17: The ExMo Candle Co: Lighting Outer Darkness Together with Jennifer Renart

The Natasha Helfer Podcast

When we go through faith transitions, people tend to respond in all different kinds of ways. Feeling fear, confusion, anger, and betrayal are super common. And many of us cry, rage, and go into funks of depression - also, totally normal. At the same time, laughter and using creativity are also ways people heal. Today we will be talking with Jennifer Renart, co-creator of the ExMo Candle Company. She says on her website: “I love making ex-Mormon candles. It’s been beyond cathartic pouring my issues with the church into a jar and then lighting it on fire.”

Jennifer’s family converted to Mormonism when she was six. A bishop’s interview at 15 started severe feelings of worthlessness, which only intensified during her time at Southern Virginia University. Issues with Prop 8 and the A Year of Polygamy podcast pushed her into a faith transition. Making candles has been a powerful part of healing. When I burn the “Licked Cupcake” scented candle--I feel it. After spending a decade thinking she was alone and worthless, she hopes their candles can stand as physical reminders to others that none of us are alone in faith transition land.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini