High Demand Religion Round Table

In this powerful episode of 'What Lies Buried,' host Karly Latham and guests Kurstin and Tonya bravely share their personal stories of emotional and financial abuse within their former high-demand religious communities. As ex-Mormons and a former devout Catholic, they reveal the systemic pressures that facilitated mistreatment and perpetuated cycles of guilt and shame. The episode discusses their journeys of leaving their faiths, the complexities of managing household finances, and the trauma of financial mismanagement discovered post-separation. Challenges such as single parenting and finding self-worth are explored alongside the importance of building a supportive network. Trigger warnings for themes of emotional and religious abuse are provided.

 

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

https://www.thehotline.org/ 

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If you would like to be involved with the show as a guest or want to submit your story for future listener minisodes, please write to karlyr.latham@gmail.com 

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

 

00:00 Introduction to What Lies Buried

01:17 Special Episode: Ex-Mormon Round Table

02:43 Personal Stories of Emotional Abuse

05:10 The Pressure to Conform in Religious Communities

08:08 Sexual Expectations and Marital Struggles

10:36 The Burden of Religious Guilt

13:54 Breaking Free and Finding Support

17:27 Reflecting on Past Relationships

48:17 Cognitive Dissonance in High-Demand Religions

48:44 Recognizing Emotional Abuse

49:56 Gendered Expectations and Patriarchy

51:35 The Burden of Household Responsibilities

59:41 Struggles of Leaving a Toxic Marriage

01:12:46 Financial Abuse and Control

01:33:46 The Fear of Being Alone

01:35:28 Final Thoughts and Advice