What happens when everything you've been taught about faith, sex, and identity no longer makes sense? In this episode, Mattie Jo Cowsert shares her powerful journey from growing up in conservative evangelical culture to questioning the beliefs that shaped her understanding of God, relationships, and herself. Raised in the heart of the Bible Belt, Mattie opens up about the lasting effects of purity culture, the emotional toll of shame-based theology, and what it looked like to rebuild her worldview after leaving fundamentalist Christianity. Together, we explore how religious messaging impacts self-worth, why deconstructing faith can feel both terrifying and liberating, and how curiosity, critical thinking, and healthy relationships helped Mattie reclaim her sexuality and personal agency. Rather than offering easy answers, this conversation invites listeners to think deeply about identity, spirituality, agency, and what it means to build a life rooted in authenticity instead of fear. Whether you're navigating your own faith deconstruction, recovering from purity culture, or simply interested in conversations about religion, sexuality, and personal growth, this episode offers honesty, compassion, and practical insight. Discussion Points: Mattie's evangelical upbringing in Missouri Purity culture affects far more than sex and reaches beyond the church community The hidden emotional cost of shame-based religious teaching Leaving certainty behind What faith deconstruction looked like for Mattie Jo Dating during deconstruction Rediscovering sexuality with intention and safety after evangelicalism Separating fear from personal values Building healthy relationships without religious expectations Marriage, commitment, and modern relationships Reinterpreting scripture About Mattie Jo Cowsert Mattie Jo Cowsert is a New York City–based actor, author, and storyteller whose work explores the intersection of evangelical culture, sexuality, identity, and personal freedom. Raised in a multigenerational evangelical family in Branson, Missouri, she began publicly documenting her journey out of Christian fundamentalism through her blog, God, Sex & Rich People. Her memoir, God, Sex, and Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony, expands on that story, examining purity culture, faith deconstruction, and the process of rebuilding a life rooted in authenticity. Mattie also develops film and television projects inspired by her work and advocates for thoughtful conversations around religion, sexuality, and healing. Resources & Links God, Sex, and Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony by Mattie Jo Cowsert Mattie Jo Cowsert's website: https://www.mattiejocowsert.com/ Mattie Jo Cowsert on Instagram @mattiejocowsert Purity Culture Recovery Guide by Erica Smith
