Shows
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell#71 Alexis Arralynn: Escaping a Doomsday Cult, Attempted Kidnapping, & Rebuilding In Hiding Alexis Arralynn was born into a fundamentalist Christian doomsday cult. She was groomed and abused throughout her childhood, manipulated by her mother, father, and eventual husband, and only escaped the life after an attempted kidnapping of her children in her thirties. It’s a harrowing tale filled with self-discovery and reinvention. She’s also an entrepreneur and podcaster. You can find Alexis’ podcast here: https://wtbbpod.buzzsprout.com/Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path...
2026-02-091h 22
When the Bough BreaksDreams: When you are safeIn This Episode, We Cover:What PTSD nightmares really are (and what they are not)Why nightmares are repetitive, immersive, and fully sensoryHow the nervous system uses dreams as survival drillsThe physical and cognitive toll of years of disrupted sleepWhy nightmares don’t fade—they end when danger endsHow going no-contact and leaving abusive systems changes the brainWhat happens to dreams once safety becomes realWhy memory blocks and “closed doors” are signs of intelligence, not failureThe difference between curiosity and readiness in healingWhy lucid dreaming is not an entry point for PTSD recoveryKey Takeaway...
2026-02-0221 min
When the Bough BreaksCPTSD: The Ultimate Time-loop (and the ship that keeps exploding.)CPTSD: The Ultimate Time Loop (and the Starship That Keeps Exploding)Living with complex trauma can feel like being trapped in a time loop. Not a memory—but many of them. All active. All urgent. All happening now.In this solo episode, Alexis explores CPTSD through an unexpected but painfully accurate lens: a classic Star Trek: The Next Generation episode where the Enterprise keeps exploding—over and over—while the crew senses something is wrong long before they consciously remember why.CPTSD isn’t about be...
2026-01-0118 min
When the Bough BreaksForgiveness: Who,what,when,where and why?Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood—and most weaponized—concepts trauma survivors are taught to accept without question.In this solo episode of When the Bough Breaks, Alexis dismantles forgiveness from every angle:the dictionary definition, the religious mandate, the mainstream self-help narrative, and what forgiveness actually looks like when you’ve survived abuse, neglect, estrangement, or long-term harm.If you’ve ever been told you can’t heal until you forgive, this e...
2026-01-0112 min
Interrupted: Act 2 Reinventing Your Legacy141|Finding Joy Again: The Courage to Walk Away & Start Over with Alexis ArralynnIn this deeply honest episode Laurie sits down with Alexis, host of When the Bough Breaks, for a vulnerable conversation about breaking free from high-control religion, surviving a narcissistic family system, and learning to rebuild a life from the inside out.
Alexis shares what it was really like to leave a cult, walk away from family, and step into therapy for the first time after years of fear, guilt, and conditioning. Together, we talk about the lifelong impact of narcissistic parents, why adult children of narcissists often feel like they’re “always in trouble,” and the courage it tak...
2026-01-0144 min
When the Bough Breaks"Don't Tell Anyone..." Some families don’t just keep secrets—they assign children the responsibility of protecting them. In this episode of our series Healing for the Holidays, Alexis explores the often-unnamed role of the dark secret keeper in narcissistic households: the child who is expected to know what happened, never speak about it, never grieve it, and carry it quietly into adulthood. Through personal storytelling and trauma-informed insight, this episode examines how coerced silence, forced proximity, and religious justification compound harm—and what it takes to reclaim your voice when silence was once required for survival. This is a survivor-c...
2025-12-2917 min
When the Bough BreaksWhen Grief Becomes a WeaponWhen Grief Becomes a WeaponChances are, you’ve probably lived this every holiday—just never had a name for it. In this cheeky solo episode, Alexis breaks down annual family trauma rituals, how to spot them in real time, and how to cope. Stay tuned. Part of our Healing for the Holidays series#grief #depression #healing #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #familyestrangement #trauma #ptsd #estrangement #narcissisticabuse #loss #bereavement #copingwithloss #christmas Send us a textSupport the show
2025-12-2523 min
When the Bough BreaksGrief/Depression? Which is it?Grief and depression are often treated as the same thing—but they’re not. And confusing the two can leave people feeling broken, misdiagnosed, or deeply misunderstood.In this special Christmas Eve “Healing for the Holidays” episode of When the Bough Breaks, Alexis explores the nuanced differences between grief and depression, where they overlap, and why so many people struggle to name what they’re actually experiencing. Through lived insight and grounded reflection, this episode dismantles the pressure to “heal on a timeline” and challenges the idea that ongoing grief is a personal failure....
2025-12-2516 minWhen the Bough BreaksNew Beginnings: When the Bough Breaks Podcast Moves to Bell Fair Media ProductionsSend us a textWhat if we told you that a podcast makeover is in the works, and it's more exciting than ever? After countless hours of planning, the When the Bough Breaks podcast is not only getting a facelift but also relocating to the vibrant BellFaire Media in beautiful Bellingham, Washington! We are thrilled to share this electrifying news with you, as we believe this move marks a new era filled with endless opportunities and enhancements in our storytelling journey.We’re buzzing with excitement as we prepare to deliver ev...
2024-12-2700 min
When the Bough BreaksChildhood Trauma: The Gateway DrugOn this episode of When the Bough Breaks Podcast, we get a very special visit from the doc himself, Dr. Robb Kelly (As seen on TV!) But he didn't get his double PHD until after struggling with his own addiction which led to his estrangement. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse ,you don't want to miss this episode. Send us a textSupport the show
2024-11-0333 min
When the Bough BreaksJust Another Cult KidSpecial guest Eli Honeycutt of OdysseyLifeAdventures shares his experience growing up Jehovah's Witness while coming to terms with his sexuality and the estrangement following his separation from the cult.Send us a textSupport the show
2024-10-2733 min
When the Bough BreaksThe God BarriersCoach, author and speaker Janice Selbie shares her experience of divorcing her religion and the family estrangement that soon followed. https://www.divorcing-religion.com/https://www.shamelesssexuality.org/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhyTXTIM9kdTJ1jW-Ckb5g People can write to Janice at Janice@divorcing-religion.com Her book entitled Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP78TZZFBIO Janice Selbie grew up in a Pentecostal family. While at Bible college, she took a deep dive down the fundamentalist rabbit hole and...
2024-10-1428 min
Recovering From ReligionE112: California Raisin': Growing Up Fundamentalist and Leaving It All Behind w/ Alexis ArralynnGrowing up in fundamentalist religious households, the trauma that children experience due to the belief systems of their parents can last a lifetime and be very difficult to work through. Alexis will talk about how she got herself out of the fundamentalist belief system and the path she took to discovering her own identity. She will provide helpful tips on reflecting back upon the past, working through identity crises, finding your own parenting style, and dealing with estranged relationships.
Alexis is a former Pentacostal and present day author of a podcast which focuses on family estrangement called “Wh...
2021-11-121h 44
The DC Incentives PodcastDC Incentives Podcast Ep. 24 With Alexis ArralynnIn the introduction we expose the ingredients ammonium sulfate and BHT/BHA
Alexis Arralynn shares her story about her past. She give advice about how coping with Trauma and ptsd. She shares her story how she had trauma and how she overcome it. Alexis gives advice and things such as Home organization was her peace. Stay tuned!
Following topics
- mental health
- Faith
- Home organization
- Express
- Counseling
- Coping
- Meditation
- Making life better
- Mistakes
- Self improvement
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diamond-cash/support
2021-05-071h 48When the Bough Breaksthings will get DiFFeReNTThough our guest Alexander Desmerais suffered the most vile of childhood traumas, and continues to be estranged from any meaningful family bonds, he has developed a productive approach to life that should serve as an example to all of us. He reminds us that no matter how terrible an experience, it is temporary. He goes on to teach us that trauma is as impermanent as we’re willing to do the work to make it....Alexander Desmarais is an undergraduate student working to become a counselor. ...Canadian res...
2021-02-211h 17
When the Bough BreaksIF I Could Turn Back TimeSometimes the caterpillar blossoms into a butterfly, only for circumstances to remind her that her wings came too late. Kreed Revere shares the story of how estrangement from her daughters forced her to embark on a courageous journey of transformation. Sadly, she’s learning that some damage can’t be undone by doing everything differently. Still, she remains hopeful that the sincerity of her approach will open the door to healing of her strained family relationships.Books:When Parents HurtFault Lines#PTSD #estrangement #trauma #ReconnectionClub #drkarlpillemerht...
2021-01-311h 05
When the Bough BreaksBlock. Block. Block.When the Bough Breaks Podcast welcomes the one and only Seth Andrews When Seth isn't busy being just a normal good looking guy with great voice, beautiful family and cute dogs, Seth is a podcaster, author and host of The Thinking Atheist Podcast. Seth guests on WTBB to open up about his estrangement experience surrounding his family's faith and offers encouraging words to our hosts and listeners. To learn more about Seth, just click the following links! We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we had the pleasure of producing it.
2021-01-081h 07
When the Bough BreaksSpecial: LIVE Holiday Hot Cocoa EditionListen to Turn up the AC's "Christmas Gifts" episode
www.acfischerpod.com
Grow Your Own Candy Canes Pin
https://www.pinterest.com/aarralynn/wtbb-holiday/
Watch the original, unedited LIVE Hot Cocoa Video edition
https://fb.watch/2jD6TDfN8c/
2021-01-0542 minWhen the Bough BreaksA Starr is BornPeople organizer and podcaster Starr Mallory guests this episode. Listen as she shares with host AC Fischer how a tragic accident shaped and molded the person she is today. Starr also shares her experience with family estrangement and personal growth.
Echoes of Resilience Podcast https://anchor.fm/starr-mallory
2021-01-0546 minWhen the Bough BreaksDying Out LoudSpecial guest Dave Warnock of “Dying out Loud” shares his story of de-conversion, estrangement and his fatal ALS diagnosis. Dave shares with us the importance of living our best life even while estranged and living with a debilitating and fatal disease.
You can learn more about Dave by clicking the link below.
www.daveoutloud.com
Other resources
https://clergyproject.org
https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org
2021-01-051h 10When the Bough BreaksCPS: Once, twice, thrice.After her father unjustifiably called CPS on her... THREE TIMES, Briar shares with us how to cope as well as thrive after estrangement. Briar also shares her view on forgiveness and how it had led to a thriving life helping others cope with similar trauma and loss.
If you would like more information about this guest, please click the link below or send us and email at wtbbpodcast@gmail.com
http://www.briarharvey.com
2021-01-0548 minWhen the Bough BreaksIt's a Dog's LifeU.S. Army Veteran, Dog Trainer, Author, and Tedx speaker Ryan Matthews shares his unique story. To learn more about Ryan, please visit his website www.worldofdogtraining.com
Would you like to be a guest on WTBB? Send us an email at wtbbpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wtbbpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boughwhen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtbbpodcast/
2021-01-0539 minWhen the Bough BreaksIt's ComplicatedInspirational speaker, activist, philosopher, writer, and producer AC Fischer joins Alexis to bring everyone up to date on his estrangement story. AC is host of Turn Up The AC, occasional host of WTBB, and former co-host of The Missionary Position. To hear his show, visit www.acfischerpod.com
Remember to like, follow, and share on social media! To support the show, please leave a positive review wherever you listen to this podcast.
Thank you for listening!
2021-01-0550 min
When the Bough BreaksBetween A Rock And A Hard PlaceBetween a Rock and a Hard Place- An inspirational story of faith and survival, speaker/author Joe Potosi gives a graphic and raw account of his childhood abuse and abandonment experiences. Joe shares a peek into his book, "When the Dust Settled" which is a more detailed account of Joe's experiences. Take a deep breath as [...]
2021-01-0558 minWhen the Bough Breaks3 Weddings And A Funeral3 Weddings and a Funeral- Are 3 weddings and a funeral too much for one family? Is it possible to have a healthy relationship with a narcissistic parent? Can the family be mended in time before Curtis makes Becca his wife? Guest Curtis Blackthorne makes and urgent and time sensitive call to the show.
2021-01-051h 24When the Bough BreaksOut By SevenJason Moore from Missionary Position Podcast, Missions Studios, and PodVerse podcast shares his unique story of two estrangements, being homeless as a child, and coming full circle.
2021-01-0552 minWhen the Bough BreaksLexi's Can Of Worms Part 1Lexi's Can of Worms Part 1- In this episode, Lexi, the show's own host, opens up about her own story of estrangement. Part 1 focuses on her childhood trauma and the effects of having one or more family members diagnosed with mental illness. AC Bergen guest-hosts this series of episodes.
2021-01-051h 11When the Bough BreaksDown The Rabbit HoleDown the Rabbit Hole-Author, artist and speaker, Tracey Maxfield discusses her book, "Down the Rabbit Hole", her personal experience with suicide, depression, and PTSD due to bullying in the workplace. Tracey Maxfieldhttps://traceymaxfield.com/
2021-01-051h 03When the Bough BreaksLexi's Can Of Worms Part 2Refill your box of tissues as Lexi continues her history of events proceeding her initial estrangement. Series continues with guest-host A.C. Bergen.
2021-01-051h 022021-01-051h 012021-01-051h 252021-01-0555 min
When the Bough BreaksSpecial: LIVE Holiday Hot Cocoa EditionAlthough AC is no longer on the show, you can still listen to Turn up the AC's "Christmas Gifts" episodewww.acfisherpod.comGrow Your Own Candy Canes Pinhttps://www.pinterest.com/aarralynn/wtbb-holiday/Watch our LIVE Hot Cocoa Video edition on our youtube channel and subscribe! https://youtu.be/o5MJ_KvoPrs?feature=sharedhttps://buymeacoffee.com/wtbbpodSend us a textSupport the show
2020-12-1142 minWhen the Bough BreaksA Starr is BornPeople organizer and podcaster Starr Mallory guests this episode. Listen as she shares with guest-host AC Bergen how a tragic accident shaped and molded the person she is today. Starr also shares her experience with family estrangement and personal growth. Echoes of Resilience Podcast https://anchor.fm/starr-malloryhttps://buymeacoffee.com/wtbbpodSend us a textSupport the show
2020-11-0746 min
Speaking of CultsSurviving the Pentecostal Movement ft. Alexis Arralynne
This week I am joined by former Pentecostal Alexis Arralynn to talk about estrangement from her family, and cult beliefs and practices she was exposed to as a child which forever altered her world view and ability to survive. We discuss our mutual difficulties growing up in a cult environment and get into why we believe religious indoctrination and child rearing do not go well together. Enjoy!
When the Bough Breaks podcast
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #254: Surviving the Pentecostal Movement ft. Alexis Arralynne appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
2020-07-111h 43
Turn Up The ACA Knock At The DoorYou never know what will happen when you surprise someone by knocking on their door - especially after years of no contact.
Special thanks to Missions Studio ( http://www.missionsstudio.com ) and Alexis Arralynn
Be sure to check out Jason Moore's PodVerse ( http://www.pod-verse.com ) podcast, and Alexis Arralynn's When The Bough Breaks ( http://www.wtbbpod.com ) podcast
If you'd like to record your own episode of Turn Up The AC, send me an email to find out how acfischerpod@gmail.com
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turn-up-the-ac/donations
2020-06-1202 minTurn Up The ACA Knock At The DoorYou never know what will happen when you surprise someone by knocking on their door - especially after years of no contact.
Special thanks to Missions Studio ( http://www.missionsstudio.com ) and Alexis Arralynn
Be sure to check out Jason Moore's PodVerse ( http://www.pod-verse.com ) podcast, and Alexis Arralynn's When The Bough Breaks ( http://www.wtbbpod.com ) podcast
If you'd like to record your own episode of Turn Up The AC, send me an email to find out how acfischerpod@gmail.com
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turn-up-the-ac/donations
2020-06-1200 min
Turn Up The ACI Love YouThis week, AC shares a personal message that's directed at you. Yes you!
Special thanks to Missions Studio ( http://www.missionsstudio.com ) and Alexis Arralynn
Be sure to check out Jason Moore's PodVerse ( http://www.pod-verse.com ) podcast, and Alexis Arralynn's When The Bough Breaks ( http://www.wtbbpod.com ) podcast
If you'd like to record your own episode of Turn Up The AC, send me an email to find out how acfischerpod@gmail.com
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turn-up-the-ac/donations
2020-06-0801 minTurn Up The ACI Love YouThis week, AC shares a personal message that's directed at you. Yes you!
Special thanks to Missions Studio ( http://www.missionsstudio.com ) and Alexis Arralynn
Be sure to check out Jason Moore's PodVerse ( http://www.pod-verse.com ) podcast, and Alexis Arralynn's When The Bough Breaks ( http://www.wtbbpod.com ) podcast
If you'd like to record your own episode of Turn Up The AC, send me an email to find out how acfischerpod@gmail.com
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turn-up-the-ac/donations
2020-06-0800 minWhen the Bough BreaksDying Out LoudSpecial guest Dave Warnock of “Dying out Loud” shares his story of de-conversion, estrangement and his fatal ALS diagnosis. Dave shares with us the importance of living our best life even while estranged and living with a debilitating and fatal disease. You can learn more about Dave by clicking the link below. www.daveoutloud.comOther resourceshttps://clergyproject.orghttps://www.recoveringfromreligion.orghttps://buymeacoffee.com/wtbbpodSend us a textSupport the show
2020-06-041h 10When the Bough BreaksCPS: Once, twice, thrice. After her father unjustifiably called CPS on her... THREE TIMES, Briar shares with us how to cope as well as thrive after estrangement. Briar also shares her view on forgiveness and how it had led to a thriving life helping others cope with similar trauma and loss. If you would like more information about this guest, please click the link below or send us and email at wtbbpodcast@gmail.comhttp://www.briarharvey.comhttps://buymeacoffee.com/wtbbpodSend us a textSupport the show
2020-05-2748 minWhen the Bough BreaksIt's a Dog's LifeU.S. Army Veteran, Dog Trainer, Author, and Tedx speaker Ryan Matthews shares his unique story. To learn more about Ryan, please visit his website www.worldofdogtraining.comWould you like to be a guest on WTBB? Send us an email at wtbbpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wtbbpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/boughwhenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtbbpodcast/
2020-05-1639 min
The Point of Difference (with Son and Luke)Episode 5 | St Kilda Hall-of-Famer Stephen Milne0:00 - A Skinny Kid from Hampton Park
3:20 - The Rookie List (from the perspective of an ex-rookie)
4:25 - Playing Under Nick Riewoldt
6:25 - 'Off-Field' Heroes
8:30 - The 'Tip-Rat' Tag
9:45 - Most Difficult Opponents
11:00 - Worst Sledges
11:55 - Milne's 'Goal of the Century' in 2010
13:50 - Ross Lyon
16:10 - Winning a VAFA Premiership
Why not donate to Headspace through our Push-up Challenge? https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/team/10868-point-of-difference
2020-05-1617 minWhen the Bough BreaksIt's Complicated AC joins Alexis to bring everyone up to date on his estrangement story. Remember to like, follow, and share on social media! To support the show, please leave a positive review wherever you listen to this podcast.Thank you for listening!https://buymeacoffee.com/wtbbpodSend us a textSupport the show
2020-04-0350 minWhen the Bough BreaksOut By SevenJason Moore from Missionary Position Podcast, Missions Studios, and PodVerse podcast shares his unique story of two estrangements, being homeless as a child, and coming full circle. To learn more about Jason, visit www.pod-verse.comClick here to be a guest https://calendly.com/aarralynnSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wtbbpod)
2020-03-2452 min
Turn Up The ACWhere Is My Shade?This episode is a guest submission from Alexis Arralynn, host of the When The Bough Breaks podcast. To hear her show, visit www.wtbbpod.com ( http://www.wtbbpod.com )
Special thanks to Missions Studios.
If you'd like to share your thoughts, send me an email acfischerpod@gmail.com
Support the show ( https://www.patreon.com/acpodcast ) (https://www.patreon.com/acpodcast)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turn-up-the-ac/donations
2020-02-0302 minTurn Up The ACWhere Is My Shade?This episode is a guest submission from Alexis Arralynn, host of the When The Bough Breaks podcast. To hear her show, visit www.wtbbpod.com ( http://www.wtbbpod.com )
Special thanks to Missions Studios.
If you'd like to share your thoughts, send me an email acfischerpod@gmail.com
Support the show ( https://www.patreon.com/acpodcast ) (https://www.patreon.com/acpodcast)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turn-up-the-ac/donations
2020-02-0300 min