Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

NY Times Best-selling author, Neale Donald Walsch, shares his experiences and his conversations with God. His newest, and potentially final book, GodTalk, released just two months before the recording. GodTalk includes more of Walsch's thoughts and revelations, intermixed with stories from every day average people who realized God was speaking to them in different situations, through friends and family, and in the most unexpected ways. Is God a man? Is God speaking to all of us? Does God have a sense of humor? Is God a definitive being with conditions for love? Check it out then tell us what YOU think. For a free copy of his other book, The God Solution, you can email neale@nealdonaldwalsch.com and ask for the manuscript. And visit CWGConnect.com to stay connected with this Best-selling author. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brother-Sister duo, James and Lauren, from the Sorta Kinda Funny Podcast join us for a festive chat focused on leaving the Mormon church. What does the Book of Mormon teach? Why is some if it harmful? What lessons did they learn that led them to reevaluate their religion? And are boobs even real? This and more in a great, educational and entertaining bonus episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, M.D. and career family physician shares her story on how research, data, and facts changed her mind on cannabis and its essential use in medicine. Now, as a published author, speaker, and advocate for cannabis, she helps inform us as she does her patients, on the truth behind why CBD, THC, and all the various ingredients have been historically taboo, outlawed, stigmatized, and demonized...and what they can actually offer from a medicinal stance, beyond the euphoria. Should it be made more readily available? See what the research has to say. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Season 2 Finale is full of laughs, call-backs, recaps and cameos! Plus fantastic conversation and music from Brendan and Gabrielle of Wheatus! The focus of our main discussion is on Modern Dating. It's a far cry from what we witnessed in years past. Where meeting at a bar or on a dating app was stigmatized even a decade ago, is now par for the course. For singles, searching for love, sex, companionship or even just a positive experience, how does it work? Is success in any form a rare commodity or is there simply a shift that needs to take place, to adjust one's expectations and understanding of dating in the modern age? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we delve into the complexities of the D word: Divorce. Tune in as Matt and returning guests Natalie Duvnjak and Peter Toomey discuss exploring the emotions and personal growth that accompany this life-altering process. Through candid stories and expert insights from Dr. Jen and Joe Yensel of The Cole Center, they unpack what divorce looks and feels like from different circumstances. And of course, nothing heals heartache like good music. This week’s Musician Spotlight is on Bronx-based singer/songwriter, Gabrielle Sterbenz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Season 2 nears its end, we take a temperature from people across the state, country, and globe. Is our hypothesis, that most of us live somewhere left or right of center, accurate? Dozens of interviews recorded at the annual Twins Days Festival, where twins, families, and visitors from all over the world come together to celebrate the uniqueness of twins. The producers break down the answers and share their thoughts. Is there hope for us as a people to reunite and coexist? Featuring an interview and spotlight on singer/songwriter, Mariama Whyte. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this compelling episode, we have eye-opening discussions with survivors of various religious cults. Our guests share deeply personal experiences as victims of the misuse of religious texts and promises of a greater life or afterlife. These accounts serve as cautionary tales, reminding us to use skepticism, critical analysis, and a steadfast commitment to personal agency. Especially in the face of influential figures who exploit faith and the spiritually vulnerable for their own selfish gain. Get some "cool" aid in your journey with the instrumental sounds of Elias Ravin and his new project, Big Voyage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the Good Book is used with less than good intentions? Join us as we delve into the topic of fear-based Bible teachings and explore ways in which deceptive interpretations of scripture have been utilized to instill fear, manipulate behavior, and maintain control. We have faith in the fact that you are going to appreciate the heavenly sounds of Eli Ray in this week's Musician Spotlight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An insightful discussion about what it means to be the best version of YOU. With a wonderful panel of guests who are passionate about personal growth. Their anecdotes, stories and experiences offer relatable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the journey towards being your overall best self mentally, physically, and emotionally. With a kickass mental health soundtrack from DuPont Brass - visit dupontbrass.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a candid conversation about death and grief from the perspective of our co-producer, Porche Brenner, and our returning panelist, Rachel Aidala, who both experienced the devastating loss of a loved one. We're also joined by our good friend and Pastoral Care Director, Shannon M. Blower, as well as a new voice on the panel, Hospice and Palliative Care Doctor, Dr. Luke Hashiguchi, who provide insight and guidance as those who provide comfort and care for the dying, as well as the people that they leave behind. Liz Chidester with Liz and the Lovelies provide the perfect soundtrack to soothe the heartache in this week's Musician Spotlight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss the flaws in the education system in America from the viewpoint of educators and parents. They share their experiences navigating the system and give insight into how funding, politics, fear, violence, and more impact educators, students, parents, and our society at large. With our Musician Spotlight on Marcellus Hall & The Hostages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wild episode from the final recording of 2022, on Dec. 28th, Matt's b-day! New faces, returning guests, and special surprises fill an entertaining episode for Season 2. They share their controversial takes on everything from music and films to God and Santa Claus. Is the Rock a good actor? Does Porche actually like Polka music? Is Stanley Kubrick overrated? And who the hell is Hawkman!?! This and more....welcome to the $#!tShow! With panelist and musical guest, E.W. Harris -- including a 'live' recorded performance in studio! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us who were raised by more traditional parents grew into adults and witnessed a totally different type of child – the one kicking the back of our seat on the airplane or throwing a public fit with no parental invention. We’ve also seen this completely different parent than what we remember. This new one who seems passive, if not permissive. The parent who acts like BFFs with the hell-raiser as opposed to the guardian and authority figure. And so we’ve been told they’re “gentle parents.” What is this new term? Is it an everything-goes style or child rearing or are there misconceptions about what we’ve come to know as gentle parenting? With a family counselor, Dr. Jen Yensel of the Cole Center, in discussion with a panel of parents, a teacher, and a children's sports coach. Featuring music by Hand+Noise -- @handplusnoise on socials. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frustrating topic leads to a heated debate: Cancel Culture. What does it look like? Does it really exist or is it a facade? The Right and the Left clash over what's considered canceled and what's simply the public using their voices to hold the powerful accountable. Do corporations actually have a moral cause or are they doing a consumer risk assessment by un-backing celebrities and/or brands who have scandal attached to them? Is pulling up a 10-year-old social media post a relevant measure of someone's character? Should we boycott or cancel anyone in the first place? What does it do to us as a society when we play judge, jury, and executioner so flippantly? With Musician Spotlight on Red Rose Panic from Akron, Ohio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a perfect follow-up to the previous episode on purity culture, the Going There team takes a road trip to Philadelphia, PA, for a special one-on-one conversation. Matt meets with Erica Smith, the creator of the Purity Culture Dropout program and author of My Sexual Values Workbook. Erica talks to her experience in working with clients traumatized by church and religious teachings on purity, what the healing process looks like, and all the ways it can rear its ugly head. Matt shares his candid answers from the workbook questionnaire as they unpack those things together, with authenticity and humor...and some 'that's what she said' jokes. Meanwhile, the Long Island group, The Belle Curves, provide an equally candid soundtrack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Especially prevalent in the 1990s and early 2000s, the phenomenon known as purity culture reached a nationwide status and was echoed by the Evangelicals and moral majority. It focused on waiting until marriage to remain 'pure' in God's eyes. From purity rings, v-card declarations, body and sex shaming, anti-feminist ideologies and teachings of eternal damnation, this cultural issue impacted the lives of millions. While it has largely dissolved into yesteryear, the trauma and emotional scars still wreak havoc on the survivors of this movement to this very day. How has it impacted you? Has it had any effect on your friends, family, or significant others? And how can we heal it? The music of Dissimilar South provides some sweet therapy in the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a culture, we've become addicted to true crime content, whether a podcast, streaming series, or documentary. Can consuming true crime content in heavy doses verge on being irresponsible? What's the difference between a docuseries and a dramatized serial? Are our viewership and consumption dangerous or disrespectful to the ones who are left behind? Renown author James Renner joins the panel to discuss his first-hand experiences in the True Crime world. With musician spotlight on The River Dragon out of New Orleans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between the 24 hour news cycle, doom scrolling, and the presence of disinformation, it's hard not to spiral. But burying your head in the sand is not a viable option. How do we keep the balance? This informative discussion features veteran journalists, educators and communication professionals. Plus the musical stylings of Alex Ariff and The Wali Sanga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when TV Shows, Movies, and art fall out of grace with our culture because of themes, characters and language being deemed as offensive? What makes a film or show controversial and what enables it to be redeemed? Are there objectively offensive works or does every piece of art deserve redemption? Can we reconcile the culture of the past and still salvage some of the art and expression of those films and shows? How do we move forward by learning from our past but not throwing the baby out with the bath water...how do we not become the people who ban art? With the music from Dustin Lowman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is behind the "War on Christmas?" Where did it come from, and it is even a reality? In the eyes of conservative Christians, Christmas became a target in the as our culture has evolved to be more inclusive of other religions and holiday practices. The facade that the left is trying to "Cancel Christmas" by being more inclusive is the hill that some go to die on when it comes to the holidays. Featuring the festive music of artists of Mayhem Music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.