Relationship Truth: Unfiltered

Merry Christmas to our podcast listeners! In this episode Leslie and Julie share some Christmas memories and some practical advice, especially for those who find this to be a difficult holiday. The Gift of Presence: Leslie emphasizes the importance of preparation and the opportunity to create a more positive Christmas experience. She recommends starting the day with gratitude and setting intention...

Today's episode is a deep dive into the concept of purity culture. Many women have expressed feeling damaged by the pressure to remain pure or to marry someone with whom they had sex before marriage. Leslie and Julie discuss what purity culture is and its impact on individuals. Defining Purity Culture: Purity culture is rooted in the belief that sex outside of marriage is wrong, based on biblical...

Title: Empowered Podcast Episode 2 - Managing Anger and Guarding Your Heart During Difficult Times Introduction Welcome back to the Empowered Podcast. In this episode, we delve into the topics of managing anger and guarding your heart during challenging moments. Leslie and Elise share valuable insights and practical advice. Handling Anger in Parenting Leslie shares a personal story of her teenage...

In this episode, Leslie shares her expertise and guidance on recognizing, addressing, and overcoming financial abuse within intimate partnerships. Understanding Financial Abuse Financial abuse involves controlling or manipulating a partner's access to money and resources. Leslie highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of financial abuse, such as limiting access to funds, monitoring spen...

Introduction: In this enlightening podcast episode, we delve deep into the power of forgiveness as a catalyst for personal transformation. Our guest, author Rose Ann Forte, shares her insights and experiences regarding forgiveness, self-care, and substance abuse.  Key Takeaways: The Importance of Forgiveness: Rose Ann emphasizes that forgiveness is not only about forgiving others but also forgivin...

Seeking Guidance and Empowerment Mentorship from a couple within her denomination. Realizing her right to financial independence. Support in confronting deception in her marriage. Involvement of church leadership in her marital issues. The Power of Supportive Community Joining a Bible study and a revealing conversation about divorce. Articulating the decision to leave her abusive marriage. Difficu...

Segment 1: Identifying Abusive Behavior Leslie and Julie discuss the challenge of identifying abusive behavior in relationships, even when it occurs infrequently. They emphasize the common tendency to believe the best about people while acknowledging that everyone has flaws and dark sides. Segment 2: Evaluating Responses The importance of evaluating the husband's response when he acts abusively. U...

Trust in God After Divorce Many women struggle with trusting God again after a painful divorce. Georgia shares her experience of feeling betrayed when her husband, a Christian, turned out to be a porn addict. Thers is a common feeling of being cheated by God when life doesn't align with expectations. Georgia emphasizes the importance of being honest with God about our doubts and anger. It's okay t...

  Understanding the Impact of Internalized Lies The psychological impact of internalized lies among abuse survivors. The debilitating effects of false beliefs on personal growth and recovery. The Lies that Impede Healing Falsehoods hindering women's capacity to heal and progress post-abuse. The inclination to blame external factors while neglecting internalized lies. The misconception surrounding...

In this powerful episode, Jennifer shares her courageous journey of surviving a destructive marriage characterized by coercive control.   Part 1: Unveiling Coercive Control Jennifer reveals the insidious nature of coercive control, including constant threats of abandonment and emotional manipulation. She emphasizes how these actions often went unnoticed because they were subtle but nonetheless des...

In this episode you'll meet Geri, a mentor in the Conquer private membership group. She bravely shares her story of walking through a destructive marriage.  Lesson on Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Distinguishing between forgiveness and reconciliation. The misconception that forgiving automatically means rebuilding a close relationship. The need for comprehensive understanding of forgiveness in a...

Leslie's special guest on this episode is Sheila Gregoire, author of "She Deserves Better" and "The Great Sex Rescue." Together Sheila and Leslie delve into debunking harmful stereotypes and fostering meaningful connections with your daughters. Segment 1: Harmful Beliefs About Girls and Their Consequences: Sheila discusses (and debunks) the damaging belief that girls talk excessively and its adver...

No Relationship is perfect. But when does "not perfect" cross the line into abuse? That's the question Leslie answers in today's episode.  1. Types of Relationships: Differentiate between difficult, disappointing, and destructive marriages. Difficulties can bring couples closer if handled maturely. There are many external stressors in marriages. 2. Disappointing Marriages: Discuss common expectati...

In this show Julie Sedenko has a heartfelt conversation with Debbie, a woman who is rebuilding her life after a painful marriage.   Part 1: The Early Years and Marriage: Debbie's background and early life. How she met her future husband. The early stages of their relationship and marriage. Part 2: Recognizing Abuse: The signs and patterns of emotional and verbal abuse in Debbie's marriage. How Deb...

Leslie interviews Jill Savage, host of the No More Perfect Podcast, a creator of online courses, and the author of 14 books, including "No More Perfect Moms" and "No More Perfect Marriages." The episode dives deep into Jill's personal journey of resilience, redemption, and unconditional love in the face of a significant marital detour. The Marital Detour and Learning to Love Unconditionally: Jill'...

In this episode, Leslie & Julie discuss the following listener questions/topics: How does staying calm help others see their own behavior more clearly? What distinguishes appropriate reactions from inappropriate ones? How should one handle a spouse who insists on arguing in front of children? What advice can you provide for overcoming the fear of speaking up and handling criticism? How can one...

In this episode, Julie Sedenko & Leslie Vernick discuss the importance and the challenges of speaking up in relationships, particularly in difficult or destructive marriages. The Challenge of Speaking Up: In destructive marriages, speaking up can be scary and unsafe. Balancing the need to speak up for oneself with the potential negative responses. Referencing Matthew 7, where Jesus warns about...

In this episode of "Relationship Truth Unfiltered," join host Julie Sedenko in a powerful conversation with Kim, a courageous woman who shares her story of transformation from a brutally destructive marriage marred by serial infidelity and emotional abuse. Kim's journey of discovering the truth, finding her self-worth, and rebuilding her life offers hope and inspiration to women facing similar cha...

Empowering Survivors and Shining Light: Addressing Abuse in Churches Introduction: Guest: Rachel Denhollander - attorney, author, advocate, educator. Role in exposing sexual abuse, notably Dr. Larry Nassar's abuse in USA Gymnastics. Highlighting the importance of discussing abuse in religious contexts. Rachel's Background: Pursuit of justice against Dr. Larry Nassar. Over 300 survivors, including...

Introduction: The importance of mutual respect and understanding in a partnership. Part 1: Understanding Unhealthy Relationship Dynamics Traditional perspectives on gender roles and submission in relationships. Misconceptions around submission and headship. The danger of oppressive relationships and their impact on women's well-being. The need for women to reclaim their identity and voice. Part 2:...

Disclaimer: The content shared in this episode contains sensitive and potentially triggering topics related to domestic abuse and miscarriage. Listener discretion is advised. 1: The Beginning of the Destructive Marriage Ayana and her current husband met after both having experienced previous failed marriages. They initially appeared to be a perfect match with similar spiritual values, but things c...

Podcast Show Notes: Living in Alignment with Core Values Introduction Importance of living in alignment with core values Definition and significance of core values Discovering Core Values Reflecting on personal beliefs and principles Identifying core values through introspection and self-awareness The Impact of Living in Misalignment Consequences of not honoring core values Recognizing signs of mi...

In this episode of Relationship Truth Unfiltered, Leslie provides valuable insights and guidance for Christian women who find themselves in destructive marriages. Drawing upon her expertise as a counselor and Christian author, Leslie discusses the importance of recognizing destructive patterns, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking personal growth and healing. With a focus on faith and wisdom, s...

Carrie is a brave woman who shares her story of being in a destructive marriage for 26 years and her journey towards healing and finding the strength to leave.   Early Signs Carrie grew up in Canada but moved to California after marrying her American husband. Her husband exhibited controlling behavior from the beginning of their marriage. It's not as great as it sounds Carrie explains complementar...

Welcome to a special edition of Relationship Truth Unfiltered. In this episode, we have a very exciting invitation for all our podcast listeners. Leslie would like to invite you to join a transformative program called Moving Beyond People Pleasing. This program, starting this Monday, July 10th, is designed to help you learn to speak up for yourself and set healthy boundaries. Moving Beyond People...