Between the Covers Podcast

Let's talk about how we can trim out the things in our lives that aren't bringing us delight and joy. Maybe these are even ideas that are holding you back and keeping you down. This conversation came about from my friends who are trying to sell their house saying that they want to be brutal with what they are deciding to keep. Sometimes, I have to be brutal about whether or not a game is actually fun to play or if I'm trying to finish it because if I don't, I'll shame myself for wasting the money on it...

Let's talk about what grows within us. It's probably no surprise, but what inevitably grows is what we give time and attention to, AKA food. Are the thoughts playing in your head ones that are tearing you down, self-deprecating, and harsh? Then what will grow is a spirit of resentment, disgust, and judgement that makes people challenging to be around at best, and brutal critics and Debby Downers at worst. If we can change what we feed to be messages of hope, self-love, encouragement, and gratitude, that can grow a spirit of tenderness, joy, and contentment. What is fed...

Let's talk about probably the worst thing to happen in modern American history: MAGA, or Make America Great Again. It's a fascist movement that is trying to revert the country to the 1950s, if not the 1920s or even earlier. Removing voting access, deporting legal immigrants, blatant disregard for the rule of law, and using the political machine to serve their desires rather than listen to their constituents. Since recording, we can also add destroying the economy, going to war with a sovereign nation without Congress approval, and blatant attempts to cheat in the midterm elections. For that last...

For this month's hero study, I had the privilege to speak with Cecil Cicirello, one of the cohosts for Cognitive Dissonance and Citation Needed, two of my favorite podcasts to listen to. He's also the cohost on the Know Rogan Experience podcast, an interesting listen especially if you are Joe Rogan curious, which I am not. I tried my best to not point out parallels every five minutes, but our stories have so many similarities. That being said, he also had some great pushback to some of my ideas that I greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy this conversation...

Let's talk about being gracious with ourselves, and being flexible. If you're like me, then the one person you tend to be the most strict with is yourself. We can be inflexible, rigid, and even hold ourselves to a much higher standard than we hold others to. What would it look like to allow ourselves to be flexible? What would it look like for us to be gracious with ourselves? What if we were to treat ourselves better and actually give ourselves the opportunity to grow?

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Today I want to talk about taking pride in Pride. This last June I had the privilege to man a booth at the local Pride Rally for Therapists @ Pride, a group of therapists in this area who are LGBTQAI+ themselves, or affirming of these people. It was fascinating to see all of these people who are stereotyped, persecuted, and judged having the freedom to be and represent themselves. Let's take a look at some of the lessons I learned from participating in the second Pride Rally I've ever been a part of since my faith deconstruction.

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My apologies for the noise disturbances in this episode. My microphone doesn't always want to cooperate and until I have the funds to replace it, sometimes it's going to be a pill.

Let's talk about what we are holding within us. I had an experience around my birthday where I had a release of emotion that I didn't know was stored within me. Times were tough and stress and pressure build up over some weeks. The disappointment with a lackluster birthday, changes in plans that required less time to prepare for a D&D one-shot for my...

For this month's hero's study, we're looking at the character Mega Man X (X for short) from the...Mega Man X video game franchise. This titular protagonist of this post apocalyptic future of mankind is also the progenitor of a race of sentient robots called Reploids. X is one of those reluctant heroes. He was specifically built to protect the last remnants of mankind. He also has many hidden talents that are granted to him by his long passed creator and he learns to find confidence in himself and even does all he can to avoid violence in his...

Let's talk about some things I've learned from the game Stardew Valley. This is one of my favorite life/farming/adventure simulation games that came out in 2016. Just like any other game that touches on how life actually is, there are some striking lessons to learn from the character interactions throughout the game. As usual, I came up with a list of 10 and only talk about 5 because then these episodes would be as long as an interview. Let's dive in!

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Let's talk about the impressions our characters make. This is one of those actions speak louder than words kind of conversation. You see, at the time of this recording, there have been some incidents that have shows how people in power are saying one thing, but then acting in another. At the White House Correspondents Dinner, a shooter broke through a security checkpoint. Once it came to the attention of everyone in power that this was happening, there was only one example of these "pro-life" men who actually made sure that his wife was safe. Everyone else completely ditched...

Let's talk about what we are able to do, because we are all able to do something. This is inspired by the saying that comes up often in recovery that you can't do everything, but you can do something. Even if what needs to be addressed is something that you didn't contribute to. *cough*politics*cough* Regardless of what is bringing about our current situations, we can always do something, even if it's small and all you can do for that day. With enough small efforts, we can make a huge difference.

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Let's talk about trying new things today. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss with my clients because I'm essentially giving them permission to play and explore. We all need to, even if we are adults. On my recent vacation to Victoria, BC with two of our friends, Libby and I tried a lot of new things. The thumbnail is a picture taken from the metal concert we went to for Three Days Grace. What did I discover? It's not my cup of tea in a concert setting, but seeing my friend Brandon in his element with...

For this month's hero's study, we are looking at Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of the Hunger Games books and movies. This is a hero who has spent all her life in the almost abyss of District 12 of Panem and found herself the head of a rebellion against not one, but two forces of power vying for the right to rule. She overcomes so much threat, danger, and attention from millions of people, has to wrestle with the results of the tragedies thrust upon her, and through it all is a powerful and dangerous badass to her enemies and a...

Let's talk about our need for control and how it's often an illusion. I'm reminded early on when working with my therapist that we reviewed a poster that said showed the most common things in life that people become anxious about and how that anxiety is often due to feeling like life is out of control when in fact we are trying to control things that we don't have control over. We want to be in control of people, situations, and outcomes. We want to make sure that life is going our way and if it doesn't, then we...

Let's talk about advocates and the value in finding one, or two, or more. This is a wonderful privilege I have with my partner, friends, family, and even some clients. It's valuable to have someone standing beside us to help speak our thoughts and/or stand between us to fight for us when someone or a system isn't working for us. As a coach, I can be an advocate along with my roles of being a cheerleader and mentor. I share some examples from recent events, so stay a while and give this a listen.

Advocate Handwriting...

Let's talk about respect. One thing that often makes our heroes a hero in our eyes is because we respect them. We respect their values, morals, actions, and words. They are people who don't just talk, they walk out their words and beliefs. Anyone that we admire likely exhibits some kind of heroic qualities. Respect is something that is earned, not demanded. Part of the journey is that we will gain and lose respect with others. When you think about the people who you respect, you will likely see commonalities between them and why they are deserving of your...

For this month's hero's study, we are looking at one of my favorite silent protagonists, Link from the Legend of Zelda franchise. Why is he one of my favorite heroes? He's the embodiment of courage, literally. He is the hero of time, the legendary hero, and he's the one who wields the Triforce of Courage. If you want someone to relentless help his friends and protect the land, Link's your guy...er...elf. Let's look at what Link's heroic qualities are and how we can apply them into our lives.

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*A correction: I misappropriated Joshua Haymes' words at belong to Brooks Potteiger until I found the actual clips. Brooks does want James Talarico crucified, but most everything I attributed to Brooks was actually said by Joshua.

Let's talk about how power corrupts people, using some real examples for 2026 here. One of the things that is causing so much harm in our world today is the blatant disregard for the humanity in others. Discourse, particularly on the far right of the political aisle, uses language that demeans and distorts the very nature of people. Growing up in the...

Let's talk about spiral dynamics today. This is a model of evolution that tries to explain the process that society takes as we develop toward, hopefully, a more egalitarian society. It uses colors to denote the different stages and what each one can tell us about a specific group of people. It's no wonder with the current power structures in the United States at the moment, this came upas they are a perfect example of what is denoted at the color Red, and that's not because they are Republicans. We'll get more into it, so join me for this...

Let's talk about another franchise that I love and adore that has taught me some lessons. I'll warn you in advance, this gets a little chunky with some fractions when I'm talking about rare item drop rates and finding rare enemies.

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Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at...

Let's talk about what unites us today. In an age where we are more and more characterized by what makes us different, it's important for us to see what brings us together. Even people with different spiritual and religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, political perspectives, and upbringing, there are more things that unite us than separates. A love for life. A desire for acceptance and comradery. To be accepted for who we are. To have community and a place to feel safe and secure. Instead of trying to tear ourselves apart, what would happen if we instead focused on what...

For this month's hero's study, I go back to the roots of these episodes. Today, we're looking at Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Some have said at he's the true protagonist in the story. He exemplifies so many heroic traits through his loyalty, brave when he needs to be, and always supports those closest to him without question. In the epilogue of the story, he's one of the first to stand up to Saruman and Wormtongue when they lead a group of bandits to take their revenge against the Shire. He starts out as a...

Let's continue to talk about some political woes and why they are so exhausting. As we are moving into spring and looking toward the summer and the political landscape continues to heat up, it's important to remember what's happened over the last year and a half. This is a reminder so we don't forget.

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Let's talk about the notion that we are problems to be solves, because we're not! This is a message I've wrestled with since childhood and it's something that was taught by family, neighbors, friends, and society. If you've struggled with this message, then please tune in! We aren't problems to be solved. We may have problems that need to be worked on, such as mental and physical health, but that doesn't mean we are the problem. With many clients I've worked with, this is almost a universal mental wall that needs to be dismantled.

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Let's talk about what others are saying about us, and even what we are saying about others. If you're like me, then there is a running inner dialogue that is often less than flattering, but it doesn't have to be this way. If you are your own worst critic, then I challenge you to look outside yourself and see what others say about you. Let's face it, the people closest to us often see things differently from what we see and can shed some light on our good qualities. In fact, I encourage you to take a challenge that...

For this month's hero's study, I had the opportunity to interview John Duresky, the Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives in Washington's 4th District. In this conversation, we discuss politics and almost everything it entails including health care, gerrymandering, voting, the tragedies from ICE in Minnesota, and what his plans are for this midterm election if he gets into the House. We also go over all the usual questions, and while it always meanders back to politics, it's was a great conversation with an awesome person. Enjoy!

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Let's talk about finding the humanity in others and ourselves. In a world where we often are looking through a lens of good and evil, black and white, or them and us, it's easy for us to look at the "other side" from us and see them as objects of our ire. This robs them of their humanity. Even though I didn't want to try this out myself, I even look at the actions of President Donald Trump and the GOP to see the humanity of what they are doing. Does that mean I agree with what they're saying...

Let's talk about the hard work we're doing on our journeys, because let's face it that this is some of the hardest work that we can do. It involves us putting ourselves out there. We have to use our voices. Stand up for ourselves. Stand up and protect others. Rejection, loss, pain, hardship, confusion, crossroads, and bad actors are all a part of the hero's journey. I share some of my own experiences recently and what I've learned from them.

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Let's talk about authority today. I find it important for us to answer the question: who is an authority in your life? While we should be the ones who have authority in our lives, there are so many people and powers that want to have authority over our lives. Whether we are talking about spiritual authorities, family, friends, or political figures, none of these people have the authority to tell you what to do with your life. That's ultimately up to you. I challenge you to be the authority in your life.

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For this month's hero's story interview I had the privilege to speak with Dr. Kade Sharp, a licensed independent social worker I met at a local Pride Rally in June of 2025. He's also a sex therapist and has a PhD in Clinical Sexology. He's also transgender and autistic! We have an incredible conversation about being transgender, autistic, and the unique struggles he's experienced in his life.

You can connect with Kade here:
https://www.kadesharp.com/
https://www.patreon.com/cw/AcesUpYourSleevePodcast

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Let's talk about taking ownership. With the conversations I have with clients, one of the threads that is strewn throughout their experiences is a desire to only take ownership of their follies or that taking ownership of their successes is prideful. It doesn't have to be this way. We can be confident in our abilities tell others that we have succeeded at a goal and we can also choose to not beat ourselves into a bloody pulp when we do something wrong. Heroes are those who own their shortcomings and successes.

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To wrap up our look at purity culture, we are going to talk about love and lust today. I grew up believing that lust was a bad trait and therefore something was wrong with me if I ever had something that could remotely be qualified as a lustful thought. Turns out, that's not true. Lust is a feeling and like most feelings, I can choose to act on it or not. Same with love. Let's see if we can break down the unfair comparison between love and lust and see if they share more common ground than we give...

Content Warning: this episode is going to mention specific biblical scriptures and I discuss the impacts purity culture on sex and sexuality, specifically in the Christian faith tradition. Take care of yourself while listening to this episode. If you need to, skip it and come back later, or leave this episode in the archives. Trust your body to know whether it's a worthwhile topic to dive into.

Let's continue our discussion of purity culture, this time looking at the notion that for most Christian women, they are obligated to have sex with their husband or else they...

For this month's hero study, we are interviewing Corey Seemiller, an author, podcaster, speaker, and professor who recently released a book titled The Soulmate Strategy: My Imperfect Plan to Conquer Heartbreak and Find True Love. Seems fitting for our February study. We talk about overcoming grief, heartbreak, and what she did to find love in the course of a year. Join our conversation for some fun stories, inspiration, and affirmations, especially if you are experiencing heartbreak or struggling to find a romantic partner.

You can get a copy of Corey's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books...

Content Warning: this episode is going to mention specific biblical scriptures and examples of self-harm, shame, and trauma from purity culture, specifically in the Christian faith tradition. Take care of yourself while listening to this episode. If you need to, skip it and come back later, or leave this episode in the archives. Trust your body to know whether it's a worthwhile topic to dive into.

Let's talk about a purity culture belief in the Christian tradition that it's more important to be holy than happy and what it can look like to reverse this notion. In...

Let's talk about changing our air and water, something that came to mind when I heard others refer to our upbringing as "the air we breathe" or "the water we swim in." You can think of it also as it's all been a part of the zeitgeist. In my work, having someone with an outside perspective can help to shed a light on what we deemed as "normal" when it could be better and healthier. We often are unaware of the influences in our lives until we step away from them. This can be challenging as it forces us...

Let's talk about broadening our sources that we take in. In a recent experience, I had a spiritual guide challenge me on some of the doom and gloom I've been experiencing thanks to all the political garbage going on, mental health struggles, and despair for the future. Thanks to Rob Bell and his Robcast, he broadened my perspective with his own insights and it helped me get out of a slump.

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Let's talk about our comfort zone, and more importantly, how can we stretch ourselves to leave it. I've shared this before how we can struggle to make some of the changes that we wish to in our lives because it'll take us out of what we are comfortable with. While this is absolutely normal and helpful at times, it can also keep us stuck. If we stick with what we know, we know what we're going to get in the end. Is that working for you? Is it helping you get where you want to go? Personally, that answer...

For this month's hero study, I had the privilege of interviewing Michael Marshall, aka Marsh, from the Merseyside Skeptics Society. He's a podcaster, editor of The Skeptic magazine, and Project Director of the Good Thinking Society. He's a prolific skeptic and researcher who is great at asking the right questions to get people thinking about their perspectives on life. I first heard about him from guest spots on the God Awful Movies podcast and have enjoyed listening to him also on the Know Rogan Experience and The Skeptics with a K podcasts as well. We talk about conspiracy theories...

Let's talk about our nervous system and the information it tells us. In a society that values our ability to logically think our way through life's problems and challenges, there is so much value in relying on our gut and nervous system to let us know when something isn't right. Our nervous system knows more than we often give it credit for and it can do so much to keep us safe. We talking about something that has kept us as a species alive for thousands of years. It's worth listening to.

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