Send us Fan Mail Being told you are loved by God, but only if you become someone else, creates a special kind of loneliness. We slow down with that tension and ask a harder question: what does unconditional love actually mean when religion has been the source of shame, rejection, or fear? We’re joined by Fenix Shepard, author of Loved Unconditionally, a spiritual memoir of trauma, addiction, recovery, and finding God beyond religion. Fenix talks about the common misconception she sees in clients and communities: that divine love is earned through compliance and “being acceptable.” We unpack how that belief harms LGBTQ people, divorced people, and anyone who has been pushed out by a condemning church culture. We also get specific about the emotional pattern that often follows religious trauma: shame, guilt, resentment, and pain that can turn into isolation, bitterness, and self-destruction. Fenix shares her own story of being outed as a young teen, the impact of cruel words at home, two suicide attempts, and years of homelessness, addiction, and repeated trauma. From there, we turn toward recovery and spiritual healing, including therapy, workshops, hypnotherapy, neuroscience-informed techniques for easing anxiety, and the daily practice of prayer and gratitude. If you’re searching for faith after church hurt, trauma-informed spirituality, addiction recovery, or a path back to self-love, this conversation offers language and hope without pretending the pain was small. If this resonates, subscribe to Mind Meets Machine, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more listeners can find stories like Fenix’s. What’s one belief you’re ready to release so you can breathe again? Support the show Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? 👉 DM me on PodMatch 💬 Want to come on the show? Be a Guest 🌐 Explore the full network | 📨 Newsletter | 👥 LinkedIn Community This isn't self-help. It's self-honesty. 💼 Sponsor Our Show | 🎬 Check Our Services 📌 Disclaimer This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Guest views are personal and do not represent the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify or endorse guest statements. Nothing here is medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional. Engage critically. Third-party content referenced under fair use. Guests are responsible for their own statements. Concerns? Contact us | Full disclaimer. By listening, you accept this disclaimer in full.
