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The Divorcing Religion Podcast - Dr. Josie McSkimming - Gutsy Girls

Dr. Josie McSkimming - Gutsy Girls

04/02/25 • 60 min

The Divorcing Religion Podcast

Dr. Josie McSkimming - Gutsy Girls

DIVORCED: Christianity

Today’s guest is Dr. Josie McSkimming, who joins us from Australia. She has previously been a guest on the Divorcing Religion Podcast and was also a speaker at CORT2023.

Dr. McSkimming is a clinical social worker with more than 35 years experience – and personal experience with religious trauma. When I learned that she’d published a book about her life, I wanted to read it right away. Her book is called GUTSY GIRLS: Love, Poetry, and Sisterhood.

Josie grew up in the shadow of her oldest sister Dorothy, who was one of Australia’s most charismatic and courageous literary figures. Josie watched Dot become an award-winning iconic poet, but theirs was a family of complex dynamics.

In today’s episode we discuss life with a volatile parent, sibling rivalry, codependence, seeking escape from family problems, and the grief and loss that accompany religious trauma.

FIND Dr. McSKIMMING:

https://www.uqp.com.au/books/gutsy-girls (also available at Amazon.com)

https://mcskimming.com.au/

FIND JANICE SELBIE:

Janice Selbie's Best-selling book Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook is now available in the USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP78TZZF and CANADA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DP78TZZF

Registration is now open for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference, happening LIVE in Seattle May 23-25, 2025! Get your ticket now: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/

Religious Trauma Syndrome Support Group happens on Tuesdays at 5 pm Pacific. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others for healing and support: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Need help on your journey of healing from Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Sign up now for Janice's online Divorcing Religion Workshop starting March 2nd: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-syndrome-workshop

Follow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:

Threads: [email protected]

BlueSky: @janiceselbie.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligion

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisecounsellor/

Subscribe to the audio-only version here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcast
The Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular, mental health clinician.
Podcast by Porthos Media
Copyright 2025
www.porthosmedia.net

Support the show

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Dr. Josie McSkimming - Gutsy Girls

DIVORCED: Christianity

Today’s guest is Dr. Josie McSkimming, who joins us from Australia. She has previously been a guest on the Divorcing Religion Podcast and was also a speaker at CORT2023.

Dr. McSkimming is a clinical social worker with more than 35 years experience – and personal experience with religious trauma. When I learned that she’d published a book about her life, I wanted to read it right away. Her book is called GUTSY GIRLS: Love, Poetry, and Sisterhood.

Josie grew up in the shadow of her oldest sister Dorothy, who was one of Australia’s most charismatic and courageous literary figures. Josie watched Dot become an award-winning iconic poet, but theirs was a family of complex dynamics.

In today’s episode we discuss life with a volatile parent, sibling rivalry, codependence, seeking escape from family problems, and the grief and loss that accompany religious trauma.

FIND Dr. McSKIMMING:

https://www.uqp.com.au/books/gutsy-girls (also available at Amazon.com)

https://mcskimming.com.au/

FIND JANICE SELBIE:

Janice Selbie's Best-selling book Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook is now available in the USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP78TZZF and CANADA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DP78TZZF

Registration is now open for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference, happening LIVE in Seattle May 23-25, 2025! Get your ticket now: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/

Religious Trauma Syndrome Support Group happens on Tuesdays at 5 pm Pacific. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others for healing and support: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Need help on your journey of healing from Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Sign up now for Janice's online Divorcing Religion Workshop starting March 2nd: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-syndrome-workshop

Follow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:

Threads: [email protected]

BlueSky: @janiceselbie.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligion

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisecounsellor/

Subscribe to the audio-only version here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcast
The Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular, mental health clinician.
Podcast by Porthos Media
Copyright 2025
www.porthosmedia.net

Support the show

Previous Episode

undefined - Hip-Hop Artist, Seven J - Betrayed by Christianity

Hip-Hop Artist, Seven J - Betrayed by Christianity

Hip-Hop Artist Seven J - Betrayed by Christianity

DIVORCED: Christianity

TW: Discussion of suicidal ideation

Raised in the heart of Jacksonville, FL, amidst the grit and hustle of the city's most notorious zip code, Seven J emerged as a powerhouse in the world of hip-hop. His music is a testament to his roots, blending raw, lyrical prowess with harmonious melodies that captivate listeners and transport them to another world.

With a resume that boasts performances in iconic venues from Los Angeles to New York, Seven J has left his mark on stages worldwide. From the legendary Apollo Theater to the vibrant streets of Jamaica, his electrifying presence has enraptured audiences and earned him acclaim at every turn.

Seven was a deeply trusting child, making him vulnerable to the promises of Christianity. His musical talent and compassion for others set him apart as a believer– but the racism he experienced INSIDE the Church as an employee was the spark needed to truly examine the faith he’d devoted his entire life to.

While Divorcing Christianity has been disorienting for Seven, making music has been a powerful part of his recovery. He holds nothing back on his album, Sunday Mourning, with songs like If Your God is So Good, BulletZ, and I Lost Everything. His latest album “I Am Seven J” has songs like The Truman Show, Never Been There, and 5 Percent. If, like Seven, you’ve lost your once-cherished faith, he has words of truth you will relate to.

FIND SEVEN J on all streaming platforms.

https://sevenjsjm.bandcamp.com/track/sundaymourning

https://music.apple.com/us/album/sunday-mourning/1563007215

Janice Selbie's Best-selling book Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook is now available in the USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP78TZZF and CANADA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DP78TZZF

Tickets are now available for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference, happening LIVE in Seattle May 23-25, 2025! Get yours now: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/

Religious Trauma Survivor Support Group is happening on Tuesdays at 5pm Pacific. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others for healing and support: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Need help on your journey of healing from Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Subscribe to the audio-only version here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcast
Follow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:
Mastodon: [email protected]
Threads: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/divorcereligion
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wise_counsellor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ComeToCORT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligion
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisecounsellor/
The Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular, mental health clinician.
Podcast by Porthos Media
Copyright 2025
www.porthosmedia.net

Support the show

Next Episode

undefined - Lauren Elise Rogers - Sex Ed for You!

Lauren Elise Rogers - Sex Ed for You!

Lauren Elise Rogers - Sex Ed for You!

DIVORCED: Fundamentalist Christianity

CW: Frank discussions of s3x

Lauren Elise Rogers is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach. She is the founder of Sex Ed for You, where she provides clear, compassionate, and comprehensive guidance on intimacy, relationships, and sexual health.

After being raised in a high-control religion and getting married at 21, Lauren fought her way out to become the person she needed most. Her desire to understand her relational missteps – like her decade-long marriage to her daughter's gay father – led her to become a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator.

In this episode, Lauren shares her journey and how she uses what she’s learned to help others navigate complex topics like long-term partnerships, consensual non-monogamy, life transitions, purity culture, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

FIND LAUREN

Website: www.sexedforyou.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexedforyou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sex_ed_for_you/

Janice Selbie's Best-selling book Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook is now available in the USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP78TZZF and CANADA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DP78TZZF

Tickets are now available for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference, happening LIVE in Seattle May 23-25, 2025! Get yours now: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/

Religious Trauma Survivor Support Group is happening on Tuesdays at 5pm Pacific. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others for healing and support: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Need help on your journey of healing from Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/services

Sign up now for Janice's online Divorcing Religion Workshop starting March 2nd: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-syndrome-workshop

Follow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:

Threads: [email protected]

BlueSky: @janiceselbie.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligion

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisecounsellor/

Subscribe to the audio-only version here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcast
The Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular, mental health clinician.
Podcast by Porthos Media
Copyright 2025
www.porthosmedia.net

Support the show

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