Leaving the Church to Find God

Catherine Melissa Whittington
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Leaving the Church to Find God delves into the shadows of organized religion, guiding you past indoctrination and towards authentic spirituality. Join solo reflections, insightful interviews, and a supportive community on this transformative journey beyond the pews.

  1. Beyond the Pew: Reclaiming the Sacred on Your Own Terms

    Jun 11

    Beyond the Pew: Reclaiming the Sacred on Your Own Terms

    In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation that first aired on Aviella Aloha's  Student of Wealth Radio Hour on KAKU 88.5 FM in Maui, Hawaii. A note on context: Aviella approaches wealth, purpose, and community through a  Christian faith framework. Her show opens with the Lord's Prayer and she references  scripture throughout. I've recorded an intro for this episode to create a bridge —  because the themes we explored are universal, even if the language isn't always mine. We talk about: → The Clairs — clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairtangence & clairsentience → Growing up in a high-control religion and deconstructing the programming → Finding Jesus outside the church ("I love me some Jesus — I will never set     foot in a Pentecostal church again") → Ancestor communication, Cherokee lineage & breathwork → Why your authentic self is the greatest act of service you can offer → Practical first steps to open your intuition For listeners of this show, this episode sits right at the intersection of  where we live — leaving behind the container while honoring the sacred. ───────────────────────── LINKS ───────────────────────── 📻 Aviella Aloha — Student of Wealth Hawaii:     https://www.studentofwealthhawaii.com     🎧 This episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/authenticallymeli Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    56 min
  2. Trading Shame for Liberation

    07/03/2025

    Trading Shame for Liberation

    In this raw and powerful episode, Melissa peels back the layers of internalized shame—especially the kind instilled by religious systems—and reveals the alchemy of turning it into liberation. She speaks candidly about her own journey with metaphysical gifts, neurodivergence, sexuality, money, and mental health, and how owning what was once hidden becomes a portal to personal power, connection, and healing. Whether you've struggled with speaking your truth or have felt silenced by shame, this conversation is your permission slip to step into the light and be fully seen. ✨ Ready to live your truth and dismantle shame-based systems? 🌱 Start here. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Leaving the Church to Find God for weekly truth-bombs, unfiltered wisdom, and soul-deep liberation. 🔗 Explore more at LeavingTheChurchToFindGod.com 📲 Connect with Melissa on Instagram: @authenticallymeli Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    24 min
  3. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

    06/05/2025

    Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

    Emotionally Healthy Spirituality — Expressing Your Truth in Day-to-Day Life We love a good “love-and-light” meme, but what happens when positivity glosses over the very real feelings bubbling beneath the surface? In this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa peels back the shiny spiritual veneer and gets radically honest about the messy, beautiful work of staying emotionally healthy while walking a soul-led path. In this conversation you’ll discover … The hidden cost of spiritual bypassing and why “just think positive” can sabotage genuine growth.Three micro-moves Melissa uses daily—pause-and-name, 60-second body check-ins, and compassionate truth-telling—to keep emotions and spirituality in healthy partnership.How practicing embodiment, mindfulness, and soul-led living together turns lofty ideals into grounded habits.A candid Maui story of saying “no” (with love) and the surprising freedom it unlocked.Tips for decolonizing capitalism in your own life by honoring feelings, boundaries, and community care.Whether you’re untangling religious conditioning, navigating attachment patterns, or simply craving a more authenticrelationship with yourself and Spirit, this episode offers practical tools and a hearty dose of permission to feel it all. Listen & Share 🎧 Hit follow so you never miss an episode. 💌 Think of a friend who’s tired of good-vibes-only culture? Share this link and spread the authenticity ripple! Resources & Links • Mini-Realignment Session ($55 intro) – one-to-one breathwork + mentoring https://livealau.com/services • 30-Day Nature Fix Journal – daily prompts to reconnect Body, Mind & Spirit https://livealau.com/product-tag/30-day-challenge-book/ • Blog & freebies https://livealau.com • Behind-the-scenes on Instagram https://instagram.com/authenticallymeli About Your Host Melissa Whittington—artist, breathwork mentor, and founder of ALAU (The Alchemy of Authenticity)—helps creatives and change-makers live their truth without exploiting themselves or others. From lush Maui rainforests to global fair-trade adventures, she’s on a mission to prove that abundance and integrity can coexist. Disclaimer: The ideas in this podcast are for educational inspiration only and are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your unique situation. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    37 min
  4. Are We in the New Holocaust? Dr. Lucas Wilson joins us to discuss the parallels and his experience with conversion therapy

    03/13/2025

    Are We in the New Holocaust? Dr. Lucas Wilson joins us to discuss the parallels and his experience with conversion therapy

    In this powerful episode, Dr. Lucas Wilson—SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga and editor of Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy—shares his journey of deconstructing faith, reconciling identity, and exposing the harm of religious fundamentalism. We dive deep into: 🔹 His personal journey from evangelicalism to leaving the church 🔹 The role of Holocaust research in his faith deconstruction 🔹 The history and impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ individuals 🔹 How white Christian nationalism fuels oppression and political extremism 🔹 The evolving rhetoric around queer identity in religious spaces Dr. Wilson’s work challenges dominant narratives and uplifts marginalized voices, making this an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation! 📲 Connect with Dr. Lucas Wilson: 📸 Instagram & Threads: @lukeslamdunkwilson 🐦 Twitter/X: @wilson_fw 🔗 LinkedIn: Lucas Wilson 📘 Facebook: Luke Wilson 🔗 Learn more & subscribe: leavingthechurchtofindgod.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    1h 13m
  5. Empathy: How it's Being Used Against Us and How it Will Actually Save Us

    01/31/2025

    Empathy: How it's Being Used Against Us and How it Will Actually Save Us

    In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into empathy—a cornerstone of authentic spiritual living. 🌿 Some recent voices have questioned the value of empathy, calling it a weakness or even a sin. But empathy, as taught by spiritual masters like Jesus and Buddha, is vital to understanding, healing, and connection. Topics covered: ✅ What empathy is and why it matters ✅ The difference between empathy and sympathy ✅ How empathy strengthens relationships and collective consciousness ✅ Simple ways to cultivate empathy in daily life This episode is perfect for anyone navigating deconstructing faith, emotional healing, or seeking authentic living. Let’s explore how empathy connects us to the divine within and amplifies the light around us. 🌟 👉 Follow me on socials @AuthenticallyMeli for more insights on empathy, spirituality, and living authentically. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    27 min
  6. Spiritual Bypassing: Avoid This Common Mistake in Spiritual Growth

    01/09/2025

    Spiritual Bypassing: Avoid This Common Mistake in Spiritual Growth

    Are you unknowingly using spirituality to avoid doing the hard inner work? In this episode of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa Whittington dives deep into the concept of spiritual bypassing—what it is, why it's harmful, and how it prevents us from truly healing and growing. Melissa explores the subtle ways religion and the spiritual guru world encourage bypassing through magical thinking, avoidance of pain, and reliance on external solutions. This episode uncovers the importance of shadow work, processing unresolved trauma, and developing a strong sense of self to build authentic relationships with your inner truth. Melissa shares personal insights on bypassing tools like prayer, meditation, and plant medicine and highlights the dangers of surface-level solutions that keep us stuck. Topics Covered: What is spiritual bypassing?How magical thinking stems from traumaThe role of religion in avoiding inner workTools for authentic shadow work and healingBuilding discernment and a strong sense of selfHow to integrate spirituality with deep emotional healingJoin Melissa for this transformative conversation that encourages you to stop avoiding the hard work and embrace your path to authentic freedom. Connect with Melissa: Website: https://livealau.comPodcast: https://leavingthechurchtofindgod.comInstagram: @authenticallymeliSend us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    47 min
  7. Christ Consciousness and Finding Your Inner Truth: A Journey Beyond Religion with David Hulse

    01/02/2025

    Christ Consciousness and Finding Your Inner Truth: A Journey Beyond Religion with David Hulse

    In this transformative episode of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa speaks with David Hulse, a trailblazer in the field of sound therapy and the founder of SomaEnergetics. Together, they explore the liberating journey of embracing Christ Consciousness and uncovering your inner truth beyond the confines of organized religion. David shares his inspiring story of moving from traditional religious frameworks to a path of spiritual awakening and vibrational healing. Through the power of sound, self-discovery, and Christ Consciousness, David empowers listeners to break free from limiting beliefs and align with their authentic selves. This episode offers profound insights into the nature of spirituality, the role of sound in healing, and the transformative journey of reconnecting with the divine within. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to embrace your truth and walk your spiritual path with confidence and love. Learn more about David Hulse and his work at www.davidhulse.com http://www.sanctuaryforawakening.com  http://www.heratlightcharlotte.org Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    56 min
  8. Empowering Choices: Thriving Beyond Current Systems and Building a Better Future

    12/19/2024

    Empowering Choices: Thriving Beyond Current Systems and Building a Better Future

    In the season two premiere of Leaving the Church to Find God, Melissa Whittington reflects on the transformative power of choice and resilience. Drawing from her personal journey, she explores the importance of building systems rooted in equity and compassion, rather than fighting against oppressive structures. Melissa candidly discusses the challenges of navigating a post-election landscape, the role of anger as a tool for transformation, and the significance of supporting marginalized communities. She shares actionable insights on creating an empowered and abundant life, while also highlighting the importance of joy, creativity, and community as forms of resistance. Tune in to discover how we can collectively thrive by aligning our actions with our values, embracing our power, and fostering change from the ground up. Melissa invites listeners to rethink their approach to wealth, influence, and the systems we participate in, offering a vision of hope and empowerment. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Leaving the Church to Find God delves into the shadows of organized religion, guiding you past indoctrination and towards authentic spirituality. Join solo reflections, insightful interviews, and a supportive community on this transformative journey beyond the pews.

Information

  • Creator
    Catherine Melissa Whittington
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leaving the Church to Find God
  • Show Website
    Leaving the Church to Find God