Latter Day Struggles

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of ‘Fabricated Fellowship’ & ‘Harmful Religiosity’ on the Path Towards Healing Spiritual Community [Part III of IV]In this thought-provoking episode, Valerie and guests Ginger and Steve continue to delve into discuss their book, 'Igniting the Holy Flame.' In this episode the topic turns to a core principle key community spiritual healing. Paradoxically, the more each individual in a community is trusted to find God within, the more they bring this True Self to their communities around them. Healthy souls create healthy communities. This episode delves deeply into the importance of finding one’s true inner self, the impact of meditation on spiritual growth, and how to navigate the tension between individual faith journeys and traditional religious expectations.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:30 Recap of Previous Episodes01:29 Today's Topic: The True Self02:12 Guest Introductions and Personal Reflections02:37 Challenges in Religious Communities03:38 Reading from 'Igniting the Holy Flame'05:08 Discussion on True Self and Spiritual Growth06:31 Meditation and Personal Practices15:47 The Role of Patriarchy in Religious Systems19:28 Managing Tensions and Personal Authority21:38 Celebrating Individual Faith Journeys37:09 Closing Thoughts and Summary39:15 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview40:49 Final Remarks and Listener SupportSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of ‘Fabricated Fellowship’ & ‘Harmful Religiosity’ on the Path Towards Healing Spiritual Community [Part II of IV]In this second episode (of a four-part Monday series), Valerie dives deeper with Steve and Ginger Hitz, authors of 'Igniting the Holy Flame.'The conversation centers on the barriers to spiritual thriving in church communities, specifically the concepts of 'fabricated fellowship' and 'harmful religiosity' complete with an exploration and examples of both concepts.The discussion underscores the importance of individual spiritual discernment and highlights the journey towards creating more inclusive and love-centered religious communities. As usual, Latter Day Struggles strives to invite candid conversations that have the power to bring growth, healing, and spiritual awakening to every listener as they move about in all of their communities, 'religious' and otherwise.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview01:17 Defining True Fellowship01:56 Personal Stories of Fellowship03:44 Challenges in Fellowship10:32 Fabricated Fellowship17:56 Harmful Religiosity20:35 Grace vs. Legalism36:47 Customs and Spiritual Growth44:38 Conclusion and Next StepsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of ‘Fabricated Fellowship’ & ‘Harmful Religiosity’ on the Path Towards Healing Spiritual Community [Part I of IV]As Richard Rohr has often said, "It is through great love and great suffering" that the soul grows the most rapidly and the most durably. In this four-part series (every MONDAY for the next four weeks!) fall in love with Steve and Ginger Hitz, co-authors of 'Igniting the Holy Flame: Building Communities of Love from the Ashes of Negative Religious Culture,' a book inspired by the tragic loss of their son, whose suffering was amplified by a church culture that could not meet him where he was.This book and this podcast series is a plea for further awakening around aspects of church communities that set about to help but instead inadvertently do harm through concepts like 'fabricated fellowship' and 'harmful religiosity'. In this series you will hear both candid conversation about the pain points of faith communities and how to heal, grow, and create peace both within ourselves and within our communities.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:22 Meet Steve and Ginger: A Journey of Love and Faith06:21 The Faith Journey and Spiritual Community09:37 Skyler's Story: A Catalyst for Change15:55 Interfaith Work and Universal Love18:01 Revelation and Healing After Loss25:08 Overview of 'Igniting the Holy Flame'31:58 Closing Thoughts and Future EpisodesSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Join Dr. Julie Hanks & Valerie in a heartfelt audience Q&A addressing their shared passion as therapists working with thousands of people in and around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Listen in and find hope and comfort as these two women answer questions about their eventful year promoting, leading, and trying to embody (although imperfectly!) lives of psychological and spiritual health. Stay tuned for the end of the episode where they announce a 4 week online Q&A session for those interested in exploring how they can stay connected to the LDS church in psychologically healthy ways & on their own terms.  Link to enroll below!Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Introductions03:15 Discussing Faith Journeys and Challenges03:46 Addressing Audience Questions on Faith and Spirituality06:12 Experiences with Church Leadership12:16 Rebuilding Identity and Addressing Scrupulosity20:29 Taking Feedback and Sacrifice21:46 Honoring Family While Acknowledging Harm25:16 Staying in the Church: Personal Reflections28:31 Marriage and Dating After Stepping Away31:22 Biggest Shifts in Faith Journeys36:36 Upcoming Events and Announcementshttps://drjuliehanks.as.me/schedule/d028d361/appointment/82717607/calendar/30967?appointment=Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this eye-opening episode Valerie is a guest on the Inside Out Podcast with Ian Wilkes and Jim Bennett, where they dive deep into the complexities of women's roles within the LDS Church, locking in on the recent garment policy shifts. You might be surprised to learn Valerie’s take on this topic. A hint: adding women leaders to these policy-making gatherings is NOT the answer to this conundrum where it seems that thousands of LDS women across the belief & practice spectrum are frustrated.  Tune in to explore a thought-provoking discussion on equality, institutional overreach, and the beauty (and simplicity) that unfolds when humans are given the dignity to manage their own underwear drawers. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Jim's Experience in Argentina01:47 Special Guest: Valerie Hamaker02:16 Valerie's Background and Podcast04:50 Challenges of Patriarchy in the Church06:18 Authority and Decision Making in the Church16:35 Impact of Patriarchy on Men and Women22:17 Garment Controversy and Gender Equality30:21 Church Surveys and Member Feedback35:38 The Problems with Fundamentalism36:38 Controlling Dress and UnderwearSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this heartwarming episode, Val is the guest on the Therapy Brothers podcast hosted by brothers & fellow relationship therapists Brannon and Tyler Patrick.   The topic is navigating the choppy waters of a marriage in distress due to the faith journey of one of the partners--a demographic of couples that is multiplying rapidly.  The bottom line? A faith transition can (and has) weakened or destroyed many a marriage.  But guess what?  A faith transition can actually strengthen a marriage in ways that virtually nothing else can--if both partners have the framework and the tools.  Listen in as Valerie shares her experiences and strategies helping countless distressed couples rediscover love by: redefining what healthy marriage isfocusing on values over beliefsembracing discomfort for growth fostering deep connections through compassion, curiosity, and healthy differentiation of self.   Whether you're in a faith-expanding journey or just want to deepen your relationship, this episode is packed with wisdom to guide you through the intricate dance of intimate relationship & spiritual evolution.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Going Live00:33 Weekend Stories and Parenting02:33 Introducing Valerie Hamer04:00 Valerie's Professional Journey06:08 Navigating Faith and Relationships11:49 The Role of Compassion and Understanding32:39 Process Over Content in Relationships42:14 Valerie's Resources and ConclusionSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is the guest on the podcast Black & White & Gold hosted by Carly and Rob Allred where they engage in a compelling conversation on gender and faith. Valerie is becoming the prominent voice for the LDS Church advocating for educating men around the harms of patriarchal indoctrination on male development. This work is yielding good results as more and more LDS men are becoming feminists in their own right and are declining traditional attitudes and roles of male privilege while speaking up for the equality needed to create a truly healthy community.Tune in to hear a narrative that merges deep love for tradition with a call for transformative change.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Self-Trust and Patriarchal Systems00:42 Exploring Patriarchy in Season Three01:29 Defining Patriarchy and Its Impact03:08 Introducing Valerie Hamaker03:35 Valerie Hamaker's Background and Work06:34 Challenges and Resignation from the LDS Church09:06 The Aftermath and Community Support12:21 Understanding Patriarchal and Dominator Models23:37 The Harmful Effects of Patriarchy on Men24:13 Personal Experiences with Patriarchy25:33 The Impact of Patriarchy on Men28:52 Exploring Masculine and Feminine Energies32:04 Patriarchy and Gender Norms34:57 The Fragility of Patriarchal Structures40:55 Hope for Egalitarianism in Church Structures46:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is guest on the Parrish the Thought podcast where Brian Parrish interviews Val on the resistance she experienced from local priesthood leaders as a mental health worker tending to the complex issues of faith crisis in an institution that has yet to understand either the faith journey itself or widespread mental/relational/spiritual health issues that come from pathologizing the faith journey. As we all know—fear of church leaders did not deter Val & Nathan and their love of YOU [their listeners!] is only stronger these many months following their crucible experience.  Moral of the story? Integrity breeds empowerment. Listen in and feel empowered to own your own soul too!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:25 Valerie's Background and Podcast Journey01:49 Starting the Private Practice03:57 Intersection of Faith and Mental Health05:12 Challenges and Growth in the Church07:06 Launching the Podcast09:58 Therapeutic Insights and Faith Dynamics21:41 Confronting Church Leadership33:22 Complexities of Faith and Leadership39:31 The Challenge of Updating Church Doctrine42:25 Personal Journey and Podcast Impact46:29 Facing Church Leadership57:19 Decision to Withdraw Membership01:05:17 Reflections on Church and Personal Integrity01:16:25 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode, Valerie shares an inspiring journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth with The Wholeness Network.  The theme was Brene Brown's exploration of the concept of "Braving the Wilderness" and on the heels of three years of learning to live & love one's truth at a potentially high social cost, Val felt that she had a couple of things to say about this.   This episode is a sharing of history, emotion on both ends of the spectrum and ultimately,  a tale of courage, compassion, and finding one's true place in the world.  00:00 Finding My Path: Early Struggles and Discoveries00:40 A Surprising Call to Ministry01:06 Discovering a Passion for Therapy02:38 The Journey to Graduate School03:18 Embracing Complexity in Faith and Life04:40 Launching a Podcast: Unexpected Success07:40 Understanding the Faith Journey08:11 Stages of Faith and Personal Growth10:25 Challenges and Courage in Faith Transitions15:40 The Role of Compassion and Empathy23:45 Trusting Oneself and Embracing the Divine Within27:49 The Price and Reward of Spiritual Journeys28:05 Experiences of Resonance and Support33:28 Navigating Faith and Personal Growth42:36 Understanding Patriarchy in Faith Communities50:58 The Impact of Enmeshed Family Systems58:22 Embracing Wholeness and Self-Integration Afterward:  After their forced resignation from the LDS church in March of 2025, Val & Nathan were invited to share their stories on about a dozen podcasts.  Due to Nathan's currently heavy travel schedule, most of these guest appearances are (unfortunately!) just Valerie.  Thanks for sharing this journey with the Hamakers! Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this exciting solo episode, Valerie reflects on the profound personal growth she has experienced over the past few months and shares her plans for what she is informally dubbing the "Latter Day Struggles 2.0" era.  In some ways, you will continue to get what you have come to expect--a respectful & honest conversation about all things Mormon through the lens of healthy psychology.  Where 2.0 is going to shine is in several upcoming  "Transcending & Including Mormonism" special series that will run every Friday for listeners looking to deepen their faith journey, finally get 'unstuck', or are hungry for their next wave of deepening growth. Join Val in embarking on this new chapter, offering deeper, more holistic explorations of faith and consciousness.  Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Semi-Annual Sale $69 Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website