What happens when you're raised in a cult-like environment… and the God you were taught to fear becomes the force that sets your free?
In this episode, Brittany sits down with Jenny Smith to unpack an unbelievable yet deeply human story of religious trauma, coercive control, an arranged marriage, domestic abuse, and the long, complicated road to leaving when "just walking away" isn't an option.
Jenny shares what it was like growing up with weaponized faith and being conditioned to obey authority without question where rules are backed by threats. She opens up about how abuse was justified as obedience and how grace showed up in unexpected ways even when she felt like she was running as far from God as possible.
This episode is raw, honest, and heavy at times, but it's also deeply hopeful. It's a reminder that survival isn't weakness, that leaving doesn't always look dramatic, and that sometimes the moments you feel furthest from God are the moments He's working hardest behind the scenes.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of religious trauma, cult dynamics, emotional and physical abuse, coercive control, domestic violence, and sexual trauma. Listener discretion advised.
If you've ever struggled with faith after trauma, questioned why someone stayed, or wondered whether healing is possible after control — this conversation is for you.
Resources:
https://survivorsunrestrained.org/
Jenny's Info:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unholier_pod
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/un-holier-podcast/id1800066919
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholier_podcast/
Brittany's Info:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mightgetloudpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyracine_/
