Curt Thompson on What We All Get Wrong About Shame, and Why Bearing Our Wounds Is So Important (Episode 21)

“Shame is first and foremost not a thing that begins with me thinking a certain thing about myself. It begins first as a thing that I feel literally in my body.”

That’s how Dr. Curt Thompson reframed shame in our incredible conversation—and I think he'll probably do the same for you, too. Curt is a psychiatrist, author, and speaker who has shaped the conversation around shame, vulnerability, and the stories we tell ourselves. In this episode, we talk about why addicts often feel trapped in cycles of shame, how vulnerability heals what hiding cannot, and why our deepest longings can only be met when we’re seen, soothed, safe, and secure.

This conversation weaves together neuroscience, theology, psychology, and pastoral wisdom. Curt unpacks why shame isolates, how addicts can actually become addicted to shame itself, and why bearing our wounds may be the most powerful witness of all.

If you've struggled with shame related to who you are, who you were, or what you've done, please listen to this episode. You won't regret it.

We explore:

—Why shame starts in the body, not the mind
—The connection between shame and addiction
—Why we sometimes become addicted to shame itself
—How storytelling helps us make sense of pain
—The difference between godly grief and toxic shame
—Why vulnerability is central to healing
—The role of wounds in the Gospel and why Jesus models them
—The four core needs: seen, soothed, safe, secure
—How vulnerability allows others to feel known and loved
—Why the Christian story reframes shame into redemption

Website: curtthompsonmd.com

Podcast: The Being Known Podcast

Books: The Soul of Shame, The Soul of Desire, Anatomy of the Soul

Follow Jon: @jonseidl

Order the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: www.christianalcoholic.com.

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