insights she's gained from her work. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 28 min

Feuding with Dr. Phil

I went on the Dr. Phil show to talk about being ex-religious, and I’ve got THOUGHTS! After a quick rundown of my experience (plus responding to all the drama from those who are upset I even went on), we dive into this month’s campfire chat. We’re tackling tough questions like, 'What should I do if I realize I’m in a toxic marriage?' and 'How do I handle feeling like the token ex-Mormon in my friend group?' It’s a fiery one, so grab a seat by the campfire! Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon a...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 4 min

The Final Nail in the Coffin

Today I'm telling your Mormon funeral stories as we talk through all things grief, death and funerals in the Mormon context. While I attempt to maintain some light-heartedness about this often somber topic, I do end up bawling my eyes out toward the end. You've been warned! TRIGGER WARNING: child & infant loss For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube . For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn m...

Sep 25, 202455 min

MORMONISM 101: What do Mormons REALLY believe?

In response to the big Mormon pop culture moment that is The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, I’m putting my missionary hat back on to break down the fundamentals of Mormon doctrine! Because before really diving into soaking, ketamine treatments, soda shops, garments, and patriarchal marriages, you've got to understand the basics. My husband Bentley joins me to help unpack it all and keep me honest. Warning: I get a little heated. References: Bentley's intro episode Mormon temple episode Modesty ep...

Sep 18, 20241 hr 32 min
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