Welcome to "Unburdened: Rebuilding after spiritual trauma," a podcast hosted by therapists Trevor Little, LCSW, and Carey Milne, LMFT. Together, we explore the complexities of healing from religious trauma, drawing from our own stories and professional experiences and those of our guests.
Join us as we navigate the journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, offering a safe space for those grappling with spiritual upheaval. Through candid conversations and expert insights, we provide validation and practical tools for reclaiming agency over your narrative and finding healing on your own terms. Tune in to "Unburdened," where the path to wholeness begins with the courage to question and the resilience to rebuild.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
"Your Identity Is The Problem" with Ryan Schuck Part 2
In this second part of Ryan’s journey on Unburdened, he and Trevor pick up where we left off—diving into ministry struggles, relational strain, and the unraveling of once-certain beliefs. From the loneliness of small-town church life to the devastation of losing community, Ryan shares how disillusionment pushed him to let go of everything he thought he knew about God.
Through the challenges of early marriage, counseling, and the experience of becoming a father, Ryan came to realize that rebuilding from zero was the only way forward. His story offers both resonance and relief for anyone who’s had to walk away from certainty to find a more authentic path.
We discussed:
Life in rural ministry and the collapse of a small church community
The personal cost of unmet expectations in marriage and ministry
Disillusionment with organized religion and walking away from church
The role of counseling and learning to reconnect with emotions
Becoming a father and the shift in understanding God as “Father”
Wrestling with fear of hell and choosing honesty over certainty
Navigating mixed-belief marriage dynamics
Rebuilding from zero and finding freedom in starting over
Learn more about Unburdened Podcast:
Website: https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com (https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Sept 2025
"Your Identity Is The Problem" with Ryan Schuck
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 family
Early passion for scripture and theological study
Wrestling with questions of free will and God’s plan
Disillusionment with Bible college and ministry training
The pressure to do “something great for God”
How friendship and community shaped his questioning years
Beginning the journey toward authenticity and healing
Learn more about Unburdened Podcast:
Website: https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com (https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
13 Dec 2024
"Leaving the Church Doesn't Mean I'm Not Spiritual" with Jim Larkin
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/ (https://jimlarkin.today/)
Program: https://jimlarkin.today/the-hysw-journey/ (https://jimlarkin.today/the-hysw-journey/)
Learn more about the Unburdened podcast:
Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast/)
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened (https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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