Episode Details
Back to EpisodesAnn Russo: Faith Vs Sexuality - You Don't Have To Choose Between God And Pleasure | #166
Description
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Ever feel like your faith and your sexuality are at war with each other? If you freeze up during intimate moments, feel guilty about pleasure, or can't shake the feeling that something's "wrong" with your desires – you're not alone. Religious trauma might be the missing piece you've been searching for.
Meet Ann Russo – a therapist and author whose story will surprise you. Growing up in a polyamorous household with gay fathers in the 1980s, Ann had to hide her family's truth, calling her dad's partner "the roommate" out of fear. Ironically, this painful experience of secrecy and shame became the foundation for her life's work.
Today, Ann has turned her trauma into transformation. She's the founder of a practice serving marginalized communities, holds degrees in theology with a focus on queer liberation, and is pioneering a revolutionary approach to healing high control faith systems. Her secret? She doesn't make you choose between your healing and your beliefs.
In this powerful conversation, Ann reveals how religious upbringing directly impacts sexual function – and offers hope for anyone trying to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. Whether you're staying in your faith, leaving it, or somewhere in between, Ann's approach meets you exactly where you are.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
- Sexual empowerment redefined – it's about authentic choice, not performance
- Religious recovery without judgment – healing while honoring your spiritual journey
- The hypervigilance reality – how current political climate affects sexuality and safety
- Marginalized community support – Ann's sliding-scale practice serving underrepresented folks
- Non-monogamy myths busted – the real work behind alternative relationships
- Stress and sexuality connection – why trauma makes intimacy nearly impossible
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND HERE ON THE WEBSITE.
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