In the first half of a compelling two-part series, Andrew and Laura are joined by sex therapists and researchers Julia Postema and Jeremiah Gibson to unpack the enduring grip of purity culture. Moving beyond simple deconstruction, the conversation explores how high-control religious environments leave lasting "body memories" that manifest as sexual pain, orgasm gaps, and anxious attachment patterns decades later. From the political "Industrial Complex" of the 1990s to the modern-day "manosphere" and wellness culture, Julia and Jeremiah blend clinical data with raw personal vulnerability to illustrate why cognitive shifts aren't always enough to heal the nervous system. This episode is an essential look at the journey from performance-based morality to a values-based, embodied sexuality.

Share your purity culture stories with us by leaving a voicemail or sending your story to us!

Guest Info:

Substack (Relationship 101): https://sexvangelicals.substack.com/

IG: @sexvangelicals

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Gregorie

Matthew Bodie book

This podcast is brought to you by the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery: an online trauma coaching company whose practitioners are trauma informed and trauma trained to work with individuals, couples and families who have experienced high control religion, cults, and religious trauma. For more information on the support that CTRR provides, for resources–including courses, workshops, and more–head to traumaresolutionandrecovery.com or follow us on Instagram: @traumaresolutionandrecovery

The views and opinions expressed by Sunday School Dropouts are those of the hosts and not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Any of the content provided by our guests, sponsors, authors, or bloggers are their own ideas and opinions.

The Sunday School Dropouts podcast is not anti-religion but it is anti -harm, -power and control, -oppression and, -abuse and will speak to the harmful practices and messaging of fundamentalist groups.

Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_kerbs

Follow Andrew’s post-SDA account @lifeafteradventism

Follow Andrew’s account on neurodivergence and high control religion @divergent.faith

Join Andrew’s Substack (Kerb Your Enthusiasm) www.andrewkerbs.substack.com

To begin working with Andrew as a coach, schedule your FREE inquiry call here

Follow Laura on Instagram and TikTok @drlauraeanderson or on her website: www.drlauraeanderson.com

Join Laura’s Substack (Therapy in the Headlines) www.drlauraeanderson.substack.com

To work with Laura as a coach, therapist, consultant, or to inquire about other services, you can do so here

Hosts:

Laura Anderson and Andrew Kerbs

Music by Benjamin Faye Music @heytherebenji