Episode 21: When Labels No Longer Fit
Content Note
This episode includes discussion of addiction, recovery, religious identity, and healing after spiritual harm.
Episode Description
This week on The Awakening, Tamara and I sit down with Courtney, who shares her deeply personal journey through faith, identity, and recovery.
Courtney talks about growing up within Catholicism, later finding herself drawn toward Judaism, and eventually arriving at a place where traditional religious labels no longer feel big enough to describe the path she is walking.
Along the way, Courtney opens up about addiction, recovery, healing, and learning to rebuild a life rooted in honesty and hope rather than expectation and pressure. Her story is a powerful reminder that our journeys are allowed to evolve, and that healing often happens outside the boxes we were taught to stay inside.
In This Episode We Discuss
Religious identity and evolving belief
Moving from Catholicism to Judaism
Letting go of labels that no longer fit
Addiction and recovery
Healing after religious harm
Hope and rebuilding life
Trusting your own path
Why This Episode Matters
Many people feel pressure to land in a new belief system after leaving one behind. Courtney’s story reminds us that growth does not always end in a new label. Sometimes the most honest place we can land is simply continuing the journey.
About the Show
The Awakening is a podcast centered on religious deconstruction, survival, and healing. We share real stories from people rebuilding their lives after faith, while creating space for honesty, curiosity, and community.
🎶 Intro/Outro Music
Your Poison by Rox Knox
💬 Connect with your hosts
Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles
Tamara — TikTok @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram @tamarajo321
🎥 Follow the show on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAwakeningPodcast-w6s
📩 Interested in being a guest
Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com
Listener Care Reminder
If this episode touches on parts of your own journey, take it at your own pace. Healing is not linear, and you are allowed to grow beyond the labels you were given.
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