Uncovered: Life Beyond
Join the conversations of Rebecca and Naomi, two ex-Amish Mennonite women who jumped the proverbial fence in their younger years and later experienced college as first-gen, non-traditional students. They discuss pursuing formal education while raising a family, navigating the hidden curriculum of academia, and other dimensions of reimagining a life beyond high-demand religion. Send your questions to uncoveredlifebeyond@gmail.com.
Episodes
41 episodes since 2023
41. Forgive, Fight, or Flee: Unpacking Women Talking
What happens when women in a tightly-knit religious community decide they've had enough? It's a scenario rarely considered. Join us as we reflect on the gut-wrenching film directed by Sarah Polley and based on the novel by Miriam Toews.
September 10, 2024
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Episode 41
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1:00:06
40. Beyond the Brochure: What First-Gens Need to Know about Grad School
How did Naomi stumble into one of the most defining experiences of her life? In this episode Rebecca gets the scoop on Naomi's (scenic) route to grad school as well as the good, the bad, and the unexpected that happened along the way. They disc...
September 01, 2024
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Episode 40
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1:05:08
39. Caregiving and College: How one Midlife Mom Manages
Ever wonder how midlife moms juggle college, caregiving, and running a business? Today Rebecca walks us through the ways that she has combined her college career with all her other responsibilities. She gives us a glimpse into typical features ...
August 26, 2024
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Episode 39
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52:14
38. Book Review: Tia Levings' A Well-Trained Wife...or Widget? (Part 2)
Ever wondered what it's like to break free from a high-control environment? Join us as we celebrate Tia Leving's incredible achievement—her book "A Well-Trained Wife" has skyrocketed to the New York Times bestseller list. We share stori...
August 18, 2024
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Episode 38
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1:06:01
37. Book Review: Tia Levings' A Well-Trained Wife...or Widget? (Part 1)
What if the very teachings that promise to bring you love and belong are the same ones that will put you in the greatest dangers? Join us as we explore Tia Leving's phenomenal book, "Well-Trained Wife," and the many parts that resonate with us....
August 14, 2024
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Episode 37
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54:08
36. Set up to Fail: Patriarchy's Femininity Trap
Are women guilty of manipulation and passive-aggressive tendencies? Sure! However, we are here to point out that these tactics are used across the board by women AND men. Moreover, we can't ignore the unfortunate reality that many of us were tr...
August 04, 2024
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Episode 36
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56:56
35. 15 Summer Hacks to Rock the School Year Before it Starts
What if the best way to get ready for fall is to rest this summer? In this episode we challenge common expectations about productivity and laziness, making the case that rest is not a luxury but is foundational for being the happy, relaxed pare...
July 28, 2024
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Episode 35
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1:03:08
34. From Judgement to Joy: Navigating Divorce in Conservative Communities (Part 2)
This is a continuation of the previous episode where we pull back the curtain on Naomi's divorce journey and her perspective six years later. We address systemic issues that often leave ...
July 21, 2024
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Episode 34
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1:02:47
33. From Judgment to Joy: Navigating Divorce in Conservative Communities (Part 1)
In this episode we pull back the curtain on Naomi's divorce journey and her perspective six years later. We address systemic issues that often leave women feeling trapped--issues such as financial dependency, lack of education, and inadequate s...
July 14, 2024
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Episode 33
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46:14
32. 10 Things Saving our Summer: Finding Joy in the Chaos
In the mood for a deep, serious discussion? Then keep right on scrolling because this is NOT the episode for you. We're here to talk about the overwhelm that comes with summer's chaos--the kind of overwhelm that makes even picking out a waterme...
July 08, 2024
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Episode 32
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40:47
31. From Quilts to Inquiry: Reflections on the Amish Heritage Scholars Symposium
This week we start out with an update on Naomi's recent health adventures and then turn our attention to recapping the first weekend in June when we attended a Symposium on How Our Amish Heritage Influences Our Education and Career at Elizabeth...
June 30, 2024
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Episode 31
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54:50
30. Rereading The Pineapple Story
Have you ever reread a cherished story from childhood only to find your sense of nostalgia replaced by cringe? In this episode, we reflect on The Pineapple Story, a seemingly innocent book that, for us, represents a mashup of inf...
June 23, 2024
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Episode 30
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56:34
29. Who is Smart Enough for College?
Have you missed us? We’ve missed you! This episode was recorded in mid-May 2024 but not released until mid-June because of some health issues that threw a wrench in our production plans. We're happy to report that all is well and we'r...
June 18, 2024
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Episode 29
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39:02
28. All Talk: When Therapy Feels Pointless
Now that we've (nearly) survived the end of semester crunch time, we're delighted to return to a regular podcasting schedule again. We're also excited about the new texting option for listeners. (Click the link above to try it out!)Have...
May 12, 2024
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Episode 28
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52:26
27. College 101: The Best-Kept Secret to Earning FREE College Credit
Ever wonder how you got here as you blow out the candles on your birthday cake? That's where we begin in this episode, making space for the bittersweet emotions of milestone birthdays and the impending retirements of colleagues we admire. ...
May 06, 2024
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Episode 27
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42:45
26. Identity Quilts: Making Peace with the Patches
This episode is for anyone who has called many different places home and often waffles just a bit before answering the question, "Where are you from?" How do we answer this simple question while accounting for all the twists and turns and layer...
April 07, 2024
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Episode 26
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55:43
25. College 101: What to Ask on a Campus Visit
If the thought of scheduling an official campus tour fills you with uncertainty or even dread, this podcast is for you! Navigating unfamiliar places and institutions can feel daunting for any of us, including first generation students (and thei...
April 01, 2024
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Episode 25
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49:52
24. Raging Against the Inevitable: When He Gets No Respect
If your win this week is a kitchen floor that's clean for the first time in ages, you've found your people! We start this episode with a pop culture minute where we wonder aloud about the Royal Family's odd handling of Kate Middleton's re...
March 24, 2024
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Episode 24
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37:17
23. Listening for Personal Truth Over the Clamor of Social Guilt
Ever wrestled with the weight of a difficult decision, feeling the tug-of-war between what you've been taught and what your gut is screaming at you? Join us for this heart-to-heart as we peel back the layers of socialized guilt and its power in...
March 17, 2024
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Episode 23
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1:29:27
22. What if Women Dared to Tell the Truth?
We reflect on last week's episode and the events that prompted it--such as public figures spreading misconceptions about Amish culture and failing to honor the truths of those living in high-demand religion. We stress the importance of listenin...
March 10, 2024
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Episode 22
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26:23
21. The Fantasy and Fallout of Amish-themed Romance Novels
Ever wonder what it would be like to step into the world represented by Amish-themed romance novels? Well, just as the cottages in a Thomas Kincade painting don't actually exist (has anyone ever seen glowing windows in the middle of the day?), ...
March 03, 2024
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Episode 21
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34:14
20. Daycare Dilemma: Gut vs. Guilt
What if putting my child in daycare is going to mess them up forever? Am I sacrificing their wellbeing for my personal ambition? These are the kinds of questions many mothers face as they consider college and/or joining the workforce. We ...
February 25, 2024
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Episode 20
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35:38
19. When Best-Laid Plans Fail
Ever been sucker-punched by the realization that you've dropped the ball on something super important? If so, come sit with us! In this episode we unpack big feelings about a recent slip-up in the balancing act of work, family, and school. We c...
February 12, 2024
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Episode 19
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41:12
18. Cousin Weekend In Review: Processing the Past to Understand the Present
Listen in as Rebecca and Naomi rehash a weekend last fall with a few far-flung cousins where the coffee and conversation flowed freely. Items mentioned in the show: Help plan future episodes! Click this link ...
February 05, 2024
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Episode 18
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1:07:48
17. The Scandal of Women Protesting Patriarchal Click-Bait
The Scandal of Women Protesting Patriarchal Click-Bait After their unplanned absence, Naomi and Rebecca are back to discuss changes to the podcast, catch up on life, and break down some recent distress expressed online at wom...
January 28, 2024
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Episode 17
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46:29