Courage Conversations Courage 365

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Ashley Easter dives into a thought-provoking discussion about healing and worthiness. We will explore the powerful topic of how healing is not determined by whether someone deserves it or not, but rather by their active participation in the journey.

She also shares about the upcoming 30 Days of Courage event happening for FREE inside the Courage 365 facebook group!



Relevant Links: 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365



🔑 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Active participation is key to healing. Waiting for others to provide healing won't lead to the desired results. We must actively engage with the healing resources available to us and apply the tools and advice shared.

2️⃣ It's time to reclaim control and believe in our worthiness. We no longer have to be controlled by our past or others' opinions. We deserve to go out and get what we want, even if we don't feel deserving right now. It's time to embark on our healing journey with courage!

3️⃣ Join us for the 30 Days of Courage, a FREE program during the month of October with valuable panel discussions, self-care challenges, support groups, prizes and so much more! It’s all happening inside the Courage 365 Facebook group. Join today! www.facebook.com/groups/courage365





[00:01:32] Empowering survivors through local partnerships and healing.

[00:04:45] No choice, no power. Abuse not fault. Transition from victim to survivor. Freedom brings choice and autonomy.

[00:08:05] Healing requires active participation, not waiting for others.

[00:12:22] Active choice, work, and tools for healing.

[00:14:34] Find tools that work for you.

[00:19:38] "Connect and build relationships in survivor community"

[00:22:01] Some deserve what they get, others don't.

[00:25:06] Invest in yourself, transform with challenges, rewards, and discussion.

[00:33:58] Engage with us for free self-care challenges.

[00:35:00] Join Courage 365 group, a life-changing 30-day journey.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Branon opens up about his journey of childhood abuse and trauma, discussing the discrimination boys face surrounding emotions and vulnerability, the importance of therapy in addressing buried pain, and the challenges of communicating about abuse with loved ones, especially children.



Join us as we dive deep into the conversation about breaking cycles, rebuilding neural pathways, and finding the courage to face the shadows. It's a profound and vulnerable discussion that will leave you inspired to start your own healing journey. 



Relevant Links: 

-  Branon’s Twitter: @ConfessionsOfWL

- Branon’s Facebook: @branondempsey

- Branon’s Instagram: @facingtheshadows

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCYOAedpego6FVdDMh-P_2hg 

- Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-worship-leader/id1609639138 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365



🔑 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Breaking the Silence: Branon highlights the pervasive societal norms that prevent boys and men from expressing their emotions and seeking help. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability by talking about pain and trauma, as it is crucial for healing and breaking the cycle of abuse.



2️⃣ The Healing Power of Therapy: Branon shares how therapy played a pivotal role in his healing journey. Therapy helped him confront and address the buried trauma, rebuild neural pathways, and regain his power. He strongly advocates for therapy as an essential tool for survivors to heal and transform their lives.



3️⃣ Choosing Courage: Branon inspires us all to step out of our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability. He reminds us that healing is a long-term journey, but with courage, we can overcome and transform our pain into something beautiful. Branon's story is a testament to the power of choosing courage and refusing to let trauma define us.





[00:02:48] Traumatic childhood abuse led to personal transformation.

[00:10:48] Importance of therapy in processing trauma. Safeguarding children.

[00:17:53] Book "Returning Home" explores breaking cycles, trauma, and healing.

[00:23:26] Men taught not to show emotion, causing trauma.

[00:27:50] Surviving abuse, finding purpose, choosing to heal.

[00:32:45] Thank you, appreciate your courage, follow us.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, we speak to Tawni Browning, an “escape artist” from the A&E TV Show Escaping Polygamy and advocate who has dedicated her life to helping individuals recover and heal from cults.



Tawni helps women flee polygamous cults and even investigated and helped to shut down one of the world's largest and most violent sk!nhead organizations.



We explore the dynamics within polygamous groups, and r@cist organizations learning what it takes to help someone exit a cult-like environment.



Relevant Links: 

- Tawni’s Husband’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatsonBrowning

- Tawni’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008069775342

- Tawni’s Website: https://www.mattandtawni.com/

- Matt and Tawni’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Next-Door-Undercover-Supremacy/dp/1728276624/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20TYN6IHX4CU7&keywords=tawni+browning+book&qid=1693258385&sprefix=tawni+browning+book%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365



🔑 Key Takeaways:


The power dynamics and extreme @buse within polygamous groups is not dissimilar to the v!olent sk!nhead groups. This episode highlights the similarities between extremist environments.


Continuously Loving and Supporting. Tawni shared a powerful story of a despised individual in the FLDS community, Rachel, who is still sought out for help because she shows love. This anecdote serves as a reminder that love and support are essential, and even when we don’t think we are getting through others will be drawn to our loving response.


Throughout our conversation, Tawni discusses the importance of taking action when we have access to information. By sharing our unique perspectives and combining our expertise, we can contribute to making a positive difference in the world. Let's not be bystanders in toxic situations, but active participants in creating a better future for all.





[00:00:00] Courage Conversation Show welcomes escape artist Tawni Browning.

[00:06:41] Parallels between cult rescue and combating extremism.

[00:10:28] People with talent can help others escape toxic groups, investigating and finding good in the world.

[00:14:20] Polygamous groups, F L D S and Kingston Group, have top male leaders who control everything, leading to extreme abuse, including sexual abuse.

[00:18:48] Escaping Polygamy starts with questioning, empowering individuals.

[00:20:22] Overcoming adversity and supporting others' success.

[00:22:48] Support their journey, no real normal.

[00:25:53] Different advocates help at different stages.

[00:31:51] Book available, dropping July 4th, importance of work, helping loved ones, PTSD, not wanting anyone to feel alone.

[00:33:32] Follow Courage 365: social media, resources, text messages.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Pastor Brian Metzger talks about the desperate need for reparations in the church on behalf of abuse survivors. He talks about why it must go beyond mere thoughts and prayers and become a tangible form of repentance by taking responsibility for abuse and coverups in the church. From financial support for counseling to creating saf-ER spaces, letting broken religious structures collapse instead of upholding dangerous people and systems, and of course, the vital importance of survivors defining what reparations should look like for them.



Relevant Links: 

- Brian’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/aPastorsStory 

- Brian’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brianmpei

- Brian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmrnc63/ 

- https://apastorsstory.wordpress.com/ 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365



🔑 Key Takeaways:


Reparations in the church go beyond thoughts and prayers and are seen as tangible ways to acknowledge wrongdoing and take responsibility for abuse. This can include financial support for counseling and therapy expenses, as well as providing safER spaces for reflection and healing.
The church needs to actively listen to survivors of abuse and let them define what reparations should look like, rather than assuming what they might want or need. It is important to take meaningful action and not simply offer empty words or prayers.
There is a need for pastors and church leaders to acknowledge and address issues within the church, even if it means things falling apart. This involves dismantling abusive systems, creating safer spaces, and being honest about the harm done to people. It is important to prioritize the well-being and support of survivors over protecting perpetrators or the reputation of the institution.



[00:02:22] The Church should support and listen to survivors.

[00:06:36] We avoid uncomfortable conversations due to fear.

[00:15:02] Reparations: Tangible response beyond thoughts and prayers.

[00:18:46] "Survivor voices in reparations. Practical and refreshing."

[00:24:11] Apologies for wrongs, acknowledging pain and seeking change.

[00:29:02] "Empowering daily text messages for survivors"

In today's Courage Conversation episode, prepare yourself for an eye-opening discussion as Dominique Benninger explores the spectrum of cult-like behavior, the use of manipulative techniques, and the long-lasting impact on survivors. Get ready to challenge your understanding of the term "cult" and gain valuable insights into the world of high-control groups. Learn what brain hacking is, how cults do it, and how to protect yourself.



Relevant Links: 

- Dom’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BAccountabilty

- Dom’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominique.benninger

- https://churchtrauma.org/

- https://baptistaccountability.org/

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365



🔑 Key Takeaways:


The spectrum of cult-like behavior: The episode highlights that cult-like behavior can exist on a spectrum, ranging from extreme cults to less damaging but still harmful groups. It is important to recognize the signs of control and manipulation, even in seemingly benign institutions or relationships.
The power of manipulation techniques: The episode explores how various techniques rooted in social psychology, such as love bombing and reciprocity, can be used by cults and other entities to manipulate and control individuals. Understanding these techniques can help individuals recognize and navigate potentially harmful situations.
The importance of personal autonomy and self-awareness: The episode emphasizes the need for individuals to be aware of their own vulnerabilities and make informed decisions about what is harmful or not. It encourages listeners to prioritize personal autonomy, self-growth, and healthy alternatives to avoid falling into cult-like situations.





[00:02:11] Childhood abuse, spiritual exploration, controlling church, college years, accidental meeting with Megan.

[00:04:26] Couple joins church group, experiences cult-like behavior.

[00:16:56] 25 years since cult; therapy valuable in understanding vulnerability and control.

[00:20:59] Churches may unknowingly use harmful cult tactics.

[00:23:19] Interview on healthy parenting techniques and cults.

[00:28:38] Techniques of manipulation used in various areas.

[00:31:47] NLP: Powerful tool for success or manipulation.

[00:38:32] Follow Courage 365 on social media. Free resources available. Subscribe to text message list.

In today's Courage Conversation episode, Wendi Renay takes us on a powerful journey of self-discovery, overcoming grief, and finding true self-worth. Wendi shares their personal experience of realizing that her life was a lie and the emotional toll it took on her. She delves into the importance of focusing on oneself and questioning beliefs. Wendi also discusses the concept of fear, obligation, and guilt tied to narcissistic abuse, cults, and high-control religion.



Relevant Links: 

- Wendi’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WendiRenay/ 

- Wendi’s Instagram: www.Instagram.com/wendirenay 

- Wendi’s TikTok: www.TikTok.com/@wendirenay 

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365



🔑 Key Takeaways:


Question your beliefs and analyze your thoughts: Wendi shares her journey of questioning her own beliefs and learning to critically analyze her thoughts and decisions. This self-reflection allowed her to break free from the limitations of indoctrination and discover her true self.
Letting go of fear, obligation, and guilt: High control religions often thrive on fear, obligation, and guilt to keep their members in line. Wendi delves into the concept of fear, obligation, and guilt and how it relates to narcissistic abuse and manipulation within religious communities. Learning to let go of these destructive emotions is crucial for personal growth.
The power of personal growth and connection: Wendi emphasizes the importance of personal growth and understanding others' perspectives. By hearing stories and experiences from a diverse range of individuals, we can broaden our horizons and deepen our empathy. She shares her own journey of seeking wisdom and guidance from different sources to become a better person every day





[00:00:00] Courage Conversation Show welcomes ex-Jehovah's Witness survivor.

[00:04:13] Shunning after leaving Jehovah's Witnesses, CSA survivor.

[00:08:58] Discovery, doubt, and finding peace outside religion.

[00:12:52] Summary: Indoctrination is fear-based mind control, stifling critical thinking and intuition. High control religion thrives on emotional control through fear, obligation, and guilt.

[00:15:48] Fear, obligation, guilt tied to narcissistic abuse

[00:20:37] Restrictions on women in Jehovah's Witnesses organization.

[00:23:50] Restrictions on women preaching, promoting toxic gender roles.

[00:29:13] High control groups restrict relationships and growth.

[00:31:21] Grief, self-worth, and personal growth journey.

[00:37:32] Mom of two learning and growing daily.

[00:42:05] Powerful message. Follow Wendi's social media. Check out Courage 365 and resources. Join the text message list for daily encouragement.