Leo grew up Jehovah’s Witness in a home where abuse was happening and being ignored.
In this conversation, Leo speaks about what it means to survive when harm is known, authority goes unquestioned, and silence is treated as righteousness.
This episode explores:
How religious authority can shield abusers
What happens when elders “handle it internally”
Dissociation, lost memory, and trauma held in the body
EMDR therapy and what it means when healing brings truth back
This is not a discussion of belief or doctrine.
It’s an account of what happens when systems protect harm and the long, uneven work of surviving what was never acknowledged.
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Disclaimer:
The views and experiences shared on cult.ture are personal and based on the lived experiences of the hosts and guests. This podcast is not intended to attack or defame any individual or religious organization or provide therapy.
Our aim is to foster honest, empathetic conversations about high-control environments, belief systems, and personal journeys including the long road of healing, questioning, and reclaiming identity.
Please be advised that some episodes may contain content that touches on religious trauma, coercive control, emotional or physical abuse, or other potentially triggering topics. We strive to approach these conversations with care, but we acknowledge that certain themes may be difficult to hear.
Listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress related to these topics, we encourage seeking support from qualified mental health professionals, spiritual trauma-informed therapists, or trusted recovery communities.
You are not alone.
