A Note From Megan | Last week, I picked up Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates, and it opened my eyes to the alarming connections between the manosphere and Christian patriarchy. This Note offers a high-level look at the manosphere, its overlap with Christian patriarchy, and what it can normalize when it goes mainstream.
A Note From Megan | In this newsletter, I explore the unsettling connection between James Dobson and Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting how Dobson’s influence has contributed to a culture that minimizes abuse and protects powerful men exactly like Epstein.
The Religious Harm Recovery Digest | Many of us grew up in churches that functioned like a cult, even though the pastors didn’t fit the stereotypical “cult leader” mold. In this newsletter, I explore what happens when the cult leader role gets projected onto god, and how an internalized “voice of god” can keep people compliant long after they leave.
The Religious Harm Recovery Digest | After leaving a religious cult, you may start to realize the religious group was only part of the problem. Deeper harm likely existed inside the family system itself. This Digest looks at how religious cults recreate themselves inside the home, why those dynamics are so hard to identify, and how recognizing family cult patterns are a critical part of the recovery process.
A Note From Megan | Have you ever received a message with the phrase “I’ll pray for you” and wondered how to deal with it? In this newsletter, I explore the different motivations behind such messages—ranging from manipulation to genuine care—and how to navigate these interactions in ways that support your autonomy and emotional safety.
The Religious Harm Recovery Digest | Inside religious cult, coercive tactics are often framed as love, protection, or spiritual guidance. This edition of The RHR Digest identifies 11 of the most common forms of manipulation so you can better understand your experience and take steps toward recovery.
A Note From Megan | My faith began and ended the same way—with vibes over theological arguments. I didn’t leave because I found better answers. I left because my values no longer aligned with what I was taught to accept. If that sounds familiar you might find pieces of your story in mine.
A Note From Megan | Have you ever noticed how we often resist the parts of oppressive systems that hurt us while still clinging to those that benefit us? In this newsletter, I reflect on my own journey away from fundamentalist beliefs and question whether our efforts to deconstruct are genuinely aimed at dismantling systemic oppression or merely serve our own self-interest.
Many people leaving high-control religions carry shame or even anger toward the version of themselves they were while deeply indoctrinated. But what if that version of you deserves compassion, not condemnation? In this newsletter, I explore why making peace with your “cult self” is a key part of religious harm recovery and share practical strategies to help you get started.
A Note From Megan | Because of my religious upbringing, forgiveness has often felt like an unfair emotional burden on the wounded party. In this Note, I explore my preferred framework for navigating ruptures in relationships — one that doesn’t involve “forgiveness” at all.