Podcast Summary: Therapy and Theology

Episode: Season 10 Trailer | Surviving an Unwanted Divorce

Host: Lysa TerKeurst
Date: September 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This trailer introduces Season 10 of "Therapy and Theology," where Lysa TerKeurst, alongside counselor Jim Cress and theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle, addresses the complex and painful reality of unwanted divorce. Drawing from her personal journey and professional insights, Lysa sets the stage for a season designed to offer compassionate guidance, biblical wisdom, and practical support to those navigating the aftermath of a divorce they never wanted.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Deep Pain and Complexity of Unwanted Divorce

• Personal Connection: Lysa opens up about her own experience with unwanted divorce, emphasizing that it’s an agonizing ordeal filled with pain, questions, shame, and judgment.
  • "Experiencing an unwanted divorce is so deeply complex, confusing and heart wrenching. It's not just a decision someone makes one day, it's a vortex of indescribable pain, shame and devastation wrapped in a tangle of questions..." (00:55)
• Community Need: She has received numerous messages and questions from those facing similar situations, underscoring the widespread need for informed, empathetic support.

2. Introducing the New Book

• Lysa shares that she, Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle have co-authored a book titled Surviving an Unwanted Divorce: A Biblical Practical Guide to Letting Go While Holding Yourself Together (releasing November).
• The importance of the word “unwanted” is highlighted, signaling a sensitive approach that neither glorifies divorce nor minimizes the sanctity of marriage.
  • "In no way do I want to glorify divorce or devalue the beautiful institution of marriage established by God. Please know I am not pro divorce. I am pro healthy marriages and I am pro helping others who desperately need the support..." (02:07)

3. The Purpose and Audience of the Season

Three core audiences are identified for the benefit of this season and the new book:

• 1. Those Experiencing Unwanted Divorce: Especially women but also men, wrestling with identity, worth, and faith amid devastation.
  • "She's wrestling with questions about her worth, her identity, and how God could see all of this happening and not spare her and her kids..." (03:03)
• 2. Supporters (Friends, Family, Leaders): For those offering emotional and spiritual support — including pastors, Bible study leaders, counselors.
• 3. Christians Seeking Biblical Clarity: For anyone confused by the church’s teachings or seeking a more nuanced, compassionate, biblically-sound perspective on divorce.

4. Addressing Misconceptions About Divorce

• Common misconceptions, such as “God hates divorce” or “the only biblical grounds for divorce is sexual infidelity,” are discussed as hurtful and overly simplistic.
• Lysa references friend Leslie Vernick: “There's a difference between a difficult marriage and a destructive marriage.” (04:33)

5. The Mission and Values of the Show

• Lysa reiterates her reluctance to discuss heavy topics like divorce but affirms her belief in the podcast’s mission to bring healing and clarity.
  • "I do believe the work we do through this show is really important as we help listeners everywhere work through what they're walking through." (05:10)

6. Listener Impact and Community Support

• Lysa shares a review from a listener integrating the podcast, personal counseling, and church into their healing journey after a 21-year marriage ended in divorce.
  • “Personal counsel, my church, and this podcast have all been part of my healing from the death of my marriage after 21 years.” (05:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Pain of Divorce:
  "It's a vortex of indescribable pain, shame and devastation wrapped in a tangle of questions that may never be answered and a heap of judgment from those who truly don't understand." (00:55, Lysa TerKeurst)

• On Support and Intent:
  "Please know I am not pro divorce. I am pro healthy marriages and I am pro helping others who desperately need the support and information..." (02:13, Lysa TerKeurst)

• On Biblical Clarity:
  “There are many blanket statements made that are unhelpful, hurtful, or misinformed, such as God hates divorce or the only biblical grounds for divorce is sexual infidelity.” (04:16, Lysa TerKeurst)

• Key Distinction:
  "As my friend Leslie Vernick says, that there's a difference between a difficult marriage and a destructive marriage." (04:33, Lysa TerKeurst)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | Lysa’s personal introduction and overview of the season’s focus | | 01:20 | Announcement of the co-authored book and its purpose | | 03:03 | Breakdown of audiences and how each will benefit | | 04:16 | Addressing misconceptions around divorce in the Bible | | 05:10 | Lysa on the heavy but necessary work of the podcast | | 05:40 | Listener testimony on the podcast’s impact | | 06:21 | Invitation to subscribe and share the podcast |

Tone and Style

Lysa speaks candidly, vulnerably, and with deep compassion. The discussion is gentle but direct, aiming to comfort and empower listeners walking through profound loss. Her words are biblically thoughtful yet relatable, affirming both faith and the complexity of human experience.

Final Notes and Call-to-Action

• Get Connected: Listeners are urged to subscribe for updates and new episodes and to share the podcast trailer with someone who might benefit.
• Season Launch: The season officially begins next week with Lysa, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and counselor Jim Cress.
  • "I can't wait for you to join me and my friends Dr. Joel Muddamale and counselor Jim Kress starting next week, and we'll see you then." (07:00, Lysa TerKeurst)

Summary prepared for those seeking support, insight, and healing around the sensitive topic of unwanted divorce, whether personally or in their community.