Almost Awakened – Almost Awakened

What if the reason you felt like you were never enough… wasn’t you? In this episode, Teresa explores the striking parallels between narcissistic relationship dynamics and high-demand religious systems, specifically within Mormonism. Through a compassionate but honest lens, she examines how institutional patterns like shifting expectations, avoidance of accountability, image preservation, and conditional belonging can shape identity, nervous system regulation, and long-term wellbeing, especially physical health. This conversation goes beyond theology and into lived experience and explores: • Why high-demand systems can mirror narcissistic dynamics. • How that creates codependency patterns. • Chronic self suppression and its impact on the nervous system. • Why chronic symptoms like fatigue, pain, anxiety, and autoimmune conditions can emerge in these environments. • How healing often requires moving through grief, anger, and identity reconstruction. • And why the body’s response is not a character flaw, but a survival adaptation. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from striving, confused by persistent symptoms, or disconnected from your authentic self after leaving a high-demand environment, this episode may help you understand why and that healing is possible. Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast Teresa will be launching her upcoming Anchor and Regulate groups beginning March 11th. These groups are structured nervous system healing spaces designed for individuals navigating chronic symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety and mystery illnesses that are driven by stress or trauma. These groups combine psychoeducation, somatic practices, emotional processing, and supportive community to help you rebuild safety in the body and support you in resolving chronic symptoms.Learn more here: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/group-support Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

You were never broken. You were disconnected. In this unforgettable episode of Almost Awakened, we sit down with Kimberly Bryant — also known as Miss Bliss — a dominatrix and intimacy coach who helps people leaving high-demand religion reclaim the parts of themselves that were labeled “forbidden.” This isn’t just a conversation about sex. It’s about Eros — your life force. Your creativity. Your desire. Your intuition. Your pleasure. Your internal authority. High-demand religion didn’t just regulate behavior. It regulated bodies. It regulated desire. It regulated play. And when desire is suppressed, something deeper goes offline. We explore: How kink can become structured, consensual nervous-system healing Why dominance and submission can rebuild consent and personal agency The difference between indulgence and embodied reclamation Why play is threatening to controlling systems How erotic energy reconnects us to wholeness The role of safety, consent, and aftercare in healing sexual shame This conversation is provocative — yes. But more than that, it’s trauma-informed, sovereignty-centered, and deeply aligned with the principles of Almost Awakened: Slow down. Regulate. Get curious. Reclaim your voice. Reclaim your body. Reclaim your choice. Because awakening isn’t about rejecting your past. It’s about inhabiting your present — fully, consciously, and unapologetically alive. If you’ve ever felt both curious and terrified of your own desire… This episode is for you. Southern Utah Event on April 24-26th Reclaiming the Forbidden Where Sensuality, Soul & Surrender Meet Hosted by Kimberly Bryant Founder of That Deeper Feeling https://www.facebook.com/events/hurricane-utah/reclaiming-the-forbidden-where-sensuality-soul-surrender-meet/1220237470257148/ Kimberly’s Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BH5BWHaHe/?mibextid=wwXIfr Kimberly’s Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly_mccooey_bryant?igsh=MWkxeGxvenY5Z3k3bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Learn more about Kimberly at: thatdeeperfeeling.com Follow her on Instagram & Facebook: @thatdeeperfeeling

What if humanity suddenly shared one mind? In this episode, Bill Reel and Britt Hartley dive into the provocative sci-fi film Pluribus and unpack the ethical, psychological, and existential questions it raises. Would you join a collective consciousness if it promised peace, belonging, and an end to loneliness? Or would you choose autonomy—even if it meant isolation? We explore: • Whether individuality is sacred or just biological habit • If shared consciousness eliminates conflict—or eliminates dissent • The ethics of consent when “the greater good” becomes dominant • Why some characters embrace the hive while others resist • What this story reveals about human nature, freedom, and fear Is a hive mind utopia… or the softest form of tyranny? This conversation goes beyond the plot and into deeper territory: identity, morality, connection, loneliness, trauma, agency, and what we’re actually afraid of losing when we say we value “freedom.” If you had the choice, would you join? Let us know in the comments.

What happens after you leave religion — but still feel a deep pull toward meaning, ritual, spirituality, or transcendence? In this conversation, Bill Reel and Britt Hartley sit down with religious ethicist and author Liz Bucar to explore what fills the vacuum when traditional faith falls away. From modern wellness culture and yoga to psychedelics, embodiment, and moral pressure, we ask hard questions about where people turn next — and whether those new spaces truly free us or quietly recreate the same dynamics we thought we escaped. Liz shares insights from her work and her book Beyond Wellness, examining how even “spiritual but not religious” communities can reproduce shame, hierarchy, and invisible expectations — often without realizing it. Together, we explore: Why wellness culture increasingly functions like religion How moral pressure sneaks into spiritual spaces What it means to “steal from religion” ethically Why humans still crave ritual and transcendence How authority, identity, and meaning-making persist after deconstruction What secular communities often miss emotionally How embodiment, yoga, and psychedelics can be approached with care rather than dogma This is an honest, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation for anyone navigating life after faith — especially those who are intellectually out but still feel emotionally or culturally tethered to their religious past. If you’ve ever wondered why leaving belief didn’t automatically bring peace… this episode helps explain why 00:02:41 – Who is Liz Bucar and how she became a religious ethicist00:04:13 – Why Liz wrote Beyond Wellness00:07:01 – What modern wellness culture gets wrong00:12:22 – When spirituality becomes moral pressure00:16:45 – Stealing from religion ethically00:22:38 – What secular people often miss after deconstruction00:30:14 – Yoga, embodiment, and deeper spiritual practice00:38:52 – Psychedelics, meaning-making, and ethical use00:49:41 – Authority, experience, and who gets to decide truth01:00:27 – Why humans still crave ritual and transcendence01:10:36 – Advice for those intellectually out but emotionally tethered01:17:39 – Reflections on Beyond Wellness and modern spirituality01:19:26 – Britt & Bill reflect on Liz’s insights

What happens when reason starts questioning itself? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Britt Hartley and Bill Reel sit down with Austin DiValentino, creator of the rapidly growing platform Reason & Religion (@austindivalentino). Austin has built a large following by exploring philosophy, belief, atheism, morality, and meaning—often asking the questions most people quietly avoid. While he has identified as an atheist, his thinking continues to evolve, and this conversation dives straight into the tension between certainty, doubt, and what it actually costs to pursue truth. Together, we explore: What led Austin to begin creating content around religion, philosophy, and critical thinking When belief or disbelief stops being theoretical and becomes deeply personal Whether reason and religion are truly opposed—or falsely framed as enemies Why modern humans vastly overestimate how rational we actually are Where reason genuinely helps us—and where it completely breaks down We also wrestle with some of the biggest existential questions people face after faith shifts: Can morality exist without God or a transcendent framework? Is losing belief in God harder—or losing belief that the universe “cares”? Is it always good to know what’s true, even if truth destabilizes hope and meaning? Should everyone be exposed to ideas that may unsettle mental health—or should some stories be handled with care? Austin also reflects on: The emotional cost of studying philosophy deeply Whether there are ideas that feel beautiful even if they may not be true What modern people most avoid asking because the answers might change them What he ultimately hopes people take away from his work beyond simply “being right” This is an honest, human conversation about meaning after certainty—about what remains when belief loosens, and how we learn to live anyway. If you’re navigating belief, disbelief, or somewhere painfully in between, this episode is for you. Follow Austin DiValentino— Reason & Religion Instagram: @austindivalentino Support Almost Awakened https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at: https://awakenandthrive.org/

In this episode of Almost Awakened, we sit down with Rainn Wilson, best known to many as Dwight Schrute from The Office, for a wide-ranging conversation on spirituality, meaning, and the search for depth in a modern world. Rainn Wilson has spent the years since moving beyond sitcom fame to explore some of life’s biggest questions. Through his podcast Soul Boom, Rainn brings together voices from across belief systems to wrestle with spirituality, purpose, and how humans make sense of existence in an age of disconnection, certainty loss, and cultural fragmentation. This conversation explores: What spirituality can look like outside rigid religious frameworks Why meaning, wonder, and transcendence still matter—even in a skeptical age How storytelling, community, and curiosity shape spiritual growth The role Soul Boom plays in creating conversations that unite rather than divide Rather than preaching answers, this episode leans into thoughtful exploration—asking how we live well, stay grounded, and remain open when traditional narratives no longer hold the same power. Rainn is joined by hosts Britt Hartley of No Nonsense Spirituality and Bill Reel of The Almost Awakened Podcast for a conversation that is curious, grounded, and refreshingly human. Whether you’re familiar with Rainn Wilson from his acting career, his work on Soul Boom, or you’re simply interested in thoughtful conversations about spirituality without dogma, this episode invites you to explore the edges with us. 0:00 Intro2:15 Why Rainn Wrote Soul Boom6:40 The Workbook and Creative Spirituality 10:22 Mental Health and Faith 14:48 The Baha’i Path 19:50 Wrestling with God and Morality 24:30 Spiritual Bypassing and Recovery 28:55 A New Kind of Religion?33:10 Atheism, Truth, and Meaning37:50 Science, Mystery, and Humility42:20 How Words Like “God” Divide Us47:10 The Future of Faith52:05 Spirituality and Privilege56:40 The Purpose of Religion Today1:00:25 Finding Awe in the Modern World1:05:10 Unlocking the Heart1:09:30 Final Reflections RESOURCES:NEW Soul Boom Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Boom-Workbook-Spiritual-Modern/dp/1538775549Original Soul Boom Book – https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Boom-Need-Spiritual-Revolution/dp/B0BCCGD7WPSoul Boom Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@SoulBoom

The Hardest Part of Leaving Religion: On Loss of Community Leaving religion often comes with a sense of relief, clarity, and freedom, but for many people, the hardest part isn’t the loss of belief. It’s the loss of community. In this episode, Teresa talks about the quiet grief that often follows a faith transition: losing built-in belonging, shared language, familiar rhythms, and the sense of social safety that religion once provided. I explore why rebuilding connection outside of organized religion can feel so difficult, especially in a post-pandemic world where many of us are already feeling more isolated and disconnected than before. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself or rushing the process. It’s about understanding what you’re actually grieving, normalizing why this phase feels so hard, and gently reminding you that meaningful connection is still possible, even if it looks different than it did before. Join us at our NEW CHANNEL:  @almostawakenedpodcast  Resources mentioned: Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs facilitate a Faith Transition & Deconstruction Support Group, a trauma-informed, bi-weekly space for people navigating life after religion. The next group begins January 20, 2026, and a few spots are still available. Sign up here: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

In this solo episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Teresa Hobbs explores codependency through a nervous-system and systems lens, with a specific focus on why high-demand religious environments, especially Mormonism, are fertile ground for codependent patterns. Rather than framing codependency as a flaw or character issue, this episode reframes it as a survival adaptation that develops when safety, belonging, and worth are tied to external approval, emotional harmony, or compliance. If you grew up: Monitoring other people’s moods Scanning the room before checking in with yourself Feeling responsible for others’ emotions Struggling to identify your own needs, feelings, or limits …this conversation is for you. Interested in the Upcoming Religious Deconstruction Support Group starting in January? Go here to sign up: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org 

Getting together with family during the holidays can be beautiful… or it can feel like stepping into a spiritual escape room you never signed up for. In this episode of Almost Awakened, Teresa and I dive into the real-life challenges that mixed-faith families face this time of year — from surprise prayers to passive-aggressive testimony moments to the subtle pressure to play your old role in the family system. In this episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, We’ll walk through 10 practical, human, and emotionally intelligent tools that help you stay regulated, connected, and true to yourself when the room is full of different beliefs and a whole lot of history. If you’re navigating a faith transition, supporting someone who is, or just trying to get through Thanksgiving without a meltdown or a debate about Kolob, this one’s for you. What you’ll get in this episode: • Tools to stay grounded when old patterns show up • Ways to create internal boundaries that actually work • Scripts for redirecting tricky conversations • Tips for mixed-faith families who want peace (not pressure) • How to choose connection over correction • Why you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to • And yes… how to sneak outside for a 2-minute nervous-system reset We’re here to make your holidays less stressful, more connected, and a whole lot more human. Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

Purity culture didn’t begin with religion, it began with control. In this episode, Teresa and Bill explore how ancient systems of ownership and inheritance evolved into moral laws that still shape our relationship to the body, desire, and worth today. Even after leaving high-control faiths, the conditioning remains embodied, showing up as shame, numbness, fear of pleasure, self-policing, and confusion about intimacy. From a trauma-informed and nervous-system lens, Teresa unpacks how sexual shame becomes a learned state of dysregulation, where the body equates arousal with danger. Together, they trace the historical roots of purity codes, examine how they persist in secular culture through double standards and body judgment, and invite listeners to begin reclaiming trust in their own desire and sensual aliveness. This episode explores: The anthropological origins of purity culture and why it once served social survival. How shame becomes wired into the nervous system. The psychological and somatic effects of sexual repression. How purity messages impact women, men, and queer people differently. The process of deconstructing purity conditioning and rebuilding embodied safety, curiosity, and pleasure. Healing isn’t rebellion, it’s integration and remembering who you were before shame told you your body was the problem. Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org Referenced Resources: Pleasure Activism – Adrienne Maree Brown Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski Pure – Linda Kay Klein Shameless – Nadia Bolz-Weber Beyond Shame – Matthias Roberts

In this episode of Almost Awakened, we dig into the emotional weapon that too many of us have been shaped by—shame. Bill and Teresa break down how unhealthy systems—religious, familial, and relational—use shame to keep people small, obedient, and disconnected from their true selves. We explore the difference between guilt and shame, unpack the mechanics of control, and call out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways shame is embedded in Mormonism and beyond. Topics covered: How shame hijacks our sense of worth and belonging Lesser-known examples of shame-based control in high-demand religions The psychological damage caused by chronic shame Why not all shame is bad (and how it can serve society) A quick overview of Brené Brown’s Shame Resilience Method How to build awareness, speak shame, and reclaim your inner authority Whether you’re fresh out of Mormonism or years into your healing journey, this episode offers insights to help you recognize shame for what it is—and reclaim your right to live free from it. Join us for a conversation that’s raw, real, and liberating. You’re not bad. You’re awakening. Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast3619 Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

What happens when trauma awareness turns into over-protection, and healing gets stuck in the identity of what harmed us? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Teresa Hobbs and Bill Reel unpack the concept of fragilization; the process by which individuals and cultures become organized around avoiding discomfort in the name of safety. Drawing from their work supporting people through religious trauma, deconstruction, and nervous system healing, Teresa and Bill explore how the instinct to protect ourselves can sometimes keep us trapped in patterns of helplessness. They discuss how to honor pain without becoming fused with it, how validation can restore dignity without reinforcing dependency, and why resilience requires learning to tolerate life’s inevitable discomforts. They also explore: How “trauma bonding” can become a comfort zone The difference between co-regulation and dependence Why denial breeds fragility How true strength comes from integration, not suppression The cultural consequences of fragilization: polarization and loss of resilience This conversation invites nuance, compassion, and empowerment, recognizing that honoring the wound is essential, but staying in it can keep us small. For those healing from high-demand religions or systems of control, it’s a reminder that real freedom isn’t the absence of pain, it’s the ability to hold both safety and strength as we grow. Join us at our NEW CHANNEL:  @almostawakenedpodcast3619  Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org Books Mentioned:“The Expectation Effect” by David Robson – https://a.co/d/aRCk3wy“The Coddling of the American Mind” by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt – https://www.thecoddling.com/buy

In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of emotional health, boundaries. We unpack what safe and unsafe boundaries look like, how trauma and conditioning shape the ways we draw our lines, and why some “boundaries” are really just walls disguised as self-protection. You’ll learn how to identify when a boundary is rooted in fear versus self-respect, and how to create space for connection without sacrificing your safety or authenticity. If you’ve ever felt guilty for setting boundaries, or confused when someone else’s “boundary” felt more like a punishment, this conversation will help you untangle what’s actually going on beneath the surface. Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work. Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org/ Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2

What happens when your church convinces you that your own memories, questions, and feelings can’t be trusted? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs unpack the dark art of religious gaslighting — how high-demand faiths twist reality, dismiss legitimate concerns, and make believers doubt themselves under the guise of “God’s will.” We’ll explore: What gaslighting is and how it got its name Five real-world examples from Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and more How leaders rewrite history, dismiss evidence, and blame the victim The deep psychological harm caused when faith makes you distrust your own perception Practical tools and therapeutic insights for healing from religious gaslighting If you’ve ever been told “you’re misremembering” or “your doubts are from the adversary,” this conversation will hit home. And if you’re working through the trauma of spiritual manipulation, we’ll share concrete steps to reclaim your reality, rebuild trust in yourself, and move forward with clarity. Support our work: If you find value in these conversations, consider donating: Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Need support? If you’re dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/ Join our Religious Transition support group  – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

The Almost Awakened Podcast is planning out a “Opposing Viewpoints” series and in this first episode of our new Opposing Viewpoints series, Bill shares a recent confrontation he had with a Mormon apologist—an exchange where both sides walked away feeling the other had acted in bad faith. Together, Bill and Teresa unpack the experience, steelman the apologist’s position and motivations, and vulnerably explore Bill’s own thought process and responses in the moment. What happens when two people both believe they’re standing for truth, yet each feels misrepresented by the other? What drives these kinds of clashes, and what would it take to not only understand each other better, but to create more productive, respectful dialogue? Join us as we wrestle with the paradoxes of human interaction—where sincerity meets suspicion, conviction meets doubt, and the chance for deeper understanding lies in the tension between.Please consider supporting the show – Almost Awakened | Mormon Discussion Inc. (Powered by Donorbox)

In this episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs explore why stillness can feel so uncomfortable, especially for those recovering from religious trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Teresa shares a powerful moment between them as a couple when a simple request for soothing touch opened the door to a deeper mindfulness and somatic tracking practice. Together, they talk about why so many of us are constantly moving, fixing, distracting, or bracing… and how mindfulness can help us gently be with our sensations rather than run from them. They discuss: The science behind mindfulness and why it heals. How early life stress and religious programming affect the nervous system. What it means to separate the “story” from the “sensation”. How mindfulness can repattern trauma responses and support nervous system regulation. Mindfulness as a form of re-parenting and building secure attachment. This episode is raw, vulnerable, and full of practical insight, especially for post-Mormons, ex-vangelicals, or anyone rebuilding safety in their body and relationships after trauma. Teresa’s blog post on mindfulness: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/post/rewiring-for-connection-how-trauma-informed-mindfulness-rebuilds-the-inner-architecture-of-safety Book on Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness: https://a.co/d/4tXisU2 Interested in trauma-informed coaching or somatic healing? Learn more at: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com Whether you’re deconstructing religion, healing from chronic symptoms, or just trying to slow down… this episode offers a sacred tool to help you come home to yourself. Support the Almost Awakened Podcast and help us create more conscious content! Donate via DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Mailing List: subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Apps:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT Follow Us: Instagram: @mormondiscussion @monarchintegrativecoaching TikTok: @mormondiscussion YouTube: @monarchintegrativecoaching‬ Visit Our Website: https://almostawakened.org https://monarchintegrativecoaching.com Contact Us: Bill Reel: [email protected] Hobbs: [email protected] Mindfulness #NervousSystemHealing #ReligiousTrauma #SomaticPractice #AlmostAwakened

In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa explore the transformative shift from external obedience to internal integrity. What happens when we stop living by someone else’s rules and start listening to our own inner voice? The conversation dives into the psychology of control, the cost of compliance, and the courage it takes to choose authenticity. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insight, they unpack how we were conditioned to equate obedience with virtue—and how reclaiming our autonomy is the path to real wholeness. If you’ve ever felt like your strings no longer fit, this one’s for you. [Almost Awakened: 192]Help support Bill Reel & Teresa Hobbs in creating Awakened Resources and Content DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994  https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussionsMormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel or Teresa [email protected]

[Almost Awakened Ep: 191] What happens when obedience no longer defines you? In this episode, we explore the tender, disorienting, and ultimately liberating journey of shifting from a life shaped by external authority to one grounded in inner truth. We unpack how high-demand systems condition us to equate obedience with worth—and how, once that structure falls away, we’re left with a terrifying silence that’s actually a blank canvas. Together, we examine what integrity really means—not moral perfection, but alignment between who you are and how you live. With honesty, vulnerability, and practical insight, we guide you through the void, the rebuilding, and the quiet bravery of living in congruence with yourself—especially when it costs you belonging. This isn’t a call to rebellion. It’s an invitation to return to yourself.Help support Bill Reel & Teresa Hobbs in creating Awakened Resources and Content DONATE VIA DONORBOX! https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994  https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussionsMormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/ Contact Bill Reel or Teresa [email protected]

Why do some relationships thrive after conflict while others crumble? What if conflict wasn’t the problem in your relationships—but the key to deeper connection? In this powerful episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Bill Reel and Terresa Hobbs dive into the vital but often misunderstood cycle of rupture and repair. From parenting to romantic relationships to friendships and even spiritual community, we explore how moments of disconnection can either erode trust—or, when repaired with care, build unshakable emotional safety. You’ll learn why healthy relationships aren’t rupture-free, how our nervous systems respond during conflict, and what real repair looks like. We also share personal stories, practical tools, and science-backed insights to help you show up more authentically and courageously in every relationship. Whether you’re navigating challenges in a romantic partnership, friendship, or family bond, this conversation is for you. 00:00 – What Is Rupture & Repair? 06:00 – Attachment Theory: It’s Not About Perfection 10:30 – Secure Attachment Only Requires 30% Attunement 13:00 – Can Adults Shift Attachment Styles? (Earned Secure Attachment) 19:00 – Common Causes of Rupture 27:00 – The Role of the Nervous System in Rupture 39:00 – Taking Responsibility Without Shame 48:00 – Why Most People Avoid Repair (and What It Costs) 51:00 – Spiritual & Religious Ruptures in Family Systems 56:30 – Grieving the Relationship That Was 1:03:30 – Healthiest Way to Bring Up a Rupture 1:17:40 – Can Every Rupture Be Repaired? Not Always 1:19:30 – Real-Life Example: When Repair Fails 1:34:44 – Repair Checklist Recap 1:39:50 – Bill & Terresa Share a Repair Example: Laundry Soap & Grace 1:50:15 – Self-Rupture and Inner Repair 1:53:00 – Final Reflections: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Safe Support the Almost Awakened Podcast and help us create more conscious content! Donate via DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2 Join our Mailing List: subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Apps: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994 https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT Follow Us: Instagram: @mormondiscussion @monarchintegrativecoaching Visit Our Website: https://almostawakened.org https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com Contact Us: Bill Reel: [email protected] Teresa Hobbs: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, we explore the fascinating—and at times unsettling—truth that your body can carry pain, anxiety, and illness long after the danger is gone. Through bizarre medical stories and neuroscience-backed insights, we expose how the brain can misfire protective signals, trapping us in cycles of suffering with no clear physical cause. But we don’t stop at science. We take a hard look at how religious trauma—especially from high-demand systems like Mormonism—can sabotage the nervous system, teaching us to fear our own instincts and stay hypervigilant in the name of obedience. From chronic pain to panic attacks to unexplained sickness, we reveal how trauma—spiritual or otherwise—can become embedded in the body… and how healing is possible. If you’ve ever wondered why you still feel unsafe, even when you’re “out,” or why your symptoms don’t match your diagnosis—this is the episode that connects the dots.