Some big life changes are on the horizon, and Amanda and Kyle share a bit about their next steps as a family. They also dive into listener questions, discussing the most effective therapy approaches Amanda has found, how the cult handled cases of incest, and its stance on queer folks. It’s a raw and thought-provoking conversation—one you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode, we sit down with Nate, an IBLP/ATI cult survivor and trauma survivor, to unpack the deeply ingrained conditioning we experienced growing up in the cult. From childhood grooming and the loss of personal identity to the twisted teachings that framed God’s love as something to be earned, we explore the ways the cult set us up for harm. Nate shares his personal journey of launching into adulthood without the tools to navigate the real world, the challenges of healing from childhood and religious trauma, and his experiences as a man seeking therapy. We also discuss what it means to reclaim agency, identity, and self-worth after years of being treated as a prop in someone else's narrative. Was it “worth it all” as IBLP promised? Listen and find out.

Adult Children of Alcoholics®& Dysfunctional Families

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When we think about keeping kids safe from predators, we often imagine dangers lurking in the shadows—but the reality is much harder to face. Most abuse is committed by people close to the family, making prevention both challenging and deeply personal. In this episode, Amanda shares practical, real-world strategies for protecting kids from sexual predators, setting clear boundaries, and creating open lines of communication that empower children to speak up.

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In this episode, Amanda and Kyle tackle listener questions surrounding the impact of purity culture and sexual trauma. They dive into Sadia’s poignant voicemail, discussing how rigid purity culture affects perspectives on sex and consent, and dissect the harmful black-and-white thinking that can follow. Amanda shares personal insights into breaking free from self-blame and replacing toxic family voices in your head with healing ones. They also respond to a touching message from Naomi, a fellow IBLP survivor, highlighting the importance of self-love and the complexities of family rejection. Additionally, they offer practical advice for listeners like Erica, who are navigating through their past and seeking ways to get involved in advocacy and support. This episode is a heartfelt and educational conversation that you don’t want to miss, especially if you are interested in topics like abuse recovery, psychological healing, and community support.

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What happens when you escape a world built on control, fear, and secrecy? How do you begin to heal after a life of indoctrination? This week, we're joined by Daniella Mestyanek Young, author, TEDx speaker, and cult survivor, to dive deep into the harrowing and inspiring journey of leaving a cult—and finding yourself on the other side.

Daniella's website: https://uncultureyourself.com/

Buy Daniella's book: https://uncultureyourself.com/pages/book

Instagram: @daniellamyoung_

Facebook: @Daniella Mestyanek Young_Author

YouTube: @KnittingCultLady

X: @daniellamyoung

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In this episode, Amanda and Kyle are joined by Marian, a sexual health and pleasure educator, for a powerful conversation about breaking cycles of shame and stigma. Marian shares her positive experience growing up in a family where vulnerability, honesty, and support were the norm when it came to tough topics like sex.

Together, they explore the stark contrast between Marian’s upbringing and Amanda’s experience in the oppressive purity culture of the cult. They dive into what it means to pass down healing, not shame, to the next generation and how parents can foster openness and healthy communication about sexuality.

They also tackle a listener question about how to talk to kids and teens about sex in an approachable and affirming way, offering practical advice for creating safe spaces for these important conversations.

Plus, Amanda and Kyle share details about some exciting upcoming episodes, including the incredible guests and thought-provoking topics you won’t want to miss. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in promoting sexual health, breaking generational cycles, and embracing honest, healing conversations.

Resources:

https://thepleasureproject.org/the-pleasure-principles/

https://parentandteen.com/resources-about-sex/

https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth-parent-resources/conversation-tips/index.html

https://parentandteen.com/help-parents-talk-comfortably-about-sex/

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Amanda and Kyle reflect on an incredible year of connection and growth and share their heartfelt gratitude for the listeners who’ve supported the show. From messages and comments to thoughtful questions, your voices have made this journey meaningful. Amanda and Kyle also drop some news about exciting episodes coming in January to kick off the new year! As the holiday season approaches, Amanda shares a gentle reminder to prioritize emotional safety, mental health, and self-compassion. The podcast will take a short two-week break, but Amanda and Kyle can’t wait to return in January, refreshed and ready for what’s next. Thanks for being part of this community, and happy holidays!

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Amanda shares a pivotal moment from her childhood: being made to apologize to the person who raped her. She and Kyle discuss the circumstances that led to this event, the family and cult factors at play, and how the experience continues to affect Amanda today. Together, they explore the long-term implications of spiritual manipulation and abuse.

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