My Friend’s Religious Journey Made Me Question My Resistance to Faith

Reframing Perspectives with Payal Beri, PhD

Have you ever pulled back from a friend’s life change because it triggered something in you? In this episode, Payal shares a deeply personal story about navigating a friendship when her close friend, Topsie, embraced Christianity — and how it challenged her own beliefs, biases, and emotional reflexes.

Through moments of hesitation, empathy, and surprising parallels, Payal uncovers the real question: How do you stay connected when your lives evolve in different directions?

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction: Personal Reflections on Religion and Friendship

01:06 A Friend's Religious Journey

02:06 Emotional Avoidance and Processing Tension

03:30 Personal Beliefs and Religious Baggage

08:46 Cultural Diversity and Community

12:05 Embracing Curiosity and Understanding

22:37 Transformative Power of Religion

28:42 Conclusion: Compassion and Commonality

This episode isn’t about religion — it’s about friendship, emotional avoidance, and leaning into discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Payal discusses the hidden grief behind resistance to a friend’s change and why emotional avoidance can quietly damage connection. She also explores how curiosity can transform discomfort into compassion.

If you’ve ever felt tension when someone you love changes in a way that challenges your worldview, this conversation offers a roadmap for staying present, respectful, and open-hearted.

Follow Dr. Payal Beri on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi

Subscribe to Reframing Perspectives on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@payalberi?sub_confirmation=1

Check out RK Empathy:

https://www.rkempathy.com/

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/

Interested in having Dr. Payal Beri speak at your event?

https://www.payalberi.com/

This Podcast is Produced by MicMoguls.com.

This podcast is produced by MicMoguls.com