For years, many Christians have been taught that meditation, certain spiritual practices, and anything outside of traditional Christianity can open the door to demonic influence.

But is that actually biblical?

Or have fear-based teachings convinced Christians that they're constantly walking through a spiritual minefield?

In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, Jennifer welcomes back returning guest Paul Davis from RealGoodNews.org for a fascinating conversation about Christianity, meditation, fear, anxiety, consciousness, spirituality, and what happens when we start questioning the things we were taught to fear.

Paul shares his experience attending a Dr. Joe Dispenza retreat, including how the experience impacted his understanding of meditation and consciousness.

One of the biggest questions raised in this episode is simple:

If Christians believe Jesus and the Holy Spirit must be willingly invited into someone's life, why do they believe a demon can simply enter without permission?

Are we living in faith?

Or are we living in fear?

Let us know what YOU think in the comments.

If you enjoy conversations about deconstruction, Christianity, spirituality, religious trauma, consciousness, and questioning inherited beliefs, make sure to subscribe to Unholier Than Thou.

Connect with Paul at RealGoodNews.org

Conscious Rebel Podcast

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#Meditation #Christianity #Deconstruction #ChristConsciousness #Oneness #DrJoeDispenza #ReligiousTrauma #Spirituality #Exvangelical #UnholierThanThou

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Leaving a religious system can change far more than what you believe. It can force you to question your identity, your values, your relationships, your role as a parent, and even your understanding of who you are.

In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I’m joined by Audra Phelps, who works with former Mormon mothers navigating life beyond the structures and expectations of the LDS Church.

We talk about one of the most overlooked parts of religious deconstruction: rebuilding your identity after you've spent years being told who you're supposed to be.

Who are you when your religion no longer defines you?

How do you figure out which parts of yourself are genuinely yours?

What happens when the roles, rules, and expectations you've built your life around suddenly don't fit anymore?

And how do you begin creating a life based on your own values, choices, and sense of self?

Audra shares her perspective on identity, motherhood, religious conditioning, self-discovery, and the process of becoming the person you were never given permission to be.

If you've ever questioned your faith, walked away from a religious system, or found yourself wondering "Who am I now?" after deconstruction, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Audra:
Links to Audra's website, social media, and RECLAIMED program can be found in the show notes.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, subscribe, and leave a review. And share this episode with someone who is trying to figure out who they are on the other side of religion.

Unholier Than Thou Podcast is about questioning the narratives we inherited, challenging our assumptions, and giving ourselves permission to think for ourselves...without fear, shame, or apology. #ReligiousDeconstruction #ExMormon #MormonDeconstruction #LeavingReligion #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #UnholierThanThou

https://www.tiktok.com/@mamaaudra?_r=1&_t=ZP-98y2Yjw5HZ9

https://mamaaudra.com/

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What happens when you grow up believing you have the truth, but start asking questions anyway?

In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I’m joined by Reba, who was raised in an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church as a pastor’s daughter. From a young age, she questioned whether she was truly being taught the truth. As she entered adulthood, she began researching the beliefs she had inherited...and discovered they weren’t the whole story.

Eventually, Reba made the difficult decision to walk away from her faith. Leaving meant more than changing what she believed; it also meant losing her community and relationships with some family members. But on the other side of that loss, she found freedom from the fear, guilt, and shame that had shaped her life.

Today, Reba embraces curiosity, asks the questions she was once afraid to ask, and gives herself permission to experience all that life has to offer.

In this conversation, we talk about growing up IFB, questioning inherited beliefs, researching your way out of certainty, religious deconstruction, losing community, navigating family relationships, and discovering who you are when you stop living according to someone else’s rules.

If you’ve ever questioned the beliefs you were raised with, felt afraid to ask certain questions, or wondered what life could look like outside the faith you inherited, this conversation is for you.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe or follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps Unholier Than Thou continue creating space for honest conversations about faith, doubt, deconstruction, and the freedom to think for yourself.

#UnholierThanThou #ReligiousDeconstruction #IFB #Exvangelical #LeavingChristianity #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #QuestionEverything #ThinkForYourself

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What happens when we die? It's one of the oldest questions humanity has ever asked, and in this episode of Unholier Than Thou, Melissa Farley and I explore it through the lens of faith, deconstruction, and curiosity.

Melissa, co-host of The Morning Show, shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious environment, untangling inherited beliefs, and rebuilding a life rooted in authenticity. We discuss the grief, identity shifts, and healing that often accompany leaving rigid belief systems, and why asking difficult questions isn't something to fear—it's part of being human.

Our conversation naturally turns toward death after discussing a guest Melissa interviewed on The Morning Show who shared a remarkable near-death experience. That discussion opens the door to Melissa's upcoming book, which explores death, consciousness, and one of the greatest mysteries we'll all eventually face. While the title of the book hasn't been released yet, Melissa offers a glimpse into the questions driving her research and why this subject has become such a meaningful part of her work.

We also talk about the power of storytelling, what Melissa has learned from interviewing people from all walks of life, and why staying curious may be one of the most important things we can do.

If you've ever questioned your beliefs, wondered what lies beyond this life, or found yourself searching for truth outside the boundaries of certainty, this conversation is for you.

Melissa is also the founder of Stronger Today, a social media branding and marketing company that helps small businesses and personal brands grow their online presence with confidence and authenticity. You can also catch her as the co-host of The Morning Show. You'll find links to connect with Melissa, The Morning Show, and Stronger Today in the show notes.

Hashtags:

#UnholierThanThou #WhatHappensWhenWeDie #Death #Afterlife #Deconstruction #ReligiousTrauma #FaithDeconstruction #Spirituality #Consciousness #NearDeathExperience #QuestionEverything #ThinkForYourself #Podcast #YouTubePodcast #Healing #SearchForTruth #HighControlReligion #Curiosity #Truth #Exvangelical

Stronger Today - Marketing & Branding Strategies

The Morning Show

Instagram - The Morning Show

Instagram - Connect with Melissa Farley

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In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I’m joined by my husband Ryan -aka Smitty - as we take a deep dive into the history and timeline behind one of the most talked-about and controversial cases in recent true crime.

Mica Miller’s death in April 2024 shocked the country and sparked countless questions, investigations, online theories, and intense public scrutiny. But to understand why this case has captured so much attention, you have to go back and examine the complicated history that came before it.

From Mica's relationship and marriage to pastor John-Paul “JP” Miller, to allegations of abuse and stalking, the religious and church dynamics surrounding the case, and the death of Chris Skinner, we’re unpacking the timeline and discussing the disturbing questions that continue to surround this story.

We also take a closer look at the role that religious authority, coercive control, church culture, and spiritual abuse can play when power and relationships collide.

Throughout this episode, we discuss the difference between documented facts, allegations, official findings, and speculation. This is an ongoing story, and we believe it's important to question the narrative while also being responsible about the information we share.

So join us as we go down the rabbit hole into the history of the Mica Miller case.

What happens when the person you're taught to trust and obey is the person you're trying to escape?

Listener discretion advised: This episode discusses death, alleged abuse, stalking, coercive control, and sensitive topics.

If you enjoy this episode, please help support Unholier Than Thou by liking, sharing, subscribing, and leaving a review. Your support helps us continue having uncomfortable conversations, challenging inherited beliefs, and asking the questions others might be afraid to ask.

Until next time, stay curious, keep asking questions, think for yourself, and never stop searching for the truth. The answers may not always be comfortable, but the pursuit of truth is always worth it. Thank you for listening.

https://988lifeline.org/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wLH5vFra4RElgaJCHRYP3?si=9KF0T2V7QYCTmLmZMXOiGg&nd=1&dlsi=e167b7b727054f8b

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hG2idoKckEci1c43shHdV?si=VNHK8yHXTeG33zJn8fC18A

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5s2tXjj0CddHcJevShzjNW?si=-YcXryDqRlii7Xl0AAJXgg

https://abc11.com/post/mica-miller-case-attorney-urges-passage-micas-law/14915721/

https://www.thehotline.org/

#micamiller #micamillercase #jpmiller #johnpaulmiller #truecrime #churchabuse

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She was only 9 years old when she says her pastor's son and piano teacher, Travis Huse, sexually abused her. When she finally told the pastor's wife years later, she says the church failed to act.

In this powerful episode, Alicia Hall shares how she survived childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, religious betrayal, depression, and addiction - and how she ultimately helped bring her abuser to justice.

Travis Huse was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. His father, former pastor Scott Huse, was also convicted and sentenced in a separate child sexual assault case.

This conversation is about far more than trauma. It's about courage, resilience, accountability, and rebuilding a life after unimaginable betrayal.

Topics discussed:

Childhood sexual abuse
Religious trauma
Church abuse
Domestic violence
Justice for survivors
Trauma recovery
Healing
Setting boundaries
Addiction recovery
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and addiction.

Follow Alicia on TikTok: @AliciaHall

#ChurchAbuse #ReligiousTrauma #SurvivorStory #ChildhoodAbuse #Justice #TraumaRecovery #Healing #DomesticViolence #TrueStory #Podcast

https://kmph.com/news/nation-world/father-and-son-ex-pastor-duo-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-children-church-christian-antigo-wisconsin?video=adaf85ef2c40490f9b1cd25a65a7260f&jwsource=cl

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How do cults gain control over people's minds...and what does it take to break free?

In this powerful episode of Unholier Than Thou, I sit down with Isabella Young, author of Putting on the Armour of God and New Human of New Earth, to discuss her extraordinary journey out of a Messianic cult led by her former husband.

Bella shares her firsthand experience with coercive control, religious manipulation, fear-based programming, narcissistic abuse, and the devastating tragedy that forever changed her life. We explore how high-control groups use fear, gaslighting, and cognitive dissonance to keep people trapped, why leaving is so difficult, and what healing can look like after escaping.

We also discuss the inspiration behind her books, the importance of nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, reclaiming personal sovereignty, and learning to trust yourself again after years of manipulation.

Whether you've experienced religious trauma, are deconstructing your faith, have left a controlling relationship, or simply want to better understand how cults operate, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How cults use fear and mind control
• Religious trauma and coercive control
• Brainwashing, gaslighting, and cognitive dissonance
• Narcissistic abuse and manipulation
• Healing after trauma
• Nervous system regulation
• Rebuilding self-trust
• The inspiration behind Putting on the Armour of God and New Human of New Earth

Books: Putting on the Armour of God New Human of New Earth

New Human of New Earth - Book

Putting On The Armor of God - Book

https://feelingbetternaturally.love/

Feeling Better Naturally - YouTube

If this episode challenged your thinking or encouraged your own journey of healing, please subscribe to Unholier Than Thou, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps these conversations reach more people who are questioning, healing, and learning to think for themselves. #deconstruction #cultprogramming #cults #exvangelical #religioustrauma #traumarecovery #grounding #newage #consciousness

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What happens when the church that taught you about God also becomes the source of your deepest wounds?

In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I sit down with Nikki, a former worship leader whose journey began in a Pentecostal church at 17 years old. After entering an abusive relationship with the pastor’s son, she found herself in a church culture that protected leadership instead of victims, leaving her to wrestle with questions that would follow her for years.

After escaping that relationship, Nikki rebuilt her life, found a healthy marriage, and returned to church, eventually serving in worship ministry alongside her husband. But new experiences inside church leadership forced her to confront difficult questions about faith, authority, abuse, and authenticity...ultimately leading her to deconstruct Christianity.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Domestic abuse and spiritual abuse
• Church culture and purity teachings
• Victim blaming in religious communities
• Worship ministry behind the scenes
• Deconstruction and leaving Christianity
• Healing after religious trauma
• Finding freedom after faith

Whether you’re deconstructing, questioning your beliefs, healing from church hurt, or simply interested in hearing another perspective, Nikki’s story is one of resilience, courage, and reclaiming your voice.

Connect with Nikki:

https://www.instagram.com/nikkileaks_exposingabuse?igsh=b2xiY2lrejdmMXd0

https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkileaks_exposingabuse?_r=1&_t=ZP-98CVrlFBII2

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.

#Deconstruction #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #FormerChristian #Exvangelical #SpiritualAbuse #Healing #FaithJourney #UnholierThanThouPodcast

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