MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through an LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt

Brynne Erickson - Educator, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Spiritual Life Coach, Mother

If you're a spiritually-minded person in the beautiful, messy process of creating your life and asking the hard questions then you just found your people. Middle Ground is hosted by life coach and mom Brynne Erickson, and is a space for the real, honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about faith, identity, relationships, health, personal growth and much more. With roots in Latter-day Saint (Mormon) faith and culture, this show explores the full, multidimensional experience of being human and becoming more with genuine curiosity about the many other ways of living and believing. Because the more honestly we see each other, the better we love ourselves and the people around us.

  1. 6D AGO

    048 What Happens When You Start a Faith Podcast While Questioning Everything: One Year of Middle Ground

    In this episode, I'm celebrating one year of the Middle Ground podcast and sharing why I started it. I talk about how this came together—from taking a life coaching course that required launching a podcast to that spiritual prompting that ended my Inklings group and led me to start my own community for friends with big questions about faith. What started as a space for questioning Latter-day Saints has evolved into something broader. Middle Ground is the space between who you were and who you're becoming. My job is to help you figure out who you want to be and make sense of your inner voice among all the outside voices. I'm sharing my vision for bringing in diverse voices from different faith backgrounds and creating honest conversations about the vulnerable things we don't usually talk about—because ultimately, I want to help us love each other better. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== TakeawaysFebruary is when I conceived the idea for the podcast.I do all my editing, recording, and research myself.I felt driven to start a spirituality podcast.I started my own group to discuss gospel topics.Middle ground is the space between who you were and who you're becoming.I want to help people live authentically.It's a space to foster curiosity and different perspectives.Taking ownership of our lives creates unity.We need to love and help each other despite disagreements.Starting with love is a great framework. Chapters00:00 The Birth of Middle Ground Podcast02:55 Journey of Faith and Community Building05:40 Exploring Spirituality and Personal Growth08:32 Creating a Space for Diverse Perspectives11:41 Embracing Differences and Cultivating Love

    15 min

  2. FEB 25

    047 We Went to Couples Therapy Before We Even Got Married — Here's Why Every Couple Should: Ryan & Stevie Peterson

    In this episode, I talk with Ryan and Stevie Peterson about their experiences with pre-marriage counseling and therapy. We discuss why understanding attachment styles matters, how to navigate relationship challenges, and the role emotions play in relationships. Ryan and Stevie share their own journey of personal growth and how therapy has positively impacted their marriage. We really dig into the importance of communication and vulnerability when it comes to building a strong partnership. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== TakeawaysPre-marriage counseling can set couples up for success.Understanding attachment styles helps navigate relationship dynamics.Therapy is not just for crisis; it's preventive care.Communication of expectations is crucial in relationships.Crying is a healthy way to process emotions.Curiosity about each other's feelings fosters connection.Personal growth enhances relationship dynamics.Vulnerability is key to a strong partnership.Every relationship has its challenges; working through them is essential.Therapy can be beneficial for individual and couple growth. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pre-Marriage Counseling01:00 The Journey of Marriage02:49 The Importance of Therapy06:18 Understanding Attachment Styles10:56 Navigating Relationship Challenges18:24 The Role of Emotions in Relationships21:45 Masculinity and Emotional Expression30:11 Curiosity in Relationships39:38 Communication and Expectations45:42 Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics

    48 min

  3. FEB 16

    046 I Said No to a Church Calling: Honoring Your Intuition, Avoiding Burnout, and Expanding Your Capacity to Serve - A Personal Reflection

    In this episode, I’m sharing about my experience serving as a Young Women's President in my church while navigating motherhood and my own personal growth.  I talk honestly about the tension of wanting to serve well while also honoring my real-life capacity. Stepping back from my calling wasn’t about quitting, it was about recognizing my limits, creating space for self-care, and leaning into my next season, including pursuing life coaching more intentionally.  We can love serving others and still choose what’s sustainable. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it allows you to show up more grounded, present, and aligned in every area of your life. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== TakeawaysI genuinely loved doing my calling.It was a lot to make it happen.I honored my impressions and my thoughts.I felt resistance to that calling.My capacity to create has enlarged.Taking care of ourselves enlarges our capacity.I find joy in taking care of others.Being a disciple is serving others.Taking care of myself starts it all.What's one small thing to take care of yourself? Chapters00:00 Navigating Leadership and Motherhood02:55 Honoring Personal Capacity and Commitments05:49 The Joy of Serving Others Keywordsleadership, motherhood, personal capacity, service, life coaching, self-care, community, church, support, balance

    10 min

  4. FEB 9

    045 Kathy Sherwood - How to Trust Your Intuition & Live in Alignment with God: A Spiritual Coach on Faith, Self-Worth, and Creating a Meaningful Life

    In this episode, Kathy Sherwood and I explore the connection between spirituality, personal growth, and coaching. Kathy shares about her unique upbringing and the diverse spiritual influences that shaped her path to becoming a spiritual coach. We talk about intuition, unconditional love, and the journey of self-discovery, and we really dig into this idea that everyone is worthy of a beautiful life. Kathy also gets into the importance of breaking free from rigid beliefs and encourages us to tap into our own inner guidance to create lives that feel meaningful. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Kathy Sherwood:Websites:  www.kathysherwood.com www.inspiritude.com IG:  @_kathysherwood_ https://www.instagram.com/_kathysherwood_/ @_inspiritudehttps://www.instagram.com/_inspiritude/ ✨And a free gift to help people tap into, or strengthen, their intuition: www.kathysherwood.com/unpackingthenudges TakeawaysKathy's upbringing was influenced by various spiritual beliefs.She emphasizes the importance of intuition in personal growth.Unconditional love is a guiding principle in her life.Beliefs can be limiting; it's essential to question them.Spiritual coaching was a natural progression for Kathy.People often doubt their capabilities due to societal conditioning.Life is a journey of self-discovery and exploration.Inner dialogue shapes our experiences and outcomes.Everyone is worthy of a beautiful life.Tapping into intuition can lead to meaningful success. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Mentorship03:26 Kathy's Upbringing and Spiritual Influences06:15 Exploring Different Spiritual Paths09:05 The Role of Intuition in Spirituality11:51 Beliefs and Practices from the Past15:01 The Journey to Becoming a Spiritual Coach17:45 The Transition from Business to Spiritual Coaching20:46 Embracing Spirituality in Coaching23:27 Encouragement to Explore New Ideas24:16 Turning Dreams into Reality26:30 The Power of Community and Support29:23 Understanding Our Inner Journey33:14 The Nature of a Loving God36:59 Breaking Free from Rules and Expectations39:06 Empowering Others to Follow Their Dreams43:57 Tapping into Intuition for a Beautiful Life46:40 call to action Keywordsspirituality, coaching, intuition, personal growth, unconditional love, beliefs, self-discovery, connection, life journey, empowerment

    47 min

  5. FEB 3

    044 Manifesting Money & Taking Ownership: How Budgeting, Delayed Gratification, and Financial Discipline Made Our Dream Truck Happen

    In this episode, I talk about how our finances, health, and time are all connected, and why it's so important to take real ownership in each of these areas. I share my own journey with budgeting and manifesting my dreams, and I get into why delaying instant gratification has been such a game-changer for reaching my financial goals. I also dive into how powerful it is when you get really clear on what you actually want, and how having the right resources can help you make your dreams happen. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Resources:YNAB Budgeting App - You Need A Budget https://www.ynab.com/ TakeawaysThe way we use finances, health, and time is similar.Emotions drive our decisions in all areas of life.Taking ownership leads to clarity in spending and saving.Manifesting is about co-creating with the universe.Delaying instant gratification can lead to better financial decisions.Using budgeting apps can empower financial management.Clarity on what matters helps in resource allocation.Self-care improves our ability to care for others.Small steps can lead to significant changes in life.Understanding needs versus wants is crucial for budgeting. Chapters00:00 The Interconnection of Finances, Health, and Time08:47 Manifesting Dreams and Taking Ownership12:09 Delaying Instant Gratification in Spending16:27 Embracing the Journey of Financial Clarity16:31 call to action Keywordsfinances, health, time management, budgeting, manifesting, personal growth, ownership, dreams, instant gratification, resources

    17 min

  6. JAN 26

    043 Evan Fitzgerald - Chronic Pain, Meditation & Spiritual Awakening: A Firefighter’s Journey Through Trauma, Rebirth and Purpose

    In this episode, Brynne Erickson interviews Evan Fitzgerald, who shares his profound journey through chronic pain and the transformative power of meditation. Evan reflects on his childhood experiences, including the loss of his father. He discusses how this experience shaped his desire to become a firefighter and the emotional toll that his profession took on him. After a life-altering injury while fighting a fire, Evan faced a long and painful struggle with his health, leading him to explore various avenues for healing, including meditation and psychedelics. Through this journey, he emphasizes the importance of being present with one another in suffering and the necessity of self-compassion in the face of adversity. Evan's insights on pain, suffering, and the human experience resonate deeply, as he articulates the idea that pain is not a bug but a feature of life. He shares how learning to embrace pain rather than resist it can lead to personal growth and healing. The conversation also touches on spirituality, the importance of community, and the need for open-mindedness in exploring different paths to wellness. Evan's story is one of resilience, hope, and the belief that we can transform our suffering into something meaningful, ultimately finding peace and connection in our shared human experience. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Evan's Resources:Pain's Purpose podcast -  https://open.spotify.com/show/5LOy5TwZ0MJpGHTV0XPhrsThomas McConkie's Lower Lights - https://lowerlightswisdom.org/ Takeaways"It's okay to set a boundary and not take on what isn't yours.""Pain itself isn't unbearable; it's the suffering we add that makes it unbearable.""We need each other to change the hell we've been given to heaven.""The pain is intrusive, but all of it is important and included.""If you die before you die, then you won't die when you die.""Truth comes from everywhere; if we only go to one place for it, we miss a lot.""We are all fractals of the same light, and we show up in unique ways.""The natural aspects of life, mistakes, illness, and death are not problems; they are part of the journey.""Meditation was the only place I could really go and see what was true.""We can learn to be with pain in a way that we don't add extra suffering." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Evan Fitzgerald01:36 Evan's Early Life and Family Background04:11 The Call to Firefighting05:34 Journey to Becoming a Firefighter08:23 The Life-Altering Incident10:44 Health Decline and Diagnosis Struggles12:07 The Role of Meditation in Healing16:18 Exploring Psychedelics for Healing23:09 Finding Balance in Life25:37 Lessons on Pain and Suffering27:45 Writing as a Healing Tool28:34 Death, Rebirth, and Personal Growth30:33 The Importance of Community and Support37:00 Trusting Intuition and Inner Knowing40:53 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth43:15 Transforming Relationships Through Adversity44:33 Resources for Healing and Support45:05 Finding Hope in Pain Keywordschronic pain, meditation, resilience, spirituality, personal growth, mental health, healing journey, mindfulness, suffering, community

    47 min

  7. JAN 19

    042 The Scale Hasn't Moved in 8 Months and I've Never Felt Better — Why I Stopped Chasing a Number

    In this episode I share my journey of personal growth and self-improvement over the past eight months, focusing on my approach to movement and fitness. Rather than sticking to traditional New Year's resolutions, I emphasize the importance of setting achievable goals that align with my lifestyle. I also discuss my commitment to reaching 10,000 steps a day and how I've learned to listen to my body, balancing fun activities with more intense workouts. I reflect on my past experiences with fitness, including running a half marathon, and how those experiences shape my current mindset towards movement and health. I also dive into my evolving relationship with food, particularly sugar (it's definitely an addiction). I share my desire to enjoy treats without obsessing over them, aiming for a healthier balance. Through mindfulness and reflection, I am working on being present during meals and understanding my body's needs. I encourage all y'all to reflect on your own goals and methods of self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the impact it has on overall well-being. My message is one of empowerment, encouraging everyone to take small steps towards your goals and to embrace your unique journeys. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Threads: @brynne_erickson https://www.threads.com/@brynne_erickson?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Takeaways I always have tons of to-do lists.Just something rather than nothing, right?Failure doesn't have to mean anything about your worth.You finished it differently, and you started it, which is amazing.I'm improving my relationship with sugar.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Personal Goals00:58 Finding Joy in Movement02:49 Learning from Trial and Error04:45 Redefining Failure and Success06:10 Improving Relationship with Food08:01 Mindfulness in Eating09:53 Reflection and Continuous Refinement Keywordspersonal growth, fitness journey, self-improvement, mindfulness, healthy habits, movement, relationship with food, sugar addiction, goal setting, self-care

    12 min

  8. JAN 12

    041 Sharee Carlisle - I Left the Church But Not God — How I Found My Own Spiritual Path After Religion

    In this enlightening conversation, Brynne Erickson and Sharee Carlisle explore the multifaceted world of spirituality, healing, and personal growth. Sharee shares her journey from traditional religious upbringing to becoming an intuitive guide, emphasizing the importance of understanding emotions and trauma. They discuss the role of intuition, the impact of loss, and the significance of love in navigating relationships. Sharee also highlights various spiritual modalities, including sound healing and human design, and offers advice for those looking to embark on their own healing journeys. Brynne’s Social: Facebook: @Brynne Erickson - my public page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573316550355 Instagram: @brynne_erickson https://www.instagram.com/brynne_erickson/ Sharee’s Resources: Instagram: @journey.of_strength https://www.instagram.com/journey.of_strength/ Youtube: @Sharee Carlisle https://www.youtube.com/@Shareecarlisle For sounds baths or coaching please contact her via Instagram.  TakeawaysSheree identifies as an intuitive guide, utilizing various healing modalities.Helping women reconnect with their bodies and emotions is a key focus.Spirituality is viewed as separate from organized religion.Love is the central theme in navigating personal beliefs and relationships.Intuition involves different 'Claire' gifts: claircognizance, clairsentience, clairaudience, and clairvoyance.Every individual has their own truth and should be respected in their beliefs.Sheree emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and processing.The journey of healing is unique for everyone and requires self-exploration.Taking the first step in pursuing a spiritual path can lead to unexpected opportunities. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Intuition05:03 Sheree's Journey into Spirituality08:29 Defining Spirituality and Intuition14:43 The Role of Religion in Personal Growth19:28 Unconditional Love and Acceptance26:15 Navigating Change in Relationships29:34 Finding Alignment in Relationships34:34 Navigating Grief and Loss40:55 Exploring Spiritual Modalities48:50 Embracing Human Design and Astrology55:21 Taking the Leap into Healing Practices Keywordsspirituality, healing, intuition, trauma, personal growth, sound healing, emotional wellness, relationships, grief, spiritual modalities

    1 hr
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

If you're a spiritually-minded person in the beautiful, messy process of creating your life and asking the hard questions then you just found your people. Middle Ground is hosted by life coach and mom Brynne Erickson, and is a space for the real, honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about faith, identity, relationships, health, personal growth and much more. With roots in Latter-day Saint (Mormon) faith and culture, this show explores the full, multidimensional experience of being human and becoming more with genuine curiosity about the many other ways of living and believing. Because the more honestly we see each other, the better we love ourselves and the people around us.

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