Where Do We Go From Here?

In this insightful and empowering conversation, educator and domestic equity expert Laura Danger joins us to unpack the invisible systems shaping our homes, relationships, and sense of fairness. With over a decade in education and a background in special education, Laura brings a practical, inclusive lens to topics many families struggle to name—let alone solve. As the creator of That Darn Chat and the author of No More Mediocre, she helps people navigate burnout, emotional labor, weaponized incompetence, and the unequal distribution of care work. Together, we explore how societal expectations around gender and parenting continue to influence family dynamics—and what it actually takes to build more equitable, supportive partnerships at home. Laura shares actionable strategies for discussing redistribution of labor, reducing resentment, and moving toward intentional, egalitarian relationships—without perfectionism. What We Cover The differences between physical, emotional, and mental workload Emotional and mental loads are real, measurable, and often unevenly distributed The estimated monetary value of a care worker, particularly a parent The impact of gender roles in parenting and partnership Navigating relationship challenges while striving for equity The cultural pressure of motherhood and its consequences Why many online parenting spaces center "motherhood" over inclusive "parenthood" Domestic engineering and social reproduction We are all carers and care work is essential labor Egalitarian relationships require intentional conversations not assumptions How to recognize incompetence versus weaponized incompetence Negotiating who is competent to complete various tasks as care givers in one household Mental health challenges in care work New family structures Community support plays a crucial role in sustainable change About the Guest Laura Danger is an educator and domestic equity expert helping individuals and couples navigate household labor, mental load, and relationship dynamics. She is the creator of That Darn Chat and author of No More Mediocre, and her work has been featured in major outlets including HuffPost and Business Insider. Connect with Laura: Website: lauradanger.com Instagram: @thatdarnchat

In this special bonus episode, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical month sounds like on the Where Do We Go From Here? Podcast. You'll hear: An excerpt from our March RomCom Recap Sneak peeks from two upcoming April interviews Clips from EDJ's conversation with Dr. Kevin Jenson on the Epstein files A teaser from March News & Views A timely reminder from February's No Hard Feelings discussion This episode is designed to give both new and longtime listeners a feel for the range of conversations we explore—from pop culture and media analysis to deeper discussions on power, purity culture, and sexual ethics within deconstruction spaces. Supporting the Podcast Some of our content is free for all listeners, while other episodes are available exclusively through our Patreon community. For just $3 USD/month (roughly $4–5 AUD/CAD or just over $5 NZD), paid subscribers get full access to: The complete RomCom Recap Full News & Views episodes The Epstein Files deep dive All interviews This episode also breaks down where your support goes and shares additional ways you can help sustain the podcast. www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod A Note from the Hosts We deeply appreciate every listener. We know transitions can be challenging, especially as we move from the original hosts, Devi and Jessica—who built something truly meaningful—to our current host: EDJ (Eady Jay / Evangelical Deconstruction Journey) Our hope is that you'll continue with us as we: Learn and grow together Engage thoughtfully with faith deconstruction Explore topics like purity culture and sexual ethics And keep asking the question: Where do we go from here? Stay Connected Follow, rate, and comment Find us on Instagram @wheredowegopod Review the podcast and share episodes with friends Join us in the Green Room March 31st (April 1st AUS / NZ) & April 28th/29th Join us on Patreon for full access and bonus content: www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod

Does church still have a purpose when you're questioning everything you were taught? · EDJ, Emily and Kristen share their current relationship with church and one word (or a few) describing their deconstruction season. · They discuss what church actually is and what they find important about a church or spiritual community. · They suggest that podcasts and online communities are ways of doing and being "church." · They explore questions around why people leave church and why people stay, particularly during deconstruction. Some of the reasons mentioned for leaving have to do with panic attacks or anxiety, burnout, LGBTQIA+ concerns or disagreements. Reasons for staying vary from relationships, to worship practices, to wanting to give children exposure to other opinions about God, to quality discussion with others and more. · The hosts delve into the gender (sex) of people attending church and why in the past this has been more feminine, but in the present leans more masculine. Naturally, they look at patriarchy and hierarchical issues, women preachers, pastors and leaders, and gender equity. · Kristen, Emily and EDJ, question the future of church and what it could evolve to become. They discuss Denominations that might be considered "safer" or more "progressive," and some denominations they would no longer attend. · Finally, the hosts discuss two Reddit questions for their unsolicited advice section: 1) I wish I didn't start deconstructing & 2) Parents keep asking me to go to church · Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheredowegopod/ · Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod

In this episode, EDJ interviews Adam Harris, the Executive Pastor at God Why? Church—a church built on people's raw and unfiltered questions. He earned a B.A. at Oral Roberts University, a Masters of Theology at Vanderbilt University, and a Doctorate of Leadership at Portland Seminary. He is dedicated to integrating spiritual formation and education for a faith equipped for the 21st century. Adam shares his journey to God Why? church, discussing the impact of purity culture, the challenges of deconstruction, and the stages of faith as outlined by James Fowler. He reflects on the emotional turmoil of navigating faith and doubt, the role of conscience shaped by cultural constructs, and the importance of complex conversations across different beliefs. He emphasizes the need for liberation from shame and the value of community in spiritual growth. In this conversation, EDJ and Adam explore the evolution of their own faith journeys, the complexities of belief, and the importance of love and compassion. They discuss personal experiences with loss, the impact of near-death experiences and research, and the challenges of dogmatism and political division within faith communities. The dialogue emphasizes the need for civil discourse, understanding, and the role of community in fostering spiritual growth. Breakdown: Pastor Adam Harris shares his journey to God Why Church: www.GodWhy.com The church's name reflects a commitment to addressing questions about faith. Growing up in purity culture led to feelings of shame around sexuality. One youth pastor taught that nocturnal emissions were sinful. In some ways marrying young helped alleviate shame for Harris, but he urges that the broader framework of purity culture—the shame and the fear of punishment—needs to be deconstructed. Exposure to biblical criticism challenged Adam's understanding of faith. Navigating faith and doubt is a common experience for many. James Fowler's stages of faith provide a framework for understanding spiritual development. Stage four of faith often involves emotional turmoil and confusion. The shift to stage five allows for more complex conversations about faith. Peer pressure can manifest in various ways within faith communities. Embracing a new concept of God can lead to profound changes in faith. Personal loss can significantly impact one's faith journey and facilitate a shift from one stage to another Universalism and progressive Christianity can be just as dogmatic as conservative Christianity. EDJ and Adam explore universalism and the universality of God's love Adam shares research into near-death experiences and the insight they offer to the love of God. Perception of God influences mental and emotional health. Positive thinking can rewire the brain for better emotional health. Adam mentions the book "How God Changes Your Brain" by Andrew Newberg. Truth can be subjective and vary from person to person. Experiential faith emphasizes the importance of lived experiences. Compassion is essential in navigating faith and relationships. Deconstruction can lead to humility and a deeper understanding of others. The illusion of separation can hinder our understanding of community. Political division can stem from different stages of faith development or from reverting back to the same mental operating system despite changing beliefs. Civil discourse is necessary for bridging divides in faith communities. Experiencing love can transform perspectives on others. Adam shares a powerful spiritual experience he had in 2025. Listening to people at all different points on the political spectrum is crucial to stage five and beneficial to broader society. Fighting injustice should be done with love and compassion. Boundaries are important in maintaining healthy relationships. Community and connection are vital for spiritual growth.

In this episode of No Hard Feelings, EDJ, Kristen and Emily explore the complex history and cultural significance of surnames, particularly focusing on the tradition of women changing their last names. They discuss the historical context of coverture, the evolution of women's rights, and the impact of naming conventions across different cultures. The conversation also delves into modern practices in queer relationships, the legal and political implications of name changes, and the intersection of identity and faith. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of personal choice and reflection in navigating these topics, ultimately inviting listeners to consider what their surnames mean to them. Subscribe to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod · Coverture definition: English Common law defining a married woman's legal identity as suspended and merged into her husband's, creating a single legal entity. A wife couldn't own property, sign documents, sue in their own name. Things like "Mrs. John Smith" convention come from this. · History: English tradition that began sometime after the Norman Conquest around the 11-15th Century; · In 1765, is when it was codified into English law which is part of how it became a piece of both American and Australian tradition. · Lucy Stone became the first recorded American women to insist on keeping her birth name in 1855 and there were other laws in the mid 1800s that allowed property ownership and changed some inheritance laws. · 1966 is when the US Supreme Court states covertures was "obsolete" but it was still in existence in at least 11 states. Within the 1970s - with the rise of feminism and continued Supreme Court rulings laws requiring women to change their name were far more widely removed. · Only about 20% of women keep their birth name currently. · Patronymic names - surname based on the given name of a person's father/paternal lineage - ie Danish tradition "Christiansen" literally means "Christian's Son." or in Russian "Ivanovich" would be Ivan's son. Some Scandinavian traditions also used "datter" for a female child. · Hispanic tradition - generally 2 surnames. First surname represents the paternal line and second surname the maternal line. Women typically keep their name after marriage and children then take the first surname of each parent. So Juan García Martinez marries Maria Lopez Rodriguez and their child is Anna Garcia Lopez. See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surnames_by_country#English-speaking_countries · No default tradition in queer partnerships. Options: keep, hyphenate, combine, create new name. · Legal navigation in states with varying protections. While still protected federally under Obergefell and Respect for Marriage Act, Tennessee alone has advanced five anti-LGBTQIA+ marriage bills THIS WEEK · Voter registration and ID laws require exact name matches. · Marriage/divorce name changes complicate registration. · Administrative burden often falls on women · Hosts delve into "unsolicited advice" at the end of the episode, discussing deconstruction, adult music choices and church attendance. · Stay tuned for the next episode of No Hard Feelings where we will unpack the purpose of church during deconstruction some more! Jess' Archive Bundles (available until 28 February 2026): • The Jess and Devi Show (2021–2025) – $30 • The Jess and Friends Show (2025) – $10 Discounts available for paid and free Patreon members.