A Conversation on Vulnerability — The Strength of Letting Go

In this episode, we explore how vulnerability might be the key to unlocking deeper relationships, inner peace, and even spiritual growth.

Through personal stories and insights from science, psychology, and the Bible, our host, Russ Ewell, along with his guests, Dr. David Traver and Dr. Gary Ruelas, discuss how embracing our emotional limits can actually lead to strength. You’ll hear how letting go of control can relieve anxiety, how spiritual honesty can fuel personal growth, and why vulnerability might just be the most courageous thing we can do.

Listen now and rediscover the strength in surrender.

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Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 TPT
• Luke 18:16 NLT
• Mark 14:36 GW
• John 15:1-2 NIV
• Ecclesiastes 11:2,5-6 NLT
• John 8:31-32 NIV
• Galatians 5:19-21 NLT
• 1 Timothy 1:16 NIrV
• 1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
• James 5:16 NIV
• Psalm 42:1,11 NIV
• Psalm 90:14 NIV
• John 14:6 NLT
• Hebrews 12:2 NIV
• John 18:38 NLT
• John 17:17 NIV
• Mark 10:21 NIV
• Psalm 139:11-12 NIV

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:12 Podcast direction & topic

04:07 Scripture & the big question

05:32 Gary — Vulnerability & spiritual union

07:45 Mind, self & presence

09:11 No‑mind (mushin) & the vine metaphor

12:25 Dave — Autonomy, anxiety & belonging

19:10 Contact vs true connection

21:07 Healing requires vulnerability

23:17 Biological drive to connect & love

26:07 DSM, labels & disconnection

29:41 Integrating psychology, psychiatry & faith

33:13 Facing hard truths for freedom

35:37 Courage, control & showing up

39:03 Surrender, God‑first approach to healing

48:39 Vulnerability, sin & church relevance

54:07 Health costs of suppression

56:28 Letting go — East/West perspectives

63:02 Parenting, boundaries & connection

65:25 Control vs vulnerability (Brené Brown)

73:59 Soul‑to‑soul connection (Oprah quote)

82:16 Jesus’ prayer for unity & closing reflections

93:24 Outro & final scripture