The conclusion of a two-part series about one of the most famous women evangelists in the early 20th century; Aimee Semple McPherson. Even though she spent many of her formative years in the Foursquare denomination, Em knew little to nothing about its founder. After pouring over biographies, newspaper articles and photo archives she wove together a narrative that proves opposing truths can be held in tension, while stumbling upon some of the earliest rumblings of modern Christian Nationalism.  Work Cited  Epstein, Daniel Mark (1993) Sister Aimee: The Life of Aimee Semple McPherson ..read more

In this episode, Em begins the story of one of the most famous women evangelists in the early 20th century; Aimee Semple McPherson. Even though she spent many of her formative years in the Foursquare denomination, Em knew little to nothing about its founder, until now. After pouring over biographies, newspaper articles and photo archives she wove together a narrative that proves opposing truths can be held in tension, while stumbling upon some of the earliest rumblings of modern Christian Nationalism.  Work Cited  Epstein, Daniel Mark (1993) Sister Aimee: The Life of Aimee Semple Mc ..read more

As promised, we’re back for season 4. This week Em tackles a very specific aspect of purity culture, the taboo and stigma of differently-gendered friendships in evangelicalism. She answers the age old question: can people of different genders be friends without the desire to “hook up”? Among other things. As always, just a reminder this is just for funsies, if you’re struggling in your own romantic partnership please seek the advice of a licensed professional if you are able.  The Life She Wrote https://linktr.ee/thelifeshewrote   Credits: Original music by R. Scott Okamoto rscottok ..read more

In this last episode of season 3, Em shares some updates on the format of the podcast moving forward as well as a piece of writing chronicling the intersection of autistic special interest, trauma and mental health. Thank you to all of the listeners for your kindness, enthusiasm and patience over the last few years, y’all are the best. We’ll be back for season 4 on Tuesday, Oct. 17th!  The Life She Wrote https://linktr.ee/thelifeshewrote   Credits: Original music by R. Scott Okamoto rscottokamoto.com ..read more

In this week’s episode, Em gets vulnerable about her own journey of self-discovery as it relates to autism, ADHD and religious trauma. She shares some of her own research as well as that of professionals, interpreting it through the lens of someone who grew up in white evangelical spaces. *Important note: Em is not a mental health professional and nothing in this episode should be taken as medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are people who can help. Contact your doctor or see the list of resources below.  Books mentioned in this episode: Unmasking Autism: Discov ..read more

In this episode Em sits down with author & scholar Audrey Clare Farley to talk about her latest book, Girls and Their Monsters and the intersections of gender stereotypes, mental health research and American political history.  "Audrey Clare Farley is a writer, editor, and scholar of twentieth-century American culture with special interests in science and religion. She earned a PhD in English literature at University of Maryland, College Park, and now teaches history at Mount St. Mary’s University. She is the author of The Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of ..read more

In this episode, Em and Matt (aka thesnarkygent) discuss the rest of the story of Jim Elliot and his fellow missionaries who were famously killed in Amazonian Ecuador in 1956. Over the years the facts were blurred or obscured by evangelical leaders so as not to tarnish the “good work” of foreign missionaries, and few have dared to set the record straight. This is the second episode in a 2 part series covering the events leading up to their death, the incident itself and what happened afterward–with analysis on its impact on evangelical culture and doctrine, white Christian Nationalism and beyo ..read more

In this episode, Em invited her friend Matt (aka thesnarkygent) to hear the story of Jim Elliot and his fellow missionaries who were famously killed in Amazonian Ecuador in 1956. Over the years the facts were blurred or obscured by evangelical leaders so as not to tarnish the “good work” of foreign missionaries, and few have dared to set the record straight. This is the first in a 2 part series covering the events leading up to their death, the incident itself and what happened afterward–with analysis on its impact on evangelical culture and doctrine, white Christian Nationalism and beyond.&nb ..read more

In this episode, Em explores the traditional gender roles of marriage and motherhood within evangelical Christianity. Including small parts of her own story, she discusses the church’s role—from training up young girls to be wives and mothers, to the digital age where Christian mom life intersects with capitalism and the Mom Boss culture that fills our Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest feeds. CW: pregnancy loss, forced heteronormativity. Links from this episode: "The Problem With Mom Boss Culture"  by Amanda Montei 4/28/21 https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22368693/mom-boss-capitalism-scary-mom ..read more

In this episode, Em kicks off what will be a 4 part series discussing The Women of Evangelicalism beginning with complementarianism and those who oppose it. For those in the audience that find themselves still a Christian wanting equality for women- but iffy on queer Christians- this episode offers some insight into the importance of intersectional feminism. While it might be the shortest episode she's ever recorded, it might be one of the most important.  Related articles from thelifeshewrote.com: https://thelifeshewrote.com/2021/04/08/why-power-dynamics-matter-in-evangelical-spaces/ htt ..read more