The Baptism Did Not Work

Content warning: This episode describes physical child abuse and references child sexual abuse.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Joseph recounts his early years growing up in a devout LDS Mormon household marked by emotional neglect, physical abuse, and the lasting trauma of child sexual abuse. Through vivid memories of bed wetting, parental rage, and desperate attempts to escape reality via cassette tapes and late-night radio,

Joseph paints a harrowing portrait of a childhood under immense psychological strain. He reflects on the contradictions within his religious upbringing, the burdens placed on him and his siblings, and the brief refuge offered by the gifted education program—particularly through the compassion of a beloved teacher, Ms. Alan. This episode explores the complex interplay of trauma, faith, survival, and the quiet search for validation and safety.

https://mormoncoverup.com/baptism/