Episode 13 — Shipped Away in the Name of God: Tabatha’s Story

This week on The Awakening, we sit down with Tabatha, who shares her deeply painful and courageous story of being adopted into a strict Christian family whose love was conditional on conformity.

When Tabatha’s trauma and humanity didn’t fit their idea of a “perfect Christian child,” she was sent away to a troubled teen program in Jamaica, where she experienced further harm and lasting trauma.

After surviving her past and reclaiming her voice, Tabatha founded Survivors Unrestrained — an organization dedicated to helping survivors of institutional, systemic, and religious abuse find community, support, and connection with one another.

During the conversation, Heather and Tamara also highlight a petition we encourage listeners to sign: the Protect Kids Act, which seeks to increase protections for children in youth residential programs. Your signature can help push for real change in how vulnerable young people are treated.

🎶 Intro/Outro Music:

Your Poison by Rox Knox

🌐 Connect with Survivors Unrestrained:

Website: https://survivorsunrestrained.org/

✍️ Sign the Protect Kids Act petition:

https://www.change.org/p/pass-the-protect-kids-act-protect-children-in-youth-residential-programs?recruiter=1395789295&recruited_by_id=a3986430-c44b-11f0-82c5-19d258e4bb7f&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink&fbclid=IwT01FWAOu1vhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4Nc-vqi8YTsL5UAZIONLWb-LAHT_PDFC3gpjA1S4bmCMGqQfaejE_QHHwuWA_aem_x5kyRIUhRPqlhUbnXX1gIQ

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — TikTok: @happyheather | Instagram: @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod

pisode 12 — Bad Theology, Bad Papers, and Bad Pastors: A Week of Christian Scandals

This week on The Awakening, we’re switching things up. Instead of interviewing a guest, Heather and Tamara dive into several current scandals shaking up the Christian world.

We’re talking:

• A failed college paper that somehow turned into a cry of “persecution”

• Women who continue to carry water for the patriarchy — and why it’s so harmful

• The newest wave of controversy surrounding Harvest Christian Fellowship and Pastor Greg Laurie

It’s messy, frustrating, and honestly… a little too on-brand for modern evangelicalism. Join us as we break it all down with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of side-eye.

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Rox Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land.

Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler!

Politically Speaking with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective.

The Preach Jacobs Podcast is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs!

All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states:

NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE FAIR USE OF A COPYRIGHTED WORK, INCLUDING SUCH USE BY REPRODUCTION IN COPIES OR PHONO RECORDS OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS SPECIFIED BY THAT SECTION, FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING (INCLUDING MULTIPLE COPIES FOR CLASSROOM USE), SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH, IS NOT AN INFRINGEMENT OF...

Episode 11 — From Evangelical to Wiccan: Brooke’s Journey Into Freedom and Parenthood

This week on The Awakening, we sit down with Brooke, a young woman whose spiritual path has taken her from evangelical Christianity to embracing Wicca. Brooke opens up about what led her to deconstruct, how she discovered a more empowering and earth-centered spiritual practice, and what parenting looks like when you’re healing from religious trauma while raising the next generation.

Her story is honest, brave, and full of insight about reclaiming identity, intuition, and personal power after leaving high-control faith spaces.

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Rox Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land.

Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler!

Politically Speaking with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective.

The Preach Jacobs Podcast is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs!

All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states:

NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE FAIR USE OF A COPYRIGHTED WORK, INCLUDING SUCH USE BY REPRODUCTION IN COPIES OR PHONO RECORDS OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS SPECIFIED BY THAT SECTION, FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING (INCLUDING MULTIPLE COPIES FOR CLASSROOM USE), SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH, IS NOT AN INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT.

This Video/Audio in general may contain certain copyrighted works that were not specifically authorized to be used...

Episode 10 — From Gospel Roots to Atheist Liberation: Kellie’s Journey

This week on The Awakening, we sit down with Kellie, whose story stretches from growing up under the influence of gospel greats to finding her voice and identity outside of religion.

Kellie shares her powerful journey from deeply rooted Christian culture to atheism, and how she found belonging and purpose through Black Nonbelievers of Metro Detroit. Her story is one of courage, authenticity, and the freedom that comes from choosing your own path — even when it means breaking away from everything you were raised to believe.

This conversation is honest, empowering, and an important look at what deconstruction and liberation can look like within the Black community.

✨ Connect with Kellie:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DetroitAtheistQueen?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Rox Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land.

Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler!

Politically Speaking with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective.

The Preach Jacobs Podcast is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs!

All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act...

Episode 9 — Losing Faith, Finding Freedom: Dan’s Story from South Africa

This week on The Awakening, we sit down with Dan, a guest joining us all the way from South Africa. Dan shares his powerful journey of loss, questioning, and rebirth after his wife’s passing from cancer led him to deconstruct his faith.

What began as heartbreak became the spark for deep reflection — and ultimately, liberation. Today, Dan identifies as an atheist and is building a community for others who are learning to live authentically outside the bounds of organized religion.

This conversation is tender, thought-provoking, and a reminder that healing can take many forms — even outside of faith.

🌍 Connect with Dan:

TikTok: @thefaithlessones

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Rox Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land.

Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler!

Politically Speaking with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective.

The Preach Jacobs Podcast is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs!

All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states:

NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE

Episode 7 — Faith, Politics, and Disability: A Therapist’s Story of Deconstruction

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Will, a therapist who began deconstructing from Christianity after Trump’s election. Will shares how politics, faith, and personal experience collided in a way that changed everything he believed.

He also opens up about living with a disability and how it shaped his understanding of grace, acceptance, and what it truly means to belong.

During our conversation, Will also references the book Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death by Irvin D. Yalom, which offers a powerful exploration of mortality, meaning, and the human experience.

This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human — exploring the complex intersections between faith, identity, and healing.

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Rox Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land.

Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler!

Politically Speaking with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective.

The Preach Jacobs Podcast is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs!

All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act...

Episode 6 | Surviving the IFB: Shay’s Story

In this episode of The Awakening Podcast, we sit down with Shay, a survivor of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) cult. This marks the very first time Shay has shared her story publicly, and she does so with courage, honesty, and incredible strength.

Together, we talk about what it was like to grow up in a system built on fear and control, what finally led her to break free, and how she’s finding healing and empowerment on the other side. Shay’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the aftermath of trauma, freedom and self-discovery are possible.

This episode holds space for bravery, truth, and the beginning of a new chapter.

Connect with Shay

TikTok: @dragonrosez

Connect with Your Hosts

Heather: @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara: TikTok @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram @tamarajo321

Be a Guest

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

Music Credit

Intro and Outro: Your Poison by Rox Knox

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