In this episode (Ep. 2011) we explore with @nononsensespirituality founder Britt Hartley the common pitfalls people face during religious deconstruction. From navigating relationships and parenting outside of organized religion to the challenges of psychedelics, intellectualism, and identity loss—this is a raw, honest conversation about life after faith. Whether you're just beginning your journey or deep in it, this discussion offers insight, validation, and guidance. Key topics covered: - Why opening your marriage right after leaving religion may backfire - How to provide structure for your kids without religion - The psychedelic trap & chasing spiritual highs - The “missionary phase” of ex-belief systems - Finding meaning beyond religion, without clinging to new dogmas - The lifelong process of deconstruction - And much more, including Gen Z dating, chakras, free will, and dreams. Don’t miss her reflections on what she’s learned, what to avoid, and how to move forward with integrity and openness. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:04:44 These are things she's learned to be aware of as you are in the mess of religious deconstruction; it’s not a same thing 00:08:04 The first thing you should avoid: Opening your marriage soon after leaving your faith 00:16:32 Second: Providing order and structure for kids 00:22:37 Do kids need religion for structure and order? 00:34:15 Third: Psychedelic chasing 00:39:45 Four: Clinging to new beliefs 00:45:32 Reality is more magical than how we view reality 00:50:28 Five: Avoid the Missionary Phase. Sam Harris says: “No one is more ardent in their atheism than exMormons” 00:57:01 Six: Not recognizing the good in religion 01:04:57 Seven: Underestimating the hard work it is to replace religion 01:12:32 Eight: Underestimating that deconstruction is a lifelong process 01:18:11 Do we have free will? 01:28:32 Nine: Avoid finding new prophets 01:35:45 Ten: Overemphasis on intellectualism 01:42:53 Final thoughts Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/ten-things-not-to-do-in-faith-deconstruction/