Butterflies and Bravery

Jo Lloyd Johnson's daughter changed everything, the moment their eyes met, Jo knew that she would be responsible for introducing the world to her child. What will she do if her world is not the world she wants for her child? “I spent most of my life trying to earn worth. But when I became a mother, I could not look at my child as I looked at myself. She was perfect. She was worthy. Slowly, she changed my black and white world into a world of vibrant colors. Silenced in Eden is my journey into a new world, my faith deconstruction and journey to healing.” -- Jo Lloyd Johnson This Mother's day, we remember and celebrate the strength and bravery of a mother's journey many of us know intimately: escaping a cult and breaking generational abuse, a mother’s journey to set herself and her children free. Purchase "Silenced in Eden" here: https://www.amazon.com/Silenced-Eden-Jo-Lloyd-Johnson/dp/B0BV4GMV1M/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Health issues are becoming more common as the born-into-a-cult groups get older, and many of us struggle to know how to approach self care after being raised like robot soldiers with zero regard for our selves. In this episode Whisper and Jemima talk about the importance of listening to our bodies and asking for help before it's too late, and how hiding the trauma in our brains could cause the same effect in our bodies. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We're checking in with the newest member of the bionic knee club and just three days out of knee replacement surgery Jemima brings us hospital stories, inspiration, laughs and a little "slam" poetry. This episode is sure to make you smile. Which is good, because our last episode probably didn't. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

TRIGGER WARNING FOR THIS EPISODE: SA, CA, and victim blaming We're bringing the "Cult Cringe" again..... In this episode Whisper and Jemima read another publication that was required reading for all Children of God cult members, titled "Flirty Little Teens Beware". This publication was directed at us, the children, and places the blame on us preteens and teenagers for those poor Christian men falling into the trap of lusting after a child. We do our best to process and file away the bullshit that we grew up with, continuing our quest for the freedom of our hearts and minds. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

In this episode, we hear Sara Durham's story, from being born into a cult and raised under the crushing weight of extreme beliefs, through the cult imploding, beginning her healing journey and the work of “undoing”, to the beautiful place she is today. With encouragement, wit, and profound insights, Sara will cheer you on to believe in your own awesomeness too! "I'm at a place where I look in the mirror and…I love who stares back at me in the mirror and I don't feel like I'm broken anymore. " --Sara Durham Help us represent at ICSA: https://gofund.me/e9c760d1 Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

"None of us are safe until all of us are safe." -A bold and true statement from this episode’s guest, Monique Ana. Creating spaces where Survivors can experience different healing modalities is the mission at Victory Garden Sanctuary. Born and raised in the same Children of God cult, Monique is now putting everything she has into making a safe space where survivors of human trafficking, labor trafficking and cult trafficking can find needed respite, regain connection with their deeper selves, and experience the healing power of nature all in one place. www.victorygardensanctuary.org Heal Your Story ~ Find Your Magick by Monique Ana: https://youtu.be/BFXpSuN-bzs Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Did you know that March was chosen as Women's History Month because it's the only month that came with instructions? (No, it's a mom joke.) For our first podcast of the month, we're keeping it on the lighter side of things so that we can continue recovering from last week's podcast. We chat about AI, diamond art and what's up ahead for this month, including the launch of our first EX-COG second and third generation chat group. Yes, we definitely should have had a few notes on what we were gonna talk about. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

In this episode, Whisper and Jemima read one of the most heinous publications the Children of God cult put out. A missive published in November of 1986 that was so despicable, cult members were told to burn it immediately after reading it. Plus, we’ve got some exciting news! Please listen with caution. This was not by any means easy to read, and we can only imagine that it will be difficult to hear. But one thing for sure, they can’t say they didn’t know. Reach out if you need support. www.lalichcenter.org (If you want to know why this link is here, listen to the podcast to find out Jemima and Whisper's exciting news!) Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

An astounding Polaris Project study on needs of survivors of human trafficking had us asking if adults who were born into cults and those who were trafficked have similar needs. Join Whisper and her trusty sidekick Jemima as they discuss the study, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the stigma surrounding "big stories". You know, the ones that make the room go quiet. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Hello, February! With jokes and laughs and cries we weave our way through a talk about human trafficking, survivor resources, exciting things going on in the ex-born in a cult arena, “Heaven’s girl”, and why it's an accomplishment to stick around for the brighter tomorrows we never thought would come. Plus, a surprise visit from a new pet! Links to the "Heaven's Girl" publications here: https://www.xfamily.org/index.php/Heaven%27s_Girl Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Our conversation with cult survivor Angela led us down several paths. Angela describes her experience in the Children of God as, "I didn't really have thoughts about did I or did I not believe, it just was." During our chat together we address things that many of us struggle with like body positivity issues, listening to our bodies and knowing when to stop, belonging, etc. Angela's story about finding a therapist, might be one of the most shocking you've ever heard.... Support the show: https://paypal.me/butterfliesandbraver Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Welcome 2023! In our first episode of the year we share some stats from last year, talk about things we've learned and tell some stories too. We hope you enjoy this episode and we're glad you're here to live another day. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We had the privilege of being guests on another podcast, Critical and Thinking with Ty Barnett and Ian Harris. Join us as we chat more in depth about some of the topics covered, and a few other tangents. Butterflies and Bravery wishes you all a happy Thanksgiving week. This time of year can be difficult for many of us, so we hope you find a way to enjoy your time and create traditions that are meaningful to you and your loved ones. Whether it's your birth family or chosen family, we wish you all peace and joy. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Sometimes a whisper can be louder than a roar. Join us this week as we chat about what's been going on in our worlds. Jemima talks about a fall at work and what that might mean for her in the near future. Then Whisper tells us how she learned that humility can look very differently than we may think. We close this episode with Jemima's "The Ant Hill", inspired by Dr. Gabor Mate's latest book, The Myth Of Normal. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Attention Deficit Hacks, Building Back Better and Connections If it’s living with CPTSD or living with ADHD, we need our little life hacks. Whisper found an ADHD helpline…tweet. It’s a Twitter thread. In a shorter, light-hearted episode, we catch up with each other and talk about what’s coming up for the podcast and remind ourselves about the things that are important for us and for the podcast. Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Note to cult leaders: Maybe read the whole Bible verse before starting a new belief system? Jemima and Whisper talk a little about everything (again) in this episode, including the correlation--that Whisper doesn't pronounce correctly (again)--between Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and cult life. Parenting, The Scarlet Pimpernel, telling our stories and why our parents won’t apologize are just a few of the things talked about, all peppered with personal stories, candidness, and humor. If you need someone to talk to, schedule an appointment with us for our no charge listening service. https://calendly.com/butterfliesandbravery/here-to-listen Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Lisa Kendall, founder of Counter Cult Coalition, joins us again to talk about the latest news with the federal statute of limitations being lifted on civil lawsuits relating to allegations of child sexual abuse and federal crimes harming children. Raising awareness about cults and the needs of those born into a cult is a mission we have in common. Being born into a cult means we don't have typical roots like most people. Instead, our roots are in each other. Support Counter Cult Coalition: CashApp: $CounterCult Venmo: @CounterCult https://www.facebook.com/countercultcoalition/ Support Butterflies and Bravery: Support the show Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

SUBJECT WARNING: UNALIVING YOURSELF When we sat down together to talk about upcoming plans and new projects, our conversation quickly shifted, because it was the struggles that so many of our ex-cult community have been facing that sat heavy on our minds. We had to talk about what could be done to help our community not feel so alone. We see the needs that are clearly arising in our group to be not just heard, but really listened to and most of all, understood. And we want to listen. We know it's time to reach out to each other. It’s time to loan each other our lanterns. In whatever capacity we can, even if just a small one, you can count on us to be a part of the solution, and of making spaces for us to heal and find hope. Always, Whisper and Jemima Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

After last weeks very somber episode, we thought it would be nice to do something a little lighter this week. Whisper and Jemima share stories about THC and other gummies, some funny sex stories and a whole lot more. We hope you laugh your ass off like we did! Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter

SUBJECT WARNING-UNALIVING YOURSELF Having been born prisoners of our parents war, an all too familiar tragedy we face in our communities is ongoing and constant suicides. Whisper and Jemima both share some of their personal experiences of having been to the darkest of places, the place where you want to cease to exist. We talk about some of the struggles loved ones face, how we can be more helpful to each other, and hope. Hope can keep you alive. Hope for brighter days ahead. “The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.” – Juliette Lewis Support the showSupport The Show: https://paypal.me/bnbdonations?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Visit our Website Follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter