The Still Mind with Wendi Renay

What does it mean to live in the eventual?www.wendirenay.comFor 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 almost right. We pursue dreams that live permanently just out of reach. We reset every morning and call it grace. We wait for the fuller version of our lives to arrive while the present one keeps moving without us.In this episode, Wendi Renay unpacks the invisible blueprint that controlling environments install in us long before we have the language to question it. From the theology of paradise earth that taught Jehovah's Witnesses to treat this life as temporary, to the daily reset that narcissistic abuse trains us to perform, to the quiet way we talk ourselves out of bigger opportunities before we even finish reading the description, this is a conversation about a pattern that most of us are living inside without realizing it.This episode is for anyone who has ever stood right at the edge of their own life and found a reason to stay where they were.Not just for religious abuse survivors. For anyone who recognizes the feeling of almost.If something in this lands for you, you are not alone.And the life you keep deferring is already here.

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 relationships, and your sense of self.You’ll hear a grounded, honest look at why we internalize other people’s feelings—and how to stay centered without shutting down your empathy.Work with Wendi:1:1 mentoring → https://calendly.com/wendirenay/30min

For 1:1 mentorship click hereIn 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 growth. Instead, she advocates for making micro-decisions and taking risks to build self-trust and confidence. By acting despite fear and uncertainty, individuals can unlock their potential and create the life they desire.

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 socials, how it slows healing, and why stepping back from social media is one of the quickest ways to rebuild yourself.You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use today to help you move through the loss, pick up the pieces, and reconnect with yourself. Missing someone doesn’t mean you should go back — it means you’re human. And you’re healing, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.letting go, healing, self-acceptance, emotional growth, personal development

Schedule 1:1 ConvoIn 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 the challenges they face due to their heightened sensitivity.empaths, emotional intelligence, sensitivity, emotional cues, conflict resolution

For 1:1 mentorship, click hereIn 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 outcomes to avoid pain. Wendi emphasizes the importance of understanding the roots of overthinking and finding ways to create safety within oneself to mitigate its effects. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their intelligence and self-awareness while learning to trust themselves instead of being trapped in a cycle of overthinking.

Schedule 1:1 ConvoIn 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. Wendi emphasizes the importance of recognizing that feelings of inadequacy stem from dysregulation rather than personal failure, leading to a deeper understanding of healing and personal growth.

If you want deeper support, I’m available for Private 1:1 mentoringWe’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 problem.What they really have is a nervous system problem disguised as communication.In this episode, we’re breaking down the difference between reacting and responding — and why learning this skill changes everything. If you’ve ever shut down, snapped, overexplained, or spiraled in moments that mattered, this episode will teach you how to stay grounded, soft, clear, and self-respecting even when your emotions are loud.You’ll learn:• why your nervous system reacts before your mind does• the four reactive styles and how to recognize yours• how to pause, regulate, and choose a tone you actually feel proud of• feminine communication that doesn’t abandon your boundaries• real scripts you can use todayThis is the emotional self-control you were never taught — explained simply, gently, and powerfully.

For a 1:1 conversation with me, click here for fresh eyes on your storyWhat 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 marriage, divorce, high-control religion, and how the world really works. Through story and psychology, Wendi explores the nervous system, executive function, and the quiet joy that comes when you finally return to yourself.

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 system, how to reclaim clarity, and why stillness—not productivity—is the reset your mind has been asking for.For 1:1 Mentorship Click Here

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 calm, compassionate reminder that you don’t have to earn your healing — you just have to live it.

For personalized 1:1 mentoring & support: CLICK HEREIf 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 psychology, you’ll learn five signs you’re still surviving instead of living — and how to start teaching your body that peace is allowed.

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 calm: it’s not found in silence — it’s built there.

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 love. From regular therapy to spontaneous walks in borrowed shoes, from falling in love with kickboxing to crossing the finish line of a Spartan Race—this is the real story of coming home to myself.This isn’t about who I used to be. It’s about the life I’m creating now—and inviting you into. If you’ve ever needed a soft return, a quiet comeback, or a reminder that joy can be rebuilt, this episode is for you.If you’re in this with me—let’s talk about and live life after devout.––––––––––Mentioned in this episode:• How logging off gave me clarity• Why I turned to movement as medicine• Rebuilding identity outside performance• Creating rhythms of strength, rest, and joy• What this show will look like moving forwardIf you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been here since the beginning—thank you. I didn’t walk away from you. I just turned inward for a while. And now, I’m ready to share what I’ve found.Let’s begin again.Have thoughts about the episode? I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment or send a message—and if this resonated, share it with someone who’s ready for their own quiet comeback.FIND ME HERE

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 traumaHow trauma shows up in your body, relationships, and behaviorWhy unresolved trauma often appears as anxiety, overthinking, emotional shutdown, or people-pleasingThe critical role of nervous system regulation in sustainable healingHolistic, compassionate approaches to trauma recovery you can begin todayWhether you’re new to this conversation or have been walking your healing path for a while, Joel offers clarity, language, and actionable tools that help you reconnect to your body, your story, and your power.Want to share your thoughts or feedback?We’d love to hear what resonated most with you. Leave a comment, send us a message, or leave a rating. Your voice helps us keep creating meaningful content that meets you where you are.Connect with Joel Pieper:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Explore More:Looking for tools to support your own comeback? Download the Quiet Comeback Kit or check out our self-guided eBooks on resilience, feminine revival, and healing from burnout at ⁠Wendi's Library.⁠Follow, share, and subscribe if this conversation moved you. It helps others find their way back to themselves too.

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 their journeys and learned powerful lessons along the way.I’ll also share my own insights from my time away—what I learned about myself, the importance of stepping back, and how we can all cultivate a sense of peace amid chaos.This podcast isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving and discovering that, ultimately, everything works out in the end. So whether you’ve faced similar challenges or just want to hear some inspiring stories, there’s something here for everyone.

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: https://youtu.be/rE_mP0aTEyY Born and raised in Brooklyn NYC to a former JW mom turned reinstated and non-JW dad, Candice grew up around the organization and was mentally in for most of her life, baptized at 26 years old, and woke up at 34 years old due to in her words the governing body "not staying in their lane" referring to their over-reach of encouraging certain personal decisions upon the congregants, rather than just sticking to "spiritual food". Candice's self-care journey helped her break free from the indoctrination and she shares her story to help others do the same. ------------------- To contact Candice: Instagram @candi_cee_

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, world view and community from the ground up. I found my own time in therapy to be immensely helpful in this endeavor, however therapists I worked with had little familiarity with the depth to which this kind of religious conditioning penetrates the mind and soul. I often wished for someone who not only understood, but was equipped to help rewrite that unique brand of programming. After earning my doctorate in clinical psychology and accumulating over ten years' experience as a therapist, I am so happy to be able to make good use of my religious background in the service of supporting others who have made the courageous decision to listen to their heart and seek independence. I feel so blessed to have found an occupation that I feel so passionately about. My enthusiasm is based both in a love for the work itself and the joy of seeing the positive, life changing results this process has on those who engage with it. I am currently living in/working from Peru with my two whippets (who hold a very special place in my heart), and have an active interest in plant medicine (primarily ayahuasca), meditation, reading and creating stained glass art. #exjwsthink #jehovahswitnesses #psychology #cults #therapy #narcissism #exjw To contact Ryan: www.drryanlee.com

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 family support, Anthony was able to escape the mind control this group had over him as well as the arranged marriage they coerced him into. MORE INFO ABOUT WORLD MISSION SOCIETY OF GOD: https://open.spotify.com/show/28S9Lh2CvCtRJ8ByAXxUP1?si=DlXRt1r8TEepXdfTfhYCSghttps://youtube.com/@UCfi2w6gJGj1jHdEk-e_b7pA https://youtube.com/@UCQ03ecl0cI962vrOWOuN6dg https://www.examiningthewmscog.com/

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 furthered his teaching career in 2005 when he became a faculty member at Mohawk Valley Community College, (also located in Utica New York), where he taught economics, marketing, and labor law till 2015. Podos is a former writer for Campus News- the country’s largest community college newspaper. Presently he writes for Mohawk Valley in Good Health newspaper and is one of their senior writers for the past 7 plus years. Contact information- Cell- 315-292-0589 E mail- [email protected] or- [email protected]

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 animals and personal growth. He likes to spend his time creating beautiful memories with the ones he loves.  www.instagram.com/wilderhazemusicOne love 💚

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 abused by both of my parents. My dad is out of the religion. My mom is in her 90s is still healthy and active Witness. I faded out of being a Witness in Aug. 2004 because I kept seeing the cycle of abuse not getting better but worse in the various congratulations. Shunning real.Your are not alone in your struggle.. There is hope, and life can get better.  MyFBb is Marti Ries  my IG is @crystalvibration_. Please message me and tell me you heard my story from Wendi's show.."🙏😊

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 would eventually lead him to become a touring musician in LA, Arizona and the Southwest.  Influenced at a young age by the alt-rock and pop of the 90s/2000s like Oasis , Nirvana and Radiohead, plus classic and prog rock from the Beatles to Rush, his whimsical, tongue-in-cheek songwriting style was both identity and escape from the often dreary and frightening world of an expectation of the Apocalypse (delayed).  His new EP 'Satori' is a 6-song collection produced by Thom Flowers (Steve Perry, The Ataris, Toad the Wet Sprocket) and features 'Easy for You' 'Seesaw', and 'I'll be damned'.  Website - https://wesleydavidmusic.comNew EP 'Satori' Signed Cassette - https://wesleydavid.bandcamp.comSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/0dOLLFslUryvWSwipjbksB?si=1QXqmrb3SoC62qnxIjJ1iwApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wesley-david/1526621390'Easy for You' Music Video - https://youtu.be/N81koVD1f6E@wesleydavidmusichttps://instagram.com/wesleydavidmusic

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/id1566054936FB Group: Her First 100kWebsite mentioned:www.thesocialnarrator.com

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, which may be aimed directly at you.  What do you do? Listen to what Tyler would do differently if given the opportunity and how he turned it all around by a big career change. Now he funnels that pain into helping others through their very real, raw, and painful experiences. From Tyler:"I always believed that what I was taught as a child had to be true. But it never made sense, and I always thought there was something wrong with me. After I had children of my own, I couldn't teach them something that I couldn't back up myself. So I decided to "make the truth my own," and started doing objective research. And nothing could have prepared me for learning the truth."TO CONTACT TYLER:Finding Paradise:https://linktr.ee/FindingParadiseTwitter - @xjw308IG - tca1101FB - Tyler AhrensFREE DOWNLOAD: https://wendirenaycoaching.com/gameplanTo be on the DevOUT show: https://calendly.com/wendirenay/sharemystory#exjw #mentalhealth #jehovahswitnesses #cultsurvivor #narcissism #religion

Book mentioned: The Body Keeps The ScoreTherapist suggestion: Dr. Ryan LeeVisit my library here: https://wendirenaycoaching.com/libraryFREE DOWNLOAD: Game Plan: https://wendirenaycoaching.com/gameplan

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:https://www.livehappylivehealthy.com/find-your-truth

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.

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 that Addiction is just fun, he couldn't understand why people did not want to take drugs, a bit like a witness might think that people who have access to the truth and don't live by it are stupid. Though he was a little bit smarter a little better than others.Lived in the periphery of society which leads to always feeling left out, unwelcome, less than, or excluded. Without understanding that he felt flawed and like someone who didn't deserve to belong.He went from s*icidal into #rehab and discovered Bessel Van Der Kolk and Peter Levine's view on trauma and childhood adaptations and how it manifests in the body and nervous system. And Gabor Mates modality Compassionate Inquiry a somatic-based psychotherapeutic approach. Through this, Joakim began to heal and change the conditioning or actually, the trauma responses that arose and remained from the org and family dynamics to recognize and change the unconscious #beliefs that were residing in the nervous system.Now Joakim has trained in Compassionate Inquiry and works individually and in groups on zoom with #exjws co-creating a safe, compassionate, and accepting relational space to heal the disconnection that initially occurred in relation to parents, family, #god, and the org. He lives free and happy in Stockholm, Sweden with his 10-year-old twins.CONTACT Joakim:Instagram: @joakim_le_bolloch_appellTikTokWebsite: www.co-compassion.com 

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 spaces of her life. Through this period of isolation and reflection, she was inspired to share her discovery of turning her fear and pain into a mindset of intentional reflection and power. 

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: spenceclarkson92@gmail.com-------------------------------------------------To contact Wendi:[email protected]. TiktokInstagramAt the suggestion of many of you, I've found a way where anyone who'd like to support me can! While I offer free content for the sole purpose of supporting you and empowering you, I am grateful for your help so I can keep going.  We are a community of people with shared struggles and shared interests. With all of my heart, thank you.  www.beacons.ai/wendirenay

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, the pieces finally started coming together regarding her religious trauma and how to heal from its effects.https://www.facebook.com/deena.damico1(Profile name is Deena Schlueter)[email protected]

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.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeChenai:Instagram: chenaitaku93BLOG: chenaitakundwa.tumblr.com