Send us a text

In this short reflection, Lydia explores how growing up in the 2x2s taught many of us to live outside of ourselves, to mistrust our inner knowing, outsource authority, and disconnect from our own hearts.

She reflects on how hymns and teachings often functioned like subliminal messages, subtly training us to doubt our instincts and place trust in leadership, rules, and external voices rather than within ourselves. Over time, this separation from self became normalized—and even spiritualized.

This episode gently unpacks what it looks like to begin the journey back to ourselves.

Lydia shares why this return isn’t something that can be forced, scheduled, or achieved through another set of “musts.” Healing doesn’t happen through legalistic thinking, timelines, or pressure. Instead, it unfolds slowly, organically, and in its own rhythm.

At the heart of this episode is an invitation: to trust your wholeness, exactly as you are right now and to let your reconnection to yourself flow in the way it needs to.

Support the show

Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Jancius, host of the Angels and Awakening podcast, for a heartfelt conversation about faith, divine connection, and spiritual evolution. Julie shares her personal journey of growing up within the Catholic tradition and finding her own intimate relationship with the divine beyond religious structure.

Together, we reflect on how miracles are often quieter than we expect, how they unfold through presence and openness, and how we can soften our resistance to receive what is already trying to reach us. This conversation isn’t about striving or proving anything, but about remembering, listening, and allowing.

If you’ve ever wondered whether miracles are reserved for a select few, or if they can exist within ordinary moments, this episode offers a gentle reframe and an invitation to see your life through a more spacious, trusting lens.

Here is the link to connect with Julie and her beautiful offerings & click here to connect to her podcast over on Spotify or simply search "Angels and Awakening" on your podcast app and you'll find it.

Support the show

Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music

Send us a text

In this episode of Unconditioning Love, we wrap up the Tangled Up in Twos mini-series, where we have been exploring women’s experiences in the Two by Two church and how leaving has transformed their relationship with identity and self-expression.

Yvette Hughes shares her journey of embracing her naturally curly hair within a culture of conformity. Growing up in South Africa’s coloured community during Apartheid, Yvette faced pressure to straighten her hair to fit societal and religious expectations. Her story highlights the beauty of self-acceptance, the quiet rebellion/beauty of staying true to herself, and the freedom she’s found since leaving the church.

Thank you, Yvette, for sharing your beautiful story with us.

PS: I used the help of Chat GPT to bring these show notes together

Support the show

Sound Alchemy
Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music

Send us a text

Unconditioning Love – Tangled Up in Twos (Episode 3)

In this episode of Tangled Up in Twos, we delve into an excerpt from Cherie Kropp’s life story and explore the profound impact of hair, traditions, and questioning authority within the Two by Two fellowship.

Cherie’s poignant reflections reveal the tension between blind adherence to tradition and the courage to choose compassion and truth over rigidity. From navigating tender-headed hair battles to questioning the theological basis of women’s roles and appearances, Cherie shares how she sought clarity and truth through study and logic, despite resistance.

We discuss themes of:
•Breaking free from guilt and shame perpetuated by man-made traditions.
•The power of questioning practices and beliefs that do not align with love or scripture.
•Choosing compassion over compliance, especially in parenting.
•The emotional toll of navigating fallacious reasoning and the pursuit of Biblical truth.

Cherie’s courage to challenge the status quo, seek answers, and forge a path of authenticity provides insight for anyone navigating the complexities of leaving high-control systems.

Read the full excerpt from Cherie Kropp’s life story: Kropp – Cherie Berry.

New Program: Sound Alchemy
Are you ready to create lasting transformation and step into a life of creative self-expression? Join Sound Alchemy, a 1:1 program combining music, healing, and creativity to unlock your unique voice and song. Doors are open now!

Sign up here: Sound Alchemy

Support the show

Sound Alchemy
Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music

Send us a text

Episode Summary:
In the second episode of the Tangled Up in 2 mini-season, we hear three powerful anonymous stories from women reflecting on their complex relationships with hair in fundamentalist religious environments. These stories reveal how hair became a symbol of conformity, control, and, eventually, liberation.

Each story brings a unique perspective on the emotional weight of hair, its connection to identity, and the healing journey that comes with reclaiming it.

The Stories:

1. A Childhood Defined by Criticism:
   A woman recounts how a childhood condition caused her hair to fall out in patches, leading to harsh judgment from her church community and peers. She shares how this constant scrutiny tied her hair to feelings of worthiness and rebellion—and how, even now, she struggles with embracing her hair as her own.
2. Breaking Free from Expectations:
   Another woman shares her lifelong struggle with familial and religious expectations around her hair. From longing for a childhood haircut to finally choosing a bold bob in her 30s, her story highlights the anxiety and eventual freedom of taking control of her appearance—and how she’s raising her daughter to embrace her own identity, free of shame.
3. Learning to Love Hair Again:
   A 37-year-old reflects on her journey of unlearning years of “hiding” her hair, once seen as her “glory” in the church. She opens up about the frustration of not knowing how to style or care for her hair and the joy of discovering her authentic self, one small change at a time.

Themes Explored:

• The lifelong impact of religious and cultural expectations around hair.
• How hair becomes a battleground for conformity, identity, and rebellion.
• The emotional and liberating process of reclaiming autonomy over one’s appearance.

Join the Conversation:
Your voice matters!

• Share your thoughts or your own story with #TangledUpIn2 on social media.
• Follow me on Instagram: @keeney.lydia
• Visit www.lydiakeeney.com to connect, submit your story anonymously, and access additional resources.

Acknowledgments:
To the three women who shared their stories: thank you for your vulnerability and courage. Your words will resonate with so many others who are on their own journeys of healing and self-discovery.

Stay Tuned:
Next week, we’ll conclude the Tangled Up in 2 mini-season with a broader exploration of hair, faith, and identity—and how women continue to reclaim power and self-expression.

Support the show

Sound Alchemy
Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music

Send us a text

Welcome back to Unconditioning Love for the start of Season 2! We’re diving into the first installment of our special mini-series, “Tangled Up in Twos.” This series unpacks the profound connection between women, their hair, and faith communities.

In this episode, we begin with a fascinating share from a history teacher who provides critical context on Paul’s writings about women and hair in the Bible. They explain the cultural and historical backdrop of these teachings. Here is an article that dives into this topic a bit deeper.

From there, I read deeply personal, anonymous stories shared by women who’ve experienced the weight of these expectations firsthand. Through their accounts, we hear how hair became a symbol of devotion, control, and eventually, freedom. Their journeys from conformity to self-liberation reveal the power of reclaiming one’s identity.

Support the show

Sound Alchemy
Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music

Send us a text

In today’s mini-episode, we’re bringing some lighthearted laughter to balance the heaviness of the current political climate. Get ready for a fun, nostalgic ride as I share two funny, embarrassing stories from my childhood years growing up in a religious community. From sleepwalking adventures at a convention to other unexpected, cringe-worthy moments, these stories might make you laugh out loud (and maybe remind you of your own awkward moments). Tune in to take a break, laugh a little, and find some joy in the shared human

Support the show

Sound Alchemy
Instagram & Threads
Spotify Music