Psychedelic Integrative Therapy, Nathan Cries With A Tree, & Labyrinth 2.0 | Ep 026 | Those Boys

In episode 68 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Julia shares a deeply personal narrative of growing up under the stringent doctrines of a conservative Calvary Chapel, leading to a profound journey of faith deconstruction and healing from religious trauma. Her story, marked by questioning rigid church teachings, navigating the complexities of relationships within a faith-based context, and experiencing significant personal losses, highlights the challenging path towards spiritual and emotional liberation. Julia's transformative journey is further enriched by her research on religious trauma's impact on sexuality and her pursuit of psychology to aid others in similar struggles. Despite facing gender inequality and the stifling of her voice within the church, Julia finds support in her husband, a pastor who respects her deconstruction journey. This episode encapsulates the essence of resilience, the importance of setting boundaries, and the pursuit of a spirituality that aligns with one's true self, offering solace and encouragement to others facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after religious trauma.

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Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In episode 67 of the Moral Combat Podcast, Nathaniel and Zachary delve into the complexities of healing from religious trauma after leaving their evangelical Christian upbringing. The brothers discuss the challenging process of questioning ingrained beliefs and values, the importance of finding joy in the present, and the everyday challenges of work, health, and maintaining friendships. Their conversations cover a wide range of topics, including the therapeutic benefits of podcasting, the role of trauma bonding in personal connections, and the discrepancies between religious teachings and historical evidence about Christianity. They critically examine the influence of the black church on social justice issues, particularly its stance on international conflicts and the contradiction of political figures exploiting religious spaces for personal gain. Additionally, they explore the intersection of neuroscience and religion, discussing studies on brain injuries and religious fundamentalism, and consider the healing potential of plant medicine. The episode is peppered with personal anecdotes, from military service to video games, and culminates in a discussion on creative projects, including Zachary's upcoming music release. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal reflection, societal critique, and the search for healing and growth beyond religious trauma.

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In Episode 66 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zach and Nathan reconnect with Forest Benedict, whom they knew from their childhood days at Petaluma Calvary Chapel, and who was also a member of the Christian band Gone Fishing. Forest opens up about his intense engagement with Christianity from a young age, driven by a desire to connect with his father and a belief in his divine purpose. However, this commitment was shadowed by deep internal struggles, particularly with sexual shame exacerbated by purity culture, leading him to years of self-punishment and discomfort around women. Despite his success as a speaker and author in the "porn addiction" recovery realm, abstaining from porn and masturbation for 17 years, Forest's perspective shifted radically after participating in an ayahuasca retreat. This experience, along with therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) training, helped him realize the possibility of self-healing outside of religious frameworks, prompting him to leave Christianity and directly address his religious trauma. Forest discusses the importance of becoming curious about oneself and one's sexuality as a part of overcoming religious shame, now advocating for a sex/body-positive approach. The episode explores themes of self-parenting, healing from religious trauma, and the transformation that comes with embracing curiosity, self-exploration, and a greater appreciation for life beyond rigid religious doctrines.

Forest Benedict:
Website - https://forestbenedict.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/forestbenedictlmft

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In Episode 65 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zach and Nathan Blaustone delve into a deep conversation with guest Kim Shambaugh, exploring the impact of religious upbringing on personal growth and healing. Raised in an evangelical Baptist family, Kim's early life was dominated by purity culture and strict religious norms. Her journey, marked by a challenging marriage and struggles with perfectionism and eating disorders, led to a transformative divorce at 26 and subsequent ostracization from her church. Finding love and acceptance with her non-religious husband, Kim moved to Ohio, where she began deconstructing her faith and embracing practices like meditation and intuitive work. Her story culminates in founding Never Settle Life, a company focused on holistic nutrition and transformation, reflecting her journey towards self-discovery and healing.

Kim Shambaugh: Never Settle Life

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In episode 64 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathan and Zach, siblings and children of a pastor, delve into their journey of healing from religious trauma stemming from their evangelical Christian upbringing. The episode kicks off with reflections on a recent interview with Jonathan Gaza and a reminder for listeners to engage through their podcast phone number. A significant portion of the discussion centers around the holidays, highlighting their ongoing healing process and mentioning specific trauma triggers like their parents' church events and politically charged family texts. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries to manage these triggers. The episode also features an insightful analysis of Reddit posts from ex-Christians and religious trauma forums, discussing themes such as morality, the portrayal of God, and familial challenges. Looking ahead, Nathan and Zach express their commitment to diversifying their guest lineup, aiming to include voices from various ethnic backgrounds and non-Christian religions. The episode concludes with a casual game of Mario Kart, New Year's wishes, and an anticipation of the next episode's interview, inviting listeners to participate with their questions.

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In this revealing episode of the Moral Combat Podcast, Jonathan Garza shares his deeply personal journey of growing up in the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church, a life thoroughly intertwined with its doctrines and community. From a young age, Jonathan found himself questioning the church’s claim to hold the complete biblical truth, a skepticism that grew as he matured. His story takes a poignant turn with his parents' divorce, an event that, as a church leader's child, brought him embarrassment and a sense of needing to hide the truth. College years brought a significant personal revelation as Jonathan first identified as bisexual, only to temporarily retreat into the closet, under the pressure of his religious upbringing. Eventually, Jonathan fully embraced his identity as a gay man, a decision that led to a gradual but definitive distancing from the Adventist church, catalyzed by the conflicting narratives of being gay and Christian. This transition wasn't without its challenges; Jonathan lost many relationships from his church community but maintained a close, albeit complex, bond with his mother. Her gradual acceptance, though not complete affirmation, of his sexuality highlights a journey marked by struggles with perfectionism, sexual repression, and a deep-seated need for external validation - all legacies of his religious upbringing. This episode poignantly captures Jonathan's struggle to reconcile his faith and sexuality, navigating external judgments and internal conflicts, while nurturing the enduring love between him and his mother.

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In Episode 62 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Zach and Nathan open up about their journey from a strict evangelical Christian upbringing to finding their own spiritual paths. They share their experiences with leaving the church, the resultant feelings of loss and emptiness, and how they have since embraced alternative spiritual practices. Their candid discussions touch on the healing power of meditation, gratitude, and plant medicines like cannabis and psychedelics, and how these have helped them redefine their spiritual lives. The episode highlights the importance of community and support in their journeys, and also features a playful Nintendo gaming session, showcasing their approach to balancing deep introspection with lighthearted joy.

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In episode 61 of the Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zachary Blaustone engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Andy Tremlett, exploring the intricacies of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The episode delves into the historical roots of the conflict, with Tremlett tracing its origins to the late 19th century's rise in anti-Semitism and the subsequent Zionist movement. He highlights the early coexistence and later escalating tensions between Jewish settlers and the Arab population, underpinned by Zionist aspirations to displace Arabs. Key historical milestones, including the establishment of Israel in 1948 and the resultant Palestinian displacement, are examined, alongside the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank. The hosts, reflecting on their evangelical Christian upbringing, discuss the influence of Christian Zionism and their misconceptions of the conflict as a religious and ancient struggle. Tremlett emphasizes the importance of public education and pressure to challenge one-sided narratives and the U.S. policy towards Israel, urging listeners to actively seek a deeper understanding and engage in political activism. The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the power of education over combat in understanding and addressing such complex issues, especially from a position of privilege.

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In episode 60 of The Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zach delve into the complex and tragic tale of Mayor Phil "Bubba" Copeland of Smiths Station, Alabama. They begin by paying tribute to Copeland, a multifaceted community leader, pastor, and business owner. The focus shifts to the devastating impact of an exposé by 1819 News, which publicized Copeland's secret online persona, "Brittany Blair," and his activities in cross-dressing and erotic writing. Despite his pleas for privacy, the news outlet's explicit revelations led to Copeland's suicide, a profound loss that the hosts reflect on with deep empathy. Nathaniel and Zach criticize the news outlet for its unethical journalism and its insensitive handling of LGBTQ issues, particularly in conservative and religious contexts. They underscore the episode's sobering themes by discussing mental health resources and suicide prevention, juxtaposing this with a lighter, more personal segment where they play MarioKart 64, reminiscing about childhood and seeking to foster a sense of connection with their audience. 

 Suicide Resources:

For suicide prevention resources in Sonoma County, CA, and nationally, you have several options:

Sonoma County Resources:

Mental Health Crisis Services: Offers a 24-hour toll-free suicide prevention hotline for Sonoma County residents at (855) 587-6373, administered by the North Bay Suicide Prevention Program of Buckelew Programs.
 Sonoma County Crisis Line: Available 24/7 at (707) 576-8181. They also have a Crisis Stabilization Unit located at 2225 Challenger Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95407.
 Behavioral Health Division of Sonoma County: Offers a 24-hour Access Line at (707) 565-6900 or toll-free at 800-870-8786. Additionally, they provide a 24-hour Suicide Prevention Call or Text service at 988 or Chat at 988lifeline.org.
 
National Resources:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support .
Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans can call 988 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online for 24/7 support .
 Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC): Offers a variety of resources and information on suicide prevention at sprc.org 

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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In Episode 59 of The Moral Combat Podcast, hosts Nathaniel and Zachary embark on a new segment titled "Does It Heal?" The episode commences with a tantalizing preview of their inaugural video, an intriguing visit to a "rage room" where they explore the cathartic release of anger through smashing objects. Following this visceral experience, the duo delves into a Reddit-inspired discourse, offering reactions to posts encompassing the intricate intersection of religion and politics. These discussions encompass a spectrum, from humorous memes jesting about Jesus' persuasive tactics to poignant critiques of Christian nationalism's influence in government and the Republican party's alignment with fervent religious viewpoints. With a discerning eye, the hosts passionately denounce this confluence, drawing parallels to the perils of religious radicalism akin to the Taliban. The episode culminates in a nostalgic and spirited bout of Mario Kart, a cherished childhood escape from religious obligations, replete with friendly, competitive banter and an ultimate victory by Zachary. Throughout this thought-provoking episode, Nathaniel and Zachary employ their candid conversations as a means to explore and address their own religious trauma while skillfully connecting it to prevailing political and religious narratives, steadfastly fostering an environment conducive to healing and reflection.

Moral Combat, hosted by siblings Nathan and Zach Blaustone, is a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities, with a primary focus on healing from religious trauma. Step into their world as they navigate the realms of music production, confront the lingering echoes of religious trauma, and embrace laughter as a universal healer. With each episode, Nathan and Zach weave together their unique perspectives, seasoned with dynamic personalities that make every discussion an engaging adventure. From unraveling the complexities of personal growth to fostering open communication, healing the scars of religious indoctrination, and embracing the unfiltered authenticity of siblinghood, Moral Combat is your passport to thought-provoking conversations, heartfelt insights, and the pure joy of shared moments. Join us in the combat for morality, one conversation at a time.

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