HOLY DISOBEDIENCE: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows

What happens when the faith that was meant to bring you hope becomes the very thing that causes your deepest wounds?In this powerful episode of Cult Diaries, Brooke sits down with award-winning essayist, screenwriter, and religious trauma advocate Melissa Duge Spiers to explore her journey of breaking free from religious abuse, reclaiming her voice, and transforming pain into purpose. Melissa shares her personal story with honesty and courage, offering hope to anyone questioning their beliefs, healing from spiritual manipulation, or rebuilding their identity after leaving a high-control religious environment. Event though she left the Seventh Day Adventist at 18 years old, she realized she was acting out her religious programming in relationships. Obedience, loyalty to a fault set her up to be a prime candidate for narcissistic abusers. As the creator behind The Glory Whole and author of the award-winning memoir Holy Disobedience, Melissa has become a passionate advocate for survivors of religious trauma, helping others understand that healing is possible—and that life on the other side of fear is filled with freedom.Melissa's journey through religious abuse and the path to healing.The hidden psychological impact of high-control religious environments.Reclaiming your identity after leaving a faith community.Breaking free from shame, fear, and religious conditioning.Finding your voice and sharing your story with courage.How writing became a powerful tool for healing and advocacy.What hope and freedom can look like after religious trauma.Whether you're questioning your faith, recovering from spiritual abuse, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that your story doesn't end when you leave—it begins.If this episode resonates with you, be sure to subscribe to Cult Diaries, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who needs to know they are not alone.