Observations from Life Scott Schalchlin

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What happens when your fairy tale story turns into a nightmare? Rebecca Craig talks about this very thing - how she, a female pastor, survived a relationship with a narcissistic, abusive man who had perfected gaslighting, lying, and manipulation. Her vulnerability and honesty make this a gripping true life tale as described in her upcoming book release, Once Upon a Nightmare: Through the Looking Glass of Narcissistic Abuse. 

Rebecca explores the connection between fairy tales and faith, drawing on her experience working at Disney and her background in seminary. She highlights the charm and manipulation tactics used by narcissists and the challenges of recognizing and leaving such relationships. Throughout this difficult journey, Rebecca found support and strength from her faith community, who provided emotional and practical support. 

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Dave Canfield, a former member of Jesus People USA, shares his journey from being a holiday Catholic to joining the Christian counterculture community. He discusses the vibrant music scene, the impact of Christian rock and roll, and his involvement in promoting concerts and working backstage. Dave also talks about his experience with Mike Warnke, a Christian comedian and author who claimed to be a former Satanist high priest, and the role he played in helping expose Warnke's fraudulent ministry.  Other topics include the influence of books and movies, such as Hal Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth" and the Pirkle-Ormond films, in promoting fear and trauma within the Christian community. Dave talks about the idea that faith is rooted in ambiguity and the importance of not rejecting faith based on negative experiences. Finally, the conversation touches on the need for relationships, connections, and empathy in faith communities. 

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In this episode, I dive into fundamentalism and fear-based Christianity. This includes a revisit of the Satanic Panic of the 70s and 80s, Jack Chick, and movies like The Burning Hell and A Thief in the Night. What's it like to grow up in a church that uses the fear of Hell to convert lost souls? How does it impact people later in adulthood and what is the path to heal from it?

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In this episode, I interview Reverend Joanna Fontaine Crawford, lead minister for the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park, Texas. Joanna talks about her experience growing up a UU in Texas, how she came into the ministry, and the importance of building a spiritual community outside of traditional religions. 

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What are the Akashic Records and how do they work? I talk about them, another experience with Emily, and a surprising discovery about one of my past lives.

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This is the second episode related to my daughter, Emily's, recent death. In it, I discuss a series of Tarot and Oracle card readings, a couple of dreams, and Emily's surprise drop in to send me a message a couple of weeks after her death. I have also posted a series of blog posts with pics of the drawings so you can see what they look like as you listen.