Unburdened

In this first episode of Season 2 of Unburdened, Trevor Little welcomes his new co-host, Ryan Schuck. Ryan shares his journey of growing up in a conservative Christian home, immersing himself in scripture, and pursuing ministry. From wrestling with theological questions like free will to facing the pressure of doing “something great for God,” his story through Bible college and beyond reveals the weight of spiritual expectations and the cracks that emerge when certainty can’t be found.Now stepping into the role of co-host, Ryan reflects openly on this first chapter of his path toward authenticity and healing after spiritual trauma. This is part one of his story, with more to come in the next episode.We discussed:Growing up in a conservative, homeschooled Christian familyEarly passion for scripture and theological studyWrestling with questions of free will and God’s planDisillusionment with Bible college and ministry trainingThe pressure to do “something great for God”How friendship and community shaped his questioning yearsBeginning the journey toward authenticity and healingLearn more about Unburdened Podcast:Website: https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast

In this episode of Unburdened, Trevor and Carey welcome Jim Larkin, a former minister who shares his journey of spiritual transformation. Growing up in a deeply religious family, Jim followed a conformist path, eventually entering ministry despite lingering questions about his faith. A pivotal moment during his ministry led him to reflect on his beliefs and step away from the church, finding a new spiritual expression through Kabbalah and interfaith work.Now a life coach, Jim helps others navigate transitions and heal from spiritual wounds, offering insights into reclaiming personal authenticity and spirituality. He also leads programs like Healing Your Spiritual Wounds, creating safe spaces for individuals to explore and redefine their spiritual paths. We discussed: The pressure and expectations of being a minister’s child. Struggles with indecisiveness and people-pleasing.The impact of leaving organized religion on personal identity.  Rediscovering spirituality outside traditional frameworks. Balancing personal desires with community expectations.Learn more about Jim Larkin at:Website:  https://jimlarkin.today/ Program: https://jimlarkin.today/the-hysw-journey/ Learn more about the Unburdened podcast: Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

Our conversation with Jillian Houghton, licensed psychotherapist, spiritual/intuition recovery coach, religious trauma consultant, and undue influence educator.In this episode of Unburdened, we welcome Jillian Houghton, a licensed trauma therapist who specializes in religious trauma. Jillian shares her personal journey of healing and faith deconstruction, including experiences with a high-control religious environment. She discusses the complexities of balancing her clinical work with her personal healing, especially around issues of identity and acceptance.They delve into the role of love and fear in navigating personal beliefs and boundaries, as well as her path toward self-acceptance and reconciling family dynamics. Finally, Jillian shares about her coaching practice, dedicated to guiding others in building a self-aligned life after deconstruction.We discussed: Jillian’s eye-opening journey of realizing her involvement in a religious cult and the mental toll of that environment.  How some religious teachings can instill a pervasive sense of personal inadequacy or “badness” that clients bring into therapy. The challenges of reconciling her sexuality with religious teachings and her journey toward acceptance. Emotional complexity of setting boundaries with family members who maintain strict religious beliefs. How Jillian’s clinical techniques help clients reframe damaging beliefs and rediscover self-worth outside of rigid religious systems. Learn more about Jillian Houghton at:Website: https://www.jillianhoughton.com/ Learn more about the Unburdened podcast: Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

Hey friends it’s Trevor,I hope you enjoyed the first season of Unburdened. Carey and I are excited about doing a second season, but in the meantime, I wanted to invite you to something a little more intimate. On October 21st, I’ll be leading our first Unburdening group. Are you experiencing a faith transition, or have you stepped away from a high-control religious environment?Perhaps you’re feeling adrift without the familiar structure and support your faith once provided, or you’re grappling with the emotional scars of religious trauma. Maybe you’ve been on this journey for a while but are still unpacking the complex emotions that continue to surface. Or you might still be part of your religious community, but certain beliefs or practices no longer feel aligned with your values, and you’re seeking a space where you can reflect without fear of judgment.If any of this resonates, this group is here for you. Over eight weeks, you’ll join a supportive cohort of 8-12 people who are walking a similar path. Each week, I'll will guide discussions and offer tools to help you heal, grow, and navigate this challenging season of life. This is a place where you can share your story, learn from others, and discover a hopeful path forward.Spots are limited so head over to https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com/faith-transition-support-group today to register. I look forward to seeing you there.

In this episode, we are joined by Susan Rogers, who transitioned from a nine-year career as an occupational therapist to founding and pastoring The Well at Springfield, a diverse faith community in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the past 13 years, The Well has become a home for individuals from various faith backgrounds, including agnostics and atheists, united by their curiosity, storytelling, and shared effort to practice the way of Jesus. Susan shares her journey, insights on fostering inclusivity in faith communities, and the power of asking questions and telling stories.Susan also discussed how The Well prioritizes community and practical engagement over rigid doctrinal beliefs, fostering an inclusive environment for people from various faith backgrounds, including agnostics and atheists. She also discusses their innovative shift to holding gatherings at an outdoor community farm, reflecting their commitment to adaptability and inclusivity.We discussed: Harm caused by high-control faith communities and the need for authenticity and vulnerabilityPractical advice for individuals seeking a safe and inclusive faith communityThe Well's unique approach of focusing on practices rather than a set of beliefsChallenges of holding space for individuals who have experienced spiritual trauma and the responsibility of creating a safe and welcoming environmentLearn more about Susan Rogers at:Website: https://www.thewellatspringfield.org/Learn more about the Unburdened podcast: Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

On this episode of the Unburdened podcast, we have Mark Gregory Karris, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in San Diego, California. Dr. Karris specializes in religious trauma and couples therapy. He is also a bestselling author, known for his impactful books including The Diabolical Trinity: Healing Religious Trauma from a Wrathful God, Tormenting Hell, and Sinful Self.Dr. Karris shared his personal journey through religious trauma, beginning with his upbringing in a highly dysfunctional family and his subsequent immersion in a fundamentalist Pentecostal church. He recounted the intense fear and anxiety he experienced due to the church's teachings on hell, demons, and salvation, which significantly impacted his mental and emotional well-being.Mark explains the complexities of religious trauma and the power of self-compassion and experiential healing. By acknowledging the impact of harmful doctrines and seeking support, individuals can heal from religious trauma, overcome fear and anxiety, and find inner peace.We discussed: Experiencing fear, anxiety, and shame due to teachings about hell, wrathful God, and sinful self.How mindfulness, kindness, and common humanity can help develop self-compassion and heal from religious trauma.Creating compassionate figures or using personal connections to foster self-compassion.Understanding the inner critic's intentions and befriending it.Having funerals for internalized Others and reclaiming self-compassion and self-identity.Learn more about Dr. Mark Gregory Karris: Website: https://markgregorykarris.com/The Diabolical Trinity: Healing Religious Trauma from a Wrathful God, Tormenting Hell, and a Sinful Self: https://www.amazon.com/Diabolical-Trinity-Religious-Wrathful-Tormenting/dp/1948609886Learn more about the Unburdened podcast: Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened