Send us a textTo support this podcast Subscribe to Stephanie Warren's SubstackIn this episode Stephanie sits down with sex educator Erica Smith for a candid, shame-free conversation about sex, embodiment, and healing from the long shadow of purity culture. Although Erica didn’t grow up in Christian fundamentalism, her work intersects directly with the systems, beliefs, and cultural pressures that shaped so many of us. Her outside perspective brings clarity, nuance, and compassion to a topic that often feels heavy for survivors.We also dive into:The influence of Christian fundamentalism on sexuality and identity, even for those who didn’t grow up inside itHer work supporting purity culture and fundamentalism survivors, and why trauma-informed sex education is essential for rebuilding trust in our own bodiesThe process of reconnecting with our physical selves after years of shame, suppression, or fearNavigating boundaries, communication, and open conversations in relationships and familiesHow to talk with teens about sex, including handling parental anxiety, intergenerational shame, and what developmentally appropriate conversations actually look likeConcrete, practical guidance for parents, from discussing consent to normalizing curiosity to making space for autonomyReframing “virginity” as a sexual debut and why language matters for healingErica also gives us a first look at her upcoming book, The Purity Culture Recovery Guide: The Shame-Free Sex Education You Deserve, coming February 2026. The book promises to be an inclusive, comprehensive resource for those rebuilding their sexual worldview outside of fear, shame, or fundamentalist doctrine.We wrap with Erica’s personal favorites, recommendations, and the resources she believes everyoFor those that want to be on the podcast make sure to reach out—link in the show notes.Pre-roll music is composed by Joanna Whaley For those who want to subscribe to my Patreon please look at the show notes for more informationMusic composed by Joanna WhaleySupport the showThis podcast contains the personal accounts, thoughts, and opinions of guests. Focus on Your Own Family podcast will not be held liable for the personal feelings, and accounts of their guests. Focus on your Own family podcast holds itself to the highest level of integrity, and the reporting that we do in this podcast to a very high standard. We believe in showing evidence, and letting people draw their conclusions from that evidence. Your life matters, National help numbersSHOW YOUR SUPPORTMY SUBSTACKPlease reach out: [email protected] ME ON SOCIALSLINKTREEINTRO AND OUTRO MUSICScott Buckley "Omega"COMMERCIAL MUSICComposed by Joanna Whaley