Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

Jenny Smith, Surviving Podcast Network

Unholier Than Thou is a podcast for people who are done blindly believing. We challenge religion, question cultural norms, and dismantle the belief systems that shape, and often control, how people think.  This isn't surface-level conversation. This is deconstruction, disruption, and uncomfortable truth. From cult dynamics and religious conditioning to taboo societal issues, we go where most people won't.  If you're ready to think for yourself instead of being told what to think -  Welcome to the conversations you weren't supposed to have. #exvangelical #deconstruction #religioustrauma #SpiritualAbuse  #FaithDeconstruction  #MentalHealthMatters  #CrimeAndConsequences

  1. 2d ago

    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 • The Abundance Institute: skool.com/the-abundance-institute-2294 • Wordsmiths Guild: skool.com/wordsmiths-guild-6221#Deconstruction #RaptureTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #ACourseInMiracles #UnholierPodcast #ExChristian #SpiritualAwakening #ShadowWork Support the show

    1h 14m

  2. May 21 ·  Bonus

    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

    45 min

  3. May 19

    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 Support the show

    1h 4m

  4. May 12

    The Tithing Trap: A Former Pentecostal Minister Exposes Church Control

    What happens when a man dedicated to protecting the community and preaching the Word starts to see the cracks in the foundation? In this episode of the Unholier Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Towers, a former police officer and Pentecostal preacher who walked away from a lifetime of faith to reclaim his cognitive autonomy. Shawn opens up about the high cost of questioning doctrine—from the social sting of shunning to the internal battle against lifelong indoctrination. We dive deep into the contradictions of the Trinity, the "abuse patterns" found in traditional Gospel dynamics, and the psychological grip of tithing and church leadership. Shawn shares how education and critical thinking became his tools for liberation, leading him to author The Unlearning Lab and Stop Tithing. If you’ve ever felt like you weren't allowed to ask "why," or if you're navigating your own journey out of organized religion, this conversation is for you. #Deconstruction #ExPentecostal #ReligiousTrauma #UnholierPodcast #ShawnTowers #FaithTransition #ChurchCritique #Atheism #FreedomOfThought https://stan.store/knowledgeoverfaith Shawn Towers (@know_ledgeoverfaith)Instagram · know_ledgeoverfaith8.5K+ followers https://www.tiktok.com/@mannanite?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Shawn TowersYouTube · Shawn Towers610+ followers Support the show

    1h 18m

  5. May 5

    Unholier Podcast: Cocktails & Confessions 🍹✨

    Is it a sin or just a Sunday? Grab a drink and pull up a chair as we deconstruct the "holy" chaos of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. This week, we’re joined by fellow escapee Kristin Watson for a much-needed palate cleanser. From the absurdity of "modest" fashion to the absolute terror of a tent meeting, we’re spilling the tea (and the gin) on everything our pastors warned us about. What’s Inside the Episode: The IFB Girl Starter Pack: We’re breaking down the "godly" wardrobe—from the dreaded culottes and empire-waist jumpers to the paradox of chunky platform shoes.Purity Culture Paranoia: Tampon shame, the "toilet seat pregnancy" myth, and the infamous toothpaste analogy. If it was designed to make you feel broken, we’re laughing at it now.Wild Altar Calls: Remember the screaming preachers and the "Holy Ghost" water-throwing? We recount the most unhinged tent meetings and public call-outs we ever witnessed.The "Scandalous" Now: What would our younger selves think of our agnosticism, our voices, and our cleavage? (Spoiler: They’d be terrified; we’re thrilled.)The Deconstruction Drinking Game: We’re sipping our way through the trauma, processing our views on Hell, and reclaiming our self-worth from a system that tried to bury it.Why You Need to Listen: If you’ve ever felt the sting of religious legalism or the weight of a "modesty" lecture, this episode is your permission slip to laugh. We’re moving past the fear and embracing a life of grace, questioning, and genuine freedom. #ReligiousTrauma #IFB #Fundie #Deconstruction #PurityCulture #Exvangelical #CultRecovery #TraumaHealing #ModestyCulture #Fundamentalism #ChurchTrauma #Therapy #SpiritualDeconstruction Support the show

    1 hr

  6. Apr 28

    The Truth About "Rapture Practice": Paula Yost on Why You’re Still Stuck in Survival Mode

    **Is Your Nervous System Stuck in Survival Mode? | The Trauma of "Rapture Practice" & Purity Culture** Did you grow up "practicing" for the Rapture? Do you still feel a spike of panic when you can’t find your parents, or feel a deep-seated shame about your body that you just can't shake?  In this powerful episode of the **Un Holier Podcast**, we sit down with mental health professional Paula Yost to deconstruct the hidden scars left by evangelical and charismatic Christian environments. We’re diving deep into the science of **Religious Trauma Syndrome** and why your "anxiety" might actually be a physiological response to years of fear-based teaching. ### **In This Episode, We Discuss:** * **The "Rapture Practice" Phenomenon:** How being told you could be "left behind" at any moment floods a child's brain with cortisol, rewiring the nervous system for chronic anxiety. * **The Dark Side of Purity Culture:** Why tying a person's worth to sexual "purity" destroys autonomy, ruins consent, and creates long-term sexual dysfunction. * **The Cortisol Connection:** Paula breaks down the clinical impact of fear-based theology on the developing brain—leading to lifelong struggles with rumination and depression. * **Church Hypocrisy & Power Abuse:** Identifying the patterns of boundary violations and the systemic harm done to the LGBTQ+ community, including the devastating reality of conversion therapy. * **The Road to Deconstruction:** How to reclaim your identity, set healthy boundaries, and find authentic support after leaving a high-control religious environment. **If you found this video helpful, please Like, Subscribe, and share your story in the comments. You are not alone, and healing is possible.** #religioustrauma  #deconstruction  #purityculture  #rapture  #mentalhealthmatters  #nervoussystemhealing  #UnHolierPodcast #churchtrauma   #Exvangelical Support the show

    59 min

  7. Apr 21

    Breaking the Cycle: From IFB Fundamentalism to Healing & Deconstruction: Jenny Smith Pt 3

    🚨 SHE’S FINALLY SPEAKING OUT. The system is broken, and Jenny has the receipts to prove it. In the explosive conclusion to our 3-part series, we’re pulling back the curtain on the family court nightmare that almost cost a mother everything. Think the courts always favor the mom? Think again. Jenny, David, and Ryan sit down for their most raw conversation yet, exposing what happens when an abusive narcissist turns a child into a weapon. From chilling coached voicemails to the terrifying reality of unsubstantiated CPS reports involving child pornography and weapons—this episode is a masterclass in survival against a master manipulator. ⚠️ WHAT WE’RE UNCOVERING: The "Weaponized" Toddler: The heartbreaking moment Jenny received a voicemail of her baby girl saying, "I hate you."The CPS Failure: How serious allegations against her ex fell through the cracks of a broken system.The Church’s Judgment: Why the pews felt colder as the legal battle heated up.The Step-Dad’s Role: How Ryan stepped into the line of fire to protect his family.20 Years Later: Where is her daughter now? The shocking realization that changed everything.This isn’t just a story about divorce; it’s about the financial ruin, psychological warfare, and the ultimate fight for a daughter’s soul. "They call it 'the best interest of the child,' but in practice, it felt like a ransom negotiation." #UnholierPodcast #FamilyCourt #NarcissisticAbuse #CoParentingHighConflict #CPSFailures #LegalAbuse #NarcissisticParent #Storytime #SystemicFailure #SurvivorStory #ParentalAlienation #TruthTold Support the show

    1h 16m

  8. Apr 14

    Breaking the Cycle: From IFB Fundamentalism to Healing & Deconstruction: Jenny Smith Pt 2

    In this moving in-person episode of the Unholier Podcast, guest host David Keck continues the conversation with Jenny Smith. In Part 2, Jenny explores the complex intersection of family life and the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church, reflecting on how the rigid expectations of the ministry influenced her father’s approach to parenting. Jenny shares deeply personal memories, including the painful moments where church doctrine took precedence over protection. From being held accountable for things beyond her control to discovering how her father managed her early relationships behind the scenes, she illustrates the intense pressure fundamentalism places on the family unit. In this episode, we cover: Faith & Fatherhood: How church culture and IFB doctrine influenced her upbringing.Control and Misogyny: The impact of labels like "Jezebel" and the weight of purity culture.The Cycle of Abuse: Connecting a fear-based upbringing to the realities of her first marriage.Choosing Freedom: The harrowing journey of leaving with her baby and navigating the aftermath of domestic violence.Healing & Parenting: How deconstruction has allowed Jenny to break generational cycles and find a new perspective on God.Jenny’s story is a powerful look at the struggle to reclaim one's identity while navigating the shadows of a high-control religious environment. Subscribe to the Unholier Podcast for more stories of resilience, deconstruction, and finding hope after trauma. #UNHolierPodcast #ReligiousTrauma #IFB #Fundie #Deconstruction #SpiritualAbuse #DomesticViolence #NarcissisticAbuse #Exvangelical #PurityCulture #ArrangedMarriage #ChurchHurt #TraumaRecovery #SurvivingISH #JennySmith Support the show

    1h 45m
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Unholier Than Thou is a podcast for people who are done blindly believing. We challenge religion, question cultural norms, and dismantle the belief systems that shape, and often control, how people think.  This isn't surface-level conversation. This is deconstruction, disruption, and uncomfortable truth. From cult dynamics and religious conditioning to taboo societal issues, we go where most people won't.  If you're ready to think for yourself instead of being told what to think -  Welcome to the conversations you weren't supposed to have. #exvangelical #deconstruction #religioustrauma #SpiritualAbuse  #FaithDeconstruction  #MentalHealthMatters  #CrimeAndConsequences

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Smith, Surviving Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Un-holier Than Thou Podcast
  • Show Website
    Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

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