In this episode of The Intimate Philosopher, Dr. Emma Smith and Dr. Alivia Stehlik explore Netflix’s Trust Me, a documentary about the FLDS community, and unpack the complex realities of life inside high-control religious systems.

Through a nuanced lens, they discuss identity, belonging, generational influence, and the challenge of holding compassion for individuals shaped by harmful environments.

From there, the conversation shifts into something deeply practical: a structured weekly relationship ritual designed to prevent disconnection before it happens.

Because most relationships don’t break overnight — they drift.

This episode introduces a 6-step “State of Us” check-in designed to strengthen communication, build emotional safety, and help couples stay connected in the midst of everyday life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The FLDS community and Trust Me documentary
• Nuanced perspectives on religion, trauma, and identity
• The emotional reality of being embedded in complex communities
• Relationship drift and how to interrupt it
• A 6-step communication ritual for couples
• How to strengthen connection through intentional conversations

Full Show Notes

Support for the show provided by NinetoKind Planners and use code EMMA20 for 20% off.

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