Relationship Truth: Unfiltered

In this second half of Leslie's interview with Professor Nancy Pearcey, we explore the journey of masculinity throughout history and how it has been shaped by different beliefs and cultures. Professor Pearcey, helps us understand how the worship of many gods and the shift to monotheism affected our understanding of manhood. We also discuss the problem of toxic masculinity and the importance of pro...

Leslie welcomes guest, Nancy Pearcey, author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes , as well as Love Thy Body , The Soul of Science , Saving Leonardo , Finding Truth, and Total Truth . She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by...

In this episode, we dive into the topic of "Detachment" and explore how detaching can bring freedom and peace in destructive marriages. Understanding Detachment: Leslie defines detachment as the ability to show up as the person you want to be without expecting the other person to meet your expectations. Detachment doesn't mean disconnecting or not caring; it means letting go of the need to control...

In this episode, we are joined by special guest, Jim Cress, an expert in the field of sexual addiction recovery and marriage restoration. Part 1: Understanding Destructive Marriages Leslie and Jim delve into the reality of destructive marriages, especially in the area of sexual addiction, and its impact on individuals and relationships. Jim's shares his personal story and how he came to recovery....

In this powerful episode, join our host, Julie, as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katarina, a brave survivor who shares her personal journey of breaking free from an abusive marriage. Together, they explore the challenges Katarina faced, the transformative moments that led her to question her circumstances, and the profound impact of finding hope and healing in the midst of adversity...

In this episode, we explore the theme of why trying harder may not be the most effective approach when facing a destructive marriage. Part 1: Understanding the Reality of Destructive Marriages Differentiating between difficult and destructive marriages. Acknowledging the presence of harmful patterns such as abuse, control, or addiction in destructive marriages. Recognizing the importance of accura...

Title: Relationship Truth Unfiltered: Addressing Domestic Violence in the Church Description: In this episode of Relationship Truth Unfiltered, host Leslie Vernick engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pastor Dan, discussing the often overlooked issue of domestic violence within Christian marriages and the church. Together, they explore the challenges faced by pastors and church leaders...

Join us on this compelling episode as we dive into Connie's courageous journey of overcoming marriage struggles, finding healing, and experiencing personal growth. Through her candid and heartfelt story, Connie shares the challenges she faced in her marriage, including infidelity, unmet needs, and emotional disconnection. She opens up about her journey of self-discovery and the transformative impa...

Part 1: Understanding Destructive Marriages In this episode, Leslie defines what a destructive marriage is and explains the difference between a difficult marriage and a destructive one.   Part 2: Why It's Not Your Fault Leslie discusses the common misconception that women in destructive marriages are responsible for the behavior of their spouses. She offers insight into how to overcome feelings o...

In this episode of Relationship Truth: Unfiltered, we have a special guest, Neil Schori, a pastor who has dedicated his life to helping victims of abuse find safety and healing in the church. Pastor Neil Schori shares his personal experience counseling Stacy Peterson. Stacy missing shortly after telling Pastor Neil that her husband  had confessed to her that he killed his former wife, Kathleen Sav...

I. Discovering the Betrayal Jayne shares the shock of finding out about her husband's affair Discusses the discovery of additional affairs and a pornography addiction The impact of betrayal trauma on her emotional and mental health II. Coping with the Aftermath The decision to seek marriage counseling The challenge of keeping the situation a secret from family and friends The importance of having...

In this episode Leslie answers these listener questions: So how do you deal with your husband when you remove yourself either to a different room or a walk in the woods or even leaving the house and he tells your that you are just running from your problems. My husband had been verbally and sexually abusing me for years. I told him I want a separation a month and a half  ago l. He finally moved to...

In this episode Leslie talks with best selling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa TerKeurst.  Lysa’s latest book, “Good Boundaries and Goodbyes,” helps readers stop the dysfunction of unhealthy relationships by showing them proven ways to set boundaries—and, when necessary, how to say goodbye—without losing the best of who they are. Prepare to hear some very practical advice when...

Subscribe  Apple * Google * Spotify * Amazon * iHeart Laura’s Lessons Learning to be okay with someone who is upset with me instead of trying to fix things. Learning that I couldn’t fix my marriage. I could do my work but I couldn’t do his.  I was realizing that I didn’t like who I was becoming and I wanted to change for myself, regardless of what he did.  My marriage was supposed to be a wonderfu...

He says he's sorry. That you should forgive. But how do you know his words are true, that he won't repeat this sin in the future?  Takeaways: Two questions to ask in order to determine if he's truly sorry: Does he care, through his actions as well as is words, about the impact his sin has on you? Is he committed to change, actively working on himself so that the sin does not repeat itself? How to...

Debbie Laaser knows what it’s like to be blindsided by the sexual sin of her husband. In this episode she not only shares what happened but the story of how she and her late husband, Mark, came to build a ministry to those dealing with sexual sin and the loved ones who are impacted by it. Subscribe  Apple * Google * Spotify * Amazon * iHeart   Takeaways Take care of symptoms. Work first on the tra...

Jessica’s destructive marriage impacted her to the point where she seriously considered suicide. She says kids helped save her life. She had to get them - and herself - to safety.    Subscribe  Apple * Google * Spotify * Amazon * iHeart   Three Takeaways Safety is priority! Get emotionally and physically safe. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. They offer confidential suppor...

Brief summary of episode: When a relationship ends, the problems don’t all go away, especially when you’re forced to co-parent. In this episode you’ll hear practical tips you can apply in dealing with your ex or soon-to-be ex. Whether it’s dealing with finances, fairness, or emotional wounds, you’ll find help here. Subscribe  Apple * Google * Spotify * Amazon * iHeart Three Takeaways It is in your...

Whether you're a trauma survivor or married to one, trauma has a profound impact on relationships. Heather Davediuk Gingrich, Ph. D. is passionate about helping complex trauma survivors as well as educating churches on how to be trauma informed.    In her 40 years as a professional counselor, she has lived, practiced, and taught in Canada, the Philippines, and the United States. She was Professor...

Karin and her husband of nearly 39 years were missionaries to Zambia for two decades. Everything looked good to the outside but, the truth was, Karin was a victim of an extremely controlling and manipulative husband. In this episode Karin explains how she came to accept the truth about her situation and learn that she did have choices, even if her husband didn’t want to change.    Resources Join W...

Everyone has an ingrained belief system…a sort of hard-wiring that we don’t even think about. Today Leslie is going to talk about ten of the most common - and dangerous beliefs. Dangerous because believing them could seriously damage your life.  Life Should Be Fair Hard is bad I should be able to have my cake and eat it too. It’s all my fault It’s never my fault I can control the outcome If I wait...

Dawn knew there were red flags before she even married but she thought she could "save him."  Instead, she spent more than two decades dealing with a husband who was addicted to alcohol and prescription pain medications. Hear how, as a Christian, she dealt with this destructive problem and what she learned in the process.

In this episode Pastor Brad Hambrick and Leslie will tackle some tough topics:   Why do you think the church is making the same mistakes over and over again?   Why is it so hard to believe the victim? “Innocent until proven guilty” is cultural, but, when applied to a person telling their story we too often look at it as “liar until proven truthful.”  Is it wrong to let the legal system, CPS and ot...

What is betrayal trauma? There can be financial, emotional, betrayal, sexual, etc. When betrayal happens the picture you had of your spouse is shattered and so is the picture you had of yourself. It can be a struggle to even trust yourself again … because you trusted this person who once betrayed you.    The priority, beyond any problem, is your self-care. When you’ve been betrayed, you must take...

You. Don't. Have. To.  Most women are stuck in the lie that, "I have to..." I have to stay married, I have to go to church, I have to go to work...there is a resignation to a life that is choice-less. But that's not true. You don't have to do any of those things.  With every choice we make there are consequences. But we DO have a choice.   God created Adam and Eve with choice. They could choose to...