This episode delves into the unique challenges of moving beyond discovery and into recovery for those impacted by both ACEs and adverse religious experiences. We explore why change can be so difficult, and offer practical tools and strategies, including emotional disclosure, mindfulness practices, and attachment theory insights, to help us heal and become safely connected to others.

Ever felt an instant connection with someone over a shared grievance? That's the power of shared moral perceptions. This episode delves into the fascinating world of moral psychology, explaining why we bond so deeply with those who see the same harms we do.

Discover why your "people" are often those who share your sense of interpersonal harms. This episode provides a compelling look into the psychological foundations of our social connections and the very nature of morality itself.

This episode delves into the power of observation and critical thinking, exploring how these skills can be applied to understand religious spaces and high ACE communities.

We'll discuss how to cultivate curiosity and ask insightful questions about the world around you. We'll explore the art of ethnographic observation – paying close attention to details, identifying patterns, and documenting your findings.

Join us as we discuss how honing your observational skills can deepen your understanding of human behavior, foster empathy, and enrich your perspective on the world.

This episode explores the concept of moral masochism, a psychological pattern where individuals unconsciously seek out punishment and rejection. We'll examine how this can play out within religious settings, particularly those with rigid doctrines and a focus on guilt and shame. We'll delve into the underlying psychological factors, such as early childhood trauma and the development of a critical inner voice. We'll also discuss the potential for healing and recovery, offering hope and encouragement to listeners who may be struggling.

This podcast is not a substitute for professional and medical help.

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on how we relate to others. We'll explore how trauma can shape our "attachment styles," the unconscious patterns we develop in our relationships with others.

This episode delves into the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on individuals and communities. We explore how traumatic experiences can shape our brains and bodies, leading to long-term health issues and behavioral problems. We discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing ACEs, particularly within religious communities, and how to foster healing and resilience. By sharing personal stories and scientific insights, we aim to empower listeners to break the cycle of trauma and build stronger, more compassionate communities.

In this episode, we discuss research on addiction by Bruce Alexander and compare it against B.F. Skinner's work. We dive into Dislocation theory which suggests that social and economic forces alienate people from structures of meaning, and that addictive behaviors are a way to fill that void. We finally discuss 'Rat Park,' Alexander's solution to the rat isolation + what we can learn and apply in our recovery/healing journeys as High ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) communities.

In this episode we explore why there's been an explosion on research behind emotions and why this matters for communities with high Adverse Childhood Experiences.

We also examine the role of “unthought knowns” in the subconscious and how they impact human behavior.

Song: Grasshopper

Artist: Kia

Music by: CreatorMix.com

A scope of the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), their impact on health, and practical steps toward helping mitigate negative health outcomes and increase support and relational closeness within high ACE communities and religious/fundamentalist environments.

After a few years Hiatus, Leaving the Rock Podcast returns to discuss the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on some Latinx communities, the impact of asking What happened to you? instead of What's wrong with you?, and the similarities between growing up in religious fundamentalist families and families with parents who are alcoholic.