Healing After Abortion: Finding Redemption, Intimacy, and Hope in Christ with Brittany Poppe

In this candid and heart-stirring episode of the Rip It Off Podcast, Michelle Castro is joined by Brittany Poppe, a wife, mom, and pro-life advocate, to talk about one of the most deeply personal and often-silenced experiences: abortion. But this conversation is so much more. It’s about shame, redemption, intimacy in marriage, and how God meets us right in the middle of our mess.

Here are the powerful themes we unpacked:

1. The Weight of Secrecy and the Power of Sharing

Brittany shares how carrying the secret of her abortion for years was emotionally and spiritually heavy. Opening up about her experience not only led to freedom but also gave other women the courage to seek healing—and even pursue a relationship with Jesus.

"That secret kept me stuck. But when I shared it, God used it to free me—and others."

2. Shame’s Impact on Intimacy in Marriage

Though married and committed, Brittany struggled with intimacy. The emotional wounds from her past abortion, compounded by the influence of purity culture, left her feeling like sex—even in marriage—was wrong or dangerous.

"Intimacy is more than just sex, but shame tells you you're unworthy of even that."

3. Purity Culture and the Miseducation Around Biblical Intimacy

Both Michelle and Brittany reflect on how the message of purity was often reduced to "don’t have sex until marriage." That left many women, like Brittany, unprepared to view sex as a beautiful, God-designed connection within marriage.

"I thought sex was only for men, and that once I messed up, I’d never get it right."

4. Renewing Your Mind Daily (Romans 12 Style)

Brittany and Michelle emphasize the importance of replacing lies with truth—every single day. The enemy loves to attack our thinking, but God's Word gives us the framework for lasting freedom and healing.

"If I don’t start the day reminding myself of the truth, the enemy wins."

5. Understanding and Building Intimacy Beyond the Bedroom

As a wife whose love language is not physical touch (while her husband's is!), Brittany shares how learning to connect through simple, thoughtful acts—like holding hands or sitting closer on the couch—helped restore emotional closeness in her marriage.

"Intimacy isn’t just sex. It’s connection, vulnerability, and service."

6. Hope for Women with a Painful Past

This episode is for any woman who thinks her past defines her future. Whether you've had an abortion, struggled with shame, or felt disqualified from love and intimacy—this is your reminder that God's grace covers it all.

"You are not your past. God redeems, restores, and makes all things new."

Resources Mentioned:

• Sheet Music by Dr. Kevin Leman — a biblically-based guide to sex and intimacy in marriage

• Brittany’s Podcast: Does God Forgive Abortion?

• Full Testimony on Growth Against the Grain - Episode 318

Listen to the Full Episode: 🎧 Apple Podcasts
📺 YouTube

Follow and Connect:

• Michelle on IG: @itsmemichellecastro | @ripitoffpodcast

• Brittany on IG: @brittanypoppe
  🌐 Brittany’s Site: brittanypoppe.com

Support the Podcast: ☕ BuyMeACoffee.com/itsmemichellecastro

Final Word: This isn’t just a podcast episode. It’s a grace-filled conversation that reminds us all: God’s not done with your story. Whatever your past looks like, He’s ready to redeem it in full.

#HealingAfterAbortion #BiblicalIntimacy #ShameToFreedom #RipItOffPodcast #ChristianMarriage #FaithAndForgiveness

Breaking Free from Purity Culture: Redefining Intimacy in Christian Marriage with Kingdom Sexuality

When it comes to discussing intimacy in Christian marriages, there’s often a lot of silence and even shame surrounding the subject. But what if we could change that narrative? What if we could embrace God's design for our bodies, our pleasure, and our relationships with the same openness and freedom we have in every other area of our lives?

In today’s episode of the podcast, I sit down with Alana and Tiera from Kingdom Sexuality for a candid conversation about sex and intimacy within marriage. Their mission? To break the silence and provide a safe space for couples to have open conversations about their sexuality.

The Birth of Kingdom Sexuality

Kingdom Sexuality was founded in 2020, inspired by Alana’s personal journey postpartum. She had recently become a mom and realized that even though she couldn’t physically be intimate with her husband at the time, she could use this period to better understand her body and how to improve their sex life once she was able to engage in it again.

But the deeper Alana went into learning about herself and her body, the more she realized that many other women were struggling with similar questions. And so, Kingdom Sexuality was born—an initiative designed to create a safe, shame-free space where married couples could talk about sex openly and without judgment.

Why Open Conversations Matter

One of the most powerful aspects of this conversation with Alana and Tiera is their emphasis on the importance of open communication in marriage. They remind us that having honest discussions about sex is key to unlocking true intimacy and connection.

Alana shares her own struggle with the damaging messages from purity culture, where sex was seen as bad or forbidden until marriage, creating confusion when the "switch" was supposed to flip on their wedding night. "It’s supposed to be amazing," she says. "But no one told me how to navigate that transition, how to communicate about it, or how to understand what intimacy even meant within the context of marriage."

Purity culture, often built on well-meaning intentions, can create a foundation of shame and confusion about sex, making it difficult for couples to talk about their needs, desires, and boundaries. The solution, Alana and Tiera explain, is to break free from these misconceptions and start having conversations about sex—whether it’s with your spouse, your friends, or even with yourself.

Understanding Your Body: The Key to Sexual Confidence

One of the most powerful messages of the episode is that sexual confidence starts with understanding your own body. Tiera, a fertility doula, shares her experiences of helping women understand their menstrual cycles and how often we overlook basic knowledge of our own bodies.

Many women go through life without ever truly exploring their own bodies, and this lack of understanding can impact sexual confidence. Tiera emphasizes that embracing the knowledge of your body, including the parts that are often neglected or misunderstood, can transform your approach to sex and intimacy.

And for women who are "touched out" or overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, Tiera offers practical advice on how to reset and recharge before engaging in intimacy. From communication to simple acts of care, the episode offers tangible ways to approach touch and intimacy in a way that is both healthy and fulfilling.

The Role of Pleasure in Marriage

Another core theme of the episode is the idea that pleasure is an essential part of a healthy sexual relationship within marriage. Alana and Tiera highlight the importance of women prioritizing their own pleasure in the sexual relationship, something that has often been overlooked or minimized, especially in Christian communities.

Tiera shares a profound insight: “The fact that we have a clitoris and its only function is pleasure shows that God wants us to experience joy and satisfaction in intimacy.” This simple yet powerful truth serves as a reminder that God designed sex to be pleasurable for both partners—not just a duty or chore, but a gift to enjoy together.

When couples approach sex as a means of connection and pleasure rather than just a to-do list, intimacy flourishes. It's about finding a balance between giving and receiving, and realizing that women deserve to enjoy this aspect of their marriage just as much as their husbands.

Practical Tips for Busy Couples

For many couples, especially those with young children, the demands of daily life can make it difficult to prioritize intimacy. However, Alana and Tiera offer some practical tips for busy moms and dads to reconnect and create space for intimacy.

• Communicate openly: One of the first steps in reclaiming intimacy is to talk about it. Whether you’re experiencing mismatched desires or simply feeling disconnected, starting the conversation is key to finding a solution.

• Take time to reset: For women who feel "touched out" or overwhelmed, it’s essential to take some time for self-care before intimacy. Whether it’s taking a walk, enjoying a bath, or asking your spouse to handle some of the family responsibilities, recharging your energy can help you be fully present with your partner.

• Get creative with touch: Alana and Tiera recommend using all five senses to deepen your connection and make intimacy more enjoyable. Experiment with different types of touch, textures, or even locations to break the routine and rediscover the joy of being with your partner.

The Power of Prayer and Renewing Your Mind

Throughout the episode, Alana and Tiera stress the importance of renewing your mind, especially when it comes to challenging old beliefs and embracing a healthier view of sex. As Christians, it’s crucial to remember that God designed us for pleasure, and intimacy is a gift He wants us to enjoy in marriage.

As Michelle shares, “If we’re going to pray about everything else, why wouldn’t we pray about our sex lives, too?” Bringing prayer into the conversation allows couples to center their relationship in God’s love and wisdom, helping them navigate challenges and create a deeper connection.

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a powerful reminder that intimacy and pleasure are an integral part of a healthy marriage. By breaking free from the constraints of purity culture and embracing open conversations, couples can discover the true beauty of God's design for marriage. As Alana and Tiera share, when we prioritize communication, sexual confidence, and mutual pleasure, we can build a marriage that honors God and strengthens our bond with one another.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these important conversations, be sure to check out Kingdom Sexuality for more resources, and don't forget to listen to this episode for practical advice and encouragement!

Resources:

• Visit Kingdom Sexuality: kingdomsexualityministry.com

• Join the Kingdom Sexuality Podcast Community on Facebook: [Facebook Link]

• Follow Kingdom Sexuality on Instagram: [Instagram Link]

Social Media Links:

• Instagram: @kingdomsexuality

• Facebook: Kingdom Sexuality Podcast Community

• Twitter: @KingdomSexuality

• TikTok: @kingdomsexuality

Rip It Off – Let's Talk About Sex, Marriage & Biblical Intimacy

Welcome to Rip It Off!

Welcome to Episode 1 of Rip It Off! I’m Michelle Castro—wife, girl mom, and a "good Christian girl" who spent years believing some wrong theology about sex and intimacy. But God opened my eyes, and now I’m here to help other women break free from the same struggles and embrace God’s truth in their marriages.

Did you grow up in the church? Have you heard all the right messages about purity and saving sex for marriage—and yet somehow, you still feel confused, ashamed, or even frustrated when it comes to intimacy in your marriage? You are not alone.

If you’ve ever wrestled with guilt, silence, or unrealistic expectations about sex as a Christian woman—girl, you are in the right place. Rip It Off is where we have real, raw, and redemptive conversations about sex, marriage, and biblical intimacy. No more tiptoeing around the topic—let’s rip off the shame and embrace God’s design for intimacy!

How It All Started

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a podcast that completely shifted my perspective on intimacy in marriage. But let me back up for a second—because before I ever hit play on that first episode, I felt the Lord calling me into something new. I felt Him stirring something inside me, nudging me toward a deeper purpose.

But like Jonah, I ran. And like Gideon, I doubted. I thought I had a better way. I held on tightly to the plan I had already built. I second-guessed His voice and kept trying to do things my own way.

Still, God was patient. He kept pressing in. And eventually, I gave in. that completely shifted my perspective on intimacy in marriage. I had grown up in the church, hearing all about purity and waiting until marriage. But once I got married, I realized something—no one had ever taught me what to do next.

I binged 30 episodes of that podcast in one sitting, and God began to stir something new in me. He called me to be part of this conversation, to create a space where women could find freedom, truth, and healing when it comes to intimacy.

So, here we are. After years of podcasting, I’m starting fresh—with Rip It Off. Because HIS way is always better.

The Heart Behind This Podcast

If you grew up in the church, you probably heard a lot about saving sex for marriage. But what about what comes next? How do you navigate intimacy with joy, confidence, and freedom?

So many Christian women struggle in this area—feeling guilt, confusion, or even disappointment. But here’s the truth:

✔️ God created sex to be GOOD.

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

✔️ The enemy wants to keep you in bondage.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

✔️ God goes before you. You are not alone.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

✔️ Nothing is too hard for God.

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” – Jeremiah 32:27

It’s time to break free from the lies and shame that have held you back and step into the fullness of what God has for your marriage.

What to Expect on the Podcast

It’s my desire for each episode to feel like we’re just a couple of girlfriends grabbing coffee and having a fun, honest chat—where nothing is off limits and everything is covered in grace.

Each week, we’ll dive into conversations about:

✔️ Overcoming intimacy struggles in marriage

✔️ Navigating sex in a God-honoring way

✔️ Breaking free from shame & embracing pleasure

✔️ Reigniting passion & connection in your marriage

✔️ The intersection of faith, marriage, and intimacy

I’ll be bringing in experts, Christian voices, and real women just like you to share wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools to help you thrive.

But most importantly, Rip It Off is a safe space—a place where we can talk about the things that too many Christian women have been afraid to say out loud.

Join the Conversation

This podcast isn’t just about me—it’s about us. A community of women ready to step into freedom, connection, and joy in their marriages.

Here’s how you can be part of it:

💌 Have a question or topic you want me to cover? DM me on Instagram @ripitoffpodcast or email me at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com.

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode! New episodes drop every THURSDAY.

💬 If this resonates with you, leave a review! Your reviews help get this message into the hands (and ears) of more women who need to hear it.

▶️ Watch and subscribe on YouTube @itsmemichellecastro for more content and conversations!

☕ Want to support the show? You can now buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/itsmemichellecastro—every bit helps keep this message going strong!

Final Words

Friend, God wants MORE for you in your marriage.

Before you go—if this episode encouraged you, would you do me a favor? Take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it on your socials. That simple act helps spread this message to more women who need to hear it. Tag me when you do—I'd love to cheer you on!

More connection. More passion. More freedom.

Together, we’re going to rip off the lies, tear down the shame, and step into the fullness of what He designed for intimacy.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" – Isaiah 43:18-19

Just like this verse reminds us, God is doing something NEW in your marriage, your intimacy, and your heart. You don’t have to stay stuck in shame or old patterns. There is healing, joy, and freedom on the other side—and girl, it starts now.

Are you ready? Let’s get ripping—tearing off the lies, peeling back the shame, and stepping boldly into the freedom God has for your marriage. Let’s go!

🎧 Listen to Episode 1 now on your favorite podcast platform!

A New Chapter: Saying Goodbye to Consider Jesus (and Hello to Something New)

For a long time, Consider Jesus has been a space for deep conversations about faith, growth, and what it really means to follow Jesus in everyday life. It has been an honor to show up here, to speak words of encouragement, and to walk this journey with you.

But today, I have big news.

This is the final episode of Consider Jesus.

Why the Change?

Over the past few months, I’ve felt a shift happening. God has been stirring something new in me—a calling to go deeper, to be bolder, and to speak even more honestly about the things that hold us back from fully stepping into the life He has for us.

I’ve wrestled with this transition, but here’s what I know: Obedience isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes, it requires us to let go of what’s familiar so we can step into something greater.

That’s why I’m launching a new podcast.

What’s Next?

I’m not spilling all the details here—because I want you to hear it straight from me in this final episode. But let me just say this:

• If you’re tired of hesitating, overthinking, and holding back—this new podcast is for you.

• If you’re craving real talk about faith, courage, and stepping into your calling—this new podcast is for you.

• And if you’ve loved Consider Jesus, I think you’re going to love this next season even more.

Oh, and one more thing—the trailer for the new podcast is already live! So, after you listen to this final episode, go check it out HERE.

Listen to the Final Episode Now!

🎧 [Insert podcast link]

Thank you for being part of Consider Jesus. Thank you for showing up, for listening, and for being willing to grow alongside me. This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of something even greater.

Are you ready? Let’s do this.

—Michelle