Purity culture has left deep scars—especially for people of the global majority, women, queer folks, and those navigating the intersections of religion, culture, and colonialism. In this episode of Emboldened with Jessica, we explore the harms of purity culture, from shame and silencing of desire to the loss of body autonomy.

Jessica breaks down how purity culture isn’t just a 1990s evangelical trend—it has roots in colonial control, patriarchy, and the policing of marginalized bodies. You’ll hear trauma-informed insights, somatic healing practices, and compassionate tools to help you release shame, reconnect with desire, and reclaim your pleasure.

✨ If you’ve struggled with shame around your body, desire, or relationships, or you’re supporting someone who has, this episode offers resources, reflection prompts, and hope for a more embodied, liberated life.

✨ Topics we cover:

• What purity culture is and how it extends beyond white evangelicalism

• How it uniquely impacts BIPOC, Asian, and Latine communities through colonialism

• The hidden harms: shame, sexual disconnection, and silencing of desire

• Somatic + body-based practices for healing

• How caregivers can teach consent to protect kids from purity culture’s harm

• Steps toward reclaiming pleasure, autonomy, and embodied freedom

Chapters:
00:00 – What is Purity Culture?
07:45 – The Colonial Roots of Purity Culture
14:30 – Shame, Desire, and the Body
21:55 – Healing Through Somatic Practices
33:10 – Caregivers & Teaching Consent
42:20 – Reclaiming Pleasure and Living Liberated

Jessica’s Cozy Book Nook: - Bookshop

1. Recovering from Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith by Camden Morgante - Bookshop

2. The Vagina Bible- by Jen Gunter - Bookshop

3. Becoming Cliterate by Laurie Mintz - Bookshop

4. Sex Talks: The Five Conversations that will transform your love life by Vanessa Marin - Bookshop

5. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski - Bookshop

6. Come Together by Emily Nagoski - Bookshop

📢 Call to Action:

📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: Emboldened Tip Jar

After a much-needed break and a bold move to a new state, Jessica returns with a powerful episode on what it really means to step into a new season of life. Joined by her friend Ariele, the two dive into the often-overlooked emotional terrain of big life changes—especially moving—and how to maintain connection with long-distance friends.

They explore how to nourish meaningful relationships, even when miles apart, and how to welcome change with grace and intention. This episode is for anyone navigating transition, craving deeper connection, or ready to move toward the life they truly want.

📢 Call to Action:

📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: Emboldened Tip Jar

Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

This week on Emboldened with Jessica, we’re inviting you into the soft summer era—a season of saying no to overcommitment, yes to rest without guilt, and embracing joy as a radical act of healing.

In this soothing, insightful conversation, Jessica and Ariele unpack what living softly in a world that rewards burnout means. From nervous system regulation and pleasure practices to reclaiming your time and energy, this episode is your permission slip to rest and not feel bad about it.

✨ You’ll hear:

• What the "soft life" looks like in real-time
  
  

• How nervous system care supports emotional well-being
  
  

• The myth of multitasking and the truth about presence
  
  

• Why saying no is a love language
  
  

• A fun quiz to discover your soft summer score
  
  

• Somatic tools for tuning in to your breath and honoring your rhythm
  
  

🎧 Subscribe to receive episode companions Subscribe
📲 Follow @EmboldenedWithJessica on IG, TikTok & YouTube
💗 Want to support the show? Leave a review or drop a tip here: Emboldened Tip Jar

Credits:

Host: Jessica Jackson

Produced by: Ariele

Edited by: Ariele

Stay Connected:

Instagram: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Facebook: @EmboldenedwithJessica

TikTok: @EmboldenedwithJessica

Youtube: @EmboldenedwithJessica