Looks Like Wandering

When I recorded S2 E9 in September 2021, I was still a member of the LDS Church (albeit nuanced and with a foot out). Shortly after, I stepped away from the church. It finally feels like time to talk about it, and wrap up this season of the LLW Podcast. I brought back special guest Kathryn Hadsall, who we last spoke to in S2 E5 ("Strengthening Mixed-Faith Relationships"), to talk about leaving the LDS Church, and our view from this side of our journeys. You can find me on Instagram @allieabarnes, or at allieabarnes.com. Episode intro music by Allie Ink.

We're pivoting a bit, and will be talking a bit more about the value of personalizing our faith. I figure reading a chapter directly out of my book, "Not According to Plan," would help introduce this concept, as the chapter (4) specifically shares my journey to better understand my relationship with my body, intimacy, sin, and repentance. I count it as one of the first times I began to think critically about the things I was taught, and find what works for me. It's a process that I've continued over the last couple years, and that has helped strengthen my testimony.

You can find "Not According to Plan" on Amazon (by me, Allie Barnes). Find Looks Like Wandering on Instagram @lookslikewandering.

Today we're talking to artist M. Alice Abrams about why it's okay to be a "Cafeteria Mormon." Due to MANY technical difficulties, the episode cuts off a bit earlier than we would have liked, but there are still so many gems in this conversation. And who knows—maybe there will be a part 2 sometime! 

Follow Alice on Instagram at @aliceisms_illustration. Find the podcast on Instagram @lookslikewandering or at lookslikewandering.com.

In today's solo episode, I share about what I've been contemplating and exploring over the last couple years—and especially the last few weeks: "I think that's a huge part of why we were sent here to earth—to use our agency, to make our decisions, to think critically, to counsel with our Heavenly Parents, and find the paths that are right for us." I also mention the principle of "fence laws" that I read about from an excerpt in John Hilton III's book "The Founder of Our Peace." Find the podcast on Instagram @lookslikewandering or on lookslikewandering.com.

Today we're chatting with Emily LeBaron (@shoplivingforhope) about how she navigated a faith crisis after returning home early from her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She talks about her struggles with accepting the decision of leaders to send her home, and her own decision to remain home after health concerns had improved. She shares about tender mercies from God and finding her path. And at the very end, she shares her thoughts on how to open up a conversation with loved ones who have returned home early from their missions.

You can find Emily on Instagram @shoplivingforhope, where she shares her beautiful designs and products advocating for mental health awareness. Head on over to MY Instagram @lookslikewandering to find a discount code for her shop this week! Thanks so much, Emily!

Today we're chatting about strengthening and nurturing healthy mixed-faith relationships in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Special thanks to Nikki Johnson, LeAndra Baker, and Kathryn Hadsall for sharing your experiences and insight with us! Show notes at lookslikewandering.com or allieabarnes.com.

Today we are chatting with one of my dearest friends, Maddison Weber, about her transition away from the Reformed Presbyterian Church that she was grew up in. While she shares advice to those going through a faith transition, some of her most powerful words are to those watching their loved ones go through it. She invites listeners to change their perception, and keep loving people even when their choices are different than the listener's.

Today we're chatting with my friend Ezekiel Rudick, who left the LDS Church in his early 20's. Ezekiel shares about his spiritual journey, the impact it had on his family, and how they worked to heal their relationships. He also shares some great advice for those going through their own faith journey. Throughout the entire conversation, there is a beautiful tone of compassion. I hope you feel that too! You can find Ezekiel at youngelkband.com. 

FRIENDS!! I am so happy to be talking to Nikki Johnson of @bridgetheldsgap today. In this episode, Nikki shares about her decision to leave the LDS church, the importance of boundaries, and how to create healthy conversations about those boundaries with loved ones. I am SO grateful for her willingness to share. Find Nikki on Instagram @bridgetheldsgap, and be sure to follow @lookslikewandering as well for podcast updates!

Welcome to Season 2! This season, instead of career paths or life paths, we are specifically talking about navigating faith journeys and transitions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (though I believe the things we talk about in this season can be applied to many different denominations). In this episode, I share about my own faith journey, and why I ultimately decided to stay in the church. In upcoming interviews, this will NOT be our focus, but I want to help normalize faith journeys, doubts, and questioning- and show that you CAN experience these things and remain active in the church. Then I'm going to share about my views on how to show Christlike love and support to friends and family members who decide to leave. THAT will be the focus of this season. For updates, follow me on Instagram @lookslikewandering. Find the show notes at allieabarnes.com or lookslikewandering.com.