Humanity's Values

David Teachout, M.A., M.S.
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health

Explore the human experience through understanding your Stories and how they define your Values. Expand your emotional and behavioral flexibility through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Further material can be found at www.lifeweavings.com

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    Revisiting Biblical Narratives Through a Feminist Lens

    Engaging with the Bible often feels like navigating a complex maze of stories and interpretations, especially for women. In this conversation, we dive into a conversation with Karis Bukowski and David Fitzgerald about their collaborative work to retell biblical narratives from the perspectives of several women's stories. These are characters that many are well aware of, but Karis and David bring them to life in a broader, culturally informed, and at times humorous way, to provide a more appreciative and critical inquiry into just what it meant to be a woman of the Bible. Karis and David's exploration of women in the Bible invites readers to rethink not just the stories they know but the narratives that shape their understanding of gender, power, and faith. As the conversation shows, and modern social conversation continues to indicate, it's crucial to recognize the voices and perspectives that have been historically marginalized. Check out the full episode. The stories we tell matter.

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing PARIS JACKSON: “No Intervention Could Have Gotten Me Sober” from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Musician and artist Paris Jackson joins Jay for an extraordinarily raw, courageous, and deeply honest conversation on addiction, recovery, and the messy, non-linear journey of healing. Paris reflects on her unconventional childhood, the chronic loneliness that shadowed her early years, and the dark reality of substance abuse that nearly cost her her life and her voice. She opens up about the trauma of adolescent rehab centers, surviving severe mental health crises, and why true recovery requires moving beyond symptom-focused treatment to embrace holistic health, self-grace, and spiritual surrender. Together, Jay and Paris explore the power of inner child work, why pain can be alchemized into medicine, and how finding a conscious connection to something higher can help us feel truly safe in our own skin. Healing is not linear, and growth is not a straight line, it’s a spiral. Every time you revisit a challenge, you are meeting it with more wisdom, more resources, and a deeper capacity for self-forgiveness. Trust that your darkest moments can become your most potent medicine, and that peace begins the moment you give yourself permission to feel it all. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty PURPOSE10 for 10% at altrarunning.com/onpurpose. Free Shipping and Free 30-Day Trial. Your future is waiting, and Walden is here to help you achieve it. https://WaldenU.edu JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 1:31 The Meaning Behind 'Happiest Day of My Life' 5:07 Unconventional Childhood and Homeschooling Reflections 6:32 One of Paris’s Most Defining Childhood Memories 8:03 Buddhist Parables, Balance, and Letting Go of Judgment 10:52 Chronic Loneliness and The Roots of Addiction 12:20 Redefining Gateway Drugs and Escapism 14:15 The Severe Consequences of Substance Abuse 19:30 Rebuilding Trust and Finding Authentic Friendship 22:27 Suicide Attempts, Turning Points, and Choosing Sobriety 23:34 Adolescent Rehab Trauma 31:38 Developing a Relationship with a Higher Power 35:17 The Dance Between Spiritual Surrender and Intentional Action 36:37 Analyzing 'Stitched' and Soul Connections 40:22 Inner Child and Inner Teen Healing Work 43:07 The Spiral Nature of Healing and Growth 46:24 ECT Treatment, Western Medicine, and Holistic Health Shifts 54:42 Finding Regulation Through Physicality, Nature, and Animals 59:25 Temporality of Emotions and Embracing Life's Full Spectrum 01:03:17 Paris Jackson on Final Five Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

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  3. 11/11/2025

    Navigating Spirituality Without Harm: An Interview with SC Nealy

    In this conversation, SC Nealy and I discuss the impact of beliefs and oppressive systems on the creation of trauma, emphasizing the need for healthier approaches to spirituality and community involvement. We discuss their work in the LGBTQ+ community, with their dedication to the intersection of mental health and social involvement, where the role of the therapist doesn't just exist in the therapeutic space, but extends into advocacy for civil rights and support for minorities. Rather than promoting a binary choice of religious or secularism, we discuss the need for resources that support individuals who choose to remain within religious and/or spiritual communities while avoiding harmful ideologies. SC Nealy, LPC (they/she) is a therapist and owner of an all queer and trans-identifying therapy practice in Washington, DC that focuses on bringing therapists with lived experiences to the LGBT+ population. They specialize in religious trauma work and their first non-fiction book, Healing Sacred Wounds, will be published by Bloomsbury in Fall 2026. Visit lgbtcounselingdmv.com for more information, or follow SC Nealy online at @scnealy on Instagram and @booksbysarahrobinson on Facebook. www.lgbtcounselingdmv.com www.instagram.com/scnealy www.facebook.com/booksbysarahrobinson Takeaways Beliefs and oppressive systems can cause trauma. Spirituality can exist without harming others. Resources for deconstruction are often limited. Not everyone is ready to deconstruct their beliefs. Healthy engagement in religious communities is possible. Creating spaces for those who choose to stay is important. Support for mental health within religious contexts is needed. Deconstructing is not the only path to healing. Community health can be prioritized in spiritual practices.

  4. 10/30/2025

    Exploring Identity in the Spirit of Halloween

    In this conversation, I talk with Heather Hester exploring the themes of parenting, identity, and the significance of traditions, particularly around Halloween and the upcoming holidays. Heather Hester is the host of the podcast More Human. More Kind., and the author of Parenting with Pride. As a speaker, coach, and LGBTQ+ advocate, she helps parents, allies, and organizations move from fear to fierce, informed love with clarity, compassion, and courage. She believes in the magic of connection and that kindness and belonging aren't just a feeling, they're a practice. We discuss the importance of allowing children to express themselves through costumes, the need for curiosity in parenting, and the value of setting boundaries in relationships. We also touch on the evolution of family traditions and the necessity of reevaluating what works for families as they grow and change. Ultimately, we encourage people to embrace change, explore new experiences, and prioritize authenticity in their lives. Takeaways Halloween is a time for kids to explore their identities through costumes. Parents should encourage curiosity about their children's choices. Traditions can evolve and should be reevaluated over time. Setting boundaries in relationships is essential for personal growth. It's okay to feel grief and sadness when traditions change. Family gatherings should prioritize open communication and respect for boundaries. Life is too short to be controlled by others' expectations. Embracing change can lead to new and fulfilling experiences. Parents should allow their children to express themselves freely. The importance of authenticity in family dynamics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 01:22 Halloween Traditions and Family Dynamics 04:35 Exploring Identity Through Costumes 10:14 The Importance of Curiosity in Parenting 15:43 Navigating Social Expectations and Personal Growth 22:22 Evolving Family Traditions and Personal Reflections 24:15 Reevaluating Traditions and Relationships 35:18 Empowerment and Setting Boundaries 39:48 Redefining Holiday Gatherings and Traditions

  5. 09/03/2025

    Connecting Secular Minds: The Importance of Community

    Elliott, aka Secular Rarity, is a secular community builder who has worked with many different organizations over the years. He is the founder and current President of Secular Rising US, a non-profit dedicated to connecting and supporting atheists, humanists, and secular-minded people. He is also a founder of The Conversation Coalition, a monthly gathering where believers and nonbelievers have challenging yet cordial conversations on topics most people avoid. Site: http://www.secularrisingus.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecularRisingUS/ Recovering from Religion: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ Reclaim Your Life, a class on moving forward from religious trauma: https://life-weavings.thinkific.com/products/courses/reclaim-your-life

  6. 08/13/2025

    Interview with Everett Uhl

    Everett Uhl - media contacts Site: Everett Uhl Therapy Email: euhl@committed-action.com Instagram @everettuhltherapy In this conversation, I interview Everett Uhl, a licensed marriage and family counselor, about her role as a therapist. We discuss the importance of authenticity in therapeutic practices, the need for action-oriented approaches, and some critiques of traditional therapy models, especially in relation to religious influences. I loved how Everett emphasized the significance of understanding human experiences in context rather than through rigid diagnoses, and of course, I'll always cheer on an advocate for integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into one's practice, with Everett combining it with the Bowen family systems approaches. A Few Highlights Authenticity in therapy fosters a genuine connection with clients. Therapy should empower clients to take action, not just vent. Understanding context is crucial for accurate diagnoses. Expectations of therapy should be realistic and not solely focused on validation. ACT encourages clients to make choices and move forward. Rigid definitions in Christian counseling can lead to harm. Secular therapy provides a safe space free from religious judgment. Therapists should be aware of their biases and dual relationships. The future of therapy should embrace flexibility and critical thinking. Chapters 00:00 From Conservation to Counseling: A Journey of Purpose 04:38 Therapeutic Approaches: Authenticity and Action 08:48 The Role of Therapy: Beyond Venting to Empowerment 12:46 Understanding Human Experience: Context Over Diagnosis 17:02 Critiquing Therapy: The Need for Realistic Expectations 21:25 Integrating ACT and Family Systems: A Holistic Approach 25:49 The Impact of Religion in Therapy: A Critical Perspective 30:18 Navigating Secular Therapy: A Personal Commitment 34:41 The Future of Therapy: Moving Beyond Rigid Models 39:24 Conclusion: Embracing Change in Therapeutic Practices

  7. 07/07/2025 ·  Video

    Interview with Dr. Kristen Hornung

    BIO:    Kristen Hornung is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #2071, offering in-person therapy in Encinitas and virtual therapy throughout California. She holds a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego, and a B.A. in Chemistry from Brown University. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist by EMDRIA. Kristen specializes in helping deep-thinking, over-functioning individuals with anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems.   Therapy website: https://kristenhornung.com/ Author website: https://kghornung.com/   Resources EMDR:  https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/   Pacifica's webpage on depth psychology: https://www.pacifica.edu/about-pacifica/what-is-depth-psychology/

  8. 06/08/2025

    Interview with Steve Ghikadis

    Steve Ghikadis is a Humanist Officiant, who conducts secular marriages, memorials, and many more meaningful life-affirming celebrations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education in primary, junior, and intermediate grades. Raised as a freethinker, Steve has been married to a Christian for over a decade. He and his wife, Cindy, believe in the importance of bridging the gap between believers and non-believers. Their two young children are being raised in an interfaith household and are free to choose their own path. He serves as an Ambassador for Humanist Canada, Recovering from Religion, and Sunday Assembly. In 2024, Steve was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to his community in Windsor/Essex, Ontario, Canada. Book Description: Humanism from the Heart by Steve Ghikadis is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to build bridges of understanding in a world divided by conflicting beliefs. Through personal stories and candid reflections, Steve shares his transformative journey—from struggling with religious apathy and growing resentment to embracing secular humanism, a philosophy rooted in empathy, reason, and meaningful connection.

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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Explore the human experience through understanding your Stories and how they define your Values. Expand your emotional and behavioral flexibility through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Further material can be found at www.lifeweavings.com

Information

  • Creator
    David Teachout, M.A., M.S.
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © David Teachout
  • Show Website
    Humanity's Values