The Awakening Podcast

About The Awakening Podcast

Join our Hosts, Heather and Tamara as they feature guests that have survived 'Religious Trauma' and the stories about that trauma and how they survived.

Publisher

Heather Foy

Category

education · religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Sept 2025

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

53 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Ministry was Expected, Authenticity Was Not.

   Content Note: This episode includes discussion of religious trauma, LGBTQIA+ religious harm, purity culture, failed relationships, and the loneliness of deconstruction. This week on The Awakening, Tamara and I sit down with Cain — and from the very first moment of this conversation, he shows up with a vulnerability and honesty that we don't take lightly. Cain grew up in a strict Christian home where the path was already laid out for him before he was old enough to choose it. Ministry wasn't a suggestion — it was an expectation. He tells us what it was like to carry that weight, to perform faith for the people around him, and to slowly begin to realize that the person he was being asked to become and the person he actually was were two very different people. He shares about failed relationships, the painful process of coming out as LGBTQIA+, and what it is like to do all of that inside a world that had no room for who he actually is. And he gets honest about something that doesn't get talked about enough — the profound loneliness that comes with deconstruction. The friends who disappear. The family that doesn't understand. The silence where community used to be. This conversation is tender, real, and one of the most human things we've put on this show. In This Episode, We Discuss: • Growing up in a strict Christian home with ministry expected of him • The weight of a calling you never chose • Failed relationships and the role faith played in them • Coming out as LGBTQIA+ inside a world that had no room for it • The loneliness of deconstruction — and why nobody warns you about it • Finding your way forward when the map you were given was wrong Connect with Cain: 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caineudkkt0 Connect with Your Hosts: Heather: https://linktr.ee/Happyheathersmiles Tamara: TikTok @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram @tamarajo321 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAwakeningPodcast-w6s 📩 Be a guest: theawakeningpod@gmail.com If you know that loneliness — the specific kind that comes when you start asking questions and the people around you start pulling away — this episode is for you. You are not too much. You are not broken. And you are not as alone as it feels right now. We see you. You belong here. If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC (https://bigmediallc.com/) Podcast Network! Barrett (https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber) and Zac (https://linktr.ee/aanzac) host The All About Nothing: Podcast (https://theallaboutnothing.com/), discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac (https://linktr.ee/aanzac) and Barrett (https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber) host What The Pod Was That (https://whatthepodwasthat.com/) with Cari Simmons (https://twitter.com/cari_simmons), available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii (https://twitter.com/chicamii) on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land (https://wtwlpod.com/). Check out Black White and Blue In the South (https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/), With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Politically Speaking (https://linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc) with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective. The Preach Jacobs Podcast (https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/) is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC (https://bigmediallc.com/) Podcast Network! FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states: NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE FAIR USE OF A COPYRIGHTED WORK, INCLUDING SUCH USE BY REPRODUCTION IN COPIES OR PHONO RECORDS OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS SPECIFIED BY THAT SECTION, FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING (INCLUDING MULTIPLE COPIES FOR CLASSROOM USE), SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH, IS NOT AN INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT. This Video/Audio in general may contain certain copyrighted works that were not specifically authorized to be used by the copyright holder(s), but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above. If you have any specific concerns about this usage, or our position on the Fair Use Defense, please contact us at preachjacobs@gmail.com so we can discuss amicably. Thank you. Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026 BIG Media (https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/bigmediallc)

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Exposing Christian Nationalism With Poetic Deconstruction

   ⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of Christian Nationalism, political advocacy, and the intersection of faith and democracy. This week on The Awakening, Tamara and I sit down with our friend and fellow deconstructionist Poetic Deconstruction for a conversation that is as urgent as it is honest. We've been watching Christian Nationalism tighten its grip on our political landscape for years now — and this week we stop dancing around it and get into exactly what it is, what it's doing to our country, and what we can do about it. Poetic Deconstruction brings his signature clarity and passion to the table and together we dig into the ways this movement is dismantling democratic values from the inside out, using faith as both a weapon and a shield. But this episode isn't just about naming the problem. It's about showing up. November is coming and democracy does not defend itself. We talk about the importance of voting like everything depends on it — because right now it does — and the practical steps every single one of us can take right now to make a difference. Check your registration. Sign up to be a poll worker. Canvass your neighborhood. Every single act of civic engagement matters more right now than it ever has before. In This Episode, We Discuss: • Christian Nationalism — what it is and the damage it is doing to our country • The intersection of faith, power, and political control • Why showing up at the polls in November has never mattered more • How to check your voter registration • Signing up to be a poll worker or canvasser • Community outreach as an act of resistance • What democracy actually requires of us right now Take Action: 🗳️ Check your voter registration: https://vote.org 📋 Sign up to be a poll worker: https://www.powerthepolls.org 🚪 Sign up to canvass: https://www.mobilize.us Connect with Poetic Deconstruction: 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poetic_deconstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetic_deconstruction Connect with Your Hosts: Heather: https://linktr.ee/Happyheathersmiles Tamara: TikTok @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram @tamarajo321 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAwakeningPodcast-w6s 📩 Be a guest: theawakeningpod@gmail.com Democracy is not a spectator sport. It never was. Show up. Vote. Volunteer. Knock on doors. Make calls. Check on your neighbors. The people who want to dismantle what we have are counting on your silence. Don't give it to them. You belong here — and so does your vote. If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC (https://bigmediallc.com/) Podcast Network! Barrett (https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber) and Zac (https://linktr.ee/aanzac) host The All About Nothing: Podcast (https://theallaboutnothing.com/), discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac (https://linktr.ee/aanzac) and Barrett (https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber) host What The Pod Was That (https://whatthepodwasthat.com/) with Cari Simmons (https://twitter.com/cari_simmons), available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii (https://twitter.com/chicamii) on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land (https://wtwlpod.com/). Check out Black White and Blue In the South (https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/), With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Politically Speaking (https://linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc) with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective. The Preach Jacobs Podcast (https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/) is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC (https://bigmediallc.com/) Podcast Network! FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states: NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE FAIR USE OF A COPYRIGHTED WORK, INCLUDING SUCH USE BY REPRODUCTION IN COPIES OR PHONO RECORDS OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS SPECIFIED BY THAT SECTION, FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING (INCLUDING MULTIPLE COPIES FOR CLASSROOM USE), SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH, IS NOT AN INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT. This Video/Audio in general may contain certain copyrighted works that were not specifically authorized to be used by the copyright holder(s), but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above. If you have any specific concerns about this usage, or our position on the Fair Use Defense, please contact us at preachjacobs@gmail.com so we can discuss amicably. Thank you. Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026 BIG Media (https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/bigmediallc)

3. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Joe Smith on Deconstruction, Social Justice, and Fighting Christian Nationalism From The Inside

   ⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of religious deconstruction, Christian Nationalism, LGBTQIA+ affirming faith, and immigration justice. This week on The Awakening, Tamara and I sit down with Pastor Joe Smith — open and affirming pastor, social justice advocate, podcast host, and one of the most refreshingly unafraid voices in the post-evangelical space. Joe grew up steeped in conservative, fundamentalist Christianity. Today he pastors Meizon Church in Gainesville, Florida — a progressive, open and affirming congregation — and spends the rest of his time doing exactly what the institution he came from told him not to do: asking hard questions, fighting for the marginalized, and calling Christian Nationalism out by name. Joe hosts The Reasoned Reality Podcast and is part of the Post-Evangelical Collective. He advocates loudly for LGBTQIA+ rights, immigrant communities, and anyone the church has historically left behind. He even launched Slippery Slope Shirts — because if they're going to accuse you of being on the slippery slope, you might as well own it. This conversation is fired up, funny, and exactly the kind of talk we love having on this show. In This Episode, We Discuss: • Joe's journey from fundamentalist Christianity to progressive open and affirming pastor • What deconstruction looks like when you stay in ministry • Fighting Christian Nationalism from inside the church • Advocating for LGBTQIA+ communities and immigrant rights • The Reasoned Reality Podcast and the Post-Evangelical Collective • Why asking too many questions is always worth the risk Connect with Pastor Joe Smith: 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealjoesmith 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoe.smith 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@therealjoe.smith ✍️ Substack: https://substack.com/@therealjoesmith 🎙️ The Reasoned Reality Podcast: https://reasonedrealityproject.com ⛪ Meizon Church: https://youtube.com/@meizongnv 🌐 Post-Evangelical Collective: https://www.postevangelicalcollective.org 👕 Slippery Slope Shirts: https://slipperyslope.shop 🔗 Full Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therealjoesmith Connect with Your Hosts: Heather: https://linktr.ee/Happyheathersmiles Tamara: TikTok @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram @tamarajo321 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAwakeningPodcast-w6s 📩 Be a guest: theawakeningpod@gmail.com If you've ever been told that asking questions puts you on a slippery slope — good. Keep sliding. The view from the bottom is a whole lot clearer. You belong here. If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC (https://bigmediallc.com/) Podcast Network! Barrett (https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber) and Zac (https://linktr.ee/aanzac) host The All About Nothing: Podcast (https://theallaboutnothing.com/), discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac (https://linktr.ee/aanzac) and Barrett (https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber) host What The Pod Was That (https://whatthepodwasthat.com/) with Cari Simmons (https://twitter.com/cari_simmons), available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii (https://twitter.com/chicamii) on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land (https://wtwlpod.com/). Check out Black White and Blue In the South (https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/), With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Politically Speaking (https://linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc) with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective. The Preach Jacobs Podcast (https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/) is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC (https://bigmediallc.com/) Podcast Network! FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states: NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE FAIR USE OF A COPYRIGHTED WORK, INCLUDING SUCH USE BY REPRODUCTION IN COPIES OR PHONO RECORDS OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS SPECIFIED BY THAT SECTION, FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING (INCLUDING MULTIPLE COPIES FOR CLASSROOM USE), SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH, IS NOT AN INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT. This Video/Audio in general may contain certain copyrighted works that were not specifically authorized to be used by the copyright holder(s), but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above. If you have any specific concerns about this usage, or our position on the Fair Use Defense, please contact us at preachjacobs@gmail.com so we can discuss amicably. Thank you. Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026 BIG Media (https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/bigmediallc)

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Spotify

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