The Divorcing Religion Podcast
Hosted by professional counsellor Janice Selbie, this podcast focuses on the impact of Religious Trauma Syndrome. Each episode features interviews with authors, activists, and mental health professionals such as Seth Andrews, Hemant Mehta, Margaret Atwood, and Dr. Marlene Winell, who discuss religious indoctrination, deconversion, and recovery. The show aims to provide insight and support for individuals experiencing religious trauma.
Episodes
Lilia Tarawa
Guest: LILIA TARAWAThe Politics of Purity: Sex and Power in Closed CommunitiesLilia Tarawa was born and raised in the isolated Christian fundamentalist cult of Gloriavale in New Zealand, a place where every aspect of life, from clothing to relationships to sexuality, was tightly controlled. In her powerful TEDx Talk: I grew up in a cult. It was heaven – and hell, and in her book Daughter of Gloria
Shame Sex Attraction: Dr. Lucas Wilson on the Sex & Power Podcast
Sex & Power PodcastGuest: Dr. Lucas WilsonTitle: Shame Sex Attraction My guest today is Dr. Lucas Wilson, who is a Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Toronto. His research centers on White Christian nationalism, with a focus on gender and sexuality; specifically on conservative Christian homophobia and transphobia. Dr. Wilson’s book Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors' Stories of Conversion
Sex & Power with Sammy: Satire, Apostasy, and the Power of Haram Doodles
Sex & Power PodcastGuest: Sammy, Haram DoodlesMy guest today is ex-Muslim atheist, artist, and activist Sammy, the creator behind Haram Doodles. Raised in the U.S. as a first-generation South Asian Muslim, Sammy left Islam over a decade ago. In her words, she left “because I’m a woman.”In this episode, Sammy shares what it was like growing up with strict religious expectations for girls, and h
Sex & Power with Dr. Janja Lalich: Exploitation of Women in Cults
Dr. Janja Lalich on The Sex & Power PodcastGuest: Dr. Janja LalichTitle: Exploitation of Women in CultsHost: Janice Selbie, MPCCWarning: This episode discusses SA and coercion in cults Dr. Janja Lalich is one of the world’s leading authorities on cults, coercive control, and authoritarian influence. A sociologist, researcher, and cult survivor herself, Dr. Lalich has spent decades exposing how
Sex & Power: Katherine Spearing - Healing After Spiritual Abuse
Katherine Spearing has spent years listening to the stories most churches would rather stay silent about. As the founder of Tears of Eden, she works directly with survivors of spiritual abuse, helping people untangle trauma, reclaim autonomy, and rebuild trust in themselves after systems of faith have caused harm. Her work centers on the lived realities of abuse, power, and control inside religiou
Melissa Duge Spiers - HOLY DISOBEDIENCE: GOOD GIRL GONE WILD
FIND JANICE:Janice Selbie's best-selling book, Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook, is available here: https://amzn.to/4mnDxuoReligious Trauma Survivor Support Groups happen online Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others for support: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/servicesNeed help on your journey of healing from
Sex & Power: Chris Tompkins - The Truth About Shame: Chris Tompkins on Love, Liberation, and LGBTQ Resilience
Sex & Power: Chris Tompkins - The Truth About Shame: Chris Tompkins on Love, Liberation, and LGBTQ ResilienceChris Tompkins is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in working with adult gay men. He is also the author of the APA award-winning book Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. Chris has a Master of Arts in Clinical Psy
Sex & Power: Clara Ritger - When Success is Killing You: Clara Ritger on Meditation, Mortality, and Meaning
Clara Ritger spent her 20s building a successful media career — producing for U.S. national media such as NBC, WSJ, and TLC — while secretly battling chronic illness and burnout. A ruptured appendix, major abdominal surgery, and skin cancer forced her to reevaluate everything. In this episode, Clara shares how she burned it all down, why rest and healing are radical acts, and what she’s learned ab
The Sex & Power Podcast: Truth-telling that liberates with Mike Steve Collins
The Sex & Power Podcast: Truth-telling that liberates with Mike Steve Collins: The Anti-Civil Rights MovementMike Collins is the author of The Anti-Civil Rights Movement: Affirmative Action as Wedge and Weapon (University Press of Kansas, 2024), Understanding Etheridge Knight, updated edition (University of South Carolina Press, 2023), and The Traveling Queen (poems, Sheep Meadow Press, 2013).
S&P Podcast: Detra Denise - Ashes and Embers: How Detra Denise Turned Pain into Power PART 2
Detra Denise - Ashes and Embers: How Detra Denise Turned Pain into Power PART 2In this episode, Detra shares what it was like to go from obscurity to fame after being featured in a 15-part series in the Humans of New York. She also opens up about being offered protection by the gents of the Harlem Cigar Room, and what kept her moving forward instead of giving up.DETRA’S LINKS:http://www.detrasstor
S&P Podcast: Detra Denise - Ashes and Embers: How Detra Denise Turned Pain into Power PART 1
Detra Denise - Ashes and Embers: How Detra Denise Turned Pain into Power PART 1 Content Warning: CSA, suicidality, familial estrangementMy guest today is Detra Denise, a former pastor's wife who dared to change her life in unimaginable ways. After leaving her toxic marriage, Detra moved to New York City to start over. Thanks to both her love of connecting with people and her musical and story
S&P Podcast: Kiki Negress - The Uppity Negress
This week on the Sex & Power Podcast, I'll be speaking with Kiki Negress, The Uppity Negress.Kiki Bryant is known across platforms as the Uppity Negress: a brilliant, incisive voice on race, feminism, religion, and culture. She is also an entrepreneur and creator. In this episode, Kiki shares about the painful childhood that helped shape her bold, intersectional style of truth-telling. Jo
Jennie Gage - Life, Take Two!
Jennie Gage - Life, Take Two!Divorced: MormonismTW: Suicide attemptJennie Gage is a writer, creator, and former Christian nationalist and Mormon trad wifey turned outspoken advocate for justice, compassion, and community. Through her YouTube channel and “Life, Take Two” podcast, she blends personal story with sharp cultural critique, exposing harmful systems while lifting up the people they fail.
Melody Post - House of Yahweh Cult
Melody Post - House of Yahweh CultDivorced: ChristianityCW: Mention of suicide and traffickingMelody Post was a member of the House of Yahweh Cult from 1989 to 1994. At age 18, she was married to the cult leader's son and gave birth to a child within the group, assisted only by midwives, having not seen a doctor throughout her pregnancy. She left in 1994 when the leader, her father-in-law, in
Elyse Bouvier - Unfolding Faith Film
Elyse Bouvier - Unfolding Faith FilmDivorced: ChristianityToday, Canadian filmmaker Elyse Bouvier joins me to talk about her journey out of Christianity, and how it became the topic of her film Unfolding Faith, which will be released online for free streaming by The NFB – National Film Board – in Canada this month. Here’s a short synopsis of Elyse’s film, which will resonate with many of you: Calg
Dr. Pavna K. Sodhi (Part2) - Navigating Internalized Racism in 3rd-Generation Punjabi-Sikh Immigrants
Dr. Pavna K. Sodhi (Part2) - Navigating Internalized Racism in 3rd-Generation Punjabi-Sikh ImmigrantsWelcome to Part 2 of my interview with Dr. Pavna K. Sodhi. Dr. Sodhi joins me again to share her knowledge about Punjabi-Sikh teachings, values, practices, and experiences. Today, we discuss internalized racism and how it can force 3rd-generation Punjabi-Sikh Immigrants to divorce religion. Dr. Sod
Dr. Sarah Farrell - Shattering Into a Whole
Dr. Sarah Farrell - Shattering Into a WholeDivorced: Christian Fundamentalism Sarah M. Farrell, PhD, MSW, LICSW is a researcher, academic, and clinical social worker (who sometimes fancies herself a stand-up comedian). She has over a decade of clinical practice experience with diverse clientele. Having grown up in a deeply insular religious group practicing evangelical fundamentalism, she focuses
Lacey Bond - From Bible Study to Sex Ed, Part 2
Lacey Bond - From Bible Study to Sex Ed, Part 2Divorced: ChristianityCW: Frank discussion about sexLacey Bond (IntimacyLacey) is a Certified Sex, Relationship, and Intimacy Coach and sex/kink educator based in Los Angeles. She's dedicated to helping people heal from Purity Culture, growing healthy relationships with other people and developing awesome, shame-free sexuality. Today, Lacey educa
Timmy Joe Gibson - Former Tongue Talkin, Holy Rollin, Bible Thumper
Timmy Joe Gibson - Former Tongue Talkin, Holy Rollin, Bible ThumperDivorced: ChristianityTimmy Gibson, is a former fundamental evangelical Bible thumping tongue-talking Holy Ghost Rollin Pastor. After graduating Bible College, Timmy spent 30 years teaching and preaching the Bible, with his main message being that the only way to escape the eternal flames of Hell was to accept Jesus Christ as your
Lacey Bond - From Bible Study to Sex Ed, Part 1
Lacey Bond - From Bible Study to Sex Ed, Part 1Divorced: ChristianityCW: Frank discussion about sexLacey Bond (IntimacyLacey) is a Certified Sex, Relationship, and Intimacy Coach and sex/kink educator based in Los Angeles. She's dedicated to helping people heal from Purity Culture, growing healthy relationships with other people and developing awesome, shame-free sexuality. Lacey lived the qu
David Hayward - The Naked Pastor, Revealed
David Hayward - The Naked Pastor, RevealedDivorced: ChristianityMy guest today is known by many of you for his powerful cartoons and paintings related to deconstruction from Christianity. I’m speaking with my fellow Canadian, David Hayward, who is an ex-pastor turned full-time artist. David is also known as The Naked Pastor. He's been blogging about spirituality, deconstruction, and religious
Pamela Jones - Escaping a Deadly Polygamous Cult
Pamela Jones - Escaping a Deadly Polygamous CultDIVORCED: FLDS Cults TW: Brief mention of CSA and child abuse in this episodeIn 1965, PAMELA JONES was born in Los Molinos, Mexico, into a polygamous Mormon cult known as The Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Time. As the eldest daughter of 13 children, she left school at age 11 to care for her younger siblings in a remote desert compound wi
Tara Jean Stevens - Heaven Bent
Tara Jean Stevens - Heaven BentDivorced: PentecostalismCW: Sexuality discussedToday I’m speaking with fellow Canadian Tara Jean (TJ) Stevens, the host and creator of Heaven Bent, a podcast docuseries with a special focus on Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. In addition to her successful podcast, TJ has also been a morning show favourite on Vancouver radio & TV for 25 years. Listen to &quo
Karrah Youngblood - Exposing A Predator: Wildfire
Karrah Youngblood - Exposing A Predator: WildfireTW: Violence and sexual assaultKarrah Youngblood is a professional artist, single mom, and unexpected memoirist from Oklahoma. She never planned to be an activist, but standing up to the man who hurt her — and so many others — turned into a fight she couldn’t walk away from.Karrah is now telling her story: The story of what happens when one woman re
Pamela Nickel Williams - Scientology: When Lies Are True
Pamela Nickel Williams - Scientology: When Lies Are TrueDIVORCED: ScientologyTW: Incest Pamela Nickel Williams was born into Scientology. Her parents were early Scientologists who worked closely with L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology’s founder, at the first Church of Scientology in the late 1950s. Pamela and her parents were practicing members of the church until the late 1970s. After years of burying h
Allie Monday - Erotic Photographer & Worshiper of Women
Allie Monday - Erotic Photographer & Worshiper of WomenDIVORCED: FundamentalismTW: Eating disorder mentioned briefly My guest today was one of our sponsors for Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture 2025. Allie Monday is an erotic photographer and the creator of Ladygroove, a body-led portrait experience rooted in healing, sensuality, and self-acceptance. Her work invites women to shed
Cynane Shay - Tinfoil Hats and Lizard People PART TWO
Cynane Shay - Tinfoil Hats and Lizard People PART TWODIVORCED: ChristianityTW: Antisemitism, violence, and satanism are all mentioned in this episode.Today, nuclear engineer and writer Cynane Shay joins me for Part 2 of our conversation, "Tinfoil Hats and Lizard People." Our discussion today is based on research Cynane has conducted over the past few years to gain an understanding of whe
Cynane Shay - Tinfoil Hats & Lizard People PART ONE
Cynane Shay - Tinfoil Hats & Lizard People PART ONEDIVORCED: ChristianityCynane Shay is a nuclear engineer living in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism normalized conspiracy theories like Obama Birtherism and the Biblical apocalypse; but 2020, with COVID and Qanon, finally made her realize something was deeply wrong.Now Cynane is writing a book, “Taking Off the Tinfoi
Alyona Smoky - A Beautiful Liberation
Alyona Smoky - A Beautiful LiberationCW: War in UkraineAlyona Smoky was born and raised in Ukraine, where her mother joined a high-control, conservative evangelical church when Alyona was young. As a result of family stressors, Alyona shouldered much of the emotional burden in her family as a child, and she grew up very quickly in a chaotic and emotionally intense environment.When she was 16, Alyo
Michelle Moffitt - From Abuse to Freedom
Michelle Moffitt - From Abuse to FreedomCW: Sexual AssaultMichelle Moffitt Rogers is a licensed therapist, Enneagram expert, and author. In this episode, Michelle shares her story and explores the psychological impact of spiritual abuse, the complexities of leaving both faith and a toxic marriage to a pastor, and what healing looks like on the other side. You won't want to miss her raw, hones
Steve Ghikadis - Humanism from the Heart
Steve Ghikadis - Humanism from the HeartSteve Ghikadis is a Humanist Officiant who conducts secular marriages, memorials, and many more meaningful life-affirming celebrations. Raised as a freethinker, Steve has been married to a Christian for over a decade. He and his wife, Cindy, believe in the importance of bridging the gap between believers and non-believers. Their two young children are being
Forest Benedict, LMFT - Porn Is Not the Problem
Forest Benedict, LMFT - Porn Is Not the ProblemDivorced: Evangelical ChristianityCW: Frank discussion of porn, sex, and self-pleasureForest Benedict is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Washington states who specializes in religious trauma and sexual shame. Forest began his career as a Christian who was passionate about helping others recover from sex and porn addiction—b
Pavna K. Sodhi, EdD - Exploring the Intersections of Punjabi-Sikh Cultural/Religious Identity - Part 1
Pavna K. Sodhi, EdD - Exploring the Intersections of Punjabi-Sikh Cultural/Religious Identity - Part 1As a humanist and mental health clinician, I'm interested in learning about other cultures and belief systems. To that end, Dr. Pavna K. Sodhi graciously agreed to join me on the Divorcing Religion Podcast to share her knowledge about Punjabi-Sikh teachings, values, practices, and experiences
Unquestionable Calvin - From Religion to Conspiracies to Reality
Unquestionable Calvin - From Religion to Conspiracies to RealityDIVORCED: Christianity and ConspiraciesMy guest today is Calvin Smith, whom you may recognize from his YouTube channel Unquestionable Calvin. Calvin was exposed to both Christianity and supernatural ideas from an early age. Eventually he rejected Christianity but firmly believed multiple conspiracy theories, even attempting to build a
Tessi Muskrat, M.A. - Free To Explore: Sexuality After Purity Culture
Tessi Muskrat, M.A. - Free To Explore: Sexuality After Purity CultureDivorced: Evangelical Purity Culture A native woman of Cherokee and Irish descent, Tessi Ynada Muskrat holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a doctoral student researcher at the University of Missouri. Co-founder of the international Purity Culture Research Collective (PCRC), Tessi’s research centers the voices
Patti & Nancy, Apostate Sisters - Life After a Doomsday Cult
Patti & Nancy, Apostate Sisters - Life After a Doomsday CultDIVORCED: Worldwide Church of God CW: Mature themes Today I’m excited to interview Patti and Nancy, who recently interviewed me on their popular APOSTATE SISTERS YouTube channel! Patti and Nancy are sisters deconstructing their upbringing in the Worldwide Church of God Christian doomsday cult. The sisters note that the cult stifled
Quantas Ginn, MBA, MS, LMFT-S, CST - Sex Therapy for Purity Culture Survivors
Quantas Ginn, MBA, MS, LMFT-S, CST (he/him) - Sex Therapy for Purity Culture Survivors My guest today is Quantas Ginn. Quantas is a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) professor teaching courses on Human Sexuality and MFT theories. His research interests include interracial relationships, perinatal parenting, and the intersection of religion and sexuality. Quantas also operates a private practice
Dr. Kayden Vargas - From Conservative Christian to Nonbinary Psychologist
Dr. Kayden Vargas (they/he) - From Conservative Christian to Nonbinary PsychologistTW: Brief references to CSA Dr. Kayden Vargas (they/he) is a trans nonbinary poet, parent, and psychologist located in the traditional homelands of the Yakama Nation. Their poetry revolves around themes of small-town living, bicultural/bilingual/biracial life, trauma healing, and trans identity. Their clinical speci
Glenda Jordan - Powerful Polyamory
Glenda Jordan - Powerful PolyamoryDIVORCED: Southern Baptist ChristianityMy guest today is a model, artist, and entertainer - and she will be speaking at the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture event in Seattle this May! Glenda Jordan lives in Las Vegas these days but grew up on a farm south of Nashville, Tennessee - where she was indoctrinated into the Southern Baptist faith from birth
Jeremy de Tolly - Liberate Your Voice
Jeremy de Tolly - Liberate Your VoiceMy guest today is rock and roll musician, and heart-centered communication coach, Jeremy de Tolly. Jeremy works with those who have deeply shut-down voices, whose voices often became blocked starting in their childhoods. He understands the significance that parenting, school, and culture can have on our voices, and that, to return a voice to health, we need to
Lauren Elise Rogers - Sex Ed for You!
Lauren Elise Rogers - Sex Ed for You!DIVORCED: Fundamentalist ChristianityCW: Frank discussions of s3xLauren 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-contr
Dr. Josie McSkimming - Gutsy Girls
Dr. Josie McSkimming - Gutsy GirlsDIVORCED: ChristianityToday’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 abou
Hip-Hop Artist, Seven J - Betrayed by Christianity
Hip-Hop Artist Seven J - Betrayed by ChristianityDIVORCED: ChristianityTW: Discussion of suicidal ideationRaised 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 tr
Emily Hedrick - Resiliency in Tough Times
Emily Hedrick - Resiliency in Tough TimesDIVORCED: Mennonite EvangelicalismEmily Hedrick is a resilience coach specializing in religious trauma and compassion fatigue. A former Mennonite pastor, she holds an M.Div., is an ICF-accredited coach, and is a certified Forward-Facing (R) coach. In addition to being a former guest on the Divorcing Religion Podcast, Emily was a powerful speaker at CORT2022
Ann Russo, LCSW - Sexuality & Religious Trauma
Ann Russo, LCSW - Sexuality & Religious TraumaDIVORCED: Fundamentalist ChristianityMy guest today is Licensed Clinical Social Worker ANN RUSSO.As the founder and director of AMR Therapy, Ann is a mental health advocate, educator, and thought leader specializing in addressing complex and often stigmatized topics such as religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, queer identity,
Janice Formichella - Estranged
Janice Formichella - EstrangedDIVORCED: MormonismTW: References to abuse Janice Formichella is a breakup coach and the host of the podcasts Sex and the Solo Girl and Breakups, Broken Hearts, and Moving On. She is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds to beat their breakup, overcome loneliness, and make the end of a relationship the start of a powerful new beginning. Janice is also a
Beth Granger - Leaving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle
Beth Granger - Leaving the Cult Was Only Half the BattleDIVORCED: Anglican CultWarning: This episode may be triggering for those who experienced abuse in childhood and adolescence.Beth Granger was the first staff-child born at Grenville Christian College, an elite private boarding school in Canada that was actually a cult - from which she did not escape until her 30s.Despite her cult leaders’ pred
Marla Taviano - From Missionary to Heretic
Marla Taviano - From Missionary to HereticDIVORCED: Christian FundamentalismAuthor Marla Taviano knows what it's like to lose it all. In this poignant and humorous conversation, she shares about her missionary husband's infidelity while in the field, the loss of her marriage, and relinquishing some cherished beliefs. She also discusses the power of writing as a force for healing.FIND MAR
Luis Cornejo - Born this way!
Luis Cornejo - Born this way!DIVORCED: Chrisitan FundamentalismMy guest today is Luis Cornejo: A Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, and the founder of Queer Magic Entertainment LLC. He also hosts the Queer Magic Podcast.A proud first-generation Guatemalan and Mexican American, Luis is passionate about empowering the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities through his work in m
Jamin Coller - Almost A Cult
Jamin Coller - Almost A CultTW: Mentions of suicidalityMy guest today is Jamin Coller – and if you got Rapture Anxiety after watching the 1970s Christian cult movie A Thief in the Night, you’ve already met Jamin’s dad! After th e movie, his dad started a fundamentalist church. A seminary graduate, pastor’s kid, and true believer, Jamin spent his first 40 years as a Bible scholar, theologian, worsh
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Annie Laurie Gaylor - Religion is Killing American Women
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Annie Laurie Gaylor - Religion is Killing American WomenAnnie Laurie Gaylor is co-founder and co-president of FFRF – the Freedom from Religion Foundation. In addition to being a long-time women's rights activist, Annie Laurie is an accomplished author.Her book, Woe to the Women: The Bible Tells Me So, was first published by FFRF in 1981, and is in its 4th print
Malkie Schwartz - From Fundy to Freedom Fighter
Malkie Schwartz - From Fundy to Freedom FighterDivorced: Ultra-orthodox JudaismIn her early 20s, Malkie Schwartz chose to leave her ultra-orthodox Jewish community. Within 3 years, she founded Footsteps, the first organization in North America to help people who wish to leave the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and live in mainstream society. Footsteps gained notoriety in 2017, with the release of
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Carol Merchasin - Suing Predatory Spiritual Leaders
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Carol Merchasin - Suing Predatory Spiritual Leaders Carol Merchasin is an attorney who leads a practice group litigating sexual misconduct in religious, faith-based and spiritual communities at McAllister Olivarius. She is an experienced investigator who has conducted dozens of workplace investigations, including those involving sensitive allegations made against t
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Mandisa Thomas - WTF, USA?!
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Mandisa Thomas - WTF, USA?! My guest today is activist and speaker Mandisa Thomas. Although never formally indoctrinated into belief, Mandisa was heavily exposed to Christianity, Black Nationalism, and Islam. In 2011, Mandisa founded Black Nonbelievers, Inc., as a non-profit, secular organization. Its goals include eliminating stigma, increasing visibility, and pr
Lonnie Mann - Gaytheist
Lonnie Mann - GaytheistDivorced: Orthodox JudaismLonnie Mann grew up Orthodox Jewish in New York. It's a strict, difficult lifestyle for anyone; but Lonnie found additional challenges growing up as he realized he was gay, and struggled to reconcile his faith and sexuality. Ultimately, Lonnie managed to leave the community. Eventually, he wrote a graphic novel about his experiences, with his p
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Dr. Marlene Winell - Christianity Run Amok
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Dr. Marlene Winell - Christianity Run AmokDIVORCED: ChristianityDr. Marlene Winell is a licensed psychologist, educator, and writer. Her background includes 30 years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and is the author of Leaving th
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Yasmine Mohammed - Fighting Religious Tyranny
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Yasmine Mohammed - Fighting Religious Tyranny DIVORCED: IslamCW: Violence and SA briefly mentionedI am honored today to speak today with human rights activist Yasmine Mohammed, who is founder and president of Free Hearts Free Minds, and the author of the book Unveiled: How the West Empowers Radical Muslims. From elevating the voices of marginalized freethinkers on h
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Alice Greczyn
Strong Women in Secular Spaces: Alice GreczynWELCOME to Strong Women in Secular Spaces, a special Divorcing Religion podcast series highlighting women's courage, creativity, resilience, and strength. Alice Greczyn is an actress, author, and activist. Raised in a fundamentalist Christian home, Alice's book Wayward: A Memoir of Spiritual Warfare and Sexual Purity resonates especially with
Ashlen Hilliard, MSc - Cult Intervention Specialist
Ashlen Hilliard, MSc - Cult Intervention SpecialistDIVORCED: Church of ChristTW: Cults, trafficking, and one mention of SAAshlen Hilliard (she/her), MSc, is a Cult Intervention Specialist and the founder of People Leave Cults. She has been featured on NewsNation, HuffPost, BET+, and more. As a Cult Intervention Specialist, Ashlen collaborates with a team of experts to offer guidance and support to
Jason Pollick - Confessions of a Former Priest
Jason Pollick - Confessions of a Former PriestDivorced: ChristianityJason was an atheist as a teenager, so he was as surprised as anyone when he had a spiritual experience that told him to become a priest. He tried to avoid this call, but eventually became an Anglican priest, a vocation he lived for 12 years. After being diagnosed with PTSD in 2019 because of his experiences in the church, he spen
David Fitzgerald - Jesus Isn’t Real
David Fitzgerald - Jesus Isn’t RealDivorced: Southern Baptist ChristianityAuthor David Fitzgerald is an award-winning writer, historical researcher, and atheist activist who lectures internationally at universities and secular events, and is a frequent guest on many podcasts. David has been a passionate advocate for atheism, civil rights, counter-apologetics, and secular humanism his entire adult
Eric Skwarczynski - Preacher Boys: Exposing the IFB
Eric Skwarczynski - Preacher Boys: Exposing the IFBDIVORCED: Independent Fundamental Baptist, ChristianityCW: Child abuseEric Skwarczynski is an ex-fundamentalist on a mission to shed light on the darker sides of high-control religious environments. As the host of the Preacher Boys podcast, he interviews survivors, experts, and authors on topics such as trauma recovery, mental health, power dynami
Richard A. Kiers - Christian Cult Survivor
Richard A. Kiers - Christian Cult SurvivorDivorced: Fundamentalist ChristianityCW: Brief mention of CSA and suicidalityMy guest today is author and cult survivor Richard A. Kiers. Richard was born in Canada to Dutch parents. When he was 10, Richard’s parents joined a Group called "The Move" and relocated their family to a commune in British Columbia in 1972. It turned out that The Move w
Phil Zuckerman - Exploring Secularism
Phil Zuckerman - Exploring SecularismPhil Zuckerman is a sociology and secular studies professor at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. Phil founded the first Secular Studies department in the United States in 2011. Secular Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on manifestations of the secular in societies and cultures, past and present. Today Phil shares his own experiences with s
Elayna Love - From Sex Toxic to Sex Positive
Elayna Love - From Sex Toxic to Sex PositiveDIVORCED: MormonismCW: DV, SexualityElayna Love left a sex-toxic environment for a sex positive one. She is an ex-Mormon turned stripper, phone sex operator, and OnlyFans creator. Elayna coaches her clients on releasing religious shame, uncovering their desires, and understanding boundaries and consent. FIND ELAYNA:Instagram.com/elaynaloveFacebook.com/el
Sacha Mardou - Healing after the JWs
Sacha Mardou - Healing after the JWsDIVORCED: Jehovah's WitnessesSacha Mardou is a British cartoonist and long-form graphic novelist who makes a home in St Louis, Missouri with her husband and teenage daughter. She began making comics after getting her BA in English Literature from the University of Wales in 1998. Working in both fiction and autobiography, Mardou’s comics explore interior exp
Betsy Nuismer - Relationships
Betsy Nuismer - RelationshipsDIVORCED: Christian fundamentalismBETSY NUISMER - MA, LPC, Certified EFT Therapist, attained her Masters degree in 2014 and became a marriage therapy specialist. She and her husband, Scott, own a private practice called Hope Heals Counseling. They also run a nonprofit called West Michigan Marriage Center. Together, they aim to help those who lack the access or ability
Lia Dugal - Calvary Chapel Survivor
Lia Dugal - Calvary Chapel SurvivorDivorced: Fundamentalist ChristianityCW: Suicidality, abuse.My guest today is actress and entrepreneur Lia Dugal. Lia’s experiences with religious trauma occurred while she attended Calvary Chapel in the USA. In her continued efforts to help unwind the effects of trauma, she has created a short film called “I Am Fine,” inspired by the suicide of a queer friend wh
Mick Larson - WWJD on Election Day
Mick Larson - WWJD on Election DayDivorced: ChristianityCW: Politics, reproductive rightsMick Larson is a documentary film producer and director. His work is focused on social justice, politics, religion & evolutionary psychology. Today we discuss three of Mick’s documentaries:What Would Jesus Do On Election Day?" The series is currently available at www.wwjd.vote and will soon be availab
Andreya Jones - From MK to Sex Therapist
Andreya Jones, Ph.D., LCSW, CST - From MK to Sex TherapistDivorced: Fundamentalist ChristianityCW: CSA, sexuality, and Purity CultureAndreya grew up in a conservative, evangelical community and was an MK in Papua New Guinea and Senegal, West Africa. Andreya has a doctorate in clinical sexology, is a licensed clinical social worker, and is an AASECT-certified sex therapist who owns a private practi
Amie Myrick - Media & Self-care
Amie Myrick - Media & Self-careDivorced: Organized religionTW: References to sexual abuse by religious and institutional authoritiesAmie Myrick is a Maryland licensed clinical professional counselor. She graduated with her master’s degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She is the owner of New Phase Counseling and Consulting, LLC, and a lead analyst at National Association for Cou
Trisha Wilkerson - Religion & Diet Culture
Trisha Wilkerson - Religion & Diet CultureDIVORCED: Mars Hill EvangelicalismAs a certified Health and Nutrition Coach and published author, Trisha is dedicated to assisting individuals in improving their connections with food, their bodies, and themselves. By fostering compassionate curiosity and advocating an anti-diet philosophy, she creates a safe environment for clients to shift their anxi
Teddy Hose - Gun Worship in the Unification Church
Teddy Hose - Gun Worship in the Unification ChurchDIVORCED: Unification Church (the Moonies)Teddy Hose is an artist, writer, and public figure on the topic of cults, after growing up in the Unification Church, or “Moonies,” of the late Sun Myung Moon. He has appeared on Netflix’s Explained: Cults episode and How to Become a Cult Leader, as well as A&E’s Cults and Extreme Belief, which featured
Michelle Fischler - Sex Educator
Michelle Fischler, a trailblazer in the realm of sex therapy, is renowned for her innovative approach to fostering sexual wellness and education. As a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist and ASTO Certified Sex Therapist, she seamlessly blends her expertise with her role as a dynamic therapist, interviewer, and speaker. A highlight of her work is her biweekly podcast, GETSOME.Through her virtu
Korrenne Jensen - Intersection of ADHD and Religious Trauma
Korrenne Jensen - Intersection of ADHD and Religious TraumaKorrenne (Kory) Jensen is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. Areas that she works in include religious trauma, ADHD, and grief. She also works with populations that include front of line healthcare workers, first responders, and indigenous individuals. Kory is the clinical director of Afterglow Psychotherapy and additionally enjoys g
Tia Levings - A Well-Trained Wife
Tia Levings - A Well-Trained WifeDivorced: Christian fundamentalismCW: Brief reference to CSAMy guest today is author Tia Levings, who describes herself as “an author exploring anti-fundamentalism after church-sanctioned domestic abuse in high-control religion.” Tia appeared in Shiny Happy People on Amazon Prime, and her memoir, A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, is coming o
Britt Hartley - No Nonsense Spirituality
Britt Hartley - No Nonsense SpiritualityDivorced: MormonismMy guest today is author, nihilism survivor, and atheist spiritual advisor Britt Hartley. Britt has over 287,000 followers on TikTok, and I think after our chat today that you will want to follow her, too!Britt is a former Mormon, current atheist, whose journey away from religion took her to some dark places. Today we discuss freedom, nihi
Anke Richter - DECULT
Anke Richter - DECULTTW: References to CSA, sex trafficking, suicideMy guest today is international journalist and author Anke Richter, who is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.In 2022, Harper-Collins published Anke’s important and bestselling book called CULT TRIP: Inside the World of Coercion and Control. According to Anke’s website: She spent over 10 years investigating how and why cults seduc
Wilbur Turner - Two-by-Two Survivor
Wilbur Turner - Two-by-Two SurvivorToday’s guest is Wilbur Turner (he/him), visionary founder and president of Advocacy Canada. He is located on the unceded ancestral lands of the Syilx people in Kelowna, BC, Canada.A well-regarded speaker and workshop facilitator, Wilbur utilizes personal stories and humour to engage, educate, and uplift audiences. Wilbur is well known for his advocacy work for t
Lyn Smith Gregory - Relative of Joseph Smith
Announcement! The Shameless Sexuality Conference is back! The Conference centered around life after purity culture will be held in Seattle, WA from May 23 to the 25th, 2025 in Seattle, WA. Don't wait to get your tickets and book your room: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/Lyn Smith Gregory - Relative of Joseph SmithLYN SMITH GREGORY grew up in Utah as one of 9 children in a devout Mormon fa
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