🕊️ What if the pain you're carrying isn't your fault—but your opportunity to awaken? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian D. Smith sits down with Dr. Maurice “Dr. Moe” Turmel, a spiritual psychologist, trauma survivor, and author of Breaking the Spell of Religion.
Together, they explore a profound and often hidden form of suffering: religious trauma.
🌱 From growing up under emotional and religious repression to finding personal healing and spiritual freedom, Dr. Moe shares his journey of awakening—one that many will find painfully familiar yet beautifully hopeful.
🔥 In this episode, you'll discover:
The emotional and psychological toll of childhood religious conditioning
Why some faith structures feel more like prisons than paths to peace
How to reconnect with your heart after years of guilt, shame, and fear
The difference between organized religion and authentic spirituality
💡 You'll walk away with clarity, compassion for your younger self, and tools to help you start or deepen your healing journey. As Dr. Moe says, “We are not defective—we are divine.”
🔗 Connect with Dr. Moe:
📚 Breaking the Spell of Religion → Available on Amazon
🎵 Dr. Moe’s music → [Bandcamp link in description]
💻 Facebook: Dr. Moe's Cosmic Perspective
📺 YouTube: The Spiritual Psychologist
👇 Tell us below:
What beliefs have you had to unlearn to reclaim your joy?
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00:00 🌱 Imagine Grief as Growth
Brian opens the episode with a powerful metaphor: What if grief is not burial, but planting?
00:38 👋 Welcome to Grief 2 Growth
Brian introduces the podcast and its mission—to explore life’s toughest questions.
01:04 🙏 Introducing Dr. Maurice “Dr. Moe” Turmel
Meet Dr. Moe: spiritual psychologist, author, and trauma survivor.
01:39 💔 Religion as Institutionalized Trauma
Dr. Moe begins his story of growing up in a strict Catholic environment in Canada.
03:13 😔 Shame, Guilt & Religious Indoctrination
The emotional damage of childhood religious conditioning—and how it shapes identity.
05:51 🧠 The Awakening Begins
Dr. Moe explains how early adult life challenges led him to question religion and start healing.
07:55 ✨ The Role of Self-Reflection
Why self-reflection is key to breaking free from harmful belief systems.
09:16 💡 The Power of Inner Knowing
Dr. Moe talks about discovering emotional truths through trusted mentors and inner wisdom.
11:41 ❤️ Trusting Your Heart vs. Religious Programming
Brian and Dr. Moe contrast internal truth with external religious control.
14:23 🚸 Original Sin & Childhood Emotional Abuse
Brian shares what it was like being told as a child that he was sinful by nature—and unloved by God.
17:00 🧒 Inner Child Suppression
Dr. Moe explains how children are taught not to trust their own feelings—and how that trauma lingers.
20:00 📖 From Indoctrination to Information
The role of books and psychology in dismantling the old belief system.
22:10 🎵 Healing Through Creativity
Dr. Moe reveals how music and songwriting became a vital spiritual outlet in his healing process.
26:00 🕊️ From Repression to Spiritual Freedom
How reclaiming self-trust can awaken a person’s inner divinity and true purpose.
30:01 🧠 “I’m OK, You’re OK”: The Psychology of Freedom
Dr. Moe discusses key books and psychological frameworks that helped him reprogram his mind.
33:50 🤯 Breaking Free from Guilt-Based Faith
Brian shares his struggle with shame and fear—even decades later—and how therapy helped.
36:45 💬 The Grief of Losing Your Religion
Both men reflect on the emotional toll and isolation that can come with religious deconstruction.
39:35 🌍 Passing Down Trauma—or Healing
How these patterns are generational—and why healing them matters for the next generation.
41:00 📚 Dr. Moe’s Books on Healing & Growth
An introduction to *Breaking the Spell of Religion* and *When Angels Call*.
43:40 🎶 Finding Music After Leaving Church
Brian and Dr. Moe share reflections on spiritual music outside traditional religious spaces.
46:00 🔁 Growth Never Ends
Dr. Moe reflects on aging, wisdom, and why personal growth is a lifelong journey.
48:48 🌟 You Are Divine, Not Defective
The final message: You are worthy, lovable, and connected to something greater.
51:00 🤝 Connect with Dr. Moe
Where to find Dr. Moe’s books, music, and communities online.
