Escaping Cults with The Glory Whole

Join host Karly Latham in this compelling episode of "What Lies Buried," where we delve into the real and raw stories of emotional abuse survivors. This week, Karly welcomes Melissa Doogie Spires, a former Seventh-day Adventist, who shares her journey of leaving the church and dealing with the long-lasting effects of religious control.

Melissa recounts her experiences growing up in a high-demand religion, the church's imposed behavioral controls, and her challenges in breaking free. Together, Karly and Melissa explore the striking similarities between Seventh-day Adventists and Mormons, highlighting the mind control and social pressures that shape their followers' lives.

As they discuss the parallels between religious indoctrination and emotional abuse, listeners will gain insights into the struggles of deconstructing one's faith and rebuilding a life of personal empowerment. This episode sheds light on the hidden truths of religious control and offers a safe space for survivors to share their stories.

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation, which will uncover the truth buried beneath the lies and inspire a path toward healing and self-discovery.

Stay involved with Melissa's advocacy efforts: https://www.instagram.com/the.glory.whole/

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help: 

https://www.thehotline.org/ 

Please subscribe to get a new episode every Thursday and uncover the stories that need to be told. 

If you would like to be involved with the show as a guest, please schedule with this link: https://calendly.com/thevillagetarotwitch/what-lies-buried-podcast-interview?preview_source=et_card&month=2024-10 

For in-depth articles on emotional abuse and mental health, https://medium.com/@karly-latham 

 

00:00 Introduction to What Lies Buried

01:21 Exploring Religious Abuse

01:42 Guest Introduction: Melissa Doogie Spires

02:02 Leaving the Church: Personal Experiences

02:40 Behavioral Controls in Religious Upbringings

04:25 Comparing Mormonism and Seventh-day Adventism

04:46 The Origins and History of Seventh-day Adventism

09:09 The Impact of Dietary Rules and Lifestyle Controls

11:53 Navigating Life Outside the Church

23:43 The Role of Women in High-Demand Religions

39:22 Navigating Family Discomfort with PTSD

40:38 Exploring Financial Abuse and Cognitive Dissonance

42:08 Impact of Religious Upbringing on Emotional Expression

43:14 Struggles with Eating Disorders and Seeking Help

44:28 Normalizing Toxic Relationships

46:48 The Pressure to Maintain a Perfect Appearance

50:59 Exhaustion as a Control Tactic in Religion and Relationships

53:10 Escaping and Deconstructing Abusive Relationships

01:07:24 Writing and Sharing Stories of Religious Trauma

01:15:08 Conclusion and Call to Action