Podcasts about purity culture

In this episode of the Help Her Be Brave Podcast, we break the silence on the topics that are often swept under the rug—sex, shame, purity, and the culture around them. I'm joined by Heather Lawless, founder and CEO of Reliance Ministries and author of We Do Talk About It: Breaking the Silence on Sex, Shame, and Redemption. Heather and I dive into why Christians often avoid these conversations, how toxic purity culture can shape our lives, and the real impact of shame on relationships, parenting, and faith. We discuss the importance of vulnerability, the value of safe spaces for sharing our stories, and how embracing our brokenness can lead to healing, redemption, and hope. Plus, Heather shares powerful stories from her ministry and personal life, including experiences with sexual trauma, overcoming shame, and showing the transformative love of Christ to women facing unexpected pregnancies. If you've ever felt stuck, silenced, or burdened by shame, this conversation will inspire you to speak up, break the cycle, and step into freedom and courage. Resources Mentioned: Book: We Do Talk About It by Heather Lawless Reliance Ministries: relianceministries.com Support the life-saving work of Embrace Grace Start an Embrace Grace group at your church Download “Life Support: A Quick Guide to the Pro-Love Movement” Find a support group near you

Bio: Jenny - Co-Host Podcast (er):I am Jenny! (She/Her) MACP, LMHCI am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Certified Yoga Teacher, and an Approved Supervisor in the state of Washington.I have spent over a decade researching the ways in which the body can heal from trauma through movement and connection. I have come to see that our bodies know what they need. By approaching our body with curiosity we can begin to listen to the innate wisdom our body has to teach us. And that is where the magic happens!I was raised within fundamentalist Christianity. I have been, and am still on my own journey of healing from religious trauma and religious sexual shame (as well as consistently engaging my entanglement with white saviorism). I am a white, straight, able-bodied, cis woman. I recognize the power and privilege this affords me socially, and I am committed to understanding my bias' and privilege in the work that I do. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and actively engage critical race theory and consultation to see a better way forward that honors all bodies of various sizes, races, ability, religion, gender, and sexuality.I am immensely grateful for the teachers, healers, therapists, and friends (and of course my husband and dog!) for the healing I have been offered. I strive to pay it forward with my clients and students. Few things make me happier than seeing people live freely in their bodies from the inside out!Rebecca A. Wheeler Walston, J.D., Master of Arts in CounselingEmail: asolidfoundationcoaching@gmail.comPhone:  +1.5104686137Website: Rebuildingmyfoundation.comI have been doing story work for nearly a decade. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary and trained in story work at The Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. I have served as a story facilitator and trainer at both The Allender Center and the Art of Living Counseling Center. I currently see clients for one-on-one story coaching and work as a speaker and facilitator with Hope & Anchor, an initiative of The Impact Movement, Inc., bringing the power of story work to college students.By all accounts, I should not be the person that I am today. I should not have survived the difficulties and the struggles that I have faced. At best, I should be beaten down by life‘s struggles, perhaps bitter. I should have given in and given up long ago. But I was invited to do the good work of (re)building a solid foundation. More than once in my life, I have witnessed God send someone my way at just the right moment to help me understand my own story, and to find the strength to step away from the seemingly inevitable ending of living life in defeat. More than once I have been invited and challenged to find the resilience that lies within me to overcome the difficult moment. To trust in the goodness and the power of a kind gesture. What follows is a snapshot of a pivotal invitation to trust the kindness of another in my own story. May it invite you to receive to the pivotal invitation of kindness in your own story. Listen with me…     Danielle (00:17):Welcome to the Arise podcast, and as you know, we're continuing on the intersection of where our reality meets and today it's where our reality meets our resilience. And how do we define that? A lovely conversation. It's actually just part one. I'm thinking it's going to be multiple conversations. Jenny McGrath, LMHC, and Rebecca Wheeler, Walston. Join me again, look for their bios in the notes and tag along with us. I thought we could start by talking about what do we see as resilience in this moment and what do we see, maybe like I'm saying a lot now, what do we see as the ideal of that resilience and what is actually accessible to us? Because I think there's these great quotes from philosophers and our ancestors, but we don't know all their day-to-day life. What did it look like day to day? So I'm wondering, just kind of posing that for you all, what do you think about resilience? How does it intersect with this moment and how do we kind of ground ourselves in reality?Rebecca (01:33):Rebecca? Coffee helps. Coffee definitely helps. It does. I have coffee here.(01:42):Me too. I would probably try to start with something of a working definition of the word. One of the things that I think makes this moment difficult in terms of a sense of what's real and what's not is the way that our vocabulary is being co-opted or redefined without our permission. And things are being defined in ways that are not accurate or not grounded in reality. And I think that that's part of what feels disorienting in this moment. So I would love for us to just start with a definition of the word, and I'm guessing the three of us will have different versions of that.(02:25):So if I had to start, I would say that I used to think about resilience as sort of springing back to a starting point. You started in this place and then something knocked you off of where you started. And resilience is about making it back to the place that you were before you got knocked off of your path. And my definition of that word has shifted in recent years to a sense of resilience that is more about having come through some difficulty. I don't actually bounce back to where I started. I actually adopt a new normal new starting place that has integrated the lessons learned or the strengths or the skills developed for having gone through the process of facing something difficult.Jenny, I love that. I feel like it reminds me of a conversation you and I had many moons ago, Rebecca, around what is flourishing and kind of these maybe idealistic ideas around something that isn't actually rooted in reality. And I love that that definition of resistance feels so committed to being in reality. And I am not going to erase everything I went through to try to get back to something, but I'm actually going to, my word is compost or use what I've gone through to bring me to where I am. Now, this will not surprise either of you. I think when I think of resilience, I think somatically and how we talk about a nervous system or a body and what allows resilience. And so one of the ways that that is talked about is through heart rate variability and our ability for our heart to speed up and slow down is one of the defining factors of our body's ability to stay resilient.(04:42):Can I come to a state of rest and I think about how rest is a privilege that not all bodies have. And so when I think about resilience in that way, it makes me think about how do I actually zoom out of resilience being about an individual body and how do we form kind of more of a collective sense of resilience where we are coworking to create a world where all bodies get to return to that level of safety and rest and comfort and aren't having to stay in a mode of vigilance. And so I see resilience almost as one of the directions that I'm wanting to move and not a place that we're at yet collectively. Collectively meaning whoJenny (05:41):I say collectively, I'm hoping for a world that does not exist yet where it gets to be all bodies, human and non-human, and the ways in which we allow ecosystems to rest, we allow a night sky to rest. We allow ourselves to become more in rhythm with the activation and deactivation that I think nature teaches us of more summer and winter and day and night and these rhythms that I think we're meant to flow in. But in a productive capitalistic society where lights are never turned off and energy is only ever thought about and how do we produce more or different energy, I'm like, how do we just stop producing energy and just take a nap? I'm really inspired by the nat ministry of just like rest actually is a really important part of resistance. And so I have these lofty ideals of what collective means while being aware that we are coming to that collective from very different places in our unresolved historical relational field that we're in.I would say there's a lot I'd love about that, all of that. And I, dear use of the word lofty, I feel that word in this moment that causes me to consider the things that feel like they're out of reach. I think the one thing that I would probably add to what you said is I think you used the phrase like returning to a state of rest when you were talking about heart rate and body. And if we're talking about an individual ability to catch my breath and slow it down, I can track with you through the returning to something. But when we go from that individual to this collective space where I live in the hyphenated existence of the African American story, I don't have the sense of returning to something because African hyphen American people were born as a people group out of this horrific traumatic space called the transatlantic slave trade.(08:15):And so I don't know that our bodies have ever known a sense of rest on us soil. And I don't know that I would feel that that sense of rest on the continent either having been there several times, that sense of something happened in the transition from Africa to America, that I lost my africanness in such a way that doesn't feel like a place of rest. And sometimes we talk about it in terms of for certain people groups, land is connected to that sense of rest for Native Americans, for indigenous people, for certain Latin cultures. But for the African American person, there's not a connection to land. There's only maybe a connection to the water of the transatlantic slave trade. And then water is never at rest. It's always moving, right? So I stay with you and then I lose you and then I come back to you.Danielle (09:25):That feels like a normal part of healing. I stay with you, I lose you and then I come back to you. I think resilience for me has meant living in this family with my partner who's a first generation immigrant and then having kids and having to remind myself that my kids were raised by both of us with two wildly different perspectives even though we share culture. And so there's things that are taught, there's things that are learned that are very different lessons that I cannot be surprised about what might be a form of resilience for my child and what might be a struggle where there isn't groundwork there.(10:22):I remember when Luis came to the United States, his parents said to him, we'll see you in a couple weeks. And I used to think my young self, I was like, what does that mean? They don't think we're going to stay married or whatever. But his dad also told him, be careful up there, be careful. And if Luis were here to tell this story, he said it many times. He's like, I didn't come to the United States because I thought it was the best thing that could happen to me. I came to marry you, I came to be with you, but I didn't come here because it was the best thing to happen to me. When his family came up for the wedding, they were very explicit. We didn't come here, we're not in awe. They wanted to make sure people knew we're okay. And I know there's wildly different experiences on the spectrum of this, but I think about that a lot. And so resilience has looked really different for us.(11:23):I think it is forming that bond with people that came here because they needed work or a different kind of setting or change to people that are already here. And I think as you witness our culture now, handle what's happening with kidnappings, what's happening with moms, what's happening with people on the street, snatching people off the street. You see that in the last election there was a wide range of voters on our side on the Latinx Latina side, and there was a spectrum of thoughts on what would actually help our community. But now you're seeing that quickly contract and basically like, oh shit, that wasn't helpful. So I think my challenge to myself has been how do I stay? Part of resilience for me is how do I stay in contact with people that I love that don't share in the same view as humanity as me? And I think that's an exercise that our people have done for a long time.Rebecca (12:38):Say that last sentence one more time, Danielle.Danielle (12:42):Just like, how do I stay in contact with people that I love that don't share my view of humanity, that don't share the valuation of humanity? How do I stay in contact with them because I actually see them as human too. And I think that's been a part of our resiliency over many years in Latin America just due to constant interference from European governmental powers.Rebecca (13:16):That partly why I think I asked you to repeat that last sentence is because I think I disconnected for a minute and I want to be mindful of disconnecting over a sentence that is about staying connected to people who don't value the same things that I value or don't value or see humanity in the way that I see in humanity. And I'm super aware, part of the conversation that's happening in the black community in this moment, particularly with black women, is the idea that we're not going to step to the forefront in this one. We are culturally, collectively, consciously making a decision to check out. And so if you see any of this on social media, there's a sense of like we're standing around learning line dances from Beyonce about boots on the ground instead of actively engaging in this moment. And so I have some ambivalence about whether or not does that count as resilience, right?(14:28):And is it resilient in a way that's actually kind to us as a people? And I'm not sure if I have an answer to that yet. In my mind the jury is still out, right? There are things about black women stepping to the side that make me really nervous because that's not who we are. It's not historically who we have been. And I am concerned that what we're doing is cutting off parts of ourself. And at the same time, I can tell you that I have not watched a news program. I have not watched a single news recording of anything since November 2nd, 2024.Danielle (15:13):I can just feel the tension of all of our different viewpoints, not that we're in conflict with one another, but we're not exactly on the same page either. And not that we're not on the same team, but I can feel that pull. Anybody else feel that?Rebecca (15:35):Does it feel like, I would agree we're not on the same page and in some ways I don't expect that we would be because we're so different. But does that pull feel like an invitation to clash or does it feel like it is actually okay to not necessarily be on the same page?Danielle (16:06):Well, I think it feels both things. I think I feel okay with it because I know you all and I'm trying to practice that. And I also think I feel annoyed that we can't all be on the same page some sense of annoyance. But I don't know if that annoyance is from you all. I feel the annoyance. It feels like noise from the outside to me a bit. It is not you or Jenny, it's just a general annoyance with how hard this shit is.Rebecca (16:45):And I definitely feel like one of the things I think that happens around supremacy and whiteness on us soil is the larger narrative that we have to be at odds with one another that there isn't a capacity or a way that would allow us to differentiate and not villainize or demonize the person that you are or the community that you are differentiated from. And I think we haven't always had the space collectively to think about what does it mean to walk alongside, what does it mean to lock arms? What does it mean to pull resources even with someone that we're on the same team, but maybe not at the same vantage point.Jenny (17:47):I have two thoughts. Three, I guess I'm aware even my continual work around internalized white saviorism, that part of my ambivalence is like where do you each need me? Are we aligning with people or are we saying f you to people? And I can feel that within me and it takes so much work to come back to, I might actually have a third way that's different than both of you, and that gets to be okay too. But I'm aware that there is that tendency to step into over alignment out of this savior movement and mentality. So just wanted to name that that is there.(18:41):And as you were sharing Rebecca, the word that came to mind for me was orthodoxy. And I don't often think of white supremacy without thinking of Christian supremacy because they've been so interlocked for so long. And the idea that there are many faith traditions including the Jewish tradition that has a mid rash. And it's like we actually come to scripture and we argue about it because we have different viewpoints and that's beautiful and lovely because the word of God is living in all of us. And when orthodoxy came around, it's like, no, we have to be in 100% agreement of these theologies or these doctrines and that's what it means to be Christian. And then eventually I think that's what it means to be a white Christian. So yeah, I think for folks like myself who were immersed in that world growing up, it feels existentially terrifying because it's like if I don't align with the orthodoxy of whiteness or Christianity or capitalism, it viscerally feels like I am risking eternity in hell. And so I better just play it safe and agree with whatever my pastor tells me or whatever the next white Republican male tells me. And so I feel that the weight of what this mindset of orthodoxy has done,Rebecca (20:21):I'm like, I got to take a breath on that one because I got a lot of stuff going on internally. And I think, so my faith tradition has these sort of two parallels. There's this space that I grew up in was rooted in the black church experience and then also in college that introduction into that white evangelical parachurch space where all of that orthodoxy was very, very loud and a version of Christianity that was there is but one way to do all of these things and that one way looks like this. And if you're doing anything other than that, there's something wrong with what you're doing. And so for me, there are parts of me that can walk with you right through that orthodoxy door. And there's also this part of me where the black church experience was actually birthed in opposition to that orthodoxy, that same orthodoxy that said I was three fifths of a person, that same orthodoxy that said that my conversion to Christianity on earth did not change my status as an enslaved person.(21:39):And so I have this other faith tradition that is built around the notion that that orthodoxy is actually a perversion of authentic Christian expression. And so I have both of those things in my body right now going, and so that's just my reaction I think to what you said. I feel both of those things and there are times when I will say to my husband, Ooh, my evangelical illness is showing because I can feel it, like want to push back on this flexibility and this oxygen that is in the room through the black church experience that says I get to come as I am with no apology and no explanation, and Jesus will meet me wherever that is end of conversation, end debate.Danielle (22:46):I don't know. I had a lot of thoughts. They're all kind of mumbled together. I think we have a lot of privilege to have a conversation like this because when you leave a space like this that's curated with people, you've had relationships over a long time maybe had disagreements with or rubbed scratchy edges with. When you get out into the world, you encounter a lot of big feelings that are unprocessed and they don't have words and they have a lot of room for interpretation. So you're just getting hit, hit, hit, hit and the choices to engage, how do you honor that person and engage? You don't want to name their feelings, you don't want to take over interpreting them, but it feels in this moment that we're being invited to interpret one another's feelings a lot. But here we're putting language to that. I mean Jenny and I talked about it recently, but it turns into a lot of relational cutoffs.(23:55):I can't talk to you because X, I can't talk to you because X, I don't want to read your news article. And a lot of times they're like, Danielle, why did you read Charlie Kirk? And I was like, because I have family that was interested in it. I've been watching his videos for years because I wanted to understand what are they hearing, what's going on. Yeah, did it make me mad sometimes? Absolutely. Did I turn it off? Yeah, I still engage and then I swing and listen to the Midas touch or whatever just like these opposite ends and it gives me great joy to listen to something like that. But when we're out and about, if we're saying resiliency comes through connection to our culture and to one another, but then with all the big feelings you can feel just the formidable splits anywhere you go, the danger of speaking of what's unspeakable and you get in a room with people you agree with and then suddenly you can talk. And I don't know how many of us are in rooms where resilience is actually even required in a conversation.Rebecca (25:15):It makes me think about the idea that we don't have good sort of rules of engagement around how to engage someone that thinks differently than we do and we have to kind of create them on the fly. When you were talking Danielle about the things you choosing to read Charlie Kirk, or not choosing to listen to something that reflects your values or not, and the invitation in this moment or the demand that if someone thinks differently than me, it is just a straight cutoff. I'm not even willing to consider that there's any kind of veracity in your viewpoint whatsoever. And I think we don't have good theology, we don't have good vocabulary, we don't have good rules of engagement about when is it okay to say, actually, I'm going to choose not to engage you. And what are the reasons why we would do that that are good reasons, that are wise reasons that are kind reasons? And I think the country is in a debate about that and we don't always get the answer to those questions and because we don't get it right then there's just relational debris all over the floor.Jenny (26:47):I'm just thinking about, I am far from skilled or perfect at this by any means, but I feel like these last couple years I live in a van and one of the reasons that we decided to do that was that we would say, I think I know two things about every state, and they're probably both wrong. And I think for our own reasons, my husband and I don't like other people telling us what is true. We like to learn and discover and feel it in our own bodies. And so it's been really important for us to literally physically go to places and talk to people. And I think it has been a giant lesson for me on nuance and that nobody is all one thing. And often there's people that are on the completely opposite side of the aisle, but we actually look at the same issues and we have a problem with the issues. We just have heard very, very different ways of fixing or tending to those issues. And so I think often if we can come down to what are we fearing, what is happening, what is going on, we can kind of wrestle there a little bit more than jumping to, so what's the solution? And staying more in that dirt level.(28:22):And not always perfectly of course, but I think that's been one of the things in an age of the algorithm and social media, it is easy for me to have very broad views of what certain states or certain people groups or certain voting demographics are like. And then when you are face to face, you have to wrestle. And I love that when you said, Daniel, I see them as human. And it's like, oh yeah, it's so much easier to see someone as not human when I'm learning about them from a TikTok reel or from a news segment than when I'm sharing a meal with them and hearing about their story and how they've come to believe the things they've believed or wrestle with the things they're wrestling with.Rebecca (29:14):Two things. One, I think what you're talking about Jenny, is the value of proximity. The idea that I've stepped close to someone into their space, into their world with a posture of I'm going to just listen. I'm going to learn, I'm going to be curious. And in that curiosity, open handed and open-minded about all kinds of assumptions and presuppositions. And you're right, we don't do that a lot. The second thing that I was thinking when you mentioned getting into the dirt, I think you used the phrase like staying in the darker sort of edges of some of those hard conversations. That feels like a choice towards resiliency. To me, the idea that I will choose of my will to stay in the room, in the relationship, in the conversation long enough to wrestle long enough to learn something long enough to have my perspective challenged in a real way that makes me rethink the way I see something or the lens that I have on that particular subject.(30:33):And I don't think we could use more of that in this moment. I think probably our friendship, what started as a professional connection that has over the years developed into this friendship is about the choice to stay connected and the choice to stay in the conversation. I know when I first met you, we were going to do a seminar together and someone said, oh yeah, Jenny's getting ready to talk on something about white people. And I had 8,000 assumptions about what you were going to say and all kinds of opinions about my assumptions about what you're going to say. And I was like, well, I want to talk to her. I want to know what is she going to say? And really it was because if she says anything crazy, we right, we all have problems, me and you, right? And the graciousness with which you actually entered that conversation to go like, okay, I'm listening. What is it that you want to ask me? I think as part of why we're still friends, why we're still colleagues, why we still work together, is that invitation from you, that acceptance of that invitation from me. Can we wrestle? Can we box over this and come out the other side having learned something about ourselves and each other?Jenny (32:10):And I think part of that for me, what I have to do is reach for my lineage pre whiteness. And I have this podcast series that I love called Search for the Slavic Soul that has made me make more sense to myself. And there's this entire episode on why do Slavic people love to argue? And I'm like, oh, yes. And I think part of that has been me working out that place of white woman fragility that says, if someone questions my ideas or my values or my views, I need to disintegrate and I need to crumple. And so I'm actually so grateful for that time and for how we've continued to be able to say, I don't agree with that, and we can still be okay and we can still kind of navigate because of course we're probably going to see things differently based on our experiences.Danielle (33:16):That is exactly the problem though is because there's a lot of, not everybody, but there's a lot of folks that don't really have a sense of self or have a sense of their own body. So there's so much enmeshment with whoever they're with. So when then confronted and mesh, I mean merging, we're the same self. It adds protection. Think about it. We all do it. Sometimes I need to be people just like me. It's not bad. But if that sense of merging will cost you the ability to connect to someone different than you or that sees very different than you, and when they confront that, if they're quote alone physically or alone emotionally in that moment, they'll disappear or they'll cut you off or they'll go away or it comes out as violence. I believe it comes out as shootings as we could go on with the list of violent outcomes that kind of cut, that kind of separation happens. So I mean, I'm not like Jenny, that's awesome. And it doesn't feel that typical to me.Rebecca (34:36):What you just described to me, Daniel, I have been going like, isn't that whiteness though, the whole point, and I'm talking about whiteness, not the people who believe themselves to be white, to quote taishi quotes. The whole point of whiteness is this enmeshment of all these individual European countries and cultures and people into this one big blob that has no real face on it. And maybe that's where the fragility comes from. So I love when Jenny said, it makes me reach back into my ancestry pre whiteness, and I'm going, that needs to be on a t-shirt. Please put it on a t-shirt, a coffee mug, a hat, something. And so that's sort of Taishi Coates concept of the people who believe themselves to be white is a way to put into words this idea that that's not actually your story. It's not actually your ancestry.(35:43):It's not actually your lineage. It's the disruption and the eraser and the stealing of your lineage in exchange for access to power and privilege. And I do think it is this enmeshment, this collective enmeshment of an entire European continent. And perhaps you're right that that's where the fragility comes from. So when you try to extract a person or a people group out of that, I don't know who I am, if absent this label of whiteness, I don't know what that means by who I am now I'm talking like I know what I'm talking about. I'm not white, so let me shut up. Maybe that means Jenny, you could say if I misunderstood you misquoted, you misrepresented allJenny (36:31):The No, no, I think yeah, I'm like, yes, yes, yes. And it also makes me go back to what you said about proximity. And I think that that is part of the design of whiteness, and even what you were saying about faith, and you can correct me, but my understanding is that those who could vote and those who could own property were Christian. And then when enslaved black people started converting to Christianity and saying, I can actually take pieces of this and I can own this and I can have this white enslavers had a conundrum because then they couldn't use the word Christian in the way that they used to justify chattel slavery and wealth disparity. So they created the word white, and so then it was then white people that could own property and could vote. And so what that did was also disable a class solidarity between lower socioeconomic white bodies and newly emancipated black bodies to say, no, we're not in this together struggling against those that own the highest wealth. I have this pseudo connection with bodies that hold wealth because of the color of my skin. And so then it removes both my proximity to my own body and my proximity to bodies that are probably in a similar struggle, very disproportionate and different than my own because I have white privilege. But it also then makes white bodies align with the system instead of co-conspirator with bodies working towards liberation.Rebecca (38:32):I do think that that's true. I think there's a lot of data historically about the intentional division that was driven between poor people in the colonies and wealthy people in the colonies. And I say people because I think the class stratification included enslaved Africans, free Africans, poor whites, native American people that were there as well. And so I think that there was a kind of diversity there in terms of race and ethnicity and nationality that was intentionally split and then reorganize along racial lines. The only thing that I would add on the Christian or the faith spectrum is that there's a book by Jamar TBE called The Color of Compromise. And one of the things that he talks about in that book is the religious debate that was happening when the colonies were being organized around if you proselytize your slave and they convert, then do you have to emancipate them?(39:43):Because in England, the religious law was that you could not enslave or in put a believer into servitude in any form, whether that's indentured servitude or slavery. Well, I got a problem with the premise, the idea that if you were not a Christian in medieval England, I could do whatever I wanted to. The premise is wrong in the first place. The thought that you could own or indenture a human to another human is problematic on its face. So I just want to name that the theological frame that they brought from England was already jacked, and then they superimposed it in the colonies and made a conscious decision at the House of Burgess, which is about a mile from where I'm sitting, made a conscious decision to decide that your conversion to Christianity does not impact any part of your life on earth. It only impacts your eternity. So all you did was by fire insurance, meaning that your eternity is now in heaven and not in hell, but on earth I can do whatever I want. And that split that perversion of the gospel at that moment to decide that the kingdom of God has nothing to do with what is happening on earth is something we're still living with today. Right? It's the reason why you have 90 some odd percent of evangelicals voting for all kinds of policies that absolutely violate every tenant of scripture in the Bible and probably every other holy book on the planet, and then still standing in their pulpit on Sunday morning and preaching that they represent God. It's ridiculous. It's offensive.Danielle (41:38):I just feel like this is proving my point. So I feel like other people may have said this, but who's kept talking about this exchange for whiteness? Bro, we're in the timeline where Jesus, their Jesus said yes to the devil. He's like, give me the power, give me the money, give me the bread. And if you want to come into their religion, you have to trade in how God actually made you for to say yes to that same temptation for power and money and whatever, and erase your face's. One comment. Second comment is this whole thing about not giving healthcare to poor families.(42:20):I hesitate to say this word, but I'm reminded of the story of the people that first came here from England, and I'm aware that they were starving at one point, and I'm aware that they actually ate off their own people, and that's partly how they survived. And it feels the same way to me, here, give us the power, give us the control, give us the money. And we're like, the fact is, is that cutting off healthcare for millions of Americans doesn't affect immigrants at all. They're not on those plans. It affects most poor whites and they have no problem doing it and then saying, come, give me your bread. Come give me your cheese. Come give me your vote. It's like a self flesh eating virus, and(43:20):I am almost speechless from it. There's this rumor that migrants have all the health insurance, and I know that's not true because Luis legally came here. He had paperwork, he was documented, got his green card, then got his citizenship, and even after citizenship to prove we could get health insurance, when he got off his job, we had to not only submit his passport, but his certificate that was proof of citizenship through the state of Washington, a very liberal state to get him on health insurance. So I know there's not 25 million immigrants in the country falsifying those records. That's just not happening. So I know that that's a lie from personal experience, but I also know that the point is, the point is the lie. The point is to tell you the lie and actually stab the person in the back that you're lying to. That just feels dark to me. I went off, sorry, that's kind of off the subject of resilience.Rebecca (44:36):No, I have two reactions to that. The first one is when we were talking just a few minutes ago about the exchange for power and privilege, it's actually a false invitation to a table that doesn't actually exist. That's what, to me is darkest about it. It's the promise of this carrot that you have no intention of ever delivering. And people have so bought into the lie so completely that it's like you didn't even stop to consider that, let alone the ability to actually see this is not actually an invitation to anything. So that is partly what I think about. And if you read the book, the Sum of Us, it actually talks about Sum, SUM, the sum of us. It actually talks about the cost, the economic cost of racism, and each chapter is about a different industry and how there were racist policies set up in that industry.(45:49):And basically the point the author makes is that at every turn, in order to subjugate and oppress a community of color, white people had to sacrifice something for themselves and oppress themselves and disenfranchise themselves in order to pull it off. And they did it anyway because essentially it is wealthy white, it's affluent white male that ends up with the power and the privilege, and everybody else is subjugated and oppressed. And that's a conversation. I don't understand it. The gaslighting is got to be astronomical and brilliant to convince an entire community of people to vote against themselves. So I'm over there with you on the limb, Danielle,Jenny (47:16):Yeah, I am thinking about Fox News and how most impoverished white communities, that is the only source of information that they have because there isn't proximity and there isn't a lot of other conversations. It is exactly what Tucker Carlson or all of these people are spewing. And I think fear is such a powerful tool, and honestly, I don't see it as that different than early indoctrination around hell and using that to capitulate people into the roles that the church wanted them. And so it's like things might be bad now, but there are going to be so much worse quote because of the racial fear mongering of immigrants, of folks of color, of these people coming to take your jobs that if you can work, people who are already struggling into such a frenzy of fear, I think they're going to do things drastically vote for Trump because they think he's going to save the economy because that's what they're hearing, regardless of if that is even remotely true, and regardless of the fact that most white bodies are more likely to be climate refugees than they are to be billionaire friends withRebecca (48:59):So then what does resilience look like in the face of that kind of fearmongering?Jenny (49:24):This is maybe my nihilistic side. I don't know that things are going to get better before they get far worse. And I think that's where the resilience piece comes in. I was like, how do we hold on to our own humanity? How do we hold onto our communities? How do we hold onto hope in the reality that things will likely get worse and worse and worse before some type of reckoning or shift happens,Rebecca(50:23):Yeah. There's actually, I saw an Instagram post a couple months ago, and I want to say it was Bruce Springsteen and he was just lamenting the erosion of art and culture and music in this moment that there's not art in the Oval Office, that there's not, and just his sense that art and music and those kinds of expressions, actually, I don't think he used the word defiance, but that's the sentiment that I walked away with. That is a way to amplify our humanity in a way that invites proximity to cultures and people that are different than you. This whole argument that we're having right now about whether this election of Bad Bunny makes any sense and the different sort of arguments about what the different sides that people have taken on that, it's hilarious. And then there's something about it that feels very real.Danielle (51:31):Yeah, I had someone told me, I'm not watching it because he's a demonic Marxist. I was like, can you be a Marxist and be in the entertainment industry anyway? Clearly, we're going to have to talk about this again. I wrote an essay for good faith media and I was just, I couldn't wrap it up. And they're like, that's okay. Don't wrap it up. It's not meant to be wrapped up. So maybe that's how our conversation is too. I dunno. Jenny, what are you thinking?Jenny (52:13):I have many thoughts, mostly because I just watched one battle after another last night, and I don't want to give any spoilers away, but I feel like it was a really, it's a very million trigger warnings piece of art that I think encapsulates so much of what we're talking about and sort of this transgenerational story of resilience and what does it mean whether that is my own children or other children in this world to lean into, this probably isn't going to end with me. I'm probably not going to fix this. So how do we continue to maybe push the ball forward in the midst of the struggle for future generations? And I think I'm grateful for this space. I think this is one of the ways that we maybe begin to practice and model what proximity and difference and resilience can look like. And it's probably not always going to be easy or there's going to be struggles that probably come even as we work on engaging this together. And I'm grateful that we get to engage this together.Danielle (53:35):Well, we can always continue our thoughts next week. That's right. Yeah, Rebecca. Okay, I'll be locked in, especially because I said it in the podcast.Rebecca (53:48):I know. I do agree with that. Jenny, I particularly agree having this conversation, the three of us intentionally staying in each other's lives, checking on each other, checking in with each other, all that feels like this sort of defiant intentional resilience, particularly in a moment in history where things that have been our traditional expression of resilience have been cut off like it In recent US history, any major change happened, usually started on the college campus with public protests and public outcry, and those avenues have been cut off. It is no longer safe to speak out on a college campus. People are losing their degrees, they're getting kicked out of colleges, they're getting expelled from colleges for teachers are getting fired for expressing viewpoints that are not in line with the majority culture at this moment. And so those traditional avenues of resilience, I think it was an intentional move to go after those spaces first to shut down what we would normally do to rally collectively to survive a moment. And so I think part of what feels hard in this moment is we're having to reinvent them. And I think it's happening on a micro level because those are the avenues that we've been left with, is this sort of micro way to be resistant and to be resilient.Danielle (55:31):As you can see, we didn't finish our conversation this round, so check out the next episode. After this, we'll be wrapping up this conversation or at least continuing it. And at the end in the notes, their resources, I encourage you to connect with community, have conversations, give someone a hug that you trust and love and care for, and looking forward to having you join us.Kitsap County & Washington State Crisis and Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 911.This resource list provides crisis and mental health contacts for Kitsap County and across Washington State.Kitsap County / Local ResourcesResourceContact InfoWhat They OfferSalish Regional Crisis Line / Kitsap Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Call LinePhone: 1‑888‑910‑0416Website: https://www.kitsapmentalhealth.org/crisis-24-7-services/24/7 emotional support for suicide or mental health crises; mobile crisis outreach; connection to services.KMHS Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach TeamEmergencies via Salish Crisis Line: 1‑888‑910‑0416Website: https://sync.salishbehavioralhealth.org/youth-mobile-crisis-outreach-team/Crisis outreach for minors and youth experiencing behavioral health emergencies.Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS)Main: 360‑373‑5031; Toll‑free: 888‑816‑0488; TDD: 360‑478‑2715Website: https://www.kitsapmentalhealth.org/crisis-24-7-services/Outpatient, inpatient, crisis triage, substance use treatment, stabilization, behavioral health services.Kitsap County Suicide Prevention / “Need Help Now”Call the Salish Regional Crisis Line at 1‑888‑910‑0416Website: https://www.kitsap.gov/hs/Pages/Suicide-Prevention-Website.aspx24/7/365 emotional support; connects people to resources; suicide prevention assistance.Crisis Clinic of the PeninsulasPhone: 360‑479‑3033 or 1‑800‑843‑4793Website: https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/607/Mental-Health-ResourcesLocal crisis intervention services, referrals, and emotional support.NAMI Kitsap CountyWebsite: https://namikitsap.org/Peer support groups, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.Statewide & National Crisis ResourcesResourceContact InfoWhat They Offer988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (WA‑988)Call or text 988; Website: https://wa988.org/Free, 24/7 support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, relationship problems, and substance concerns.Washington Recovery Help Line1‑866‑789‑1511Website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/suicide-prevention/hotline-text-and-chat-resourcesHelp for mental health, substance use, and problem gambling; 24/7 statewide support.WA Warm Line877‑500‑9276Website: https://www.crisisconnections.org/wa-warm-line/Peer-support line for emotional or mental health distress; support outside of crisis moments.Native & Strong Crisis LifelineDial 988 then press 4Website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/suicide-prevention/hotline-text-and-chat-resourcesCulturally relevant crisis counseling by Indigenous counselors.Additional Helpful Tools & Tips• Behavioral Health Services Access: Request assessments and access to outpatient, residential, or inpatient care through the Salish Behavioral Health Organization. Website: https://www.kitsap.gov/hs/Pages/SBHO-Get-Behaviroal-Health-Services.aspx• Deaf / Hard of Hearing: Use your preferred relay service (for example dial 711 then the appropriate number) to access crisis services.• Warning Signs & Risk Factors: If someone is talking about harming themselves, giving away possessions, expressing hopelessness, or showing extreme behavior changes, contact crisis resources immediately.Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that. Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.

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 educates us about sexuality spectrums, consent and coercion, and kinksploration for the purity survivor. FIND LACEY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimacylaceyTiktok under @IntimacyLacey www.IntimacyLacey.comLacey's Kink & Purity Culture book research info/interest page: https://www.intimacylacey.com/book-research-interest FIND JANICE SELBIE: Janice Selbie's best-selling book, Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook, is available here: https://amzn.to/4mnDxuoRecordings are now available for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference 2025! Get your Resource Ticket: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/Religious 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 Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/servicesFollow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:Threads: https://www.threads.com/@divorcingreligionBlueSky: @janiceselbie.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingreligion/ Subscribe to the audio-only version of the Divorcing Religion Podcast here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcastThe Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular, mental health clinician. The views expressed by guests are not necessarily held by the host.Support the show

Buckle in for a classic conversational rollercoaster of an episode! Enjoy some food for thought on sex education and safe pleasure that you mostly likely never heard growing up. And as always, Loren takes us in the weeds… this time about the generations of it all. We finish off with a new idea we're workshopping that we'd love your input on, so for the love of all, reach out!Help us keep recording! Drop a donation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/698527/support We want to hear from YOU: email us ProductionsByMBK@gmail.com or DM us @forwhatpodcast on IG & TikTokYouTube (Shorts): @forwhatpodcast1 and @FWPHotTakesSubscribe if you're down to dismantle. New episodes every week! Support the show

Send us a text Two major studies today prove what we've been saying: purity culture makes people unable to recognize marital and date rape as actual rape, and male porn use hurts women regardless of their attitude toward it—though religious women suffer more because of the scripts we've been given. Then I interview Joash Thomas about his book The Justice of Jesus, where he explains how Western Christianity lost biblical justice because colonizers taught a purely "spiritual" gospel to benefit themselves. We've got to understand that following Jesus costs us something! EVENTSOctober 4th: Book launch for "The Justice of Jesus”October 25th: Keith and Sheila marriage conference in OshawaTO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our workAnd check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Join our email list!LINKS MENTIONED:The Justice of Jesus book The study of purity culture and rape myth acceptanceThe study on how religious women see porn Sheila's list on recommended books on porn recoveryFor Our Daughters FilmSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books: The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves Better The Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex And she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Seth Horton came from a strong Christian background, which included a significant emphasis on personal purity. Embedded in all that was the assumptions that Catholics weren't real Christians; that they'd either been deceived, or were willfully distorting Scripture. When he met his future wife, a Catholic, his conversations with her helped him begin to see that much of what he thought he knew about Catholicism was based on rumor and misunderstanding. But it was through his discovery of Theology of the Body that he found a robust and life-giving anthropology that went far deeper than the prohibitions of Purity Culture, and gave him a Christian language and lens for understanding man, woman, and the world. More stories and resources: https://www.chnetwork.org Our Online Community: https://www.chnetwork.org/community Support our work: https://www.chnetwork.org/compass

Join Sarai and Meg as they discuss the lasting impact of purity culture on our bodies, sexuality, and sense of self. From shame-filled messages like “sex is bad, and your body is bad” to the process of reclaiming pleasure, power, and agency, we explore what it means to move from restriction into liberation. We can reclaim the things that were taken away from us when we were young to build vibrant, healthy, beautifully sensual lives if we want that for ourselves.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/holy-ghosting/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Purity culture can often shape our sexuality in ways we don't even realize. Whether you grew up deeply immersed in it or just caught the edges, cultural messages about sexual "purity" impact how we view ourselves, our bodies, and our relationships. But what happens when we start questioning these teachings? How do we reclaim our sexuality and pleasure after being told our bodies belong to someone else?Lauren Elise Rogers joins us to share her powerful journey from purity culture survivor to certified holistic sexuality educator. Her story of transformation—from wearing a purity ring and teaching "Ladies in Waiting" Bible studies to becoming an embodied intimacy coach—shows us that liberation is possible, even after deep indoctrination.In this episode, we talk about:— What purity culture actually is and how it manifests— The subtle ways purity culture shows up even for those who weren't raised in religious households— Lauren's personal experience with purity culture, including her first marriage to a man who later came out as gay— How pleasure became the pathway to Lauren's deconstruction and healing— The challenges of exploring sexuality after leaving purity culture behind— The resurgence of purity culture concepts in modern movements like "trad wife" culture and certain wellness spaces— A powerful exercise for examining your own beliefs about sex, relationships, and pleasure— How questioning our inherited beliefs about sexuality can lead to greater authenticity and joyResources mentioned in this episode:— Lauren's website— The documentary Give Me Sex, Jesus— Mary Magdalene Revealed by Meggan Watterson— The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. LisztJOIN The Year Of Opening® community for a full year of learning & support. Registration is open now at ⁠⁠www.TheYearOfOpening.com⁠⁠Learn the 5 secrets to open your relationship the smart wayAre you ready to open your relationship happily? Find out at www.JoliQuiz.comGet the answers you want to create the open relationship of your dreams! Sign up for an Ask Me Anything hereMusic: Dance of Felt by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions

Sunday, September 21, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Who was Jesus the ordinary man, as represented across the three Abrahamic faith traditions?"

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 quintessential Purity Culture Experience (raised in the Evangelical church and youth group, Bible study, and Christian school, graduated from Biola University, featured in the 2015 documentary Give Me Sex Jesus), and she's here to tell you that all of us can heal from it. FIND LACEY: InstagramTiktok under @IntimacyLacey www.IntimacyLacey.comLacey's Kink & Purity Culture book research info/interest page: https://www.intimacylacey.com/book-research-interest FIND JANICE SELBIE: Janice Selbie's best-selling book, Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook, is available here.Recordings are now available for the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture conference 2025! Get your Resource Ticket: https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/Religious 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 Religious Trauma? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Janice here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/servicesFollow Janice and Divorcing Religion on Social Media:Threads: https://www.threads.com/@divorcingreligionBlueSky: @janiceselbie.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiceselbieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingreligion/ Subscribe to the audio-only version of the Divorcing Religion Podcast here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcastThe Divorcing Religion Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. If you need help with your mental health, please consult a qualified, secular, mental health clinician. The views expressed by guests are not necessarily held by the host.Support the show

Today I interview Trevor Hill, a sex-addiction therapist, and student of clinical sexology, from Little Rock, Arkansas. We reflect on the lingering legacy of Purity Culture, and how that has contributed to sexual shame, and how shame drives addiction. Then we explore practices of empathy and acceptance and how these can help to overcome shame in early recovery. Along the way, we reflect on our experiences of being addiction counselors while being ourselves in recovery.The Outer Circle Inner Stillness is made possible by support from listeners, patrons, likes, and shares. For early access to content, and to learn more about how to support the podcast, visit www.patreon.com/outercircle. Rhys Pasimio can be found through www.patreon.com/outercircle and on instagram at @newpattrencounseling and through New Pattern Counseling at www.newpatterncounseling.com, and is always happy to dialogue with listeners bringing honest questions!Trevor Hill can be found through The Finding Place at https://thefindingplacecounseling.com/staff/trevor-hill/ and trevor@thefindingplacecounseling.comThanks for listening!#counseling #therapy #mentalhealth #addiction #sexaddiction #sexuality #trauma #empathy #shame #toxicshame #purityculture #faith #religion #orthodoxy #easternorthodoxy #trevorhill #findingplace #newpatterncounseling #rhyspasimio #mindfulness

WE SPARE NO DETAILS! I connected with this guest because of our similar stories of growing up in high-control religious environments, being in a long-term relationships with gay men, devastating breakups, reclaiming sexuality and MORE. In this episode, you will learn tools to reclaim your sexuality and feel so so SEEN if you are on the journey of deconstructing sex-negative beliefs.Lauren Elise Rogers is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach, celebrated for her warm and approachable style. Her holistic and embodied approach to education and coaching is deeply rooted in her own pain-to-purpose journey. Lauren brings an empathetic and non-judgmental approach, offering practical tools that empower her clients to take ownership of their pleasure and grow in confidence and connection. She is known for creating shame-free spaces, where she invites individuals and couples to navigate complex topics like long-term partnerships, consensual non-monogamy, life transitions, purity culture and LGBTQIA+ issues.LAUREN'S LINKS:Website: www.sexedforyou.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexedforyouInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sex_ed_for_you/Additional Resources:Want to be a client of Healing Embodied? Book a free 15 minute Clarity Call with a member of our team, and learn how we can support you in creating more trust, love, and joy in your life: https://healingembodied.kartra.com/page/applyGet our free training for therapists, coaches, and practitioners, How to Not Burn out as a Therapist: https://healingembodied.kartra.com/page/burnoutGet our $7 ebook for therapists, coaches, and practitioners on how to create a career that lights you up and serves from overflow rather than burnout and self-sacrifice, From Overgiving to Overflow: https://healingembodied.kartra.com/page/overgiving-to-overflowWant to feel safe to let in the fullness of love in your relationship? Check out our new free guide, "The 5 Keys to Feeling Rock Solid in Your Relationship" here: https://healingembodied.kartra.com/page/the-5-keysGet on our email list for updates, podcast episode announcements, discounts, and more: https://healingembodied.kartra.com/page/sign-upCheck out all the ways we can support you here: www.healingembodied.com/healwithus

Sunday, September 14, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Does God make mistakes or have regrets?"

Bewertet diesen Podcast, um uns helfen, unsere Reichweite und Sichtbarkeit zu behalten und zu vergrößern. - Das geht auf Spotify so: Auf die Hauptseite unseres Podcasts. Dort findet ihr drei Punkte untereinander und wenn ihr dort drauf klickt, erscheinen Menüpunkte und unter anderem steht da "Show bewerten". Wenn ihr da drauf klickt, könnt ihr Sterne an uns vergeben und das hilft uns enorm weiter. Vielen Dank

How has purity culture in evangelical Christianity shaped views on lust, sex addiction, and shame and what needs to change? In this powerful conversation with Tabitha Westbrook we unpack how distorted teachings about lust and responsibility create division between men and women in the church. They discuss the deep harm these messages cause, the rising incidence of addictive behaviors, and the urgent need for the church to evolve. Key topics include: - Misconceptions about lust, sin, and personal responsibility - The impact of purity culture on men's addiction and women's shame - Signs of hopeful change, including important voices and research challenging the status quo - Why honest conversations about sexuality and trauma are vital for healing - Resources like the Sexual Integrity Leadership Summit for providers and communities If you or someone you love is navigating recovery in a faith context, this episode offers compassionate insights and a call for growth and transformation. #PurityCulture #SexAddiction #EvangelicalChurch #ShameAndHealing #FaithAndRecovery #SexualIntegrity #TraumaHealing #AddictionRecovery

Purity culture promised protection, but often left behind shame, fear, and silence around sex. In this episode, the Dildo Whisperer unpacks the history of the purity movement—from abstinence pledges to purity rings—and explore how these messages impact self-worth, relationships, and sexual health. We'll also talk about ways to heal, reclaim your sexuality, and move toward a healthier, shame-free understanding of intimacy. Send the us your sex and relationship questions and maybe you will inspire the next episode of The Dildo Whisperer. We have two ways to reach the show. You can call into our show at 844-695-2766 or you can email us at Askthedw@gmail.com. Follow us on social media @dildowhisperer The Dildo Whisperer is produced by DNR Studios. To subscribe to this show and the rest of the DNR Network of shows including the Cookie Jar Podcast visit: www.dnrstudios.com

Sunday, September 7, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Why is Christian nationalism so dangerous to our faith and the church?"

Sunday, August 17, 2025 | Back-to-School Sunday at Rising Hope | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "What's so powerful about the name of Jesus?"

Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Summer's End Worship at Pohick Bay Park | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Does God have a plan?"

What happens when a virgin bride raised in purity culture becomes a pleasure preacher?In this raw conversation, I sit down with Lauren Elise Rogers, sexuality educator, intimacy coach, and founder of SexEdForYou.com. From growing up in the confines of religious purity culture to reclaiming her voice and becoming a sexuality educator, Lauren embodies the journey of the wounded healer by turning pain into wisdom and shame into possibility.Together, we dive into:✨ Growing up in purity culture and reclaiming sexual autonomy

Shownotes How purity culture manifests in women's bodies and sexual experiences Why a woman's pleasure is a gift to everyone around her How ecstatic states purify and cleanse the soul  Why shame is actually the gateway to pleasure A powerful practice that saved Dr. Kim's life Why Jesus' ministry would not exist without the women who supported it   Bio Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton is a speaker, writer, teacher and the founder of UNCOVER, a 7-figure global lifestyle brand focused on intimacy, pleasure and women's empowerment.   With a M.A. from Yale, a PhD, in-depth coaching training and many years of experience, Dr. Kim considers it a deep honor and pleasure to weave the intellectual side of empowerment, healing and intimacy work into embodied, playful pleasure practices.   Learn more about Dr. Kimberly and her work on her website and find her on all social media platforms @drkimberlyrosependleton.   Timestamps 00:00:48 - Guest introduction 00:02:49 - Layla shares her religious history 00:05:57 - Why Jesus' ministry would not exist without the women who supported it 00:09:32 - Religious conditioning is baked into our society 00:09:56 - Sign up for Layla's newsletter at LaylaMartin.com 00:12:55 - How purity culture manifests in women's bodies and sexual experiences 00:14:58 - The reality of women who follow the rules of purity culture 00:19:06 - An MRI study from Daniel Bergner's book What Do Women Want? proves that women silence their pleasure  00:26:29 - Discover the VITA™ Sex, Love and Relationship Coaching Certification  00:30:40 - Pleasure is something all of us can access 00:37:51 - Dr. Kim shares a powerful practice that saved her life 00:40:30 - Why shame is the gateway to pleasure 00:42:30 - Explore the magic of  MOOD SEX MAGIC™ Elixir 00:44:09 - Why a woman's pleasure is a gift to everyone around her 00:44:51 - How ecstatic states purify the soul from Ritual Texts for the Afterlife: Orpheus and the Bacchic Gold Tablets by Fritz Graf and Sarah Iles Johnston 00:49:11 - A woman connected to her pleasure can do anything 00:52:25 - Dr. Kim shares why her good girl part had to experience a death to liberate her 00:57:29 - Why every woman needs to learn how to activate pleasure 00:57:35 - Enhance your sensitivity and pleasure inside Crystal Pleasure 01:01:27 - Humans were designed to play multiple notes in life 01:02:24 - Discover Dr. Kim's free course Harlots and Heretics 01:02:40 - Dr. Kim shares about her experience inside VITA Coaching 01:08:05 - Conclusion  

This week, we examine the rise and fall of purity culture, weighing its good intentions against the shame and wounds it left behind. We ask what true purity looks like when defined by Jesus, not cultural expectations.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

DOWNLOAD "THE POWER OF TOO MUCH," our FREE modern-day grimoire that helps you reclaim your intensity, your magic, and your voice: https://babephilosophy.com

Are Christians compromising by living together before marriage, or is the church out of touch with today's culture? In this episode, we tackle the tough questions around cohabitation, sex before marriage, purity culture, and shame—exploring what the Bible really says and how to find both truth and grace. Join us for an honest conversation that challenges cultural norms and offers hope for restoration.LinkTree:https://linktr.ee/AllisonParkLeadershipNetworkEmail:Jeffl@allisonparkchurch.comDavel@allisonparkchurch.comInstagram:@Jeffleake11@Dave.Leake

In this conversation, Sathiya and Drew discuss the journey of healing from pornography addiction, emphasizing the importance of outgrowing porn rather than simply quitting. They explore the impact of purity culture on men's sexuality, the significance of vulnerability and connection in recovery, and the role of curiosity in understanding triggers. Drew shares insights from his book 'Outgrow Porn' and highlights the necessity of taking redemptive risks in the healing process. The discussion culminates in the importance of community support and celebrating every step of the journey toward freedom.   SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE MASTERCLASS   Know more about Drew's Work:  Get Drew's New Book: Outgrow Porn Discount code: DEEPCLEAN Access Husband Material Website   Know more about Sathiya's work: JOIN DEEP CLEAN INNER CIRCLE Submit A Question (Anonymously) Through This Form Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, A Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:52) The Philosophy of Outgrowing Porn (05:47) The Impact of Purity Culture (08:50) Healing from Purity Culture (12:09) Vulnerability and Connection (15:05) Navigating Temptation and Relapse (17:58) Curiosity and Sexual Development (20:51) The Process of Urge Surfing (31:56) Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness (34:42) Understanding Triggers: Pain vs. Pleasure (39:35) The Role of Implicit Memories (41:27) Rigidity and Disengagement in Addiction (47:29) Redemptive Risks in Recovery

In this episode of Bodies Behind the Bus, we sit down with Dr. Camden Morgante, a licensed psychologist, author, and speaker. Dr. Camden is the author of Recovering from Purity Culture, a book that helps individuals move beyond harmful teachings and begin the journey of healing. She shares insights from her work with clients, her own experiences, and her research into purity culture, offering a compassionate perspective on how people can begin to reconnect with themselves and their faith.Instagram - drcamdenWebsite - drcamden.comBook - Recovering from Purity CultureSupport the show

Description: Today's conversation might have you clutching your pearls and purity rings. Jen and Amy sit down with Dr. Celeste Holbrook—sexologist, educator, and author of Missionary Position: A Slightly Irreverent Guide to Sex After Purity Culture—for the candid, hilarious, and healing “sex talk” you never had but always deserved. From busting purity culture myths to unpacking women's complicated relationship with pleasure, Dr. Holbrook shares the four “inner missionaries” that shape our approach to sex, why sexual shame runs so deep, and how to reclaim intimacy as the joyful gift it was always meant to be. Highlights include:  Unpacking women' s complicated relationship with pleasure Dr. Holbrook prescribes the best sexy-time soundtrack Review of the four inner missionaries (the Analyst, the Assassin, the Healer, and the Explorer) – the archetypes that define our individual approach to sex  Celeste reveals a surprising fact that both golf carts and ejaculate have in common How the combination of purity culture, patriarchy and capitalism are the oppression cocktail for sex And the conversation veers off course when the trio discusses an exercise that uses Jason Mamoa to evaluate their sexual ethics Thought-provoking Quotes: “When I say sex education saved my relationship, I am not being bombastic. It really did help me find myself.” – Dr. Celeste Holbrook “We view sex through a patriarchal lens. Media tells us how to feel about sex and what is sexy. So what is sexy has been historically white, thin, able-bodied, young… And the way that we view ourselves then says, well, what if I'm not all of those things? Am I still sexy? Is my body still OK?” – Dr. Celeste Holbrook “The work for us, especially as women, is to anchor into our body to experience sensuality in order to experience sex instead of perform sex.” – Dr. Celeste Holbrook “We need to be inside the system in order to take down the system.” – Dr. Celeste Holbrook Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Jen Hatmake's Sex MeCourse: SexEd For the Rest of Us - https://shop.jenhatmaker.com/products/sex-101 Pantsuit Politics - https://www.instagram.com/pantsuitpolitics/ Missionary Position: A Slightly Irreverent Guide to Sex after Purity Culture by Dr. Celeste Holbrook - https://amzn.to/46StjOa For the Love of Men by Liz Plank – https://amzn.to/41JtRSS  Say Yes to Pleasure: How to Talk About Sex and Rekindle Intimacy in Midlife with Vanessa Marin – https://jenhatmaker.com/podcasts/series-64/say-yes-to-pleasure-how-to-talk-about-sex-and-rekindle-intimacy-in-midlife-with-vanessa-marin/ A Tribe Called Quest – https://atribecalledquest.com/blogs/discography The Pleasure Club - https://www.drcelesteholbrook.com/https/thepleasureclub Guest's Links: Website - https://www.drcelesteholbrook.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drcelesteholbrook/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrCelesteHolbrook/ Connect with Jen!Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hanna vulnerably shares how she stayed a Christian after deconstructing purity culture. She shares life updates about the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to her, how her twin pregnancy is going, and her excitement for Taylor Swift's new album.

Today's episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson is a carefully crafted full-on rant about two awful cultural failures, Donald Trump and Taylor Swift. Both, in their own ways, are failing the next generation and pushing the normalization of pedophilia. Trump refuses to release the Epstein list or hold powerful pedophiles accountable. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift flaunts her naked body on her album cover marketed to an audience that includes young girls who are already being tempted by a society pushing them toward OnlyFans. Feminism has clearly failed. We need to bring back the biblical patriarchy, AKA Christianity.At some point, we have to stop asking why is all of this happening and start living biblically individually, in our families, and as a society. For the sake of our own wellbeing and (far more importantly) the protection of our children. If we can't even agree to safeguard their innocence, what are we doing? Why aren't we protecting the children?--https://bakerbookhouse.com/featured/the-brand-sunday

Send us a textWhat happens when kink becomes the key to healing religious shame? In this raw and redemptive episode I sit down with Lauren Elise Rogers, a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator who grew up in a high-control religion. Together, we unpack how purity culture distorts sexuality—and how kink can actually be a path to freedom, power, and deep healing.Lauren shares her personal story of leaving behind religious indoctrination, rediscovering her body, and exploring kink as a way to reclaim desire. We break down:The four cornerstones of eroticism and how they show up after religious traumaWhy fantasy, taboo, and power dynamics can be healing (not harmful)How writing and playing out a kinky “scene” can renegotiate traumaThe difference between reenacting pain and reclaiming power through playHow to identify safe vs. unsafe partners or spaces for explorationWhether you've lived through purity culture, survived religious trauma, or love someone who has—this episode gives you tools to rewrite your sexual story and step fully into your pleasure.

On today's episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, we're taking a hard look at Taylor Swift's new pornographic-themed album cover, The Life of a Showgirl. From the drinking and partying she parades as normal to her descent into porn culture, Swift has become a dangerous influence on young girls—and really, on everyone. We'll also address the cult-like following surrounding her, and why parents have a biblical responsibility to guard their children from this idolatry and from being exposed to Taylor Swift's sinful pornographic example. Darkness must be exposed, and the Word of God gives us the standard by which to measure it. We will also discuss how disgusting it is to excuse sin by simply labeling it “adult entertainment.” Unfriendly reminder: Civilization is currently collapsing. Let's actually do something about it?--https://www.thebrandsunday.com/

Sunday, August 10, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "How should we view A.I. development from a Christian perspective?"

In this special season five finale of Please Me!, Eve welcomes her good friend and fellow podcaster, Anthony Weaver of About That Wallet, to reflect on the most powerful, thought-provoking, and jaw-dropping moments from the season. Together, they revisit standout episodes—from deep dives into the Power and Control Wheel and marital consent laws, to surprising behind-the-scenes truths from the adult entertainment industry, to vulnerable conversations about marriage, sovereignty, and spiritual growth. Anthony shares his personal favorite episodes, biggest “aha” moments, and even some unexpected knowledge gained along the way (yes, including penile injections!). Eve opens up about her own journey in podcasting, the shift to bilingual content, and how her passion for sexual health and liberation has evolved over five seasons. This conversation is part celebration, part reflection, and 100% real talk about pleasure, growth, and the stories that stay with us. What you'll hear in this episode: How the Please Me! podcast grew in quality, content, and reach in season five Why the episode on the Power and Control Wheel left such a strong impression The surprising truth about performance in the adult industry Lessons on sovereignty, healing, and redefining relationships from guests Carolee & Britton Eve's personal takeaways from two years behind the mic Why taboo conversations—about sex and money—matter more than ever This is part one of the season finale conversation—tune in Friday for part two Connect with Eve: Support the Podcast: Become a ⁠Patreon⁠ member for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and early access Website: Please Me Online - Reach Eve and stay connected. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation to talk about coaching for health or intimacy, or to explore physical therapy services for sexual health concerns? First, book your appointment here: calendly.com/pleasemebyevecreations/10-min-call-me-on-owwll. Then, download the OWWLL app and use my free call code EH576472 so we can connect directly on the platform. I look forward to supporting you on your personal intimacy journey! Subscribe for free to ASN Magazine so you can check out Eve's column Big Clit Energy: A Please Me! Series. Take a peak at Eve's Newsletter Connect with Anthony: Anthony's Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 186. This week, Beth and Jayme are taking a walk down the awkward memory lane that was 90s–2000s purity culture. From public school abstinence-only assemblies to church youth group pledges and I Kissed Dating Goodbye, they unpack how the messages about sex, marriage, and “modesty” shaped a them—and the therapy bills that came later!Mentions:I Kissed Dating Goodbye__________Join the Geriatric Millennials Community! Instagram: @thegeriatricmillennialsFacebook: facebook.com/TheGeriatricMillennialsTheme music by The Finley Ghost__________Connect with Beth:Instagram: @eransofarInstagram: @paperwhale_paper whale: www.paperwhale.comConnect with Jayme:Instagram: @justenjoyjaymeFacebook: facebook.com/jayme.jones.75__________Beth and Jayme are long time friends and geriatric millennials. Relish in their unique perspectives as you workout, commute, fold laundry, or just need a break from the reality of this timeline! Listen in as they tell stories, discuss every topic under the sun, and just enjoy being in conversation with a friend. Designed to be the soundtrack for the mundane.

Several recent headlines have reported that Gen Z is having less sex than previous generations. The reasons are complicated and numerous. We untangle some of them, and discuss the return of the ideas of virginity and purity culture in some online spaces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you grow up being told your body isn't yours, your desires are dangerous, and your worth is tied to being someone's “only one”… and then you finally break free?In this powerful conversation, I'm joined (again!) by Leah Carey, relationship and intimacy coach and former host of Good Girls Talk About Sex, to talk about what so many folks discover after leaving high-control environments like purity culture, religious abuse, cults, or narcissistic family systems:→ The floodgates of curiosity open—and suddenly queerness, kink, and non-monogamy are on the table.We dig into:Why exploring outside monogamy can feel like a reclamation of autonomyHow high-control systems shape our nervous systems and sexual wiring (and why “just getting over it” isn't a thing)The sticky shame messages ex-purity-culture kids drag into adult relationships—and how to start untangling themHow non-monogamy can be a massive relief during seasons of mismatched desire (and Leah's refreshing take on letting a meta meet your partner's needs)Why true sexual freedom often starts with learning what your real yes and no even areIf you've ever thought, “Why can't I just be normal about love and sex?” this episode will remind you—you're not broken. You just weren't given a roadmap. And you get to write a new one.Links & Resources:Connect with Leah: leahcarey.com  | YouTube | @XOLeahCarey on socialsLeah Carey is a Relationship and Intimacy Coach and host of the podcast Good Girls Talk About Sex, which ran from 2019-2024. In a world full of confusing and contradictory messages about intimacy and relationships, Leah helps sex make sense. Drawing on her own healing journey from fear and repression, she specializes in working with people from High-Control childhoods like Purity Culture, narcissistic abuse, cults, and other religious abuse. Regardless of your background, she works with clients to unlearn stigmas and unhealthy patterns around intimacy and communication. Her work has been featured by Buzzfeed, Yahoo, NBCThink, The Journal of Cancer Education, and more.Learn more about non-monogamy support at elleciapaine.comJoin the Nope! We're Not Monogamous community on Facebook for real-talk convos about love, sex, and autonomySend us a texthttps://elleciapaine.com/callSupport the show

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "How much of the Bible am I supposed to believe?"

Sunday, July 27, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Is there one universal ethical standard by which we all should live, or is morality subjective?"

Sunday, July 20, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "What if Christianity just doesn't feel like it fully fits me?"

Sarah Carr's Healing Journey and Road to Justice. This episode is our full interview with Sarah, You won't want to miss it. We didn't want to divide it into 2 episodes. Welcome to Conversations of Hope by Speaking Truth in Love Ministries and Journey Pink. In this episode, hosts Faith Ingraham and Michelle Viscuse are joined by special guest, Sarah Carr. Sarah shares her gripping and deeply personal story of growing up in a fundamental evangelical Christian home, her experiences with spiritual and sexual abuse, and her journey toward healing and justice. From being isolated and groomed by a youth pastor to reporting the abuse and navigating the legal system, Sarah's courageous tale sheds light on the complexities of abuse within religious settings. Her story is a powerful reminder that survivors are not alone, and it emphasizes the importance of support, consent, and reclaiming one's worth and autonomy.00:00 Introduction to Conversations of Hope00:57 Introducing Special Guest Sarah Carr01:33 Sarah's Early Life and Religious Background03:27 The Betrothal and Its Impact14:05 Isolation and Homeschooling17:17 The End of the Relationship20:21 Realization and Reporting the Abuse25:21 Legal Battles and Plea Deal33:12 Plea Deal and Accountability34:09 Victim Blaming and Trauma35:47 Legal Process and Public Exposure38:45 Grooming and Manipulation56:13 Purity Culture and Consent01:03:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Sunday, July 13, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "What does the Bible actually say about sex?"

This episode features Lauren Elise Rogers who is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach, celebrated for her warm and approachable style. Her holistic and embodied approach to education and coaching is deeply rooted in her own pain-to-purpose journey. Lauren brings an empathetic and non-judgmental approach, offering practical tools that empower her clients to take ownership of their pleasure and grow in confidence and connection. She is known for creating shame-free spaces, where she invites individuals and couples to navigate complex topics like long-term partnerships, consensual non-monogamy, life transitions, purity culture and LGBTQIA+ issues. We discuss: What is purity culture How to overcome purity culture frameworks and sexual shame Why talking about sex is important What if your partner also contributed to your experience of purity culture FOLLOW US on Instagram @thatsorgasmicSend your comments, questions and stories to: emilyduncan@thatsorgasmic.com To book a session with Emily at Emily Duncan Sexology follow the link: https://www.emilyduncansexology.com/ Leave a review for the chance to receive a discounted session with Emily at Emily Duncan Sexology. Subscribe to my Sunroom: https://sunroom.so/thatsorgasmic (sign up on their website for 30% off my membership) Website: www.sexedforyou.com/freeconsult Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexedforyou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sex_ed_for_you/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roll for initiative! This week, V and Emily use the actual "what happened this week in fandom history" event (the USPS released Dungeons & Dragons themed stamps) purely as an excuse to talk about a meatier topic: the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and its effects on fandom... focusing on the writing of one blorbo extraordinaire, Mr. Eddie Munson. Stranger Things did a great job with Eddie and the other nerd characters! The 1980s did NOT do a great job with nerds! And for being the only two people on the internet who don't play DND, we think we did a great job with this topic...! NOTE: This episode was auto-edited by Zencastr, so it may not be as clean as our usual releases. We should be able to go back to human-edited episodes very soon! Thank you for your patience and for listening! Sources DND Forever Stamps BBC Magazine NY Times Dicebreaker University of Wisconsin-Parkside Wikipedia This Week In Fandom History is a fandom-centric podcast that tells you… what happened this week in fandom history! Follow This Week in Fandom History on Tumblr at @thisweekinfandomhistory You can support the show via our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/thisweekinfandomhistory.  If you have a fannish company, event, or service and would like to sponsor or partner with TWIFH, please contact us via our website. Please remember to rate the show 5 stars on your listening platform of choice!

In this vulnerable episode, Peyton Garland opens up about growing up under rule-based religion and the long journey toward embracing God’s design for intimacy and grace. Her story is a reminder that true freedom isn’t found in performance, but in the redeeming love of Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it take to unlearn the shame of purity culture and begin to feel safe in your own body again?In this episode, Josh Harris talks with writer, content creator, and podcast host Jubilee Dawn, a woman passionate about helping others heal out loud. Through her platforms Healed-ish and The Overshare Hour, Jubilee shares survivor stories ranging from domestic violence to religious trauma, with honesty, vulnerability, and humor.This conversation centers around a deeply personal post Jubilee shared about how her relationship with her husband helped her heal from purity culture. In the interview we walk through it line by line, reflecting on what healing can look like when we're met with tenderness instead of judgment.In the original post Jubilee writes:He comforted me when I had a panic attack the first time we were intimateAs I cried, I kept saying “I am a whore”He repeated over and over: “You are not a whore”We talked about our past relationships without shameHe told me it was okay to disappoint others by going on a trip before marriageHe told me God was not mad at meHe helped me explore my sexualityHe told me my ex was wrong about me(And we went back and got the burger that gave me freedom)He said these things over and over until… I believed him.This is a tender, courageous conversation about shame, love, and what's possible when we begin to write a new story.Connect with Jubilee Dawn: - @Jubileedawns on Tiktok, Instagram, & Youtube- The Healed-ish Podcast on Spotify

In this episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, host Eric Schwisinski sits down with Cara Meredith, author of Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation. Together, they unpack the formative – and often fraught – world of evangelical church camps. Cara shares insights from her 30 years in camp ministry and her research, including interviews with dozens of former campers and staff across the U.S.The conversation explores the nostalgia and positive aspects of camp, as well as the darker threads: pressured conversions, purity culture, patriarchy, and the marginalization of women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color. Cara and Eric discuss how church camp acts as a microcosm of white evangelicalism, often pushing conformity and suppressing individuality under the guise of faith formation. They also reflect on leadership, intent, and the importance of elevating marginalized voices within church spaces.Whether you have fond memories of camp or are re-examining its impact, this episode offers a nuanced look at the complexities, harms, and hopes for change in faith-based youth experiences.Timestamps:00:00 Intro and why church camp is worth discussing04:00 Who the book is for and why it was written07:30 Cara's history and experience in camp ministry10:30 The universal positives: fun, nature, and friendships13:45 The recurring negatives: shame, guilt, and pressured conversions17:30 Purity culture and its impact on campers20:00 The intentions of camp leaders vs. the reality of harm23:15 The business side of camp and conversion26:00 The role of nostalgia and critical reflection29:00 Conformity, identity, and the impact on marginalized groups33:30 “Cry night” and emotional manipulation36:00 Gender roles, patriarchy, and lack of women in leadership41:00 What would change if more women led camps?44:30 Elevating marginalized voices in faith spaces48:00 Reconciling good memories with the reality of harm51:00 Final thoughts and who the book is forSupport the Show:Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Our Sponsors:* Use promo code preacherboys at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/preacherboysSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode: Nate Luau's at Presbyterian Church. Aaron withholds his “arr,” he wants it so bean something. This week, Nate and Aaron interview Gail Stucker. Gail is an Allender Center trained story work coach working with individuals, couples, and groups. She shares her story of finding Jesus in para-church ministries. Gail shares her experiences of “purity culture” not being fireworks, relationship bliss, and all the promises from Ephesians. Discussing that if men don't feel desired, they would rather be mowing the lawn. Gail talks about how her heart changed towards herself and others after seeing others and being seen in story work. And finally, she walks us through how to discuss his and her feelings and needs.Links: Gail StuckerBooks Mentioned: God Loves Sex: An Honest Conversation About Sexual Desire and Holiness The Deep-Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing, and DelightSept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian Retreat Nov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson Summit Nov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatSponsor: Life Works CounselingIf you have thoughts or questions and you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society.For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com. Support for the women in our lives who have been impacted by our choices is available at sarahsociety.com.The Pirate Monk Podcast is provided by Samson Society, a ministry of Samson House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. To enjoy future Pirate Monk podcasts, please consider a contribution to Samson House.   amazon.com The Deep-Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing, and Delight The Deep-Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing, and Delight [Allender, Dr. Dan B., Call, Dr. Steve] on Amazon.com. FREE shipping on qualifying offers. The Deep-Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing, and Delight (148 kB) https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Rooted-Marriage-Cultivating-Intimacy-Healing/dp/1400344468     Samson House Store Samson European Retreat: RAV 47 — Samson House Store 38 hours + 5 meals + 3 Samson meetings + 1 mountain ascent = 47 lives changed forever     Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit — Samson House Store Join us for an unforgettable weekend to explore your story, deepen your relationships, and live out your story as fully as God intended. When: November 7-9, 2025 Where: Camp Glorieta , a 2,400-acre campus located about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico Lodging Options Available.        

RERUN! We took a cute little break to have a very culty wedding weekend but couldn't leave the culties high and dry on content! This week we give you one of our favorite episodes from last season! Anyone who grew up evangelical Christian and/or plugged into teen celebrity news circa 2008 will be familiar with today's cult: Purity Rings. You know, the dainty piece of jewelry placed ritualistically on a teen girl's wedding finger to signify her vow of chastity until marriage, or else?? Purity rings are not just an accessory-they're a bonafide industry, complete with rules, ceremonies, secrets, veiled threats, and religious trauma up the wazoo... but are they a cult? This week, a very special (ex-evangelical) guest, @normalgossip's @mckinneykelsey, is joining host Amanda to unpack just that! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can religion ruin your sex life? This week on A Little Bit Culty, Sarah and Nippy are joined by psychotherapists and certified sex therapists Jeremiah Gibson and Julia Pastima—co-hosts of the podcast Sexvangelicals: The Sex Education the Church Didn't Want You to Have. Together, they explore how religion, especially purity culture and fundamentalist gender roles, can cause lasting damage to relationships and sexual well-being. From internalized shame to rigid scripts about gender and sex, Jeremiah and Julia explain how high-control religious environments affect intimacy long after someone leaves the faith. They also discuss the complexities of deconstructing religion as a couple, the importance of finding shared values, and why therapy can be a vital lifeline through it all. If you're trying to untangle your beliefs from your bedroom, this conversation offers both validation and guidance. This one's extra spicy, so listener discretion is advised. Resources mentioned in this episode: When Religion Hurts You by Dr. Laura Anderson available on her website. Sex, God, and the Conservative Church by Tina Schermer Sellers can be found on her website. Come As You Are and Come Together by Dr. Emily Nagoski is available on Amazon. To hear more from The, listen to their podcast, check out their blog, and visit their website. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Writer: Kristen Reiter Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin