From Faith to Freedom – Leaving Evangelicalism & Reclaiming Self-Trust with Stephanie Ann Webb

Stephanie Ann Webb grew up in conservative evangelical culture, surrounded by fear, control, and purity teachings that silenced curiosity. In this candid episode, I speak with Stephanie about the lifelong effects of religious trauma, binge eating, anxiety, and being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). 

Through therapy, critical thinking, and mindful deconstruction, Stephanie began healing from fear-based faith and rebuilding self-trust. Together we explore how trauma lives in the body, why leaving the church can feel like both grief and freedom, and how spirituality can evolve into grounded self-connection, compassion, and peace.

Key Takeaways

• Leaving belief systems can feel like grief, not rebellion. You’re mourning identity as much as doctrine.
• Therapy and critical thinking are spiritual tools. Understanding your nervous system is part of healing.
• Sensitivity is strength. Awareness of energy, emotion, and environment can deepen empathy instead of overwhelm.
• Boundaries are not betrayal. Saying “no” to control is saying “yes” to self-trust.
• Deconstruction isn’t destruction. It’s the rebuilding of integrity after years of suppression.
• Healing includes humour. Laughter is what keeps the human story grounded and real.
• You can outgrow fear without losing connection. Spirituality can expand beyond rules and remain deeply loving.

About: Stephanie Ann Webb is an Encouragement & Empowerment Mentor, writer, speaker, and host of the StephUp Podcast. She’s passionate about holding space for growth, emotional honesty, and meaningful conversations. Through storytelling and mindset work, Steph helps people navigate life with grace, empathy, curiosity, and hope.

Connect at: Website, Podcast, Facebook

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 4:48 Evangelical Childhood and Growing Up Caretaking a Home for Psychiatric Patients
• 6:26 Early Trauma and Anxiety - Family Murder
• 10:50 Body Shame and Food Control
• 16:09 Purity Culture & Performance Faith
• 17:37 Meeting the ‘Outside World’
• 22:27 Bible College Experiences
• 29:16 Psychology and Critical Thinking
• 36:32 Leaving the Church
• 45:44 Relationships & Purity Culture Recovery
• 51:24 Family Dynamics & Boundaries
• 54:20 Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Awareness
• 1:06:59 Meditation, Mindfulness and Spiritual Reframing
• 1:11:12 Becoming a Coach
• 1:23:45 Children's Book Author
• 1:31:44 Closing Advice and Where to Connect