Unholier Podcast: Cocktails & Confessions 🍹✨

Sex, Shame & Purity Culture: The Hidden Damage Nobody Talks About | Dr. Alyssa - Licensed Sex Therapist

Purity Culture Changed My Sex Life! What happens when the messages we receive about sex, purity, modesty, and desire become deeply embedded in the way we think about ourselves, our bodies, and our relationships? In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with sex therapist Dr. Alyssa to explore the lasting impact that religious belief systems and purity culture can have on our mental health, physical well-being, intimate relationships, and sense of self. For many people raised in faith-based environments, conversations about sexuality were shaped by shame, fear, silence, or rigid expectations. While these teachings were often presented as a path toward morality and healthy relationships, they can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and relational wounds that follow people well into adulthood. Together, Dr. Alyssa and I discuss how purity culture can influence everything from body image and self-worth to sexual desire, pleasure, communication, intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. We explore how these beliefs become deeply rooted in both the mind and body, why so many adults struggle with intimacy after growing up in religious environments, and what healing can look like when we begin examining the stories we've been taught about sex and sexuality. Throughout the episode, we also answer listener questions and address real-life challenges that many people experience but rarely feel comfortable discussing openly. In this episode, we discuss: • The long-term effects of purity culture • Religious trauma and sexual shame • How belief systems impact the mind, nervous system, and body • Intimacy challenges within committed relationships • Sexual desire, pleasure, and bodily autonomy • Reframing unhealthy narratives around sex and sexuality • Healing after restrictive religious teachings • Navigating relationships when partners have different beliefs • Listener questions and practical insights from a licensed sex therapist Whether you're deconstructing old beliefs, rebuilding your relationship with yourself, navigating intimacy challenges, or simply curious about the connection between religion and sexuality, this conversation offers thoughtful insights, validation, and practical tools for moving forward.  Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about sex, intimacy, religious trauma, purity culture, and sexual shame. Due to the mature nature of these topics, listener discretion is advised, and this episode is not intended for children. Connect with Dr. Alyssa: Website: https://edgeeap.com/ [https://edgeeap.com/] Email Dr. Alyssa [alyssa@naturalbalancecounseling.com] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from the conversation. #PurityCulture #SexAndReligion  #Exvangelical #SexTherapy #ReligiousTrauma #SexualShame #Deconstruction #Healing #Relationships #Intimacy #MentalHealth #FaithDeconstruction #Sexuality #Podcast Edge Professional Mental Health Services Magnificent Sex - Book  [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Sex-Lessons-Extraordinary-Lovers/dp/0367181371/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q3TF9WXTCI4Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xvtWi0ctWeFdmg26RPHAppow_3NgFDcjm1VwF_Kt27wJ8DXcZ_McEc51tcGRAQd0m5eHvJWGmuE2RHpJFU_dKuAt0r4pomVuAuNOJFQlPL0sBiVQal1WfQ0c8loAGvStGY0TKXN67N2j2ZCotfgWhA.4Z8z1Q5SEfyznCTabIW2vrmHxvipPjQ2MHTaYdkPJ68&dib_tag=se&keywords=magnificent+sex+by+dr.+peggy+kleinplatz&qid=1780867447&sprefix=Magnificant+Sex%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1] Good Picture, Bad Picture Book [https://www.amazon.com/Good-Pictures-Bad-Jr-Protect/dp/0997318791/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UYVH1T4GIAFW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Aw4BcMQQ1TZfY-IY8AcJffaMHgLXLEf1yxeCV6GRX6TlpfOzIk81LV-eMoNXLklW12o8fxOeU-nyava-nzrUPdFoQjm-9IGV_C2JYASGTYddcjaz5gvo1avFuxlH6POTET_uCkcqFLQ7hbthdcdp9jG22_l-4PbEj-xYeOwGcc5Jw1AKBW6nOrSg5rA-DO3tLYYyZu3fXRNpgNDxAWn1pnPcomYpmtw5C2H-9Q_CA-0.OgXf8poHxP61tCrLzVm6CHKhEW8iwfQ3vNPprZe73jw&dib_tag=se&keywords=good+pictures+bad+pictures+jr&qid=1780867390&sprefix=Good+Pictures%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1] Talk, Flirt, Dare Card Game [https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Flirt-Dare-Conversation-Playfulness/dp/B0787YN5RM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2XE93UREMWPUY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9K3AdtwJjeYdzVMMf1JhH_3tpVMjFvrRnjTyxAkA61ao5oeXoJSC5vjQPrHqeYhd3CawRPwm0sXYPEww3XmKpe6A7SIYSp9l4vgK42M0yJIuQyzDWB3SoJ03eauWQ09TQVVWMV4jHDPcPkzdSewRSi3epWep0esNJMejYINEA5FUTuP9awIUSXCL42Qa-k9zt1mlPNKXWx5PNeo5n3PGJ_7xsHhnpFH6pW5q0FOremw.-5BNOZDruVIJhNZ2dqKB3ctjXJ-Jyqq8dfCXtsWrbv8&dib_tag=se&keywords=talk%2C+flirt%2C+dare+card+game&qid=1780867157&sprefix=Talk%2C+Flirt%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/support]

Ex-Bodyguard Exposes Pat Robertson: The Dark Truth Behind The 700 Club w/ David R. Wilcox

What really happened behind the closed doors of CBN and The 700 Club? Pat Robertson’s former personal bodyguard, David R. Wilcox, joins Unholier to expose the shocking disconnect between a public faith healer and private power broker. About This Episode: In this explosive episode of Unholier, author and former insider David R. Wilcox pulls back the curtain on the multi-million dollar empire of Pat Robertson. From volatile off-camera behavior to massive financial scandals, Wilcox details how CBN’s donor infrastructure was allegedly manipulated for political gain and private wealth. We dive deep into: * The 1988 Campaign Scandal: How a leaked donor list triggered massive layoffs. * The Family Channel IPO: Where did the donor money actually go when executives got rich? * Operation Blessing & Zaire: The shocking truth behind humanitarian relief funds allegedly backing diamond-mining logistics. * The Ralph Reed & Christian Coalition Era: A breakdown of election-law violations, smear campaigns, Jack Abramoff, and the Enron voter data connection. This isn't just about a single leader—it's a critical look at the urgent need for accountability, ethics, and transparency in religious institutions.#PatRobertson #The700Club #UnholierPodcast #ChristianCoalition #ReligiousAccountability #DavidRWilcox #MegachurchExposed #ExposingCorruption 🔔 Subscribe to Unholier for more deep dives into the intersection of power, faith, and institutional secrets. https://theflimflamchronicles.com [https://theflimflamchronicles.com/] https://bigfatcatproductions.com [https://bigfatcatproductions.com/] Facebook: @godsgloriousgrifters @Big Fat Cat Productions LLC Instagram: @bfcbooks99 @bigfatcatproductions @grifters2026 Websites: www.thegggpodcast.com [http://www.thegggpodcast.com/] (in progress) www.godsgloriousgrifters.com [http://www.godsgloriousgrifters.com/] (in progress) Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/support]

THE RAPTURE FRAUD: Why Church Kept You Trapped in the "Waiting Room" (w/ Shawn Helgerson)

Are you constantly living in fear of the end times? Do you feel like your entire life has been a "waiting room" for heaven while you miss out on actually living? In this explosive episode of The Unholier Podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with veteran, author, and spiritual thinker Shawn Helgerson (In a Little While) to tear down the walls of institutional religion and expose the truth behind modern faith. If you’ve ever felt the crushing weight of shame-based theology or struggled with Rapture Trauma, this conversation is your permission slip to break free. 👇 What We’re Uncovering in This Episode: * The Rapture Trauma Trap: How fundamentalist and Pentecostal fear tactics hijack your brain and steal your childhood. * "Waiting Room" Christianity: Why framing life as mere "survival until heaven" is destroying your potential now. * The Ultimate Paradox: How actually taking Jesus’s teachings seriously is the quickest way to get pushed out of institutional churches. * The Dark Side of "Kingdom Consciousness": The massive, unrepeatable life experiences Christians miss out on due to hyper-vigilance. * Shadow Work vs. Spiritual Abuse: How suppressing human nature and skipping shadow work creates a breeding ground for abuse in religious institutions. * The Collapse & The Rebirth: Sean opens up about the rapid, terrifying collapse of his former life, and how he rebuilt his soul using psychology, the Law of Attraction, and A Course in Miracles. > 🚨 "Leaving the church isn't a loss of faith—it's finally leaving the backyard to explore the rest of the world." Stop surviving. Start living. It’s time to trade judgment for radical compassion, embrace unconditional love, and practice the ultimate spiritual art: being present. 📲 CONNECT WITH THE SHOW * Subscribe to Unholier Podcast for weekly episodes on religious deconstruction, spiritual liberation, and raw, unfiltered truth. • Substack: substack.com/@shawnhelgerson [http://substack.com/@shawnhelgerson] • The Abundance Institute: skool.com/the-abundance-institute-2294 [http://skool.com/the-abundance-institute-2294] • Wordsmiths Guild: skool.com/wordsmiths-guild-6221 [http://skool.com/wordsmiths-guild-6221]#Deconstruction #RaptureTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #ACourseInMiracles #UnholierPodcast #ExChristian #SpiritualAwakening #ShadowWork Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/support]

BONUS EPISODE: Kickin’ It Solo - Single Parents Don’t Need Saving, They Need Support.

In this very first solo bonus episode, I’m opening up about my experience navigating single parenthood — the exhaustion, the survival mode, the judgment, and the strength it took to keep going when life felt impossibly heavy. This episode isn’t just for single parents. It’s also for the families, friends, partners, and support systems surrounding them. Because single parents don’t need saving — they need support. And the truth is, the village matters more than people realize. I talk candidly about what it looked like to raise my child while healing, coparenting after abuse, carrying the mental load alone, and learning that asking for help is not weakness. I also share a message for anyone currently in the trenches of single parenthood: this season will not last forever. If you’ve ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, judged, or like you were carrying everything on your own — this conversation is for you. #singlemotherhood #narcissisticabuse  #familycourt  #spiritualabuse  #traumarecovery  #unholierpodcast #ToxicRelationships #singlemotherhood  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/episodes/19009657 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/episodes/19048669 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/support]

Why Your Church Called Your Anxiety "Demonic" (And Why They Lied) Ann Russo

If you’ve ever been told your depression was a "lack of faith," or that your boundary-setting was "rebellion," this episode is for you. In this powerful episode of the Unholier Podcast, we sit down with therapist and author Ann Russo to unpack the deep, often invisible scars of religious trauma. Far from just being "dramatic," religious trauma is a calculated form of conditioning. High-control belief systems are systematically designed to override your identity, value obedience over intuition, and frame legitimate mental health struggles as spiritual failures. Ann breaks down why religious trauma is an ongoing system rather than a single event, and how it manifests as nervous system dysregulation, chronic self-doubt, and fractured relationships. We also dive into the dark side of high-control churches—including how they weaponize mental health by labeling trauma responses as "demonic" to maintain control. But healing is possible. Anne introduces her groundbreaking Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), a structured approach focused on somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and rebuilding your autonomy on your own terms. Whether you choose to stay, leave, or rebuild your faith entirely, this conversation offers practical steps to reclaim your boundaries and honor your evolving self. ✨ About Our Guest: Ann Russo is a licensed therapist, author, and creator of the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), dedicated to helping survivors heal from high-control environments and reclaim their autonomy. #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #ExEvangelical #ChurchTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #ReligiousTraumaSyndrome #SpiritualAbuse #UnholierPodcast #TherapyTok #NervousSystemHealing https://tally.so/r/nPKdOd [https://tally.so/r/nPKdOd] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448874/support]