65. Soulful Sexuality: Healing From Religious Trauma & Embracing Authenticity with Ann Russo

“Religious trauma hits differently — it shapes your entire worldview, your self-worth, even your nervous system.” — Ann Russo

In this powerful episode of Sex, Drugs, & Soul, Kristin sits down with sexuality and mental health expert Ann Russo to unravel the deep imprint of religious trauma, purity culture, and shame — and explore how to reclaim authentic, embodied sexuality.

Together, they talk about:

• What religious trauma actually is
• How shame gets stored in the body (even after your beliefs change)
• Purity culture, “good girl” conditioning & the suppression of desire
• Releasing inherited beliefs: Is this mine or generational?
• Exploring ethical non-monogamy, jealousy & communication
• BDSM, kink & why conscious power play can be deeply healing
• Pleasure as therapy, bodywork, & nervous system repair
• How to rebuild self-worth, authenticity & sexual freedom

Whether you grew up in the Bible Belt, purity culture, or learned to shrink and silence your sensuality... this conversation is a breath of rebellion, truth, and liberation.

If this episode resonated, please like, review, comment, or share. Your support helps get these healing conversations to the people who need them. 💛

#SexDrugsSoul #ReligiousTrauma #PurityCulture #SexualHealing #EmbodiedLiving

Connect with Ann:
IG: @annrussolcsw
Websites:
https://www.annrusso.org/
https://empathyfirm.com/ann-russo/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin:
Website
Instagram
YouTube

Kristin’s Best-Selling Book:
Sex, Drugs, & Soul (Amazon)
Spotify Audiobook

Subscribe to the Pod:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple

Peptides:
https://elliemd.com/kristinbirdwell

Microdose 🍄
https://myfeelium.co/
password: opensesame
Code: kristin20 for 20% off

WAANDS – 10% off pleasure goodies
Code: SEXDRUGSSOUL

Support the Pod:
Venmo: @hillbilly-healer
PayPal: @KristinBirdwellLLC
CashApp: $KristinBirdwell