Religious Trauma Syndrome affects up to 33% of U.S. adults — and most people have never heard of it.

Stephen sits down in-studio with his friend Joe, an ex-member of the LDS Mormon Church, for an honest conversation about what religious trauma actually looks like from the inside. Stephen, who left Christianity himself, recently learned about RTS from his own therapist and brings AI-assisted research to the table. Joe shares what it was like growing up LDS — worthiness interviews, mission pressure, tithing — and the moment his own son's approaching adolescence forced him to re-examine everything.

Together they cover the clinical research behind RTS (coined by Dr. Marlene Winell in 2011), the psychological toll of leaving high-demand religions, and a deeply personal story of loss that underscores why this conversation matters. The second half turns toward healing: evidence-based therapies, self-care strategies, and how to rebuild community after walking away from faith.

Content warning: Religious trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide, and faith crisis are discussed.

Topics covered:

- What Religious Trauma Syndrome is and why it's not yet in the DSM-5

- RTS prevalence: 27–33% of U.S. adults affected

- Growing up LDS vs. growing up Christian — two paths, shared patterns

- Bishop interviews, mission pressure, tithing, and the eternal family doctrine

- LGBTQ+ experiences with religious trauma

- Evidence-based treatment: CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy, group therapy

- Self-care strategies and rebuilding community after leaving

- The ex-Mormon community — benefits and pitfalls

- Five key takeaways for anyone processing religious trauma

Crisis resources:

- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

- LGBTQ National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564

Specialized support:

- Religious Trauma Institute — https://www.religioustraumainstitute.com/

- Recovering from Religion — https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

- Reclamation Collective — https://www.reclamationcollective.com/

- Secular Therapy Project — https://www.seculartherapy.org/

Connect with Just Some Podcast:

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Full citations and show notes: https://rss.com/podcasts/just-some-podcast/