Tomorrow I start teaching again. And, another reminder that the photo I posted a few days ago of me dancing is from eleven(ty-million) years ago - a point that’s very relevant to this story. About an hour ago, I dug out some dance attire that I haven’t worn in years. What you see here is what I’ve held onto after two decades of teaching - 32 pairs of dance pants, 20 sports bras in almost every color, and about two dozen tops (not pictured...
The ‘cult’ure series continues with a a two-part conversation with the co-founders of igotout.org. In Part 1, Candice shares how #igotout was a saving grace when she first released her story publicly. Lisa & Gerette join her to share about the origins of the movement, speaking about the hashtag’s conception and why it is so important for cult survivors to have safe spaces to share their stories. Gerette makes a distinction...
This photo was taken by Mark Downey way back in 2011. We are friends who used to dance together. He's an award-winning photographer, and this photo shoot was an exceedingly generous gift he once gave me. I still treasure every image; he effortlessly captured my love of dance in a way that I’ve never been able to express in words (and that’s saying a lot). Follow him on the socials! His travel photography will blow your...
Okey doke. Here's another installment of Deconstructing Dogma... and part two in a three-part series on Language & 'Cult'ure.Reminder (and I'm gonna keep saying it)... we're not here to pick on any one group or movement because all culture is a bit culty in similar & subtle ways. That said, as always we'll again be sharing personal experiences from a variety of spiritual and new age wellness circles b/c that's what we know best!This...
We are incorporating your requests!!Next up... a three-part series where Tracy & I are taking a closer look at the power of language as it relates to cultic indoctrination.In Part 1, we explore some of the key takeaways from Amanda Montell's book, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, we discuss a revealing documentary that demonstrates how charismatic language can serve as a smokescreen for undue influence, and we do our best to define and...
"Cosmic Salary" is a term often used in 'Org' training to remind teachers - and especially trainers - that the rewards of 'sharing the work' extend far beyond making money. At face value, it's a reasonable argument.But what about when it's used as a coercive sales tactic &/or to justify exploitive labor practices?FYI >> This was the FIRST episode of Deconstructing Dogma that we ever recorded... way before we launched Patreon and...
In the final episode before a self-care break, Candice is thrilled to sit down with Kathleen Oh, a fellow writer, coach, and new-age wellness survivor. Kathleen lays the foundation for her cult-like experiences, sharing how she was born into high-control environments. She opens up about how the resulting black&white thinking shaped her choices at home as a young mother, and as in her work as a coach. Kathleen expresses her regret and speaks...
This week, our Patreon bonus episode is also streaming on the main feed! And so you, dear patron, can watch the uncut/unedited version via video (above)... or... explore it as TDP #46... wherever you get your podcasts.Here's a description:🎧✨ #46 - Patreon Bonus | Deconstructing Dogma: 'Drama' & Disobedience Surprise! This week's Patreon bonus episode is dropping here, too! It's a sample from the Deconstructing Dogma series that's been...
Surprise! This week's Patreon bonus episode is dropping here, too! It's a sample from the Deconstructing Dogma series that's been rolling out over on Patreon. We're sharing it publicly because this chat is timely; right on the heels of a pivotal convo with Yamuna Benedict - where so many of the Org's unspoken rules of engagement were broken (sorry, not sorry). Tracy & Candice unpack three major no-no’s at the Org - gossiping, complaining,...
Yamuna Benedict is back to share Part 2 of her story. Tracy offers a telling reflection to kick things off regarding how Yamuna’s Krishna-cult conditioning may have contributed to long hours at 'the Org.' Yamuna describes the demanding and chaotic work environment, as well as some disturbing details regarding the Org’s discriminatory hiring practices, chronic gaslighting, and overt body shaming. She shares candidly about fielding ongoing...
