Looks Like Wandering: Recent Episodes
Allie Barnes
We're back with Season 2 of the LLW Podcast, and this time we're talking about navigating faith journeys and how to lovingly support those who step away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or really, any religious denomination).
When I recorded S2 E9 in September 2021, I was still a member of the LDS Church (albeit nuanced and with a foot out). Shortly after, I stepped away from the church. It finally feels like time to talk about it, and wrap up this season of the LLW Podcast. I brought back special guest Kathryn Hadsall, who we last spoke to in S2 E5 ("Strengthening Mixed-Faith Relationships"), to talk about leaving the LDS Church, and our view from this side of our journeys. You can find me on Instagram @allieabarnes, or at allieabarnes.com. Episode intro music by Allie Ink.
We're pivoting a bit, and will be talking a bit more about the value of personalizing our faith. I figure reading a chapter directly out of my book, "Not According to Plan," would help introduce this concept, as the chapter (4) specifically shares my journey to better understand my relationship with my body, intimacy, sin, and repentance. I count it as one of the first times I began to think critically about the things I was taught, and find what works for me. It's a process that I've continued over the last couple years, and that has helped strengthen my testimony.
You can find "Not According to Plan" on Amazon (by me, Allie Barnes). Find Looks Like Wandering on Instagram @lookslikewandering.
Today we're talking to artist M. Alice Abrams about why it's okay to be a "Cafeteria Mormon." Due to MANY technical difficulties, the episode cuts off a bit earlier than we would have liked, but there are still so many gems in this conversation. And who knows—maybe there will be a part 2 sometime!
Follow Alice on Instagram at @aliceisms_illustration. Find the podcast on Instagram @lookslikewandering or at lookslikewandering.com.
In today's solo episode, I share about what I've been contemplating and exploring over the last couple years—and especially the last few weeks: "I think that's a huge part of why we were sent here to earth—to use our agency, to make our decisions, to think critically, to counsel with our Heavenly Parents, and find the paths that are right for us." I also mention the principle of "fence laws" that I read about from an excerpt in John Hilton III's book "The Founder of Our Peace." Find the podcast on Instagram @lookslikewandering or on lookslikewandering.com.
I am SO HAPPY to be a guest on my dear friend @melissabuckleywrites's new podcast, The Articulate Women Podcast, available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Our conversation is split into two episodes: Ep. 3, How Trusting Strange Promptings Can Strengthen Our Faith, and Ep. 4, A Faith Crisis vs. A Culture Crisis. These episodes were recorded back in early November 2020, so my faith journey definitely continued between that conversation and this season of the Looks Like Wandering Podcast (where I talk about my faith crisis again in S2 E1, as you may recall). Because of that, I consider S1 E4 of The Articulate Women Podcast to be the prequel to S2 E1 of the Looks Like Wandering Podcast. Head on over to The Articulate Women Podcast to hear our conversation and more!
Today we're chatting with Emily LeBaron (@shoplivingforhope) about how she navigated a faith crisis after returning home early from her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She talks about her struggles with accepting the decision of leaders to send her home, and her own decision to remain home after health concerns had improved. She shares about tender mercies from God and finding her path. And at the very end, she shares her thoughts on how to open up a conversation with loved ones who have returned home early from their missions.
You can find Emily on Instagram @shoplivingforhope, where she shares her beautiful designs and products advocating for mental health awareness. Head on over to MY Instagram @lookslikewandering to find a discount code for her shop this week! Thanks so much, Emily!
Today we're chatting about strengthening and nurturing healthy mixed-faith relationships in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Special thanks to Nikki Johnson, LeAndra Baker, and Kathryn Hadsall for sharing your experiences and insight with us! Show notes at lookslikewandering.com or allieabarnes.com.
Today we are chatting with one of my dearest friends, Maddison Weber, about her transition away from the Reformed Presbyterian Church that she was grew up in. While she shares advice to those going through a faith transition, some of her most powerful words are to those watching their loved ones go through it. She invites listeners to change their perception, and keep loving people even when their choices are different than the listener's.
Today we're chatting with my friend Ezekiel Rudick, who left the LDS Church in his early 20's. Ezekiel shares about his spiritual journey, the impact it had on his family, and how they worked to heal their relationships. He also shares some great advice for those going through their own faith journey. Throughout the entire conversation, there is a beautiful tone of compassion. I hope you feel that too! You can find Ezekiel at youngelkband.com.
FRIENDS!! I am so happy to be talking to Nikki Johnson of @bridgetheldsgap today. In this episode, Nikki shares about her decision to leave the LDS church, the importance of boundaries, and how to create healthy conversations about those boundaries with loved ones. I am SO grateful for her willingness to share. Find Nikki on Instagram @bridgetheldsgap, and be sure to follow @lookslikewandering as well for podcast updates!
Welcome to Season 2! This season, instead of career paths or life paths, we are specifically talking about navigating faith journeys and transitions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (though I believe the things we talk about in this season can be applied to many different denominations). In this episode, I share about my own faith journey, and why I ultimately decided to stay in the church. In upcoming interviews, this will NOT be our focus, but I want to help normalize faith journeys, doubts, and questioning- and show that you CAN experience these things and remain active in the church. Then I'm going to share about my views on how to show Christlike love and support to friends and family members who decide to leave. THAT will be the focus of this season. For updates, follow me on Instagram @lookslikewandering. Find the show notes at allieabarnes.com or lookslikewandering.com.
We're talking to Jayne Preciado of @habitual.joy on Instagram. She shares her story of moving abroad to China to teach earlier this year, then having to leave suddenly upon rumors of the borders closing because of COVID-19. We talk about how to cope...
Our first podcast VIDEO! I'm your host Allie Barnes and I'm joined today by Melissa Buckley, who was also on episode 2 of the podcast. We talk about the changes we've experienced through COVID-19, adapting, loneliness, depression, silver linings, and...
A greater explanation of the shift that Looks Like Wandering is going through! We are focusing on JOY, and finding and cultivating joy in our everyday lives. Please share your little moments of joy on your Instagram and tag us in it + use the hashtag...
Today's mini episode is part 2 of the FIRST mini episode, where I talk about identifying three things to do every day to fill my own cup. I share what those started as, and how they've evolved over the past few weeks of social distancing.You can find...
In this episode, we're hearing from YOU! We hear from @kirieouscooking, a healthcare worker, Emma (@poemsbymom) from episode 3, a high school student, and the wife of an Utah based RN recently sent to New York to help COVID-19 patients.Thanks so much to...
Hey friends, today we're hearing from 6 individuals, plus myself, about how we're all handling the changes that have come with the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing, homeschooling, graduations cancelled, and more. Hearing these friends'...
Life has been so odd lately, as we talked a bit about in the last episode (#15). Today I share the value in letting yourself have a hard day, then climbing back up. I share some insights from listeners who shared the things they do to make a hard day...
Today we're chatting with my amazing mom, Julie Barnes, as she shares her journey through some difficult health challenges over the last few years. Even if you are in good health, she shares so many valuable insights for adapting to unexpected changes...
Feeling down about Covid-19? Don't forget to look for the good. Follow Looks Like Wandering on Facebook and Instagram @lookslikewandering. Come back Monday for a new episode!
In this episode we're talking to Jenny Furse, host of the podcast Of Progress and Purpose. She shares her journey to becoming a podcaster, and also talks a bit about her partnership with her husband in this project, and the values that they share...
"I am not superstitious, but I'm a little 'stitious." -Michael Scott, The Office.Apologies. Go on ahead to episode 14. You'll love it!
Welcome to the first mini mid-week episode of the Looks Like Wandering Podcast! Today we're chatting about the 3 components that make up a great day for me (which is also the topic of my upcoming article on Healthy Humans Project /...
This title is inaccurate, because Kendall Sallay-Milotz is both a copywriter AND lead vocalist in a dream pop band, and she is incredible at both! (Case in point, her band, Starover Blue, plays the intro song for this podcast!) In this episode, Kendall...
Back from my little break to tell you that I'm organizing an event this month in Beaver, Utah for women entrepreneurs! And another little project I'm working on. More info at lookslikewandering.com and @lookslikewandering on Instagram and Facebook.
Today we're chatting with Tanner Rahlf, a comedian and up and coming fashion designer in Utah! Tanner shares his journey from graphic design student to (I don't want to give away the twists, so you should listen) to comedian, and gives solid advice to...
When Megan Geilman was growing up, she hoped to someday be a mom and an artist—both! She can now confidently say she's both. After taking years off to begin a family, Megan has made her mark in the Provo, Utah art scene, having her award winning pieces...
Host Allie shares her favorite presentations from the 2020 Silicon Slopes Tech Summit in Salt Lake City.
Suzy Jordan, founder of Affirmed Co., shares her journey from struggling with severe depression and anxiety, to becoming a mental health advocate and business owner.
How Chelsea Bench went from unsure of her career path to hosting the Confidence in Business podcast.
Episode 5 is a SOLO EPISODE with your host, Allie! Complete with bloopers, real life creaky house scares, but mostly insights into my own journey to find my career path. I also give some updates on my recent move, new job, and some new features on...
Nicole Hock of -Osis Earrings shares her path from rad tech to earring designer with a cause.