The Ryan Leak Podcast

Episode: The Science of Forgiveness
Host: Ryan Leak
Date: October 6, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Ryan Leak explores the topic of forgiveness through a scientific and faith-driven lens. He candidly addresses the real challenges of letting go of resentment, highlighting how science supports the life-changing benefits of forgiveness—not just for emotional well-being, but also for physical health. Ryan weaves in research findings, personal reflection, and encouragement, ultimately offering practical and spiritual perspectives on why and how to forgive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Forgiveness

• Acknowledgment of Difficulty
  Ryan opens with empathy for anyone struggling with forgiveness:
  • “I know forgiveness is not easy. I know forgiveness, it’s not simple. Let me say this. I know that forgiveness is not quick.” (00:28)
• Common Scenarios
  He lists situations where people have been wronged—broken trust, betrayal, harsh words, and unkept promises—validating listeners’ pain.
  • “I get it. People can cross the line… Maybe they lied about you. Maybe they gossiped about you behind your back… Maybe they betrayed your trust. Maybe they walked out on you when you needed them the most.” (00:48)
• Empathetic Gesture
  Ryan offers a heartfelt apology on behalf of those who hurt the listener:
  • “Just in case you never get an apology from them, may you hear from one person in your life. Hey, I'm really sorry. I'm really sorry that that happened to you.” (01:55)

2. The Weight and Impact of Unforgiveness

• Unforgiveness is Active, Not Passive
  • “Unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, it’s not neutral. It’s active. It’s doing damage.” (02:56)
• Personal Responsibility and Choice
  Even when hurt is not chosen, Ryan insists we have agency:
  • “You do have a choice to move on. You do have a choice to let it go.” (03:37)
• What Bitterness Costs Us
  • “Sometimes they hurt you so bad that you turn into this person who’s making other people pay for what somebody else did.” (04:19)

3. Scientific Research on Forgiveness

• Physical Health Consequences
  • Eastern medicine links anger and bitterness to liver damage, now backed by scientific studies:
    • “One study found that chronic anger and resentment were associated with impaired liver function. Isn’t that wild? It’s like your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.” (05:07)
• Wellbeing and Longevity
  • “John Hopkins University found that people who practice forgiveness have lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and stronger immune systems.” (05:44)
  • “Mayo Clinic reports that forgiveness is directly tied to healthier relationships, improved mental health, less stress, and even lower mortality rates… People who let go of grudges literally live longer.” (06:13)
• Mental Health Benefits
  • “The American Psychological Association has also found that forgiveness interventions… consistently reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving self esteem.” (06:49)

4. Forgiveness for Personal Freedom

• The Ripple Effect of Grudges
  • “When you refuse to forgive, you’re not just holding a grudge, you’re holding yourself back from health and wholeness.” (07:44)
• Forgiveness as Strength, Not Weakness
  • “Are you sure that forgiveness isn’t a strength, my friend?” (08:00)
• A Healthier Version of Yourself
  • “I think the science would tell us the healthiest version of yourself is one that is forgiving.” (08:16)

5. The ‘How’ of Forgiveness – Faith’s Roadmap

• Science Shows the Benefits, Not the Roadmap
  • “Science can show us the benefits, but it can’t always give us the roadmap, my friends.” (08:44)
• Ryan’s Personal Foundation
  • Ryan shares how his faith in Jesus Christ empowers him to forgive:
    • “Ever since I have put my hope and faith in Jesus Christ… I have been given forgiveness. And so, as a person that follows Jesus, I believe in scripture. And the scriptures tell us that we should forgive as Christ has forgiven us.” (09:05)
  • “Forgiven people have a responsibility to forgive. It’s like, if you’ve been let off the hook, how could you hold someone else onto it?” (09:52)
• Faith as a Source of Strength
  • “Jesus doesn’t just ask you to forgive. He gives you the strength to pull it off.” (10:33)

6. Extending Forgiveness in Everyday Life

• Ryan’s Encouragement to Listeners:
  • “Forgive your boss, forgive your sister, forgive your mom, your ex, your dad, that old friend who ghosted you, that business partner who promised you something and just didn’t follow through at all… because, yes, your body needs it, but more importantly, your soul needs it, your future depends on it.” (10:52 – 11:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On making the choice:

  • “One of the biggest decisions that you and I can ever make in our entire life is when we decide what we’re going to do when people hurt us.” (02:35)

• On the science of health and forgiveness:

  • “Your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.” (05:19)

• On faith and forgiveness:

  • “I don’t walk in forgiveness because I’m a nice person or a happy person or because I’ve got a lot of good things going on. No, no, no, no, no. I walk in forgiveness because I’ve received it, and believe you me, I’ve needed it time and time again.” (10:05)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:28 – 02:05
  The struggle and pain of forgiveness, validating listeners’ experiences
• 02:35 – 04:19
  The real impact of unforgiveness: psychological and relational costs
• 05:07 – 06:49
  Scientific findings: liver health, immunity, longevity, and emotional wellbeing
• 07:44 – 08:16
  Forgiveness as a path to health and freedom, reframing it as strength
• 08:44 – 09:52
  Science versus spiritual roadmap; Ryan’s faith as the answer
• 10:33 – 11:25
  Forgiving real people in your life—practical application and encouragement

Conclusion & Call to Action

Ryan wraps up by emphasizing that forgiveness is as much about one’s own health and future as it is about letting go of the past. He invites listeners to explore faith in Jesus as a source of transformative strength for forgiving and experiencing freedom.

Contact & Resources:

• Listeners interested in faith or further support can text “Jesus” to 469-809-1201.
• Additional message links and referenced scientific studies are included in the show notes.

Tone and Style

Ryan is empathetic, direct, and uplifting. He combines relatable storytelling with scientific research and personal conviction, delivering encouragement with warmth and honesty. The episode inspires reflection, offers practical perspective, and calls listeners to action—freeing themselves through forgiveness for the sake of a richer, healthier life.