In Episode 11 of the Affirming Practice Podcast we tackle the dreaded idea of "It's just a phase." with the perspective that phases are beautiful and real no matter how temporary. From queer identities to how we embrace our neurodivergences or who we are, phases are complex, messy, and constantly evolving beautiful chaos - yet always real and valid.

In this episode we discuss the harmful trope of telling people who they are is just a phase, and reframe phases as integral parts of human experiences and growth. Yes, even your cisgender heterosexual grandma has has a phase or two in her lifetime.

00:00 - Introduction: What a Beautiful Phase

01:14 - Host Introductions: Casey Anne Brimmer & Pastor Bob Ierien

02:26 - Icebreaker: What Phase Are You in Right Now?

03:14 - Navigating Self-Acceptance & Rebuilding

04:25 - Unpacking Past Phases: Conversion Therapy & Self-Discovery

05:41 - Vocation vs. True Self

07:42 - Rethinking Work-Life "Balance" & Dynamic Identities

12:25 - Intersectionality: You Are More Than Just One Thing

14:11 - Life’s Eras & "Just a Phase" Misconceptions

16:16 - Evolving Identities: From Naval Officer to Pastor

18:10 - Why Do People Fear Change & Complexity?

22:36 - Neurodivergence & Embracing the "Full Self" Phase

24:24 - Privilege, Cis-Normativity, and the Effort of Growth

In this episode we discuss disability unfiltered through our own experiences and provide resources for allies and disabled folks alike. Both Casey Anne and Bob discuss aspects of their disabilities and how they impact our day to day experiences with the world and both systems and institutions that aren't always disability friendly.

00:00 Introduction & Language of Disability00:27 Host Introductions01:09 Episode Overview: Disability, Allyship, and Ableism02:04 Scope and Categories of Disability02:28 The Social Model vs. Medical Model of Disability03:09 Identity-First vs. Person-First Language05:12 Dynamic and Invisible Disabilities08:00 Ambulatory Wheelchair Use & Fluctuating Needs10:45 Euphemisms and Language Choices13:15 Defining Ableism and Systemic Barriers16:30 Internalized Ableism & Personal Reflections21:10 Communicating and Accommodating Access Needs26:40 Practicing Authentic Disability Allyship32:15 Etiquette, Respect, and Avoiding Pity38:00 Building Accessible Environments and Systems44:30 Disability Affirmation in Faith Communities51:00 Challenging Microaggressions and Biases56:20 Practical Takeaways for Everyday Action1:00:15 Closing Thoughts and Outro

In this episode we jump into the revolutionary act of finding and expressing joy within marginalized communities. While society often highlights the struggles and trauma of being queer or disabled or otherwise marginalized, we discuss why celebrating our joy as members of marginalized communities is a form of resistance against systems designed to break us.From the idea of whole-person media representation to finding joy in our beautiful and vibrant communities, this episode isn't "inspiration," it's reality. It is also a reminder that joy is hope. Remember, to like, subscribe, comment, and share if this podcast is supporting your in your journey of allyship or any other way. We want to hear from you! Have a question? DM us or fill out this google form.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the Affirming Practice Podcast01:00 – Episode Overview: Exploring Queer Joy and Marginalized Identities01:25 – Defining Joy vs. Happiness: A Theological and Biblical Context04:45 – The Science of Joy: Psychological Definitions and Embracing Emotional Nuance07:03 – Can Joy and Sorrow Coexist? Finding Contentment Amidst Grief09:07 – Why Celebrating Joy in Marginalized Communities Matters12:35 – Queer Joy as a Site of Resistance Against Oppressive Systems14:06 – Redefining Disability: Representation, Media Tropes, and Claiming Community19:26 – Book Discussion: Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha20:22 – Sobriety Joy: Breaking Stigmas and Building Vibrancy in Recovery Communities22:54 – The Importance of Whole-Person Representation vs. Dangerous Stereotypes24:55 – Understanding Gender Euphoria, Trans Identity, and Expressing Gender Joy28:11 – Cisgender Privilege, Masculinity, and Reflecting on Gender Expression46:39 – Outro & Call to Action: Share Your Stories of Joy!