Episode 92

Written By Michaela Carlin
 
 
 
 

Join The Psychedelic Mom, Michaela Carlin, in conversation with Brittney Hartley about their shared journey of spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction and role psychedelics have played in the process. They explore shedding religious dogma, embracing an embodied feminine spirituality, and what it feels like to traverse a profound existential crisis and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.

Brittney shares her transition away from Mormonism and the deep philosophical inquiries that led her to become an atheist spiritual director. Also, her personal process of identity dissolution, the complexities of motherhood during her deconstruction, and ultimately finding meaning through connection and presence.

Brittney Hartley has a Masters’ Degree in Theology with a focus in the future of American religion. She is a spiritual director at No Nonsense Spirituality, focusing on nihilism recovery, faith deconstruction and secular spirituality, and is the author of the book, No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools No Faith Required.

Episode Highlights

  • Michaela and Brittney’s shared spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction journeys

  • The notion of spirituality post-religion

  • Deconstructing Mormonism, Christianity, and religion

  • Experiencing the "void" and finding tools for reconstruction

  • The concept of "death of God" and deconstructing the self

  • Exploration of atheism and intellectual humility

  • Feminism and the struggle with male-dominated theology and philosophy

  • Feminine spirituality and the importance of embodied experience

  • The impact of earth medicines and psychedelics on spiritual evolution

  • The potentially destabilizing effects of ego dissolution

  • Brittney’s personal experience with psilocybin and its mental health benefits

  • Shifting from chasing the next spiritual high to daily integration

  • Psychedelics challenging the atheistic perspective

  • Finding meaning in the moment

  • Honoring personal desires and needs

  • The necessity of ego development before transcendence

  • Serving earth medicines and the role of a guide

  • Healing religious trauma through psychedelics

  • Exploring combinations of psychedelics for deeper insights

  • A continuing fascination with reality and consciousness

Brittney Hartley’s Links 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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Special thanks to Jeremy Colbert (Taragápe) for the original podcast theme music.

You can find out more about Jeremey’s work here:
taragape.com and @taragape

Michaela Carlin
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