Where Do We Go From Here?

Jessica Van Der Wyngaard
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Jun 11, 2025 β€’ 46min

Is Christianity Still Good News for Women?

Is Christianity still good news for women? It's a big question β€” and in this episode, Jessica is joined by Emily and Kristen for a thoughtful, vulnerable conversation that doesn't shy away from the tension. Together, they explore: 🧠 How growing up in the church shaped their views on womanhood, sex, and submission ✝️ The parts of Christianity they've kept β€” and what they've had to leave behind πŸ’” The difference between Jesus and the institutions that claim to represent him πŸ§Žβ€β™€οΈ Whether the "good news" can still be good when it's caused so much harm πŸͺ’ And what hope, faith, and spirituality can look like after the unraveling This isn't a theological debate β€” it's an honest look at what it means to be a woman who still wants to engage faith after everything. No easy answers. No hard feelings. Just an open conversation for wherever you're at.
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Jun 4, 2025 β€’ 43min

Can You Still Follow God After Church Trauma? A conversation with Brenda Palmer

What happens when saying yes to God means leaving behind everything you built β€” and trusting Him in the silence? In this deeply moving episode, Jessica talks with evangelist, author, and podcast host Brenda Palmer about her upcoming book The Journey of Yes. But this conversation goes far beyond the book. Brenda opens up about growing up in purity culture, losing her church community after choosing to speak out, walking away from a thriving career, and learning to hear God's voice in the wilderness of financial uncertainty and emotional pain. With wisdom, joy, and radical honesty, she reminds us: That hearing from God is a process, not a lightning bolt That obedience isn't about transaction, but transformation And that our trauma doesn't disqualify us β€” it's often where God meets us Whether you've walked away from church, are learning to trust God again, or are somewhere in between, this conversation is a breath of Spirit-filled air. Where to find Brenda: https://www.iambrendapalmer.com/ Pre-orders: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762936/the-journey-of-yes-by-brenda-palmer/ Where to find us: https://www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod
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May 15, 2025 β€’ 34min

Emotional Affairs & the First American Pope. A No Hard Feelings Chat

This episode of No Hard Feelings is one for the books: we're tackling two wildly different but surprisingly rich topics β€” emotional cheating in the age of smartphones, and the global significance of the first American pope, Leo XIV. First, Jessica, Kristen, and Emily unpack what emotional cheating actually is (spoiler: it's not as cut and dry as you think). From secret texts and blurred lines to purity culture hangovers and relational ethics, we sit in the tension and explore the gray areas of emotional intimacy. Then we shift gears to talk about the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV β€” what it means for the global church, the far right's response, and how Catholicism's center of gravity may be shifting away from Europe. We don't offer all the answers. But we ask the questions with honesty, curiosity, and no hard feelings. 🎧 Support the show and get bonus content at patreon.com/wheredowegopod
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May 1, 2025 β€’ 43min

Pelvic Floors, Pain, Pleasure & Purity Culture with osteopath Rebecca Lovett

What if your pain isn't just something you have to live with? In this episode, Jessica talks with osteopath Rebecca Lovett about pelvic floors, vaginismus, body shame, and the impact of purity culture on women's health. They explore how trauma can live in the body, why many women suffer in silence, and what it means to reconnect with your body β€” not just spiritually, but physically. This conversation is honest, warm, and deeply practical β€” and it's here to remind you: your body is not a problem to be solved. πŸ“ Rebecca Lovett is a Melbourne-based osteopath with a focus on pelvic health and whole-body care. Learn more: rebeccalovettosteopath.com.au
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5 snips
Apr 16, 2025 β€’ 38min

Where Does Deconstruction Go From Here?

Join an engaging discussion on deconstruction as the hosts share personal journeys, including moving from Australia to America. Dive into the complex themes of grace and purity culture, and how they shape beliefs about relationships. The podcast emphasizes the need for open conversations surrounding faith, sexuality, and communal support. Reflect on the radical nature of grace and its transformative power. Future interviews promise to further explore spirituality and personal narratives around faith.
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Apr 8, 2025 β€’ 47min

What Does Safe Sex and Ghosting Have in Common?

Welcome to Where Do We Go From Here's new monthly episode series: No Hard Feelings - where we take on the questions that don't have easy answers. But the answers don't need to be hard and fast. Here we'll explore different perspectives, share our own thoughts and invite you to form your own - because here, there's no hard feelings. Host: Jessica Co-hosts: Emily & Kristen In the inaugeral episode of 'No Hard Feelings', Jessica, Emily, and Kristen delve into the complexities of ghosting and its implications in dating and relationships. They explore whether ghosting is ever acceptable, the nuances of communication in various relationship stages, and the importance of safety and vulnerability. The conversation encourages thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives on these often contentious topics. In this episode, the hosts discuss the emotional impact of ghosting in relationships, emphasizing the lack of communication and emotional intelligence often exhibited by men. They transition into the topic of contraception, debating whose responsibility it is and the importance of open conversations about sexual health. The discussion highlights the need for mutual respect and understanding in relationships, particularly regarding contraceptive choices. The episode concludes with a reflection on the challenges of adulting and the necessity of ongoing dialogue in navigating complex issues. Takeaways: Ghosting is defined as ending a relationship without explanation. The hosts discuss the disrespectful nature of ghosting in established relationships. Safety concerns can justify ghosting in certain situations. Communication is essential, but not always safe or easy. Different perspectives on ghosting can lead to more understanding. Caspering, or friendly ghosting, is a more respectful approach. The impact of ghosting on emotional resilience is significant. Generational differences in ghosting behaviors are evident. The hosts emphasize the importance of vulnerability in dating. Navigating dating requires balancing honesty and personal safety. Ghosting leaves individuals with an ambiguous loss. Most men lack emotional intelligence regarding ghosting. Women often articulate their feelings better than men. Contraception is a shared responsibility between partners. Open conversations about sex are crucial for safety. Condoms should be prioritized to protect both partners. Purity culture impacts decisions around contraception. Conversations can prevent misunderstandings in relationships. Adulting involves navigating difficult conversations. It's important to keep asking questions about relationships. Where Do We Go From Here? is a podcast hosted and produced by Jessica Vanderwyngaard. Support the work of the podcast at patreon.com/wheredowegopod
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Mar 25, 2025 β€’ 54min

Where Did Devi Go From Here? Saying Goodbye (for now)

After nearly five years of co-creating Where Do We Go From Here?, Devi Abraham is stepping away from the podcast and Patreon community β€” and today, Jess sits down with her for one final conversation. In this emotional and reflective episode, Devi shares what led to her decision, how her life has shifted since 2019, and what she's dreaming about in this next chapter. From parenting and mental health to rest, community, and the surprising role of cake in connecting with teenagers, this episode is full of the warmth, honesty, and depth Devi has brought to the mic every single time. Whether you've been here since the beginning or are just tuning in, this is a moment to mark. Thank you, Devi. πŸ’› πŸ‘‰ Stick around to hear what's next for Where Do We Go From Here?, including our new monthly serial No Hard Feelings and Thoughts & Prayers. πŸ”— Show Notes: πŸ“¬ Subscribe to Devi's writing: deviabraham.substack.com πŸ“Έ Follow Devi on Instagram: @devi_writes πŸ’› Learn more about Prison Network 🧡 Join our community on Patreon: patreon.com/wheredowegopod 🎧 Listen to the episode with Matthias: ["What Are the Rules When There Are No Rules?"]
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Mar 6, 2025 β€’ 14min

Devi's got something to share...

Where Do We Go From Here is a podcast hosted, edited and produced by Jessica Vanderwyngaard and Devi Abraham. Sign up for a 2-month long book club discussing Sarah C. Williams new book: "When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women." Sign up at patreon.com/wheredowegopod for $10 a month, or as a $7 upgrade from our $3 membership level. (Prices in USD.) Book Club Benefits: Private Facebook group for online discussions throughout the month Zoom discussion on the book (month 1) Zoom conversation with the author (month 2) You can find out more by going to wheredowegopod.com You can join the conversation on Instagram @wheredowegopod
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Feb 7, 2025 β€’ 43min

149: Radical Activism, Women's Rights, and the Legacy of Josephine Butler

In the 19th century, Josephine Butler defied every expectation of what a woman should be. A privileged, refined Victorian lady, she became a fearless advocate for women on the marginsβ€”challenging sexual double standards, fighting the legal system that punished women while protecting men, and leading a movement that changed British law and history. Today, historian Sarah C. Williams, author of When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women, joins us to unpack Butler's extraordinary life and the paradoxes that made her so compelling. What does her story have to teach us about faith, justice, activism, and the courage to challenge oppressive systems? And how does her legacy speak to us today, in a world where women's bodies are once again being politicized and controlled? Whether you're deconstructing purity culture, rethinking your faith, or just looking for a story of radical love in actionβ€”this episode is for you. Links & Resources: When Courage Calls by Sarah C. Williams (Australia, USA) Subscribe & share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! Book Club
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Nov 14, 2024 β€’ 27min

148: Purity Culture's Black & White Thinking Hurt us. Here's What Can Help

For anyone who thought kissing someone you didn't marry would ruin your life and wreck your faith, Dr. Camden Morgante is here to help. Show Notes: Partner with us to hear more about how to develop your sexual values Recovering from Purity Culture by Dr. Camden Morgante Instagram (talk to us!) Twitter Dr. Camden Morgante is a licensed psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience as a therapist and college professor. She owns a private therapy practice focusing on women's issues, relationships, sexuality, trauma, and spirituality, and is a frequent speaker. Dr. Camden's mission is to help Christians heal their faith from toxic beliefs. She is the author of Recovering from Purity Culture. Dr. Camden lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband and their daughter and son.

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