The Still Mind with Wendi Renay
by Wendi Renay
Wendi Renay is a creator, speaker, and mental-wellness educator who blends psychology, identity work, and grounded storytelling to help people find clarity and rebuild self-trust. She began her online presence under the brand DevOUT in 2022, supporting those healing from high-control religious systems. As her audience evolved, Wendi expanded into The Still Mind, a psychology-forward podcast focusing on executive function, emotional regulation, and identity reinvention. She also shares educational content on her YouTube channel at youtube.com/wendirenay.
Episodes
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The Controlling Kind of Love
The kindest way someone will ever try to control you doesn't sound like control at all. It sounds like love. It sounds like worry. It sounds like someone who just wants what's best for you. A few years ago, someone I loved sent me a letter trying to talk me out of a decision I'd already made. It...
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Living on "Almost"
What does it mean to live in the eventual? www.wendirenay.com For those of us who survived high-control religion, narcissistic abuse, or any environment that required us to defer our own lives, eventually becomes more than a word. It becomes a way of existing. We stay in situations that are…
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If You Feel Everything, This Episode Is for You
If you take on other people’s moods, assume everything is your fault, or feel drained after simple interactions, this episode is for you. Wendi breaks down the difference between absorbing emotions and reflecting them, and why learning this skill can completely change your peace, your...
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This Is Why You Still Don’t Feel Confident
For 1:1 mentorship click here In this episode, Wendi Renay challenges the conventional belief that confidence must precede action. She emphasizes that confidence is a result of taking action, not a prerequisite. Wendi discusses how waiting for the right moment or feeling ready can hinder personal...
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When You Miss Them, Listen To This
For 1:1 mentorship, click here! In this episode, we talk honestly about why you miss them, why you start romanticizing the past, and why distance makes everything look clearer than it really was — like dirt settling at the bottom of a water glass. We also talk about the urge to check their…
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What Nobody Tells You About Being an Empath
Schedule 1:1 Convo In this conversation, Wendi Renay delves into the world of empaths, exploring their unique ability to sense emotional cues and navigate complex emotional landscapes. She discusses how empaths often take on the role of fixers and stabilizers in their environments, highlighting…
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Why Your Mind Runs Ahead of Your Life
For 1:1 mentorship, click here In this conversation, Wendi Renay explores the concept of overthinking, reframing it as a protective mechanism rather than a flaw. She discusses how overthinking often stems from heightened awareness and past trauma, leading individuals to anticipate emotional...
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Overthinking: Why Your Brain Does What It Does
Schedule 1:1 Convo In this conversation, Wendi Renay explores her journey of confronting trauma and understanding the complexities of her nervous system. She reflects on her experiences in a high-control environment and how it shaped her perception of self-regulation and emotional well-being.…
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Before You React, Text Back, or Spiral… Do This Instead
If you want deeper support, I’m available for Private 1:1 mentoring We’ll work through your patterns, your communication habits, your confidence, and the inner skills that help you build a calmer, stronger, more self-respecting version of your life. Most people think they have a communication...
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The Unexpected Joy of Unlearning Everything
For a 1:1 conversation with me, click here for fresh eyes on your story What if the beliefs you were raised with are the very things keeping you from peace? In this episode, Wendi Renay opens up about the panic, clarity, and deep inner shift that come with unlearning old identities—about…
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7 Signs You’re Mentally Overloaded (and Don’t Even Know It)
If you’ve been feeling scattered, foggy, or just “off” — this episode is for you. Wendi Renay breaks down what mental overload really is, how the brain quietly hits capacity, and seven subtle signs you might be running on empty without realizing it. Learn what’s actually happening in your nervous...
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The Myth of Constant Healing
If you’ve ever felt like “healing” became your full-time job, this one’s for you. Wendi Renay unpacks the myth of constant healing — why self-work can quietly turn into self-pressure, what the brain actually needs to rest and integrate, and how to build peace without making it another project. A...
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5 Ways to Know You’re Living in Survival Mode
For personalized 1:1 mentoring & support: CLICK HERE If calm feels foreign, or rest feels wrong, this episode is for you. Wendi Renay unpacks what survival mode really feels like — the hidden ways your mind and body stay stuck in protection, even when the danger’s over. Through gentle insight and...
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Quiet Your Mind RIGHT NOW!
I'm back with The Still Mind — a podcast for overthinkers, deep feelers, and quiet rebuilders. In this first episode, I reflect on stepping away from social media, rediscovering peace, and what happens when life finally goes quiet. Through psychology, story, and heart, lets unpack the truth about...
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Spotify ONLY: The Return — A New Name, Falling In Love With Life Again
After a year-long disappearance from social media and the podcast, I’m back—and not because I’ve figured it all out, but because I finally started living from a place of truth. In this first episode of Life After Devout, I share where I’ve been, what changed, and how I quietly rebuilt a life I...
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Spotify ONLY: Understanding Trauma: Types, Triggers & Holistic Healing with Joel Pieper, LCSW
In this deeply insightful conversation, licensed clinical social worker Joel Pieper breaks down the different types of trauma—beyond the obvious and into the subtle, often overlooked patterns that shape our lives. We explore: The difference between Big T and little t trauma How trauma shows up in...
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IT ALL WORKS OUT!
This year, I want us to explore the stories of those who have faced tough challenges, particularly those who’ve come out of cult environments. I believe these conversations are vital in helping others find hope and connection in their own lives. Each episode will feature guests who’ve navigated...
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Where Are They Now? Candice Ficalora
Hello there! It's good to be back, I am excited about this new series. Are you ready for some stories about growth? Health and wellness? Healthy mindsets? Unraveled indoctrination? LET'S DO IT!! --------------------------------------------------------------- For Candace's first interview:...
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Social Anxiety, Sadness, Depression, and Other Feelings - with Ryan Lee, PsyD
To contact Dr. Ryan: www.drryanlee.com "I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness from birth until the age of 18, when I realized that there was more to the world than I had been taught. The following years, while exciting in some respects, were also challenging as I set out to rebuild my identity…
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Are All Religious Cults the Same? Anthony Forte, Former Deacon, World Mission Society Church of God
Anthony is a former deacon and a 10.5 year member of the World Mission Society Church of God, a cult group that believes Jesus’ second coming already happened (and this Jesus died in 1985) and worships an elderly lady in Korea as “God the Mother.” Through the pandemic, personal research, and…
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David Podos: Tips for reaching out to journalists
Mr. Podos is a life -long resident of Utica New York. In his early professional career, he worked for a number of non-for-profit entities as Executive Director. In 2000 Podos was part of the faculty of a private business college located in Utica and held the position of Adjunct Instructor. He...
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Dre: "Disfellowshipping, Divorce, & The "Perfect" JW Family Dynamic"
Dre is a 35 year young Mexican/Irish fellow from Southern California. His was raised as Jehovah’s Witness his entire life, but consistently struggled with his faith a majority of the time. He left the religion by way of being disfellowshipped at 31. He’s passionate about music, his love for…
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Former Pioneer: "I reported my own father to the elders!" with Marti Ries
About Marti: "I was born and raised in Sacramento California. I am a certified Life Coach, Reiki Practitioner, Sound Bowl Healer, and I have done many other healing modalities. I was born a Jehovah's Witness in 1973. I was baptized when I was 11 in 1985. During that time I was severely physically...
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"How To Pursue a Dream After a Life of Control" with Wesley David
Wesley David has lived 2 very different lives, and the only thing that’s held them - and himself - together has been an obsession with music. Growing up in the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Singer-Songwriter has relied on a love of all things Rock ‘n’ Roll since a young age as an escape - one which...
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Podcast Exclusive: So I Lost My Job Last Week
In this episode, we discuss self-worth, salary, lack of education, and the most difficult part of all of it. Financial Feminists Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-feminist/id1566054936 FB Group: Her First 100k Website mentioned: www.thesocialnarrator.com
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"My children are my life, and what I'd do differently" A conversation with Tyler Ahrens
Former JW turned Mental Health Specialist Tyler Ahrens joins the show to talk with us about finding and navigating your way through the parenting path after waking up. Sadly, despite your best efforts to reverse the cycle, your children may be practicing the JW religion's teaching of shunning,...
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Physical Pain, Trauma, & High-Control Relationships
Book mentioned: The Body Keeps The Score Therapist suggestion: Dr. Ryan Lee Visit my library here: https://wendirenaycoaching.com/library FREE DOWNLOAD: Game Plan: https://wendirenaycoaching.com/gameplan
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"How my own truth became the real truth:" A convo with Vevian Vozmediano
Vevian is a trauma-informed coach who has been working one-on-one with clients for almost 10 years. She spent 3/4 of her life as a Jehovah’s Witness and now has a group-based program to help ex-JW women find out who they are outside the organization. Link:...
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(PODCAST EXCLUSIVE!) "I want to speak to those in their early 20s: You can do this!" with Mercedes ExJw
Mercedes is a baptized Ex-JW who has been out of the organization for 4 years but has has just recently woken up. Now she is focused on healing her trauma and hoping to get into activism to help others.
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Self-Compassion Despite Feeling Flawed with ExJw Joakim Le Bolloch Appell
It took Joakim a lifetime to understand to what extent growing up in the org controlled parts of his life, how he related to emotions, himself and others, how black and white in his choices, opinions and thinking he was. How it affected his #relationships. How he for 23 years convinced himself…
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How I Left "Busy" Culture & Changed My Life: Author Jennifer Peavey
Jennifer Peavey comes from a varied background of engineering, design, and innovation. She is known for finding common ground and powerful connections in unexplored territory. Amid the pandemic, Jennifer found herself making new connections within herself as she ventured into uninvestigated…
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Men: Put Your Family First! MS to Disassociated with Spencer Clarkson
Spencer is a former 3rd generation Jehovahs Witnesses and ministerial servant. 29 years old, with many experiences you may find yourself relating to. A father and husband, he has recently disassociated, and has a story that will hopefully help those who hear it. To contact Spencer:...
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Mentally IN, Physically OUT. Help for the POMI
Deena is a mother, wife, and aspiring writer as well as survivor of narcissistic abuse. In the almost 10 years that have passed since leaving high control religion, she has cultivated new relationships, pursued her passions, and learned to care for her mental and emotional health. Two years ago,...
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Not Born-In, Converted in Adulthood: A Conversation with Chenai Takundwa
We often meet people in the ex-religious community who are born and raised. What about those of us who make the decision to convert and then soon discover what's behind the curtain? If this sounds similar to your story, listen in as Chenai talks about her experience. Contact; www.wendirenay.com...
About this show
Wendi Renay is a creator, speaker, and mental-wellness educator who blends psychology, identity work, and grounded storytelling to help people find clarity and rebuild self-trust. She began her online presence under the brand DevOUT in 2022, supporting those healing from high-control religious systems. As her audience evolved, Wendi expanded into The Still Mind, a psychology-forward podcast focusing on executive function, emotional regulation, and identity reinvention. She also shares educational content on her YouTube channel at youtube.com/wendirenay.
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Wendi Renay
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