Tia Levings on The Well-Trained Wife: Groomed for Submission, Desperate to Escape (Best of 2024)

A World of Difference

This episode was our most downloaded in 2024.

TW: Support for Domestic Violence Survivors in Religious Settings

The conversation explores the sensitive topic of domestic violence in religious contexts, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for survivors. Tia's experiences within her religious community highlight the challenges faced by individuals trapped in abusive situations. The episode encourages proactive involvement in recognizing and addressing abuse, promoting justice, and providing ongoing support for survivors seeking safety and healing.

Trauma took your past, but it does not have to have your present and your future, too. And you are the one in charge of that. - Tia Levings

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore personal stories of escaping Christian patriarchy and find inspiration for your own journey to empowerment.
• Learn about the profound impact of religious trauma on mental health and discover strategies for healing and resilience.
• Uncover the complexities of domestic violence within religious contexts and gain insights into supporting survivors.
• Gain a deep understanding of deconstructing fundamentalism in modern politics and its implications on society.
• Discover effective strategies for healing and recovery from religious abuse, empowering yourself to move forward with strength and confidence.

My special guest is Tia Levings

Tia Levings is an insightful writer, podcaster, and speaker, with a focus on the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek. As a content strategist, Tia delves into the impact of religious trauma on mental health, domestic violence within religious contexts, and the deconstruction of fundamentalism in modern politics, shedding light on these critical issues. Her forthcoming memoir, "A Well Trained Wife," chronicles her personal journey of escaping Christian patriarchy, presenting a compelling and courageous narrative that promises to resonate with those seeking empowerment and healing from religious abuse. Tia's work is driven by her passion for advocating resilience and recovery from religious trauma.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:25 - Growing Up in Mainstream Fundamentalism

00:05:22 - Trauma and Dogmatism

00:07:42 - Effects of Fundamentalism on Women

00:14:08 - The Influence of High Control Religion

00:15:34 - The Pressure of Traditional Gender Roles

00:16:55 - Red Flags and High Control Religion

00:20:47 - The Manipulative Nature of Patriarchy

00:25:53 - Addressing Pushbacks and Myths

00:27:34 - The Incredulity of Religious Trauma

00:28:22 - Challenges in Seeking Justice

00:29:26 - Empowering Survivors

00:32:35 - Finding Solidarity and Community

00:38:27 - Building Healthy Relationships

00:41:09 - The Impact of Religious Trauma

00:43:18 - Coping with Discomfort and Denial

00:44:50 - Healing from Religious Trauma

00:46:31 - Advocating for Survivors

00:53:18 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

00:56:22 - Understanding Mental Illness and Abuse

00:57:45 - Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

• Buy Tia Levings' best-selling book A Well Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy to support the author and gain deeper insights into her story and experiences.
• Join the Difference Maker Community on Patreon to access exclusive interviews, including a deeper conversation with Tia Levings, and support the podcast.
• Follow Tia Levings on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to stay updated on her work and engage with her content.
• Share this podcast episode with others who may benefit from hearing Tia Levings' story and gaining insights into religious trauma and domestic violence.

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