Shows / MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
If you're a spiritually-minded person in the beautiful, messy process of creating your life and asking the hard questions then you just found your people. Middle Ground is hosted by life coach and mom Brynne Erickson, and is a space for the real, honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about faith, identity, relationships, health, personal growth and much more. With roots in Latter-day Saint (Mormon) faith and culture, this show explores the full, multidimensional experience of being…
Episodes
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Holding Love and Truth at the Same Time: Sexuality, Faith & Divorce — Evan Stewart
In this episode, I sit down with my high school friend and therapist Evan Stewart to talk about three big topics: navigating bisexuality within a straight…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Can You Love Your Body and Still Want to Lose Weight? GLP-1 & Intuitive Eating - My Journey
In this solo episode, I share that I put myself into body image therapy to work on my relationship with my body. I found myself stuck between two extremes…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
The Marriage Constitution: How to Stop Fighting and Start Communicating — Krystal McCort
In this episode, I sit down with my cousin Krystal McCort, a marriage coach who teaches couples how to design their marriage constitution. Think of it like the…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: How Your Thoughts Are Creating Your Life — Part 4/4
In the final episode of the Thought Model series, I bring it all together with actions and results. The results in your life right now are not random. They are…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Feelings Last 90 Seconds: The Science of Emotions in Your Body — Part 3/4
In part three of the Thought Model series, I get into the actual science of what happens in your body when an emotion fires. An emotion has a 90-second…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Your Thoughts Are Optional: Circumstances vs Thoughts in the Thought Model — Part 2/4
In part two of the Thought Model series, I go deep on the difference between circumstances and thoughts. A circumstance is a neutral fact that could be…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Why Your Life Is a Result of Your Thoughts Not Your Circumstances - Part 1/4
In this first episode of a four-part series, I teach the Thought Model developed by Brooke Castillo of the Life Coach School, a tool that has been foundational…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
My Dad Came Out as Gay in 1988: Growing Up, Forgiving & Choosing Love — Drey Hill
In this episode, I sit down with my church friend Drey Hill. Drey was born into the LDS church in 1987, and shortly after, his dad came out as gay to his mom…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
The Neuroscience of Affirmations: How to Rewire Your Brain on Purpose
In this solo episode, I teach the actual neuroscience behind affirmations and why most people are doing them wrong. Your brain processes 11 million bits of…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Honesty, Respect & Responsibility: Choosing Your Values Without Religion — Ryan Liston
In this episode, I sit down with my brother Ryan Liston for a conversation about values, specifically honesty, respect, and responsibility. Ryan shares how…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Breathwork, Intentional Creation & Turning Dread Into Excitement — A Walk & Talk
In this walk and talk recorded at our annual family reunion at the lake, I share what I'm learning about the power of intentional creation. This year felt…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You Don't Have to Be on the Same Page: Relationships, Faith & Money — Sara Payne
In this episode, I sit down with relationships coach Sara Payne to talk about what to do when you're not on the same page with your spouse, whether that's…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You Don't Have to Do Any of It: Taking Your Power Back From Resentment in the Seasons That Drain You
This week, I talk about something I've wrestled with a lot as a stay at home mom and naptime entrepreneur: resentment. When I give and give without honoring…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You Were Divinely Designed to Succeed: Body Mapping, Energy Healing & Faith Expansion — Angela Nusbaum
In this episode, I sit down with Angela Nusbaum who helps people heal the connection between their body and spirit so they can empower their soul. Angela…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
*Introducing FAITH IN PROCESS*: The LDS Faith Expansion Community I Wish I Had When My Faith Was Falling Apart
In this episode I share the backstory behind Faith in Process, the online community I'm creating for Latter-day Saints navigating faith expansion…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Hiding Faith Doubts for 8 Years: From Temple Marriage to Agnostic Life — Rob Clark
In this episode, I sit down with my neighbor Rob Clark who shares his faith journey for the first time ever. Rob grew up in a very religious LDS household…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You Don't Have to Believe Every Thought Your Brain Offers
This week, I share something I taught my seven-year-old son tonight during his taekwondo test prep. He was overwhelmed and frustrated because something hard…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
LDS Psychologist on Porn, Shame & Why the Addiction Label Is Hurting You — Dr. Cameron Staley
In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Cameron Staley to talk about something rarely discussed openly: pornography, compulsive eating…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Limiting Beliefs Aren't Enough: The Hidden Bias Keeping You Stuck
In this solo episode recorded in my garage during summer vacation, I share a lesson I'm really excited about: the difference between beliefs and biases. A…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
My Faith Journey, My Family, and Why Your Worth Was Never Up for Debate: Brynne Erickson Interviewed
In this episode the tables turn and my guest Jennifer Roskelly interviews me about my own faith journey and the heart behind Middle Ground. I share how the…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Choosing Yourself AND Family in a Mixed-Faith Marriage: Faith Expansion & Finding Your Voice — Heather Campbell
In this episode, I sit down with Heather Campbell to talk about her faith expansion journey. Heather shares struggling with the LDS church since primary age…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You Don't Quit, You Start Again: Being Your Own Cheerleader Through Every Season — A Pep Talk
In this Pep Talk, I pulled over in my car to tell you something important. I've started a new health and wellness phase again, and that's the whole point. You…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You're Not Beyond Help: Whole Person Change After Addiction & Homelessness — Jackie & Jeff
In this episode, I sit down with Jackie and Jeff from the Other Side Academy and Village, a nonprofit helping people coming out of incarceration, homelessness…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Feelings Are Information, Not Identity: Processing Emotions Without Shame
In this mini episode, I talk about how feelings are just information. Having a hard day doesn't mean you're failing. Crying in your car doesn't mean you're…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
You Are Enough Right Now: Faith, Perfection & The Spark of Christ Within — Jennifer Roskelly
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jennifer Roskelly for a deep conversation about faith, scripture, and the spark of Christ within each of us…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Giving Biblical Women Voices: Inner Authority, Wholeness & Divine Feminine — Kristi Garcia
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kristi Garcia to talk about her poetry book Women Who Knew, which gives voices to biblical women telling their own…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Trusting Myself Over Outside Voices: General Conference, the CES Letter & Finding My Beliefs - A Personal Reflection
In this episode recorded on Easter Sunday during general conference, I share why I didn't actively watch. I didn't want to do mental gymnastics sifting through…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
From Punishment to Self-Love: Mindset, Motivation & Postpartum Fitness — Heather Campbell
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Heather Campbell to talk about her journey with health and fitness. Heather shares how she shifted from punishing…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
I Stopped Folding My Kids' Laundry on Purpose & It's Been Liberating — A Mom Confession
In this episode, I share how I intentionally stopped folding my kids' laundry and it's been liberating. I was tired of folding everything perfectly only to…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Faith Expansion vs Faith Crisis: Finding Truth in Mormonism and Beyond — Cami Sanders
In this episode, I have a deep conversation with Cami Sanders about our faith journeys, truth, and navigating doubt. Cami shares how she's never felt like she…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
What Happens When You Start a Faith Podcast While Questioning Everything: One Year of Middle Ground
In this episode, I'm celebrating one year of the Middle Ground podcast and sharing why I started it. I talk about how this came together—from taking a life…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
We Went to Couples Therapy Before We Even Got Married — Here's Why Every Couple Should: Ryan & Stevie Peterson
In this episode, I talk with Ryan and Stevie Peterson about their experiences with pre-marriage counseling and therapy. We discuss why understanding attachment…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
I Said No to a Church Calling: Honoring Your Intuition, Avoiding Burnout, and Expanding Your Capacity to Serve - A Personal Reflection
In this episode, I’m sharing about my experience serving as a Young Women's President in my church while navigating motherhood and my own personal growth. I…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Kathy Sherwood - How to Trust Your Intuition & Live in Alignment with God: A Spiritual Coach on Faith, Self-Worth, and Creating a Meaningful Life
In this episode, Kathy Sherwood and I explore the connection between spirituality, personal growth, and coaching. Kathy shares about her unique upbringing and…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Manifesting Money & Taking Ownership: How Budgeting, Delayed Gratification, and Financial Discipline Made Our Dream Truck Happen
In this episode, I talk about how our finances, health, and time are all connected, and why it's so important to take real ownership in each of these areas. I…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Evan Fitzgerald - Chronic Pain, Meditation & Spiritual Awakening: A Firefighter’s Journey Through Trauma, Rebirth and Purpose
In this episode, Brynne Erickson interviews Evan Fitzgerald, who shares his profound journey through chronic pain and the transformative power of meditation…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
The Scale Hasn't Moved in 8 Months and I've Never Felt Better — Why I Stopped Chasing a Number
In this episode I share my journey of personal growth and self-improvement over the past eight months, focusing on my approach to movement and fitness. Rather…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Sharee Carlisle - I Left the Church But Not God — How I Found My Own Spiritual Path After Religion
In this episode I talk with my dear friend and intuitive guide Sheree Carlisle about her remarkable journey from active Latter-day Saint to someone who now…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
No Resolution Required: Permission to Rest, Reset and Start When You're Ready
In this solo episode I give you full permission to let go of any pressure you are feeling to have it all figured out by January 1st. I share why I personally…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
How to Actually Enjoy the Holidays When Your Family Doesn't Do Things the Way You Want
In this solo episode I share some thoughts two days before Christmas on how to actually enjoy the holiday season when you cannot control what anyone else does…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Karina Pribil-Corbett - Why You and Your Partner Keep Fighting About Money (And It's Not Actually About the Money)
In this episode I talk with financial psychologist Karina Pribil-Corbett about something most of us were never taught, how our emotions drive almost every…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
What If Truth Isn't What You Were Taught — And That's Actually Okay? - A Personal Reflection
In this solo episode I share a lot of thoughts swirling around after seeing Wicked and somehow also watching K-pop Demon Hunters, two very different movies…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Mindy Cope - 7 Ground Rules That Pulled Me Off the Bathroom Floor and Changed How I See Everything
In this episode I talk with the wonderful Mindy Cope about the seven ground rules she has spent a decade collecting that have completely transformed the way…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Gratitude Isn't Just a Nice Idea — It's the Thing That Actually Gets You Unstuck
In this solo episode I share a different take on gratitude, one rooted in the idea of vibrational frequency and why what we focus on is what we attract more of…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Ashley Ciminski: Ketamine, EMDR & What Actually Works for Trauma Healing
In this episode I talk with my friend and clinical mental health counselor Ashley Ciminski about all things trauma and mental health treatment. We get into…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
How to Create Flow in Your Life: Simple Systems for Busy Moms Who Want More Peace, Energy & Alignment
In this solo episode I talk all about flow and what it actually means to live in alignment with your values and desires every single day. I share how I think…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Kolette Hall - How to Make Confident Decisions: Grief, Faith & the Clarity Framework for Intentional Living
In this episode I sit down with my aunt Kolette Hall, a life coach for leaders, and we go deep on her clarity framework, a four step process she and her late…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
LDS Garments, Modesty & Temple Worthiness: Why I’m Rethinking Dress Standards, A Personal Reflection on My Faith Journey
In this conversation, Brynne Erickson explores the topic of garments and modesty within the context of the Latter-day Saint faith. She reflects on her personal…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Cami Sanders - Two LDS Women Discuss The Divine Feminine: Heavenly Mother, Women in Scripture & the Ongoing Restoration
In this episode I talk with Cami Sanders about the divine feminine through an LDS lens and it genuinely blew my mind. Cami shares how watching her daughters…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
How Do We Live in Peace When We Disagree? Grace, Forgiveness & Healing in a Divided World
In this solo episode I share what has been heavy on my heart following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the divisive reactions I saw flooding social…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Kamron Coleman - From Leaving the LDS Church for 20 Years to Going Back: Mysticism, Suffering, and Finding God Again Through Divine Revelation
In this episode I sit down with my uncle Cameron Coleman for what is honestly our first real conversation in 37 years, and we open by talking about the family…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Do You Have to Take the Sacrament Every Week? Reframing Worthiness, the Spirit & Sabbath Rest in LDS Faith
In this solo episode I share something pretty personal about my relationship with the sacrament and why missing it used to send me into a spiral of frustration…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Julie Parry - What Is Foot Zoning? Emotional Healing, Energy Work & How Releasing Stored Trauma Changed My Life
In this episode, I sit down with Julie Parry, a professional foot zoner who shares her beautiful story of how this healing modality found her and how it…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Is God Fair? Rethinking Equality, Tithing, Scripture & Universal Spiritual Laws and Mormonism/LDS
In this solo episode, I share recent thoughts on fairness versus equality, using a water bottle analogy my three-year-old inspired. Just like different water…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Danny & Kelsie Froerer - From LDS to Mixed-Faith Marriage: Leaving Mormonism, Reclaiming Self-Worth & Choosing Curiosity Over Judgment
HEADS UP: This conversation does mention sex and pornography. In this episode, I sit down with Danny and Kelsey to hear their journey from active LDS members…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Jill Birth - From Third Grade Shame to Self-Love: Healing Body Image, Food Addiction & Diet Culture in Midlife
In this episode, I sit down with Jill Birth to explore the complex relationship between body image, personal identity, and self-acceptance. Jill shares her…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Body Image, Becoming & Doing Hard Things: Weight, Self-Worth, Roller Coasters & Reinventing Yourself
In this episode, I share my personal journey of self-discovery, touching on themes of body image, desirability, and the challenges of facing fears. I reflect…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Paige Aardema - The LDS Plan of Salvation Explained: Love, Agency, Eternal Families & What Happens After Death
In this episode, I sit down with Paige Aardema to explore the Plan of Salvation, a central tenet of LDS theology that addresses fundamental questions about…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
Gay Marriage, Mormon Faith Crisis, and Having a Baby: Our Story of Love — Alex & Parker
In this episode, I interview my longtime friend Alex and his husband Parker, a married gay couple navigating life after Mormonism. Alex went on a mission, got…
- MIDDLE GROUND - Real Conversations on Faith, Identity & Becoming — Through Brynne's LDS Lens of Curiosity, Love and Doubt
From Mormon Faith to Intentional Living: Questioning Religion, LGBTQ Beliefs, and Reclaiming Your Agency to Create the Life You Want
In this episode, I share my journey of intentional becoming, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and identity, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ+…