Content Warning:

This episode contains discussions of adoption trauma, physical abuse, sexual assault, incest, pregnancy resulting from rape, religious trauma, and deconstruction. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In Episode 16, we sit down with George, a trans man who courageously shares his story of survival, identity, and religious deconstruction.

George recounts his experience of adoption, the abuse he endured within his family, and surviving rape by a sibling—an assault that resulted in a child. He speaks honestly about how Christianity and religious expectations were used to silence him, enforce shame, and deny safety, and how stepping away from those systems became essential to his survival and healing.

This is a deeply vulnerable conversation about trauma, truth-telling, gender identity, and what it means to reclaim your life when faith communities fail to protect the most vulnerable among them.

The Awakening is a space for religious trauma survivors to share their stories of how they survived, deconstructed, and began healing. We believe survivors. We name harm. We create room to breathe on the other side of faith.

🎶 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

This episode covers intense and traumatic experiences. Please take breaks as needed and prioritize your well-being. Support is valid. Rest is allowed. You are not alone.

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

How the Church Still Pushes People Away

This week on The Awakening Podcast, Tamara and I sit down with David, a gay man whose story challenges one of the church's greatest lies.

David grew up in a loving, affirming home, supported by his family and encouraged to be fully himself. And yet, the church still did profound damage. Through shame-based theology, subtle messaging, and spiritual pressure, David internalized harm that ultimately led him to deconstruct out of Christianity entirely.

Today, David identifies as an atheist, not because he lacked love or support growing up, but because the church could not offer him a God that felt safe, honest, or life-giving.

In this conversation, we talk about:

1. Why affirmation at home doesn’t cancel out church harm
2. How theology, not family, is often the deepest wound
3. What deconstruction looks like when belief no longer makes sense
4. The freedom — and grief — that can come with walking away

This episode is especially important for parents, allies, and anyone who believes the church is harmless if someone is “loved enough” elsewhere.

Follow, add, and subscribe so we can go live with you, hear your stories, and continue building a space rooted in honesty, healing, and accountability.

Heather

TikTok: @happyheather

Instagram: @happyheathersmiles

Tamara

TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321

Instagram: @tamarajo321

📺 YouTube

@TheAwakeningPodcast

📘 Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9xMvSeRw/

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at: theawakeningpod@gmail.com

Intro & Outro Music: “Your Poison” by Rox Knox

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

A Story of Adoption, Trauma, Faith, and Reclaiming Identity

This week on The Awakening Podcast, we sit down with Hal, who courageously shares his deeply personal and painful journey through adoption, loss, religious trauma, and self-discovery.

Hal was adopted from Russia and came to the United States at just 22 months old, where he was raised by his mom and dad. After the devastating loss of his mother to cancer, Hal went on to attend Clemson University. While there, he suffered a traumatic brain injury that altered the course of his life.

During his recovery, Hal found himself surrounded by a group of Pentecostals who attempted to cast demons out of him, interpreting medical trauma as spiritual failure. The harm deepened when his father told him he was going to hell for being gay, leaving Hal wrestling with shame, identity, and belonging.

Today, Hal identifies as spiritual and no longer associates with the God of the Bible, choosing instead a path focused on healing outside of the religious frameworks that caused him harm. Hal has chosen to remain private, and we deeply honor that choice.

This episode is raw, tender, and profoundly human — especially for those navigating:

1. Religious trauma
2. Parental rejection
3. Spiritual abuse
4. Identity after faith

You are not alone.

Follow, subscribe, and add us so we can go live with you, hear your stories, and continue building a community rooted in honesty, healing, and accountability.

Heather

TikTok: @happyheather

Instagram: @happyheathersmiles

Tamara

TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321

Instagram: @tamarajo321

📺 YouTube

@TheAwakeningPodcast-w6s

📘 Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9xMvSeRw/

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at: theawakeningpod@gmail.com

Intro & Outro Music: “Your Poison” by Rox Knox

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

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