Erasing Shame

Jesus and Therapy? Yes. You can have both. — with Charles MortensenLet’s not sugarcoat it:Needing help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re done pretending.And therapy? It’s not a betrayal of your faith. It’s how some of us finally start to breathe again.We’ve been told:“You just need to pray more.”“Therapy is for people who don’t trust God.”“If you were really spiritual, you wouldn’t struggle.”Lies.Straight-up lies that have kept too many of us silently drowning.In this raw and honest conversation, licensed therapist and Jesus-loving soul Charles Mortensen pulls back the curtain on what real healing looks like—not just spiritual, but emotional, mental, and rooted in truth.This episode is for:The ones who still show up to church but feel numb insideThe ones who’ve prayed until their voice cracked but still feel stuckThe ones who love Jesus but don’t know how to face the wounds they buriedWe’re unpacking:What therapy can do that church sometimes can’tThe secret signs someone’s breaking—even when they look “fine”How unhealed trauma distorts your view of GodWhy therapy isn’t less spiritual—but often the most Spirit-led thing you can doAnd the moments of breakthrough that change everythingIf you’re barely holding it together behind a Sunday smile, this is your wake-up call.Stop letting shame have the mic.Stop calling pain “just a phase.”Stop waiting for healing to happen without stepping into it.Jesus heals. And sometimes, He uses a therapist’s office to do it.So press play. Let this episode hit you in the soul.Because healing isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. It grows us to be the version God intends for us to be.you don’t have to carry it all alone anymore.Listen now. Send it to someone who’s been hiding their pain. And start the journey.Because freedom is calling—and you are not meant to walk towards it alone.

Church is supposed to be a sanctuary.But what happens when it becomes the place that breaks you?In this unfiltered and courageous conversation, we're diving into the kind of pain the Church doesn’t like to talk about—church hurt.We're talking spiritual manipulation, toxic leadership, cult-like control, and the paralyzing guilt that keeps many trapped in pews, afraid to walk away.Our guest, Simon Andrade—host of the Free and Redeemed Podcast—knows this pain firsthand. He’s walked the road of betrayal masked as ministry, and he’s here to help us face the truth:You're not crazy.You’re not weak for leaving.And Jesus is not the one who hurt you.If you’ve ever sat in a sanctuary and felt your soul suffocate…If you’ve ever been told to “just submit” while your spirit screamed for peace…If you’ve wrestled with the fear that walking away from a church means walking away from God…This episode is for you.We’re asking the hard questions—about forgiveness, boundaries, cult-like systems, and the messy journey toward healing. Because freedom doesn’t come from silence. It comes from honesty—and honesty and truth will always lead you closer to Jesus.We Go Deep On:Is it just “church hurt” or is it spiritual abuse?How do you protect your soul without hardening your heart?Can you love Jesus and take a break from church?Red flags of modern-day cults that don’t look like cultsHealing when you're still in pain—and learning to trust againRaw. Honest. Necessary.This isn’t just another podcast.This is truth that draws us nearer to the heart of Christ.

"He turned my mourning into dancing… and my ashes into beauty."This episode will leave you speechless—in the best way.When the unthinkable happened, Ruth Santana’s world shattered. A betrayal that could’ve broken her, but God wasn't done writing her story.Through deep valleys of pain, therapy, and the relentless love of Jesus, Ruth found redemption, restoration… and resurrection.A marriage on the verge of ending.A heart learning how to forgive the impossible.A baby girl—a beautiful chapter in a story only God could rewrite.In this raw and real conversation, Ruth opens up about:Finding out about the affair—and the moment her knees hit the groundLearning to trust again when every voice said “walk away”The role of therapy, community, and the Holy Spirit in her healingWhy pain is never wasted when placed in God's handsAnd what she’d say to the ones who are going through betrayal Whether you’re walking through betrayal, standing in the ruins of what once was, or hoping for healing—you’re not alone. Ruth's story is proof: God still brings beauty and life out of the ashes.Tune in now. May this testimony be the first step towards hope and healing.

In this raw and courageous episode, we’re facing one of the hardest topics: narcissistic abuse.Whether you grew up under the manipulation of a narcissistic parent, felt emotionally hijacked in a romantic relationship, or constantly feel drained by a “friend” who leaves you confused and questioning your worth—this episode is for you.We’re not just talking psychology—we’re talking spiritual discernment, godly boundaries, and healing that starts deep in the soul.We’re joined by Jenn Chen, a certified narcissistic abuse specialist who knows what this pain feels like—because she lived it. She’s not just teaching from textbooks—she’s survived the manipulation, the mind games, the spiritual gaslighting. She’s walked through the wreckage and now helps others rise from it too.In this episode:🔹 How to tell the difference between immaturity and manipulation—even when they come across as "godly" or "kind"🔹 What forgiveness really means when it’s not safe to reconnect🔹 Can narcissists actually change? Or is it all a performance?🔹 Why therapy isn’t a lack of faith—and how God can meet you in the healing room too🔹 How to start rebuilding your identity when shame has told you you’re the problemThis one is deep. It’s tender. It’s not about canceling people—it’s about canceling the lies that kept you stuck. Christ-centered clarity, courage, and peace that sets captives free!If this episode gave you words for your pain or helped you feel less alone, would you consider sharing it with a friend?You are not crazy. You are not too broken to heal. And you are not alone.“If Jesus cares about every hair on your head, don’t you think He cares about the wounds in your heart too?” Let Him walk with you—one session, one prayer, one brave boundary at a time.Stay rooted. Stay real.Subscribe & leave a review to help us break more chains together. See you on the next episode! ^.^• Erasing Shame podcast https://erasingshame.com

This Episode Will Challenge EVERYTHING You Thought You Knew About Forgiveness! We’ve all heard it: “You HAVE to forgive AND reconcile.” But is that really what the Bible says? If you’ve ever felt pressured to restore a relationship that wasn’t safe… If you’ve struggled with guilt for enforcing boundaries… If you’ve been told, “But that’s your FAMILY, you have to make peace,”—this episode is for YOU.We’re diving into the TRUTH about biblical forgiveness, debunking harmful misconceptions, and giving you the freedom to heal on God’s terms, not people’s expectations.We’re honored to welcome Hannah Lee, a 2nd-generation Korean American Christian trauma therapist. As a clinical social worker, mental health advocate, and community mentor based in Los Angeles, CA, Hannah is dedicated to helping individuals heal from deep wounds. She specializes in psychotherapy and brainspotting through her private practice, Hanaro Therapy. In this episode, Hannah brings her professional expertise and faith-based insights to help us navigate the tension between forgiveness and reconciliation with wisdom and grace.• Show Notes @ https://erasingshame.com/forgiveness-vs-reconciliation-breaking-free-from-false-expectations-guilt-shame/

Host Aggie Park and guest Joanne Choi explore the topics of money & wealth, through the lens of faith. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into a challenging yet important question for people living in wealthy countries: Can we enjoy comfort and luxury while staying true to our deepest values and purpose?💡What does it mean to live with purpose and integrity — even when you're surrounded by wealth and comfort? ✨ Why conversations about money and values matter — and how they impact our lives today.✨ How to tell if our blessings are opportunities to grow or challenges that test our character.✨ Finding balance between chasing wealth and rejecting it altogether.✨ Real-life examples from the Bible of people who used their resources well — and those who didn’t.✨ Understanding seemingly contradictory ideas about wealth, blessings, and the dangers of greed.✨ Practical steps to avoid making money your ultimate priority while appreciating life’s blessings with gratitude.Whether you’re feeling guilty about your blessings, struggling with materialism, or simply wanting to live a life of integrity and purpose — this conversation is for you.🎙️ Tune in for practical guidance, eye-opening insights, and a fresh perspective on how to handle wealth and success without losing what truly matters.🔔 Listen now and let’s explore how to live fully and authentically — even when life feels comfortable. Joanne Choi is a remarkable woman of faith juggling many roles: mother of 4 boys, wife to Steve Choi (elder at Faith Harvest Church), owner of Health Nut, former secondary math teacher, and case manager at Door of Hope in Pasadena.• show notes at erasingshame.com/money-wealth-and-faith-s8e02/

Aggie Park has hand-picked this Season 8 theme—"Raw, Real, & Redeemed: Christian Faith, Struggles, and what We Don’t Talk About Enough." This first episode reveals her back story, shares her experiences on TikTok and Instagram, and why she wants to start podcasting to go deeper.Asian American Christians often struggle with vulnerability due to performance-based cultural expectations that minimize emotional and mental health concerns. This season is changing that by talking about those topics our faith communities don't talk about enough. Aggie aims to provide hope and create community for people that face similar challenges in this journey called life.We'd love to have you join us for this whole season and subscribe in your favorite podcast app or subscribe on YouTube.See the Show Notes

We close out season 7 with a great appreciation for Victoria hosting many poignant conversations. I (DJ Chuang) am very grateful for her life and she has shared that with us on Erasing Shame. Finally, I briefly talk about how religion/spirituality is helpful to many people, but also has caused adverse side effects for others. That's the new direction with season 8''s new co-host. And that's enough for now.Show Notes at https://erasingshame.com/

Do you know hard it is to deal with spiritual abuse? There's so many layers of complexities, mixed emotions, confusion from gaslighting, power dynamics, broken trust, and sometimes even worse. Finding a freely available resource to help you heal and recover can be quite a long journey. I'd imagine having extra help would be welcomed. Here's a free online event coming January 21-25 from Broken to Beloved, the 3rd annual Broken to Beloved summit. This episode of Erasing Shame opens with brief remarks from DJ Chuang, followed by an excerpt from the Broken to Beloved podcast with a sneak peek of the online summit, starting with a convo about the nature of shame is that a story that cannot be told publicly & how shame is a social experience.* The online summit has ended but you can buy the all-access pass at brokentobeloved.org/summit Show Notes at https://erasingshame.com/free-online-event-about-healing-from-spiritual-abuse/

trigger warnings: suicidal ideation, domestic violence, child abuse, family trauma, complex trauma, church hurt, spiritual abuse, depression This extended episode is not easy listening and not family friendly. Prepare yourself for uncomfortable and painful storytelling before you tap the play button. Be ready to pause or stop listening when you feel triggered or it’s just too much. We know this is not for the faint of heart. Wellness coach Sonia Lee shares some stories from her personal experiences, full of pain and shame, because to name them all would be overwhelming for her and us. She explains why it’s important to go back to those painful memories through story work and body work in the process of healing, growth, and transformation. She also poignantly speaks of her crumbling under church hurt, and how even that became a turning point for her discovery of real love, spirituality, and community. Her life was at stake, and so is yours. Don’t get stuck in the darkness of shame, merely surviving and suffocating. Healing is hard work. And, your life is worth it. May this story give you a bit more faith to take a courageous step towards hope and healing. And, stay connected to Erasing Shame on our socials to get your invitation for the upcoming webinar with Sonia Lee, where she will unpack more about how to heal from church hurt. 

Our Asian American experiences are interwoven with multiple layers of pain and shame, intergenerational trauma, neglect, survival, both conscious and unconscious moments, that shape who we are, how we see the world, and how that shapes our spirituality in Christian churches. In collaboration with Asian American Christian Network of Atlanta (AACNA), this is the unedited raw episode of our extended conversations for nearly 2 hours, with: Dr. Stan Sonu (Pediatrics Physician), Hannah An (Worship Leader and Spiritual Director), David Park (Pastor & Nonprofit Consultant), and DJ Chuang (this podcast’s co-host & Digital Strategy Consultant). We took time deliberating whether exploring the essence of an Asian American Christian was esoteric or essential, because it’s not really an all or nothing proposition, though it seems like not many are openly engaging in this topic, at least not in public, as if our spirituality and theology was absent of any cultural context. We discuss why it might be important to embrace one's ethnic identity as God sees it, rather than abstract theological concepts. We’ve noticed that in many Asian American churches, God is often talked about in an abstract sense, and what is needed is a deeper relationship with God. We realize that this process of unlearning and relearning is difficult. We use fancy words like dialectic, industrialization, Xanga, blogging, unintended harm, physiology, and much more. What do you think? Add a comment to chime in with where this conversation should drill down further and farther. Show Notes at erasingshame.com/why-do-few-asian-american-christians-care-about-being-asian-american/

Han Namgung spent his formative years in Korea and Kenya, and he reflects on how his upbringing shaped his path toward a career in counseling. He explores the concept of feeling like a "forever traveler," navigating different cultures and communities. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of living in a society that prioritizes high achievement and status. Han recognizes that shame is a common motivator and can stifle authenticity and connection. He affirms that our aspirations should extend beyond simply seeking to eliminate shame; instead, we should strive for a state of peace or joy that enriches our lives. Show notes at erasingshame.com/han-namgung-unpacks-belonging-mental-health-a-tck-between-korea-kenya-and-the-united-states-s7e08/

DJ Chuang and his younger brother Deef share openly about their personal mental health experiences with mental health, neurodiversity, and bipolar disorder. We noted the importance of finding containment to process emotions, especially in dealing with depression and lack of language. We emphasized the need for gentle approaches to healing and the benefits of practices like therapy, journaling, and meditation. We touched upon the challenges of expressing emotions in cultures that value social harmony over individual expression, like the effects of Confucianism upon most Asian cultures. Our conversation also touch on the concept of rebirth and finding meaning and growth from past traumas, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential for growth and acceptance of the new normal. Maybe we didn't get into our family dynamics too much, but you can listen and add a comment if you think we did or didn't enough.

A recurring sentiment is that the guilt-based theology about Christian salvation, known as soteriology, doesn't make sense to Asians and Asian Americans who have a honor-shame worldview. Vincent Mo wrote up a research paper for a seminary certificate course, in which he reviewed academic papers, known as a lit review, that addressed soteriology from honor-shame perspectives, at the intersection of systematic theology, missions, and Asian cultures. Listen to this episode and learn how Eastern perspectives on salvation increases our hope, healing, and gratitude as Asians and Asian Americans, that each and every one of us is more valuable than we've ever realized. Show Notes erasingshame.com/jesus-erased-shame-and-gave-us-honor-dignity-and-glory/

“Is it a disgrace to be Born a Chinese? Didn’t God make us all!!! What right have you to bar my children out of the school because she is a chinese Decend.” These are some of the questions Mrs. Mary Tape wrote to the California Board of Education in 1885. Marie Chan, author of Mamie Takes A Stand,  highlights a hidden figure in Asian American history: Mamie Tape. The journey of learning and sharing Mamie’s story grew from Marie’s curiosity and consistent pursuit to learn about school segregation in California. In this episode, Marie and Victoria discuss the personal and meaningful impact of reading books with representation and celebration of diverse storytelling. Marie emphasizes the concept of imago dei (God created all humans in God’s image), which calls for the celebration of unique and interconnected identity formation. Marie Chan’s Website: mariechan.com/books https://erasingshame.com/marie-chan-mamie-tapes-story-and-compassionate-storytelling-s7e07/