In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Udis-Kessler- a progressive Christian pastor, sociologist, ethicist, author, and sacred music composer-for a thoughtful conversation about one of the most debated movements in Christianity today.

Together, we explore:

• What progressive Christianity actually is
• Why so many people are leaving evangelicalism
• The role politics has played in modern Christianity
• Whether Jesus and Paul emphasized the same message
• How progressive Christians approach the Bible
• Why faith and science don't have to be enemies
• What deconstruction really means - and where it can lead

Whether you're a conservative Christian, a progressive Christian, deconstructing your faith, reconstructing it, or simply curious about the conversations reshaping the Church, this episode invites you to think critically and engage with a perspective you may not have considered.

This isn't a debate. It's an honest conversation about faith, doubt, politics, Scripture, and what it means to follow Jesus in today's world.

If you enjoy conversations that challenge assumptions and encourage deeper thinking, subscribe to Unholier Than Thou, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's asking big questions about faith.

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#ProgressiveChristianity
#Christianity
#Exvangelical
#FaithJourney
#ReligiousTrauma
#ChurchHurt
#Bible
#Jesus
#Evangelical
#ChristianPodcast
#Religion
#FaithDeconstruction
#SpiritualGrowth
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International Association for Suicide Prevention 

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When the Helpers Hurt: Grief, Suicide & Finding Hope | With Dr. Alyssa

The deconstruction and survivor communities are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ryan Stollar—a respected advocate, writer, and tireless voice for abuse survivors, child protection, and those harmed within evangelical and homeschooling communities.

Rather than speculate about Ryan's personal struggles, this episode is an opportunity to have an honest and compassionate conversation about grief, suicide, trauma, and hope.

Joining me is Dr. Alyssa, who not only shares her professional expertise but also bravely opens up about her own experience with suicidal thoughts. Together, we explore how grief affects us, why suicide leaves behind such complex emotions, how religious trauma and deconstruction can impact mental health, and how we can better support one another through life's darkest moments.

Whether you're grieving the loss of someone you love, processing your own pain, supporting a friend, or simply trying to understand mental health more deeply, this conversation is for you.

In this episode we discuss:
• The unique grief that follows suicide
• Religious trauma and its impact on mental health
• Why people who help others can still struggle silently
• Warning signs that someone may be in crisis
• How to support someone who is grieving
• Finding hope when life feels overwhelming

This episode contains discussions of suicide, depression, and grief. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available.

 United States & Canada
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Outside the U.S.
Please contact your local emergency services or your country's suicide prevention crisis service.

You are not alone. Help is available, and your life matters.

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need to hear this conversation.

#MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Grief #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #FaithDeconstruction #TraumaRecovery #Healing #Podcast #UnholierThanThou

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In Part 2 of my conversation with Tim Kelly, we go even deeper into the theories, philosophies, and historical narratives surrounding power, consciousness, centralized control, and humanity's future.

This episode explores topics ranging from ancient civilizations and secret societies to central banking, free energy, spirituality, independent living, consciousness, media narratives, and the importance of thinking for yourself.

Whether you agree, disagree, or fall somewhere in between, the goal of this conversation isn't to tell you what to believe—it's to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue.

In this episode we discuss:

Who may really be influencing world governments
Central banking and global power structures
Ancient civilizations, Atlantis, and historical theories
Consciousness, vibration, and personal sovereignty
Why dependency creates control
Free energy and suppressed technologies
The role of media and political division
Healing, self-sufficiency, and reclaiming personal freedom
Why questioning everything matters
What are your thoughts? Do you think humanity is waking up, or are we becoming more divided than ever?

👇 Join the conversation in the comments.

Subscribe for more conversations exploring cults, taboo subjects, consciousness, religious trauma recovery, and challenging the narratives we've inherited.

The views expressed by guests are their own and are shared for the purpose of open discussion. This podcast encourages listeners to think critically, do their own research, and draw their own conclusions.
#religion #religioustrauma #recovery #ufo

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What if the story of humanity is far older - and far stranger - than we've been told?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with researcher Tim Kelly for a deep dive into some of the most controversial and fascinating questions surrounding our origins, consciousness, religion, and reality itself. Because this discussion lasted over three hours, we've split it into two episodes.

Together, we explore hidden history, ancient civilizations, lost knowledge, the Great Pyramid, mysteries surrounding the Bible, secret societies, UFOs and non-human intelligence, frequency and vibration, and the possibility that much of what we believe about our past may be incomplete.

Tim has chosen to conceal his identity for personal safety reasons, so viewers watching on YouTube will not see his face during the interview.

Whether you agree, disagree, or find yourself somewhere in the middle, this episode is intended to encourage curiosity, conversation, and critical thinking—not to tell you what to believe.

Topics discussed include:

• Hidden history and the origins of humanity
• Ancient civilizations and the Great Pyramid
• The Sumerians and alternative theories of human origins
• Knowledge removed from religious traditions
• Frequency, vibration, and Nikola Tesla's ideas
• UFOs, UAPs, and non-human intelligence
• Secret societies and esoteric teachings
• The Garden of Eden and the Tree of Knowledge
• Simulation theory and consciousness
• The intersection of science, spirituality, and religion

Part 2 drops next week, where the conversation continues.

Connect with Tim Kelly and find all relevant links in the show notes.

🎙️ Unholier Than Thou is a podcast exploring cults, religious trauma, deconstruction, spirituality, and the questions we're often told not to ask.

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Perimenopause, Low Testosterone & The Hormonal Plot Twist No One Warned Us About

Why your body feels different, your libido disappears, and what you can do about it.

Welcome back to Cocktails & Confessions, where no topic is too unholy, too awkward, or too taboo.

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most misunderstood and least talked-about transitions in a woman’s life: perimenopause. From unexplained mood swings and crushing fatigue to brain fog, weight changes, and a disappearing sex drive, many women find themselves wondering, “What is happening to me?”

We’re also tackling an often-overlooked piece of the hormonal puzzle: low testosterone. While most conversations focus on estrogen and progesterone, testosterone plays a critical role in energy, confidence, muscle mass, motivation, and sexual health…and many women are never told that their symptoms could be connected to declining levels.

Together, we unpack what perimenopause actually is, why these hormonal shifts can feel so disruptive, and how women can begin navigating this season with better information, support, and realistic expectations.

This conversation is honest, relatable, educational, and occasionally hilarious- because sometimes the only way to survive hormonal chaos is to laugh about it.

Whether you’re currently in perimenopause, approaching it, or simply want to understand what millions of women experience, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical guidance for one of life’s biggest…and most unholy transitions.

Pour yourself a drink of your choice, pull up a chair, and join the confession.

Because if nobody warned us about perimenopause, we’re going to talk about it anyway. #Perimenopause #PerimenopauseSymptoms #HormoneImbalance #Hormones101 #WomenOver30 #WomenOver40 #WhatNoOneToldYou #MidlifeAwakening

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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/

Email Dr. Alyssa

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

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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.

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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.

Stop surviving. Start living. It’s time to trade judgment for radical compassion, embrace unconditional love, and practice the ultimate spiritual art: being present.

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• Wordsmiths Guild: skool.com/wordsmiths-guild-6221#Deconstruction #RaptureTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #ACourseInMiracles #UnholierPodcast #ExChristian #SpiritualAwakening #ShadowWork

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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 

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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

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