The Unlearning Curve

14 - Prosperity Gospel

14 – Prosperity Gospel
 
The dysfunction and harm caused by the Prosperity Gospel
 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.
deconstruction, women, religion, spirituality, trauma, Exvangelical, post-Christian, toxic religion, healing, religious trauma, Out into the Desert, Leaning Forward, theologians, LGBTQ+, unlearning curve, the unlearning curve
 

13 - Paula White-Cain

13 – Paula Whiote-Cain
 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.
 

12 - Advocating for Women and Marginalized Groups

12 – Advocating for Women in Marginalized Spaces
 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
 
YouTube Version - https://youtu.be/FR3QQwjNk9I
 
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.

22 - Tim Whitaker & TNE - How We Enable Abusers

22 – Tim Whitaker & TNE – How We Enable Abusers
 This Episode will be released on both The Unlearning Curve and the Desert Sanctuary podcasts. It dives deeper into how we have operated in the past and how people enable the abuser to behave badly (led by Megan South Benninger).
 History
During the 2023 incident with platforming an accused abuser at the Theo bros beer camp, The New Evangelicals and Tim Whitaker were deeply involved in participating and promoting. When abuse survivors asked for an explanation, they were ignored, dismissed, and harassed, including me.
Megan Benninger joined us on the Desert Sanctuary Podcast to discuss the incident, but very few supportive actions were taken by the speakers who were encouraged to speak up. Tim responded with a video, after 5 minutes of research and talking to the accused abuser, that was eventually removed by his board. Here is our podcast episodes if you want that history. I will also include other episodes that followed, with several others.
https://thedesertsanctuary.org/2023/08/24/special-edition-spiritual-abuse-tne-tony-jones-and-the-theo-bros/ 
https://thedesertsanctuary.org/2024/02/01/314-david-hayward-patriarchy-narcissism-and-abuse/ 
https://thedesertsanctuary.org/2023/12/31/301-brad-sargent-becky-garrison-narciccism-and-religious-trauma/
The Current Situation
Last year (2024), there was an incident between Tim Whitaker and a female employee, which was severe enough to warrant an investigation by Grace, an organization suited to helping groups like churches get the facts about issues that arise.
Here are some of the blogs that came out.
The Organization Comes First – Karl Forehand
 TNE Reckoning Announcement – from RV and W1(link to report)
Allegations against Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals show how hierarchy transfers to progressive ministries – Rick Pidcock
That time I got an angry call from the subject of an article about anger and abuse - Rick Pidcock
Is Nowhere Safe? 5 Things Whistleblower Helpers Should Do Instead of Repeating Harmful History – Rebecca Hopkins
TNE and Trauma: Not So Fast is Wiser than Let's Move On – Tia Levings
Bodies Behind the Bus Podcast
The Net Grace report was a thorough report. Still, even while the online communities were trying to digest it and report on the situation, Tim Whittaker behaved badly and tried actively to convince people not to make this a big deal. The incident involved rage driving, which traumatized the victim, and Tam posted a video at his workout facility with the song “Student Driver.” Various things led us to believe that he was not serious about changing or the allegations, TNE was partially responsible for enabling this behavior.
 The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.

21 - Tim Whitaker & TNE - Not Getting It

21 – Tim Whitaker & TNE – Still Not Getting It
 This Episode will be released on both The Unlearning Curve and the Desert Sanctuary podcasts. This episode is an introduction to the situation, and the second episode dives deeper into how we have operated in the past and how people enable the abuser to behave badly (led by Megan South Benninger).
 History
During the 2023 incident with platforming an accused abuser at the Theo bros beer camp, The New Evangelicals and Tim Whitaker were deeply involved in participating and promoting. When abuse survivors asked for an explanation, they were ignored, dismissed, and harassed, including me.
Megan Benninger joined us on the Desert Sanctuary Podcast to discuss the incident, but very few supportive actions were taken by the speakers who were encouraged to speak up. Tim responded with a video, after 5 minutes of research and talking to the accused abuser, that was eventually removed by his board. Here is our podcast episodes if you want that history. I will also include other episodes that followed, with several others.
https://thedesertsanctuary.org/2023/08/24/special-edition-spiritual-abuse-tne-tony-jones-and-the-theo-bros/ 
https://thedesertsanctuary.org/2024/02/01/314-david-hayward-patriarchy-narcissism-and-abuse/ 
https://thedesertsanctuary.org/2023/12/31/301-brad-sargent-becky-garrison-narciccism-and-religious-trauma/
 
The Current Situation
Last year (2024), there was an incident between Tim Whitaker and a female employee, which was severe enough to warrant an investigation by Grace, an organization suited to helping groups like churches get the facts about issues that arise.
Here are some of the blogs that came out.
The Organization Comes First – Karl Forehand
 TNE Reckoning Announcement – from RV and W1(link to report)
Allegations against Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals show how hierarchy transfers to progressive ministries – Rick Pidcock
That time I got an angry call from the subject of an article about anger and abuse - Rick Pidcock
Is Nowhere Safe? 5 Things Whistleblower Helpers Should Do Instead of Repeating Harmful History – Rebecca Hopkins
TNE and Trauma: Not So Fast is Wiser than Let's Move On – Tia Levings
Bodies Behind the Bus Podcast
The Net Grace report was a thorough report. Still, even while the online communities were trying to digest it and report on the situation, Tim Whittaker behaved badly and tried actively to convince people not to make this a big deal. The incident involved rage driving, which traumatized the victim, and Tam posted a video at his workout facility with the song “Student Driver.” Various things led us to believe that he was not serious about changing or the allegations, TNE was partially responsible for enabling this behavior.
 The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.

11 - What are ACEs and AREs in Trauma Recovery

# – Title of Episode
 
Summary
 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
 
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
 
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
 
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
 
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
 
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
 
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
YouTube version - https://youtu.be/9FiDrgxlyoY
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.

10 - Nominees for Worst Cult-like Organizations

10 - Nominees for Worst Cult-like Organizations 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
 
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
 
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
 
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
YouTube Version - https://youtu.be/eIsxEMJuT6A 
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.
 

9 - Nominees for Worst Evangelical Leaders

9 - Nominees for Worst Evangelical Leaders
 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
 
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
 
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
 
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
 
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
YouTube version https://youtu.be/CsGKD4pRUWc
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
 
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
 
Feel free to convey your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). Additionally, visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.

8 - Good Questions for Deconstruction

8 – Good Questions for Deconstruction
Karl and Laura have been discussing good questions for deconstruction on The Desert Sanctuary blog and podcast. For this podcast, we decided to grab a few of these, discuss them, and help you start asking good questions and thinking about some of the most common ones we hear in deconstruction.
Link to the blogs.  https://wordpress.com/posts/thedesertsanctuary.org
Link to podcasts on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@karl4hand42/podcasts
Possible Questions:
Is God a good father? – He should Be Better Than Me?
Is church necessary? – can’t we do better without it?
Why doesn’t God just get rid of Satan? – problem solved – root cause
Did my tradition get it right? – out of all the belief systems
Why is God’s punishment so extreme? – most severe for the least offense
Are we addicted to religion? – dopamine, hypnosis
Why would a good God need worship? – only narcissistic, insecure, childish
What do I fear? – who taught me that? What effect?
Who am I? – identity crisis
What do I feel? – religion says to ignore, handle
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
 
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to send your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). You can also visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.

7 - Understanding the Brain

7 – Understanding the Brain
 In this episode, we attempt to broaden our knowledge with a basic understanding of the brain. When we understand more of how the brain responds to circumstances in our life and what is really going on behind the scenes, we may be able to address our mental health and understand the way we are a little better.
Resources Mentioned
Mike McHargue – Science Mike – “Your Brain is a Burrito, and Why it Matters” (in his book, “You are a Miracle and a Pain in the Ass” - chapter 2”)
Mike McHargue Play-Doh model: https://youtu.be/Z9iTdbnyPP0
Dan Seigel explanation of the brain  https://youtu.be/f-m2YcdMdFw
 
 
The Unlearning Curve Podcast
Copyright 2025 - Stuart Delony & Karl Forehand
theunlearningcurvepodcast@gmail.com
While many of us yearn for truth and understanding, the systems we participate in often prevent us from attaining genuine freedom in our everyday lives. As we move away from organized religion, we begin to recognize patterns. We believe that addressing many of these challenges requires us to examine all aspects of our lives, including:
* Toxic Leaders
* Toxic/Dangerous Organizations
* Our Mental Well-Being
* The Things We Learn on the Journey
Regardless of your belief system, we encourage you to unlearn anything that doesn’t benefit you. This will lead to healing and uncover a new way forward!
JD Forehand is the son of a preacher and an overseas educator. Stuart Delony is a former pastor, podcaster, and blogger for the Snarky Faith community. Karl Forehand is a former pastor who runs The Desert Sanctuary, a home for spiritual nomads, with his wife, Laura.
Disclaimer: We view ourselves as practitioners on a journey of discovery rather than as experts. While we strive to transparently share our experiences and the lessons we’re unlearning, we will also refer you to professionals when necessary. Trusted guides will arrive when you need them.
Feel free to send your thoughts, concerns, and necessary corrections to Karl (karl4hand@gmail.com) or Stuart (stuartdelony@gmail.com). You can also visit our Facebook page, The Unlearning Curve.