I used to really like Sheila’s content—she was encouraging intimate enjoyment and freedom in intimacy for women. Biblically. Sadly it seems now she is out to bash men… Christian men. And Christian ministries. My husband asked me when was the last time she had her people attack “gentlemen’s clubs” or sex trafficking rings… the real monsters. Nope—she goes after ministries that are trying to encourage marriage and following the Bible the best they know how. Maybe she’ll change back…? I know teachers will be judged more strictly—for her sake, I hope she does.

I have read some of their books and think their message is so needed. There is a lot that needs to be called out in “Christian culture” when it comes to sexuality. But the focus often miss the relational dynamics at play. There is little mention how both husband and wife can self sabotage and self protect to the emotional and sexual detriment of the relationship.

How to create a podcast like this: 1. Read a best-selling marriage book that has helped thousands of people but YOU think it’s harmful to women. 2. Get a publisher to pay for and survey a large sample of women who share your views (known as self-selection, snowball sampling). 3. Publish this “data” that (surprise!) supports your view and pretend it’s not your opinion because it’s “based on research.” Don’t forget to make LOTS of causal connections from (biased) data that can only be correlative. 4. Then just bash away at (almost exclusively) conservative, Christian men and a huge number of other helpful resources that are apparently harming an invisible army of injured women. The worst part, actually, is the constant implication that women who disagree with them are too foolish or weak to see the truth like they can.

I am one of many who has been helped and healed by the work and research of Sheila, Rebecca and Joanna. They are discussing teachings and beliefs that have long been accepted by much of the modern American church, but that in reality are not of Jesus and only cause harm and destruction. It is not wrong to question, in fact, its our calling as followers of Jesus. We should not blindly follow the crowd, even if it claims to be a Christian one. It’s time to have the hard conversations and truly judge the fruit of what we’ve been taught.

They have great intentions, I’m sure, but are as wrong as the ideologies/theologies they oppose. Find another source for biblical representation of marriage.

Her theology is terrible. She complains a lot about evangelical Christians.

This podcast is one of the most important podcasts by one of the most influential teams of our day. Anyone giving it low stars doesn’t get their hearts and likely needs to do some inner work to face the misogyny we’ve all been surrounded by. It’s not anti man in any way; it’s about healing unhealthy views in order to be empowered through Christ.

Much needed podcast

Sheila and Rebecca and her husband have my deepest respect for their courage in calling out the evangelical powerhouse. I’m sure it’s not been easy personally. I’ve learned so much from Sheila and this podcast.

I really wanted to like this podcast. I appreciate Sheila Gregoire’s book, and I have her Orgasm course. I agree with much of what she had to say! But I was disappointed at how critical and sarcastic she and her daughter are on this podcast. I understand the importance of exposing error and helping people find truth, but I feel they’ve gone too far in the way that they make fun of what others have said or taught.

This podcast has been extremely helpful to me in untangling how purity culture, etc. have affected me, my marriages etc., better understanding certain biblical passages, and introducing me to so many wonderful authors showing a better way of truly following Jesus together. I also really enjoyed the recent episode on Christian fiction and hope to see more of that too!

I have listened to every single podcast episode on The Bare Marriage and can confidently say it’s a must listen to for all Christians who want a healthy marriage. This podcast has helped to break down harmful messages I heard as a teenager that affected my marriage for years. Now, at 21 years married, we are happier than ever before. Thank you to the team at The Bare Marriage.

I no longer identify with Christianity or any religion because of abusive and demeaning teachings and behavior toward women experienced as a child. In fact I find it nearly intolerable to hear or even read scripture because of that. Normally, I wouldn’t touch a Christian podcast with a 10 foot pole, but it has been so satisfying to listen to Sheila and her super smart daughter and sometimes her husband calmly, kindly, and professionally deconstruct some of these destructive teachings that have gone unchallenged and do such damage. It has helped some things to heal and given me insight. Really appreciate the courage and clarity this podcast provides.

Thank you so much for bringing back the rabid raccoon!!

It’s hard because I used to really enjoy this content when it was to love, honor, and vacuum. But somewhere along the way, it really changed to be critical of anything Christian at all. Similar to Derek Webb etc. I’m a Methodist, but it does seem like it’s not even a middle way over here. It’s just all criticism all the time. You gotta watch because the same thing happened to hatmaker. She turned very progressive, but then her progressive followers all became very dogmatic and just as fundamentalist as the people she left, just about different issues

Total denial of the gospel. This woman hates Christian's and has contempt for God's word. She believes the secular view that deep within the human heart we are good. That's not what the Bible says. Do not expect biblical wisdom here.

Episode 8, Sheila herself says, “I do believe that men are for more visually stimulated than women, I do believe that many more struggle with lust than women do, I do believe that mean seriously do, most men, not all, but seriously do have a felt need for sex that women do not.” She repeats the same debunked garbage that every other Christian “marriage expert” regurgitates, but with a saccharine voice, claiming to be progressive. Just another sex obsessed christian like the rest of them.

Thank you for teaching truth -that God made men and women as equals, that we are not expected (as a Christian) to stay in marriage to an abusive man who claims to be a Christian. I appreciate your research and wisdom so much and it is so needed right now. Your voice is so important in today’s world.

I’ve been a long time listener and recommend this podcast to people often. I appreciate the thorough research + theological receipts the hosts offer week after week (sources cited). If you’re looking for robust evidence and Biblical truth in context this is the podcast for you!

I love GSR and She Deserves better, and much of this podcast continues the same conversation. But especially as of late, I feel the episodes growing more negative and repetitive. On certain theological points, there seems to be some uncertainty (I’m not talking complementarianism, I’m mostly an egalitarian myself). Overall, I’d love to see a bit more of how scripture and data can combine to help create healthier marriages and communities. Much of their current use of scripture can feel a bit superficial and like prooftexting. I love the work, but desire more from these lovely women.

I wanted to like this podcast. I came looking for honest conversations around faith, relationships, and healing. But what I found instead was an echo chamber that seems more interested in tearing down straw-man versions of conservatism than offering balanced, helpful insight. There’s a growing trend here that’s hard to ignore: conservative Christians—especially those who hold traditional views—are repeatedly painted in the worst possible light. It’s not just critique; it’s caricature. The hosts seem to have jumped on the progressive bandwagon without self-awareness or intellectual humility. It’s clear they’ve traded one form of rigidity for another, now confidently preaching their new “woke” gospel with the same certainty they once critiqued. I believe in calling out real harm (and yes, that exists in some corners of the evangelical world), but the sweeping generalizations and the “us vs. them” tone are alienating. There’s very little room for nuance or genuine discussion here. If you’re looking for thoughtful dialogue that respects differing perspectives while still challenging harmful theology, this isn’t it. Ultimately, it feels like this podcast isn’t waking people up—it’s leading them into another kind of dogma, just with a different flavor.

Excellent. As usual. Thanks for all your hard work.

This podcast, Bare Marriage, changed my life. Yes, for the better. I'm no longer in a spiritually abusive relationship or church but I keep listening to this podcast and always gain valuable insights and knowledge.

The episode on the Excellent wife was horrendous. They are taking things out of context and being very petty. How is it helpful to women to gossip about her name is even real. The condescending attitudes and acting like their opinion is the end all be all is off putting. Martha Peace is not telling women it’s their fault and they can’t leave if their husband is beating them. The comment about women that are in certain fringe groups don’t know how badly it is written because they’re only “allowed” to read those kind of books. They read these books because they are biblical. If I didn’t know this was suppose to be a Christian podcast, I would think it was just a group of worldly women bashing biblical views. There is so much wrong here.

Balanced, fair, informative, and fun to listen to. This podcast identifies and discusses actual, real relationship topics that the Christian community needs to engage with urgency. The amount of work that has gone into this and the hosts’ books, events, and other resources is truly commendable.

This show is a godsend, literally. Deconstruction is not about rebelling against Jesus, it’s about leaving the patriarchal “kitchen” behind and being welcomed as an equal disciple of Jesus. If patriarchy/complementarianism is part of the Curse, why is it touted as God’s plan? If we are to step into the New Creation, we embrace that being in Jesus is bigger than being either male or female. I recommend this show for anyone who questions whether complementarianism is truly biblical, and whoever wants a healthier marriage or needs to face the wounds of the past.

This podcast is difficult to listen to. It is filled with snark and condescension. They come across as the be all end all arbitrators of truth regardless of the TRUTH found in the Bible. There seems to be no room for differing beliefs or convictions. They cherry pick parts of books and rip them apart without context to fit their narratives. The maturity level isn’t high here. So much of what is said oozes hurt, bitterness and anger. Take it all with a MASSIVE grain of salt.

Love this podcast and more people need to hear her podcast. She makes things fun to listen too.

Beyond grateful for Sheila and the team! Absolutely essential part of rebuilding my understanding of faith, family, gender, and relationships after being raised in a fundamentalist cult.

Its funny how learning about God’s true design for sex not only transforms your perspective on sex, but actually your entire world view. Or at least thats how your podcast has impacted me. I was addicted to pornography for years, grew up in a thick purity culture, and had no mentorship or anyone in my life - who knew me well. I did not know how to pursue close relationships and community either. - God miraculous brought my wife and I together - I do not deserve the amazing, and beautiful person she is. When we got married, I took all of my perspectives with me into marriage, and it made for a ROUGH first 4 years. Even though so much healing is beginning to happen, and God has done some amazing work in our lives, trust and relational intimacy being built… recently I was still wondering (and kind of annoyed at God) - “Why the heck did you give us sex, and what did you really intend it for?!” - Especially because for so long it has only brought damage and brokenness for us. At this point I have probably binged at least 30 episodes at this point… and still counting… If my world could be represented by a island - a nuclear bomb hit it (called truth) and now what is being rebuilt is something way better and way more beautiful. I purchased the great sex rescue, and wife and I are starting to use your content to talk through the truth about God’s design for sex. - I am so thankful for the way you guys talk about the total truth, at times I felt like I was falling on my face - I was completely challenged and humbled, in the best ways possible. I am now telling all my dude friends to go listen to this podcast where this lady and her daughter (and friends talk about sex… because no one else is doing it like them. Thanks for your ministry!

They are very good reasons why women are commonly leaving the church. We’re tired of being overlooked, silenced, told we can’t, ignored overworked and discarded. We’re also tired of being led to. This podcast strongly calls people to do better with explanations, with the research, and with compassion and equality. All the stars to the Bare Marriage team!

Thank you for speaking the truth. You have helped to empower me in my marriage by giving me my voice back.

This podcast will change your life, family, and marriage. And ultimately the world. Listen, listen, listen and let the beautiful truth of Jesus wash your mind and heart of all the lies you have believed about Him, the structure and authority, sex, marriage, family, men, women, and children. It is the embodiment of the “truth that sets us free” in Jesus.

I can’t recommend Sheila’s work strongly enough. This podcast is amazing and worth every second of your time! I’d also urge you to read her books as well.

The people who criticize this podcast aren’t the ones who need it. For those of us that have suffered from destructive religious beliefs and confusing messages about sex and marriage, this podcast is a lifeline! Thank you for research based and untwisted Biblical truth. It has brought so much validation and healing to my life. This is a God-honoring podcast that offers so much hope!

I have enjoyed your podcast for awhile, but listening to episode 250, I am so blown away by Shiela and Keith’s passion for uplifting women, helping them see their value as image-bearers, and giving them a voice to stand up to toxic theology in the church regarding men dominating women. Thank you so much!

Such great marriage advice but more importantly advice on knowing myself better and FOLLOWING CHRIST MORE FULLY!!!!! Thank you 😊

I am marry to a loving and kind man. We both have been sitting under the teaching that a Godly marriage is the one where the man leads. This was hard for both of us as I am gifted in leadership and this is not his strength. I felt like walking out my leadership gift was giving into my sinful nature and he felt he wasn't living up to his God ordained "male role". Due to some circumstances in one our friends marriage we dug deeper into this teaching and started listening to Bare Marriage! We have both found so much freedom in truly walking out our gifts and working towards an equal partnership where we both pursue God and each other. We are praying about what our role is in helping other couples walk in this freedom. Thank you for all the work you are doing!!

This podcast is such a gift. It has helped me better understand God and how He sees me. I found freedom to simply be a woman and now understand that God truly sees me as fully human and valuable. Love love love this podcast.

I have listened to this podcast for several years and I absolutely love it!! I’m coming up from a very evangelical strict Baptist background. Sadly I was sexually abused for over two years of my childhood, but was too scared in my own home to speak up. Then my life completely shattered in my marriage and raising three young children in my 30’s. By the grace of God I found a trauma informed therapist and put in a ton of hard work!!! I’m now well into my 40’s and have marriage that God restored and a relationship with my children and friendships that are thriving!! I have SO much respect for Shelia and all that she (and her team) believe-in and preach. I’ve read all her books and give them away as gifts!!! I’m actually shocked at some of the negative podcast reviews because that’s just not Jesus…not at all…He did NOT come to this world just to bums in seats on Sunday or just to get people into heaven…He came so that everything that was broken could have the chance to be mended. Love you Shelia!!

I’ve had so many aha moments listening to Bare Marriage. If only something like this was available when I was in my previous marriage. The only voices I heard were on FOF, and all the books on how to be a better wife. Bare Marriage is a breath of fresh air regarding sex and marriage.

To any one claiming themselves to be Biblical founding believing Christians, I highly warn you and pray that you ask the Holy Spirit for discernment when you choose to listen to any of Sheila’s podcasts or even read her books. Her viewpoints are highly from a progressive feminists view and will and can lead you astray from the truth of God’s word and in your own marriage. She has taken things from other people/ books and taken it out of context and twisted its meaning, including the Bible itself. Be cautious if you choose to continue listening to her, and pray that the Holy Spirit leads you in the real truth to what God says about marriage and what it looks like to be a Biblical wife/ husband.

I have been following Shelia for many years and can’t describe how thankful I am for her content, books, podcasts, and all the hard work she pours into Bare Marriage is just so appreciated. I love the podcast and turn on an episode when I’m working around the house. I’ve learned so much!! I grew up in evangelical-hierarchy -purity culture and listening to Sheila, along with my own research, has made a huge difference in my life and honestly in my heart. Thank you Sheila, Becca and team! Keep doing what you’re doing-you truly make a difference.

This podcast is so necessary. The religious system had me thinking I was the crazy person. I found this through Natalie Hoffman and I love it!! I’m an American and now think Canadians are cool 😊.

I love this podcast! As a former Christian who had a mostly positive experience of the church, it shocks me to hear how some of these male church leaders speak (and write) about women. It's also inspiring and heartwarming to see the Bare Marriage group coming together to build something that expresses the positive spirit of Christianity. I feel like they are living the basic values I was taught in Sunday school, the stuff that makes me glad I was raised Christian. Looking forward to listening through the archive!

There’s good information here but it’s laced with liberal feminism. The host appears to have a good grasp with materials, but her daughter is a study for what colleges and universities are turning out today. No independent thought and just buy into the far left narrative.

Only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is because no one can finish a thought without interrupting. It’s very frustrating. I love the topics and guests. It’s been so healing for me and others I know. However, with almost every guest R will cut in without letting them even get to the point they are making. I respect her and always love to hear what she has to say. Her voice is so important but pleaaaaaase let people finish speaking! Why have a guest if you don’t let them contribute to the conversation? Please work on it. I love this podcast and want to keep listening!

Wow, the disrespect in her tone of voice and the way she attacks others’ beliefs is appalling to me. How can you claim to be Christian and attack others in such a snarky tone? Building up strawmen and defeating them characterizes the majority of this podcasts. The mockery is out of control. Not to mention it’s full of false teaching, with a little truth mixed in. Very dangerous.

I had given the podcast 5 stars before, but I honestly can’t take Rebecca’s constant interruptions anymore. Every time I listen to a podcast with her in it, I wind up frustrated because she so frequently talks over Sheila or even a guest! In the most recent episode, she interrupted the man they were interviewing and she and Sheila wound up talking WAY more than he did. I love their books and surveys, but this podcast is so rough and frustrating that I can’t stand listening anymore.

Sheila and Rebecca are such gifted teachers, truly called to this work of dismantling harmful rhetoric that dehumanizes women, and restoring health, joy and connection to people’s lives. And doing it with love, humor and solid evidence. They manage to take some of the most grotesque and pro-abuser comments and calmly put them under the microscope so we can all see these messages are nothing but viruses and hot air. Then they get out the disinfectant and help everyone else obtain it too so we can all get better.