Found Family: Honoring the Journey of MaryB Safrit

Aug 18, 2025

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Today we honor the journey of Mary B. Safrit, a writer, podcaster, and content creator, to explore her story of growing up in the Bible Belt, navigating faith, queerness, and deconstruction. Mary B. shares candid reflections on her upbringing, spiritual journey, and the challenges and growth that come with embracing her identity and leaving behind people-pleasing tendencies. Together, MaryB & Leslie discuss the complexities of church culture, relationships, and finding authentic community.

Topics of Interest:

Childhood memories growing up on a farm and in the South
Navigating multiple church traditions (Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic school, Southern Baptist)
Experiences with evangelicalism, purity culture, and people-pleasing
Coming out as queer and the impact on faith and relationships
The challenges of deconstruction and leaving church communities
The importance of authentic friendships and making peace with loss
Building community, healthy relationships, and embracing personal agency
Mary B.’s work as a podcaster and writer, and where to find her online

Check out MaryB's podcast, Found Family HERE.

Find out more about MaryB on her WEBSITE.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.

Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

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If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!