139 | Unraveling & Rebuilding: My Journey Through Faith, Politics, and Personal Growth

Healing isn’t just about unlearning old beliefs—it’s about giving ourselves permission to ask hard questions, challenge ingrained narratives, and rebuild our understanding of the world. In this deeply personal episode of Gather in Growth, I open up about my evolving relationship with faith, politics, and self-trust—and why I no longer feel the need to fit neatly into the boxes I once lived in.If you’ve ever felt torn between the beliefs you were raised with and the truth you’re uncovering within yourself, this episode is for you. I share my personal experiences growing up in a small-town church, navigating ideological shifts in college, marriage, and motherhood, and ultimately finding freedom, faith, and alignment in places I never expected.This conversation is not about changing anyone’s mind but rather holding space for curiosity, nuance, and personal transformation. My hope is that this episode encourages you to explore, question, and trust your own journey—wherever it leads.In this episode, I cover:How my experiences in a small-town Christian church shaped my early belief systemThe tension of deconstructing religion while still feeling deeply connected to faithWhy my spiritual connection has deepened outside of organized religionThe intersection of faith, patriarchy, and systemic disconnection from intuitionHow my political beliefs shifted through different seasons of life—from college to marriage to motherhoodWhy I no longer feel at home in a single political party and how I evaluate political issues todayThe impact of social circles, environment, and real-world experiences on my evolving perspectiveThe intersection of religion and politics and how they have shaped cultural narrativesWhy unlearning old beliefs can feel unsettling—but is necessary for growthThe internal conflict of questioning faith and politics when they no longer feel alignedHow I stopped outsourcing my beliefs to external authorities and learned to trust myselfWhy curiosity is not rebellion—it’s self-awareness in actionHow to engage in hard conversations without internalizing others’ perspectivesThe importance of being in community with people who hold different beliefsWhy we must be willing to challenge our own biases and perspectivesBe sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode!Connect with Emily:Instagram: @emilyreuschelFacebook: Emily ReuschelLinkedIn: Emily ReuschelEmail List: join hereVisit my website for more resources, coaching, and podcast episodes: www.EmilyReuschel.comGet the Inside Scoop on My Book Writing Journey!Join my Book Insiders List for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and early access:  Sign up here!Resources and Links:Mary Magdalene Revealed: The First Apostle, Her Feminist Gospel & the Christianity We Haven’t Tried YetGather in Growth Sponsorship InquiryBook me as a speaker for your next eventGather in Growth podcast produced by: Jill Carr PodcastingMentioned in this episode:Join Emily and Kelsey Anderson for VeilFall, an intimate Samhain and Full Hunter’s Moon women’s retreat happening October 23–26, 2026, at Blue Star Retreat Center in Columbia Falls, Montana, near Glacier National Park. Click below to explore the full retreat experience and register: VeilFall