Podcasts about Flying Free

In this episode, Natalie shares the raw, unfiltered voices of Christian women who took a powerful step toward reclaiming their lives. What begins with deep confusion, spiritual exhaustion, and the belief that “I'm the problem” transforms into clarity, courage, and freedom. This episode is a love letter to every woman who feels stuck in a toxic relationship yet longs for something more.Through the annual Flying Free satisfaction survey, listeners hear dozens of honest, heart-wrenching, and ultimately hopeful testimonies of what healing looks like when women dare to believe they deserve better.Key Takeaways:You are not the problem. Many women enter Flying Free believing they're broken. The truth? They're trapped in harmful belief systems—not failures.Healing is possible. Even women who felt suicidal or hopeless now describe themselves as joyful, empowered, and free.You don't have to do it alone. Community and coaching are a lifeline. The kaleidoscope of women in Flying Free offers safety, connection, and understanding.Transformation isn't a miracle—it's a process. One decision at a time, one new belief at a time, one boundary at a time. And it works.Read the full show notes and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources:Want to learn more about a tool we use inside the program all the time that literally changes lives? Check out Episode 160 of the Flying Free Podcast. 

Coming June 2025: The Divorced Christian Woman Podcast! This is our last Flying Higher moment as we are gearing up to begin production of our new podcast! Find out what we'll be talking about in our first season!(Don't worry, the Flying Free podcast will continue to serve up hope and healing for Christian women in emotionally and spiritually abusive relationships right here every Tuesday afternoon!)

Unfortunately, it's commonly recommended to open a lot of travel cards in order to earn the "sign up bonus" (SUB), but this can quickly lead to overwhelm, getting banned by banks and cause you to miss out on the truly great deals and a simpler system that could save you thousands on travel. In this episode, I outline the problems with opening too many travel cards and what the alternative is.✈️ NEW! Early Enrollment Is Open

Ever been told you're too sensitive? That you just need to forgive more? Or that if you were a better Christian wife, everything would magically get better?Yeah. Me too. And Dr. Ramani Durvasula's book It's Not You is here to throw a holy wrench into that narrative.In this week's episode of the Flying Free Podcast, I'm unpacking the powerful truths in this book and showing you exactly how it validates the lived reality of women in emotionally and spiritually abusive relationships. We're talking:What narcissistic abuse actually looks like (hint: it's not always loud or obvious)The spectrum of narcissism and how it shows up in faith communitiesHow to stop blaming yourself and start protecting your peacePractical strategies to regain your emotional footing (no seminary degree required)This episode is part validation, part education, and 100% you're-not-crazy encouragement. If you've ever felt spiritually duped or emotionally wrung out in a relationship that was supposed to be “biblical,” I promise—this one will hit home in the best way.Hit play, breathe deep, and remember: You are not the problem. You never were.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources: Read Dr. Ramani's book for yourself, It's Not You.Check out some related, past Flying Free episodes: “What is Gaslighting in a Toxic Narcissistic Relationship” and “Using Art to Heal from Narcissistic Abuse.” 

Get a one-week trial of Flying Free for only $1 when you go to flyingfreetrial.com! In today's episode, I explore the difficult and often shocking realization that wickedness exists in the world—and sometimes within our closest relationships. Responding to a listener's inquiry and using insights from Adam Young's “The Place We Find Ourselves” podcast, we'll unpack the biblical definition of wickedness and discuss how it operates. I'll also share personal experiences and strategies for recognizing and dealing with destructive individuals.Key Takeaways:The Bible differentiates between normal and wicked people. Understanding these distinctions helps us navigate relationships wisely.Wicked individuals attack and blame others when confronted with their harmful actions.Evil individuals actively seek to destroy and humiliate their targets.A person's true nature is revealed in difficult situations, especially when they are confronted about their harmful behavior.Healing from exposure to wicked or evil individuals is a lifelong process, but it becomes possible when we remove ourselves from the toxic environment.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Check out Episode 93 of “The Place We Find Ourselves” podcast with Adam Young.Read the article I mentioned, “Why Foolproofing Your Life Will Save Your Life,” and then grab Jan Silvious' book, Foolproofing Your Life.Some related Flying Free Podcast episodes you may enjoy: “What Do You Do If You're Married to a Fool?” and “What are the Biblical Grounds for Divorce? (And Other Questions!)” 

Get a one-week trial of Flying Free for only $1 when you go to flyingfreetrial.com! What if I told you that creativity isn't about painting or poetry—it's about how you live? How you take the broken pieces of your story and shape them into something new, something beautiful, something yours.For too long, you were told who to be, what to believe, and how small to make yourself. But here's the truth: You were created to be a powerful co-creator in your own life. And in this episode we're talking about how to break free from perfectionism, fear, and old conditioning so you can start building a life that feels like you.Join Flying Higher in March HERE!

In today's episode, I explore the complex question: Is divorce worth it? For women who have endured long-term emotional and psychological abuse in marriage, this decision is often fraught with fear, confusion, and uncertainty.I examine the disadvantages of staying in an abusive relationship, as well as the significant challenges faced during and after the divorce process. With thought-provoking questions and practical insights, this episode will help you assess whether leaving your marriage is the right choice for you. If you're feeling trapped and looking for clarity, support, and a path forward, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:The emotional and psychological toll of staying in an abusive marriage.Physical and financial disadvantages of staying.Social and legal challenges of remaining in abuse.The harsh reality of divorce.Life after divorce—the path to healing.Guiding questions to determine if divorce is the right choice for you.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources: Check out my interview with the founder of the app, Aimee Says, and then try it out for yourself!Read the article I mentioned, “How to Leave an Emotionally Abusive Relationship: 10 Steps.” Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote a book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is our online community educating and supporting Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip you through this program.Flying Higher is my live mentorship program for any Christian woman interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. 

Learn how Amy Heffern has used travel rewards and Southwest Airlines specifically to not only save on the cost of flights for travel sports for her son's lacrosse tournaments, but also how flying Southwest is a more flexible and convenient option for her family.Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fly for free? Come join my Families Fly Free membership, where you'll learn my expert process, receive personal support and get access to lots of great travel content and regular live webinars and Q&As. Learn more at https://www.familiesflyfree.com/joinJoin the Families Fly Free email list at https://www.familiesflyfree.com/emailGot questions about Families Fly Free? Email info AT familiestravelfree.com or text 844-403-2263Related Episodes:Episode 133: $20,000 Saved Flying Free for Travel Sports with Travis BolandEpisode 127: From Overwhelmed to Confident Using Travel Rewards With Brittany GartnerEpisode 99: But I Like Delta Better... What You're Saying No to When You Choose Another Airline Over Southwest

What if my abusive husband has mental health issues? Drawing on listener input, I tackle the complexities of abuse intertwined with mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. I want to help you navigate the tricky waters of understanding biblical interpretations around staying in abusive relationships “in sickness and in health.” This episode is a lifeline for women seeking clarity and peace while healing and growing within difficult circumstances.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why anger and critical thinking are normal, healthy responses to injustice.How to unhook from shaming tactics used by abusers and others.The importance of stewarding your own mental, physical, and spiritual health.A biblical perspective on “in sickness and in health” in the context of abusive relationships.Why it's not helpful to focus on parsing out mental illness vs. abuse in relationships.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote a book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is our online community educating and supporting Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip you through this program.Flying Higher is my live mentorship program for any Christian woman interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. 

In this powerful and enlightening episode, I sit down with Natalie Hoffman, author of All the Scary Little Gods, to discuss her journey of deconstructing from emotional and spiritual abuse, and helping others do the same. We explore the deep work of deprogramming from rigid belief systems and aligning your faith with your core values. Natalie Hoffman shares insights on alleviating shame tied to mental health and faith, and how writing from and for your parts can facilitate profound healing. Together, we dive into the impacts of spiritual abuse, the challenge of being excommunicated by your church and family for questioning religious institutions, and the lies that rigid beliefs instill—such as the idea that faith and God are confined to a church. Natalie Hoffman offers hope and wisdom for overcoming the fear and shame perpetuated by these systems, and the courage it takes to speak out, especially as a woman. We also explore the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, including empathetic witnessing, solo parts work, and how to use these tools for healing, emotional intelligence, and reclaiming your spirituality. This episode is for anyone questioning their faith, seeking to break free from fear-based religious programming, or searching for a deeper connection to their true self and spiritual beliefs. _______________________ Topics Discussed: Natalie's book, All the Scary Little Gods Helping women with spiritual and emotional abuse in religious contexts Deprogramming and deconstructing from rigid belief systems Aligning faith with core values and personal resonance Alleviating shame connected to mental health and faith Writing from parts to connect with parts The power of empathetic witnessing in IFS therapy Solo parts work for healing and emotional intelligence Impacts of spiritual abuse on mental health Being excommunicated by a church or family for questioning beliefs Fear and shame created by rigid religious programming The lie that God and faith are confined to a church Letting go of fear instilled by religious teachings Speaking out and reclaiming your voice as a woman Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that will challenge you to explore, heal, and redefine your relationship with faith and spirituality. ___________________ Natalie Hoffman is the author of Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage and All the Scary Little Gods, as well as the host of the Flying Free podcast. A mother, grandmother, educator, and passionate advocate, Natalie is dedicated to empowering women of faith in abusive homes and religious communities. Through her Flying Free Sisterhood program, Natalie provides education, support, and mentorship, helping women discover their voices, embrace their gifts, and make adult choices for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Listeners can connect with Natalie and access resources on her website at www.flyingfreenow.com. By signing up on her homepage, you'll receive a free chapter of her book Is It Me? and its companion workbook. This chapter is designed to help assess whether you're in an emotionally abusive relationship—an often confusing experience for many victims. Discover more about Natalie's work and her mission to inspire healing and freedom for women of faith. ____________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below   Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/   Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact    Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________   Donate to the podcast Here!    Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100!  Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information.  Thank you for the support!    *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

Today I visit with Diana Swillinger, a life coach and fellow advocate for personal growth and healing. Together, we explore the profound role of empathy—not just for others but for yourself—in overcoming life's challenges and moving forward.Key Topics Covered: The role of empathy in healingPersonal responsibility vs. victim-blamingThe difference between needing validation and needing empowermentThe importance of challenging our deeply rooted beliefsA powerful tool for growthBuilding a life aligned with the heart of GodRead the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Love Diana? Listen to Episode 256 of the Flying Free Podcast to get more of her!Check out Diana's website.Follow Diana's podcast, The Renew Your Mind Podcast. Some of her best episodes include “Staying Out of Family Drama,” “Have To Vs. Choose To,” “When People Are Wrong About You,” “When People Are Right About You,” and “Accepting What Is.”Follow Diana on Facebook and Instagram.Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote a book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is our online community educating and supporting Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip you through this program.Flying Higher is my live mentorship program for any Christian woman interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. Diana Swillinger is a life and business coach, host of The Renew Your Mind Podcast, and founder of the Renew Your Mind Institute Coach Training. After decades of trying please God, be a good person and do the right thing, she ended up exhausted and discouraged. Desperate for a solution, Diana went back to school, joined personal development programs, and more, then took what she learned and created mind renewal tools that let her love life in every situation no matter what comes her way. Over the past 5 year she has empowered thousands of women with those same tools to heal themselves, get back to who God created them to be, and build a life they love.

Would you like to try a week of Flying Free for only one dollar? Access one full week of classes, workshops, coaching sessions (searchable by topic), and professional coaches in our private forum, and get your new year off to a brand new, life giving start! This offer can only be accessed via this link ​HERE​. Hurry, because this offer ends on Sunday, January 5. SPECIAL OFFER: GET ONE WEEK OF FLYING FREE FOR ONLY $1! Access all the good stuff inside the Flying Free program for seven days and get your new year off to a brand new, life giving start! This offer can only be accessed HERE and it ends on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (If you wish you could be informed about free workshops, live Q&A's, and special offers like this one, be sure to hop on my mailing list by going to flyingfreenow.com!)In today's episode, I reflect on the incredible transformations that can happen in just one year. (That's not a very long time, when you think about it! I feel like every January, I blink, and it's December!)Through powerful testimonials from Christian women, I highlight the courage, growth, and healing that come in just one year of taking intentional steps to break free from abuse, rebuild a life of freedom, and pursue self-development.Discover how these women overcame fear, anxiety, and self-doubt to embrace healing, reclaim their identities, and create lives full of purpose and joy. Whether you're navigating the complexities of divorce, overcoming spiritual abuse, or simply seeking personal growth, this episode will encourage you to imagine your own transformation in the coming year.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Heartfelt stories of resilience and transformation from Christian women just like you.Reflections on recognizing abuse, setting boundaries, and finding freedom.Insights into rebuilding relationships with God, children, and oneself after abuse.An invitation to intentionally plan for growth and healing in 2025 Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Grab your own butterfly planner for 2025 (and consider joining us in Flying Higher if you want to go through the Wings to Soar planning workshop with me in January 2025!)Listen to the episode mentioned in today's show, Episode 197, about all of our different parts and how they interact on our bus!Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote a book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is our online community educating and supporting Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip you through this program.Flying Higher is my live mentorship program for any Christian woman interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. 

Hi friends, and Merry Christmas! I hope this special day brings moments of peace and reflection, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. In this solo episode, I reflect on the powerful connection between scent, memory, and emotion—especially during the holiday season. I'll share personal stories, including my years as a soap maker, and how the fragrances of Christmas invite us to reflect on our own environments and experiences.We'll explore what it means to find hope and healing in unexpected circumstances and how the true spirit of Christmas can create a lasting fragrance of love, even in challenging seasons.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How our senses connect to our memories and emotions.Why we can grow numb to unhealthy environments.A reflection on religious attitudes and how they impact others,The hope and beauty found in embracing life as it is, not as we expected.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote a book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. (The Kindle version is only $2.99 now through the end of the year!)My book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. (Again - the Kindle version is only $2.99 now through the end of the year!)Flying Free is our online community educating and supporting Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip you through this program.Flying Higher is my live mentorship program for any Christian woman interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. 

In today's reflective episode, I share insights from my ongoing recovery following a recent car accident that left me with a broken wrist. I want to draw some powerful parallels for you between my physical therapy journey and the emotional and spiritual healing journeys faced by survivors of abuse.Key Topics Covered:The reality of physical therapy (hint - it's not a walk in the park) The role of support systemsEmbracing pain for growthHealing through alignment with your programmingThe power of music to healRead the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Check out the Flying Free playlist on Spotify! Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for Christian women interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. 

In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Emma Katz to discuss the phenomenon of coercively controlling fathers sabotaging mothers' relationships with their children. Dr. Katz introduces the term “child and mother sabotage” (CAMS) to replace the often co-opted term “parental alienation,” highlighting its roots in coercive control and its frequent targeting of mothers.Dr. Katz explains how societal sexism plays a critical role in these dynamics, amplifying the harm done to mothers and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. She also touches on the challenges survivors face in escaping abuse and emphasizes the strength and resilience it takes to rebuild after experiencing coercive control.Key Topics Discussed:CAMS Explained: Why “child and mother sabotage” is a more accurate and protective term than “parental alienation.”The Role of Societal Bias: How sexist stereotypes are weaponized against mothers in cases of coercive control.Global Gender Bias: Findings from UN research that show the pervasive bias against women worldwide.Survivor Recognition: Why victims of coercive control deserve societal recognition akin to war heroes.Practical Guidance: How survivors can use CAMS terminology in legal and advocacy settings.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Read Dr. Katz's book, Coercive Control in Children's and Mothers' Lives.Read the article that Dr. Katz quoted from in today's interview. Check out Dr. Katz's Substack and connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for Christian women interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. Dr. Emma Katz is a researcher in domestic violence and coercive control, whose work has helped shape legislation and professional practice globally. Her book, Coercive Control in Children's and Mothers' Lives (Oxford University Press), is widely acclaimed. Emma also brings her research to the public in an accessible and influential way on her platform "Decoding Coercive Control with Dr. Emma Katz", which is read by 10,000s of people in more than 90 countries around the world. Emma's research has illuminated children's experiences of coercive control, which had previously remained largely invisible. She argues that children are affected by many forms of abuse inherent to coercive control, including the breaking down of close relationships with loved ones, deprivation of resources, constrained behavior and isolation from the outside world. Her research has been described as "pioneering work" that "will change how we understand and respond to children's experience of domestic abuse.”

What is Christmas Magic? Do you feel like you're missing out? Here's an idea that might help you have the most magical Christmas of your entire life this year, and your circumstances don't even have to change. Resources mentioned:Podcast episodes and articles related to holiday challenges HERE.Flying Free (for Christian women stuck in emotionally and spiritually abusive relationships, families of origin, or religious communities)Flying Higher (for Christian women ready to move forward from abuse into their own personal metamorphosis adventure)

In this personal and anecdotal episode, I reflect on a recent car accident that changed my perspective on pain, resilience, and staying present. Drawing from my own experience of navigating physical injury, emotional turmoil, and life's unexpected disruptions, I want to share some valuable lessons on accepting pain and choosing who we want to be in the midst of it.Key TakeawaysPain is a Universal Experience: Everyone faces pain in various forms. Adjusting expectations helps to navigate life's inevitable challenges.Choosing Who to Be in Pain: While we can't control painful circumstances, we can choose our response and who we want to become in those moments.Faith and Resilience: God is present in our suffering, showing us how to lean into pain and live authentically.The Value of Lament: Acknowledging and naming our losses is essential. Lamenting is not about toxic positivity but about truthfully addressing the pain while moving forward.Staying Present: Focusing on the current moment can alleviate overwhelm and help manage pain one step at a time.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Check out the books I mentioned: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl and The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for Christian women interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. 

In today's episode, I interview Natalie Deering, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and host of That Wellness Podcast. Together, we explore practical and spiritual approaches to anxiety, offering tools to transform anxiety from an adversary into an ally. We discuss personal experiences, explain key IFS concepts like "trailheads," and share exercises to regulate the nervous system and foster self-compassion.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding anxiety as a trailhead (find out what a trailhead is in IFS too!)Practical self-regulation tools.The role of fear in anxiety.Spiritual integration.Everyday self-embodiment practices (SEEs).Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Connect with Natalie on her website and on Instagram.Listen to Natalie's podcast, That Wellness Podcast.Check out the books Natalie mentioned, “Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers” and “Fuel Your Brain, Not Your Anxiety: Stop the Cycle of Worry, Fatigue, and Sugar Cravings with Simple Protein-Rich Foods.” Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir using IFS about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for Christian women interested in 10Xing their self-development progress. Natalie Deering is a licensed mental health therapist and IFS level 2 practitioner who specializes in using Internal Family Systems therapy to help people get to know their authentic selves and heal the parts of them that are stuck in the past. Natalie hosts That Wellness Podcast, a podcast that provides interesting IFS-related interviews and meditations for people who are doing healing work on their inner parts using IFS. 

The link to register for this week's FREE Q&A with the founder of Aimee Says, Anne Wintemute, is HERE! This Q&A will take place on Saturday, November 23 at 11:00 am Central Time. Again, you can register for this event on Zoom HERE.In this compelling episode, Natalie Hoffman talks with Anne Wintemute, founder of Aimee Says, an innovative AI tool designed to support abuse survivors. Natalie and Anne explore how Aimee Says provides both immediate, compassionate assistance and long-term documentation capabilities for those navigating abusive situations. Anne shares the tool's features, including its free and paid versions, and emphasizes its privacy and security safeguards. Together, they illustrate how Aimee Says can be an empowering companion for survivors, particularly those involved in legal matters like custody cases.Key Points:Anne's personal motivation for creating an AI tool focused on empowering abuse survivors.The tool's core purpose of providing survivors with a private, supportive, and easily accessible resource.The features of both free and paid accounts.AI as a transformative tool in abuse advocacy.Practical use case examples.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Check out Aimee Says for free today. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Anne Wintemute is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aimee Says, the AI companion for victims and survivors of domestic violence.  She is a fierce champion for the rights of survivors and children, and systems that hold perpetrators accountable. Prior to working with survivors, Anne founded and directed an elementary school that became a model for micro-schools across the United States. In her spare time, she enjoys urban homesteading with her partner and their blended family in Denver, Colorado.

We are celebrating 300 episodes of the Flying Free podcast by looking at where this podcast started, what has been accomplished since then, and where we are heading in the future! Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

In today's episode, I answer a listener's question about co-parenting with an abusive ex and challenge the idea of "working together" with abusers. You'll learn the importance of shifting the focus away from the abuser and toward personal healing and growth.Key Takeaways:Stop investing emotional energy into trying to "fix" or "work with" an abusive person. It's a cycle that leads nowhere.Redefine what it means to be a "father"—biological ties do not make someone a healthy or safe parent.Avoid gaslighting your children by pretending their experiences with their abusive parent are fun or normal.It is impossible to thrive while working with someone who thrives on control and abuse. The focus should be on healing yourself and your children.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Episodes mentioned with Bob Hamp: Episode 1, Episode 76, Episode 277, and Episode 297.Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

In this episode, Natalie interviews guest Anne Blythe, a leader in the Betrayal Trauma Recovery community. Together, they discuss the profound impact of sharing survivor stories, how lived experience can be just as valuable as formal expertise, and the damaging effects of sexual coercion in abusive relationships. Anne also sheds light on critical issues like manipulation, trauma, and reclaiming safety.Some Key Takeaways: Sexual Coercion and Abuse: Anne emphasizes how sexual coercion is often a hidden form of abuse within relationships. Many women face manipulation and pressure regarding sexual behaviors, which is often downplayed or ignored by their abusers, adding layers of trauma.Removing Shame from the Healing Process: Survivors often feel isolated or ashamed of their experiences, but through sharing their stories and seeking help, they can shed this burden.Prioritizing Safety Over Confrontation: Directly confronting an abuser often leads to further manipulation. Instead, focusing on safety and gathering support is a crucial first step in the healing process.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Listen to Anne's podcast, Betrayal Trauma Recovery, on your favorite podcast listening app. Read Anne's book, Trauma Mama Husband Drama.Check out Anne's Meditation, Living Free, and Message workshops.Connect with Anne on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. If you've found porn on your husband's phone, you can get a simple PDF HERE about what to do next.Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Anne is the Producer & Host of The BTR.ORG podcast and the author of Trauma Mama Husband Drama. She's also the creator of: The BTR.ORG Meditation, Living Free, and Message Workshops. After years of attempting to stop her husband's pornography use and “anger issues,” she turned her attention to establishing emotional and psychological safety for herself and her three children. As she learns in real-time, Anne shares her journey to help women safely and effectively separate themselves from their husbands' (or exes') emotional & psychological abuse and sexual coercion in order to establish peace in their homes. You can sign up to get group sessions with the coaches at BTR.ORG HERE.

Guest Bio: Natalie Hoffman is the author of Is it Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse and All the Scary Little Gods: a Memoir, as well as the host of the Flying Free podcast. She is a mother, grandmother, educator, and passionate advocate for Christian women experiencing emotional and spiritual abuse. Through the Flying Free Sisterhood program, Natalie empowers Christian women to discover and use their God-given voices, gifts, and freedom to make healthy choices for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.    Show Summary: Sometimes an unhealthy relationship may be hard to recognize while we're in the beginning stages or rationalizing things that hurt us. It can be hard to recognize or make sense of a confusing or hurtful relationship. Natalie Hoffman was in an emotionally and spiritually abusive marriage for 25 years. After trying everything she could to work on her marriage, she decided to get a divorce. Now Natalie teaches women the covert signs of emotional and spiritual abuse. Join hosts, Elisa Morgan and Vivian Mabuni, as they are guided through the signs and symptoms of emotional and spiritual abuse during this very informative episode of God Hears Her. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please call 1-800-799-7233 or visit this website.   Notes and Quotes:  “Are you safely allowed to just be yourself in the relationship? Without being afraid that there will be repercussions if you show up?” —Natalie Hoffman  “The egregious nature of spiritual abuse is that it drives a wedge between the survivor and God—her lifeline.” —Natalie Hoffman “My religious beliefs are what kept me in that [abusive] relationship for so many years, but my relationship with God is what got me out.” —Natalie Hoffman  “God was my rescuer—not the church, not my friends, and not my family of origin.” —Natalie Hoffman “I listen to my former self—that younger version of myself—and I decided that I was going to be a witness to her pain.” —Natalie Hoffman      Verses:  Psalm 121:1-2   Links:  Natalie's website: https://www.flyingfreenow.com/ Natalie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingfreesisterhood/ God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc  Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/ Elisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/   MB01MZCQPFRUZFN

Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Abuse: A Journey to Personal FreedomIn this episode of the Flying Free Podcast, Natalie reflects on the power of transformation and shares profound insights from both the Flying Free Kaleidoscope community and the personal stories of women who are seeking freedom from abusive relationships. With heartfelt testimonials and a listener's deeply personal question about navigating a difficult separation, this episode delves into the complexities of emotional abuse and the path to self-discovery.The Power of Transformation: Real-Life Experiences from the Flying Free KaleidoscopeNatalie begins the episode by reading reviews from members of the Flying Free Kaleidoscope community—a safe space for Christian women seeking healing and growth. These women share how the program has impacted their lives in profound ways:"Two months in this program has changed my life. My relationship with myself and the way I parent my children has changed dramatically. I'm addicted to the coaching sessions.""Your programs are incredible. I talk about them every chance I get. They have literally changed my life. Hugs.""There are so many resources in this program. It is mind-blowing.""I am blown away. I joined a few months ago, and every course I take, I listen to three to five times. Each lesson gets better and better."These testimonials emphasize the depth of support available to women within the Flying Free Kaleidoscope program. Natalie likens the community to a “kaleidoscope of butterflies,” a metaphor representing the beauty and strength of women transforming their minds—and ultimately their lives—through support, coaching, and faith.A Listener's Question: Navigating Separation and Emotional AbuseNatalie addresses a question from a listener who is struggling to understand her husband's childlike behavior and lack of engagement during their separation. The listener shares her journey of enduring seventeen years of anxiety, feeling inadequate in her marriage, and facing a spouse who refuses to communicate or take responsibility.The listener asks three key questions:Why is my husband choosing childlike behavior and ignoring me and our separation?How do I work with him to move forward?I want insight into this type of man.The Alligator Metaphor: Focusing on What You Can ControlIn response, Natalie draws a vivid analogy, comparing an abusive relationship to falling into a swamp with alligators. She explains that focusing on why the alligator behaves the way it does is futile. Instead, the priority should be on getting out of the swamp. Similarly, understanding the abuser's mindset isn't the key to healing. Rather, the focus should be on what you can control—your own decisions, actions, and growth.“We can't control other people. Our challenge is not to understand the psyche of an abuser. Our challenge is to gain self-awareness and understanding around our own psyche and what is driving our beliefs and behaviors. This is where 100% of our opportunity lies.”Reframing the QuestionsInstead of asking why her husband behaves in a certain way, Natalie encourages the listener to shift her focus. She offers three thought-provoking reframes for the listener's questions:Why is my husband choosing childlike behavior?Reframe: Why am I choosing to revolve my life around this other adult, meanwhile ignoring my own sanity and health?How do I work with him to move forward?Reframe: How do I work with myself to move forward? You can't force someone else to change, but you can focus on your own path to healing and freedom.I want insight into this type of man.Reframe: I want insight into my own mind and beliefs so that I can evolve into the next version of who I was created to be.Natalie emphasizes that healing comes from within, not from trying to understand or change the abuser. She explains how many women are conditioned to prioritize the needs and feelings of others, often at their own expense. But true freedom comes when you take control of your own life, set boundaries, and focus on your own growth.The Mission of Flying Free: Transforming Minds to Transform LivesNatalie ends the episode by reminding listeners of the mission of Flying Free—to help Christian women find freedom, truth, and love in their lives. The Flying Free Kaleidoscope community offers resources, coaching, and support to help women on their journey toward healing and wholeness.For those who are ready to take the next step, Natalie invites listeners to join the Flying Free Kaleidoscope community, where they'll find a network of support, guidance, and hope.Join the Flying Free Kaleidoscope CommunityIf you're looking for a place to belong and grow, the Flying Free Kaleidoscope community might be the support system you've been searching for. Visit joinflyingfree.com to learn more about how you can start your journey toward healing today.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. 

The price to join Families Fly Free will be going up ANY day now. Join now at the current price and get your process in place to fly your whole family for free wherever you want to go throughout 2025 and beyond. Learn more at https://www.familiesflyfree.com/joinSouthwest announced lots of BIG news at its Investor Day on September 26, 2024. These big changes include partnerships with Icelandair, the ability to fly to Europe through new airline partnerships, more details about how their assigned seating will work, elite status changes and more. In this episode, I share my thoughts and analysis as someone who has followed Southwest for the last 10 years and worked with hundreds of families flying the airline many times each year, offering how this will impact flying for free on Southwest.Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fly for free? Come join my Families Fly Free membership, where you'll learn my expert process, receive personal support and get access to lots of great travel content and regular live webinars and Q&As. Learn more at https://www.familiesflyfree.com/join

Have you ever wondered, “Am I really being emotionally abused? Is it considered emotional abuse if my spouse is lying to me? Gaslighting me? Ignoring me? What are the kinds of mistreatments we can actually call ABUSE? My friend, this is a question I've been answering for other women for almost a decade now. This is my my life's work. My passion. Let me help guide you just a little bit in today's episode as we do a deep-dive on emotional abuse: what it is, how it destroys lives, and what we can do about it.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereAre you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote a book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

Many years ago I paid $150 an hour for counseling. If you do the math, that comes down to $25 for every ten minutes of her time. Yes. I was paying $25 for someone else to listen to me for ten minutes. I would tell her what new horrors I had experienced the week before, and then she would validate and empathize with me, and then I would go home.That's expensive. $25 is a lot of money to pay for someone to listen to your troubles. And was it moving the dial in my life? Was it worth that $25 for those ten minutes that I was purchasing to change my life, to get me moving forward? Was I getting unstuck? Was I learning new things? After a year of seeing her for an hour every other week, because I couldn't afford to go every single week, I had spent $3,600 and I was still in the same place that I had been a year before. The only difference is that I had $3,600 less in my bank account. Can anyone else relate to this madness?I recently had a conversation with a group of Christian women about something that didn't cost them $75 or $100 or $150 an hour but that has changed the entire trajectory of their lives.Today you get to listen in on that conversation.I hated that I wasted so much money on something that not only got me nowhere but that set me back in my healing. I determined to help women in my shoes in a different way, and it would only cost them $29. Not for a few minutes. But for 438,000 minutes (that's one entire month) of having five coaches, including me, not only listen to you, but actually HELP you in your specific life with your specific circumstances. 438,000 minutes of access to powerful classes that will educate, train, and equip you to take the next best step in your life. 438,000 minutes of daily support whenever you need it to help you transform your thinking and change your life. Would that be worth it to you? I asked these women to share with you today why they think it's more than worth it. Why it's so worth it that they have been members for years. One said, “I actually still go to counseling and my counseling is 100% covered by insurance. So for me, my counseling is free, but I still feel like Flying Free coaching helps me more than my counseling sessions do.”I asked her why. Listen to find out! Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Wanna hear more about the money I wasted on trying to get help? Read my newest book, All the Scary Little Gods. It's a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

Books are like buses. When you open up a book, it will take you to a new place. It will take you on a new adventure. Sometimes the book will take you on a journey of the imagination to a new country or a science fiction place. Sometimes the book will take you on a path of learning you've never explored before, and that path will lead you down other paths, and then those paths will lead you down even more paths, and you will be able to meander through information that delights your mind and opens you up to new ideas and ways of looking at the world. Books shape the way we think, feel, and show up in the world. They can even influence who we hang out with, who we agree or disagree with, and how we approach those agreements or disagreements. Books are important. They have just as much influence over us as people do because they are written by people with bias, people with their own programming, people with their own lived experience or lack thereof. Charlie Jones once wrote “Remember, you are the same today as you will be in five years, except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read. Choose both carefully.”When it comes to books about deconstruction, I've found some to be life-giving and hope-saturated, and I've found others to be depressing and hopeless. In today's episode, I talk about some of the books that have changed my life and my relationship with God. For the better! Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Books on books on books: Gaslighted by God: Reconstructing a Disillusioned Faith by Tiffany Yecke Brooks (and the podcast interview I did with her)Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety and Religious Trauma and the Language of Abuse by Tiffany Yecke Brooks (and the podcast interview I did with her)All the Scary Little Gods by Yours TrulyFaith Beyond Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It by Brian McLarenA Spiritual Evolution by John McMurrayLove Wins by Rob BellSearching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church - a memoir by the late Rachel Held EvansThe Sin of Certainty: Why God Desires Our Trust More Than Our "Correct" Beliefs by Peter EnnsThe Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It by Peter EnnsHow the Bible Actually Works by Peter EnnsThe Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison BarrAttached to God by Krispin Mayfield (and the podcast interview I did with him)Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening By Diana Butler BassAre you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

“Do I have C-PTSD? Surely not—it's not like I was a prisoner of war or something.” If you're a victim of emotional abuse, you very well could have C-PTSD. In today's episode, I want to introduce you to C-PTSD, how emotional and spiritual abuse can cause C-PTSD, what the symptoms are, and some practical ways that you can move forward and heal if you determine that you do have C-PTSD. I also want to debunk the theory that many emotional abusers have that their victims have Borderline Personality Disorder. Let's dive in, shall we?Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Read the article I mentioned about complementarianism versus egalitarianism.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

I've been busy doing all the things recently, so I wanted to give you all the inside scoop on what I've been up to. This includes going to an intense Personality Hacker conference, running a twelve-week coaching intensive, and helping women in the private forum (which is a part of the Flying Free program - we'd love to have you join us!) with some parenting quandaries. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Check out the Personality Hacker website and their podcast. Episodes 243 and 244 are the ones I mention in today's episode, “Making Peace With Your Parents” parts 1 and 2.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

Have you ever dealt with a Bible counselor who just doesn't get it? Or maybe an elder from your church? Or have you ever been excommunicated from your church? Sister, I've been through all of the above, and I write about bits and pieces of it in my newest book, All the Scary Little Gods. In today's episode, I'm going to read three chapters from my book, and they all have to do with the different counselors and elders I dealt with during my emotionally abusive marriage. Grab your favorite beverage, and let me bring you into my world as we explore what can happen when you get Bible counseling for your abusive marriage. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

Have you ever felt guilty about taking care of yourself? “I don't deserve to be taken care of, plus I have too many other responsibilities, how am I supposed to make time to take care of ME?!”Let me help dismantle this belief and show you that you do deserve some self-care, and, in fact, need it. I also received an interesting question in the Flying Free private forum about IFS (Internal Family Systems). This member wanted to know how she could accept and have compassion for her “bad” parts without ignoring sin in her life. Such a great question! Let's dig in!Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Want to learn more about IFS from a spiritual standpoint? Go grab Jenna Riemersma's book, Altogether You. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming…with an IFS twist!Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

One of our listeners submitted a heavy question asking about how long she has to let the abuse continue. The snagging point? She had an affair. So, what does one do if they have an affair while in an emotionally abusive relationship? Does that mean they now deserve to be in an abusive marriage until they die? What are their options, and how can we think about this?Join my candid conversation with Susan Estringel, one of our coaches within the Flying Free program, as we untangle this situation and speak with compassion to those of you who have lived this reality. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Connect with Susan on her website and on Instagram.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Susan Estringel is a Life and Relationship Coach, Yogi, and Music Therapist with a message of self-compassion and resilience. Drawing from her own journey as a survivor of emotional abuse, Susan brings a personal perspective to conversations around Christian abuse survivors having affairs. With a passion for lifting others up to find and reclaim their voice, Susan offers a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise in navigating the complexities of healing after having an affair. She specializes in rewiring limiting beliefs, setting boundaries, and shedding the heavy burdens of shame and guilt associated with affairs.

“Does God really hate divorce? And why haven't my years of praying brought any fruit?” Abuse survivors ask me these two questions regularly, and today, I'm going to use Malachi 2:16 as well as a chapter from my newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, to answer them both. Beautiful butterfly, I pray this episode is an encouragement to you as you wrestle with these important topics. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Links to resources about the idea that God hates divorceMy newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. 

Natalie Hoffman is the author of Is it Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse and her recent memoir All the Scary Little Gods. Natalie is also the host of the Flying Free podcast. She is a mother, grandmother, educator, and passionate advocate for women of faith in abusive homes and churches. Through the Flying Free Sisterhood program, Natalie empowers women to discover and use their God-given voices, gifts, and freedom to choose for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Rachel and Natalie delve into the multi-layered aspects of Natalie's life, from her upbringing in a strict Christian environment to her journey through an abusive marriage and her eventual path to healing. Natalie shares her experiences with internal family systems (IFS) therapy, a method that has helped her understand and heal from her past trauma. They discuss the covert nature of emotional and spiritual abuse within religious settings and the importance of bringing these hidden issues to light. Natalie emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the significance of being an empathetic witness to oneself. You can find more info on Natalie and her work at: www.flyingfreenow.com Connect with Us on Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Joining me for today's fascinating episode is Dan Koch, podcaster and spiritual abuse researcher. Dan has created an incredible tool called the Spiritual Harm & Abuse Scale, and he breaks it down for us as we talk about spiritual abuse and the heavy impact it has on people's lives. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Check out Dan's Spiritual Harm & Abuse Scale. Also mentioned in today's podcast episode was Dr. Keller's Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire. Connect with Dan on his website as well as Instagram. Listen to Dan's podcast, You Have Permission, and especially Episodes 10 and 123. Grab your copy of one of my favorite books, Faith Beyond Doubt. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) Dan Koch is a licensed therapist in the state of Washington, the host of the You Have Permission Podcast and a spiritual abuse researcher who has developed the Spiritual Harm & Abuse Scale, currently in use by religious trauma clinicians around the world.

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Breathe in the light of morning, The light of dawning and new beginnings. Breathe it in and feel its energy. PAUSE Keep breathing. And, as you do, imagine that you are  lifting off your bed and able to fly. Take a moment, and gently fly around your home. PAUSE And, as you feel comfortable with your new magical skill, allow yourself to fly out the window and soar with birds in the clouds. PAUSE Now, after a moment, you realize that you have flown halfway around the world to the beautiful country of Japan. You land gently on a red, half-moon bridge in a garden with a red pagoda rising in the background. As you walk through the garden, you marvel at the beauty and at the feeling of freedom you have from traveling to somewhere new. PAUSE Raise your arms, and feel the air lifting you above the garden  and carrying you somewhere else. As you fly, you see rolling farmlands, Indigo oceans, and rose-colored sunsets. And then you arrive at the City of Light–Paris. PAUSE Now, imagine landing  At the top of the Eiffel tower In the early morning before dawn. A pink and purple sky blankets Paris. And you can see cars beginning to line streets, and shop owners opening. And, as you watch, you notice feeling free and new, just like the dawn. Hold onto this feeling. PAUSE You outstretch your arms, and are lifted into the air once more. This time, landing at the Grand Canyon in the late afternoon. There is an incredible feeling of freedom and adventure as you gaze into the canyon that is painted red, rose, orange, and yellow by the fading sun. PAUSE Breathe, And bring yourself back to the present. And, as you become aware  of the here and now, acknowledge how freeing it is to travel and  embark on new adventures. And give yourself permission to do so, in life, or in your imagination. NAMASTE, BEAUTIFUL

Sometimes a woman will say, “I decided to leave, but now my abuser is being so nice to me! What should I do?” Unless an abuser has found a new source of supply, the abuser will want to maintain control over you. He's been observing what makes you tick for a long time. He's been observing what works and doesn't work to emotionally manipulate you. He knows how to both push all your buttons AND pull on your heartstrings. One of the ways he knows he can pull on a nice girl's strings is to simply make a show of being nice to her, and then the victim thinks, “Oh, let's give him another chance. He's trying so hard, poor hapless man. I must be the wind beneath his wings.” We've been programmed to believe these kinds of things. A man can be chronically abusive, but when he's nice, we think that just negates everything else he has done, but our body knows it's not true. Our brain has been programmed to believe that if he is nice or says “I'm sorry,” that means he has repented, and we just need to take him back, suck it up, and sweep everything under the rug. But that's not what true repentance or forgiveness is.This is taken from today's episode in which I share part of a live emotional abuse Q&A I recently did for my email subscribers. These are people who have requested help and resources from me over the years. Sometimes I create free workshops or special events for everyone on that list. (If you don't want to miss any articles or events or resources I create for you, be sure to get on that list by going to my website, flyingfreenow.com, and signing up at the top of the page!) Here are some of the questions I answered in today's episode:Should I tell my adult children and close friends about the hidden emotional abuse I'm experiencing?I feel guilty because we're in the middle of the divorce process, but all of a sudden, my husband has started being nicer than he's ever been! Why am I so afraid to tell my husband that I am done with the marriage?How do I avoid being triggered in a situation where my needs are being ignored or misunderstood? Is my husband abusive, or just selfish and immature?And MORE! Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Books I recommended in today's episode: Forgiveness After Trauma, The Body Keeps the Score, The Tools, Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom's Battle, and A Failure of Nerve.I also mentioned my interview with the author of Forgiveness After Trauma, Susannah Griffith, my article called “How to Leave an Emotionally Abusive Relationship: 10 Steps,” and another podcast episode, Episode 280, “Projective Identification in Abusive Relationships.”My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) 

“In this book, I want to share parts of my journey paired with reflections based on my background as a biblical scholar to make available forgiveness paths different from the harmful ones so often proffered in the name of God.” Susannah Griffith's book, Forgiveness After Trauma, does exactly that, and it is now my absolute favorite book on forgiveness. In today's episode, Susannah and I sit down and talk about how we can look at forgiveness in a more healing way than we are accustomed to.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:If you read any book about forgiveness, let it be Susannah's: Forgiveness after Trauma: A Path to Find Healing and Empowerment. She also has another book called Leaving Silence: Sexualized Violence, the Bible, and Standing with Survivors.Connect with Susannah on her website and Instagram.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) Susannah is an independent scholar, writer, chaplain, and advocate. Her first book, Leaving Silence, was a finalist for a Christianity Today Book of the Year award. Susannah resides in Northern Indiana with her husband Michael and three young daughters.

Abusers will project their own inner identity and issues onto their victims. Let's talk about what that means, how it impacts a survivor, and what you can do about it. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:The YouTube video that inspired this episode, “Projective Identification Explained.”The book by Tina Swithin I mentioned, Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom's Battle. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) 

Dr. Christy Bauman has written yet another beautifully rich book, and in today's episode, you will get a sneak peek! Her Rites: A Sacred Journey for the Mind, Body, and Soul takes you on a journey through each of a woman's six rites of passage and empowers women through words, art, and music. In today's episode, we discussWhat does birthright mean for Christian women?What is God's legacy through women?How does the rite of exile impact female survivors?How does the rite of intuition empower women who have been abused?And so much more!Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Get your copy of Her Rites: A Sacred Journey for the Mind, Body, and Soul, as well as Christy's other books, The Sexually Healthy Woman, Theology of the Womb, and A Brave Lament.Find Christy on her website.Listen to the corresponding music for Her Rites. Connect with Christy on Instagram on her main page and her Womaneering page.If you loved this episode, you'll love Episode 45 of the Flying Free Podcast which is also with Christy! My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) Dr. Christy Bauman, MDFT & LMHC (she/her) is committed to helping women come into their true voice. She is an author and psychotherapist who focuses on the female body, sexuality, and theology. Christy's work can be found at christybauman.com

I have been learning and reading and going to conferences and doing ALL the things recently, and I want to tell you all about it! This episode is a fun one where I let you in on what I've been up to and share a few golden nuggets I've found along the way. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Book I've been reading recently: After by Dr. Bruce Greyson, It's Not You by Dr. Ramani, and Still Life by Penny Louise.Check out my new favorite podcast, The BEMA Podcast.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. I also made a playlist for this book on Spotify! Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) 

We talk about the abuse so much, we sometimes forget about the actual healing process. That's why I've invited my long-time friend and seasoned guest Bob Hamp back on the Flying Free Podcast. Bob knows how painful and necessary the healing journey is, and he has some incredible golden nuggets of wisdom to share today that you do not want to miss.Some key points include How Bob found himself in the advocate world and his backstory Why trying to find resources for your abuser really isn't helpful How our bodies were designed to help protect usWhat the word “introject” means and how it relates to youA parable about a hiker that will help you with your healingHow your childhood dreams can help you healRead the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Connect with Bob on Facebook and Twitter.Check out Bob's incredible “Think Differently” book series.Experience Bob's new Sunday morning spiritual growth community, The Living Room, by becoming a Think Differently Academy member. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) Bob Hamp is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as an author and teacher. His life message has always been about freedom and healing. He and his wife, Polly, are the founders of Think Differently Academy, an online community for training, personal growth and healing. He and Polly have six kids and six grandkids with one more on the way.

Today I'm going to teach you how to use the same CBT triangle tool I use with the women I work with, my kids, and even myself to help us all understand and gain self-awareness around our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This CBT tool has three parts that can assist you in changing the way you think, and as a result, change your life and the lives of your kids.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Previous episodes where I talk about this tool: Episode 160, Episode 105, and Episode 107.Previous episodes where I talk about sex: Episode 104, Episode 108, Episode 170, Episode 221, and Episode 230.My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) 

Ryan Geoge grew up with a father who abused him, a church that hurt him, and a heart that needed healing. Even after learning he wasn't the only one being abused at the hands of his father, Ryan still found healing he desperately needed, and he's on a mission to help others heal, tell their story, and live life to the fullest.  Together, Ryan and I talk aboutRyan's story growing up in Independent Fundamental Baptist churches How Ryan found out about more of his father's victims outside of their familyWhy Ryan's book was written to shine a light on problematic theological issues in the church in order to prevent more victims from being hurtHow finding a healthy church changed Ryan's life and beliefsWhat you should look for when searching for a healthy churchAnd more! Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:Grab your copy of Ryan's newest book, Hurt and Healed by the Church, as well as his first book, Scared to Life.Check out Ryan's blog, Explorience.Connect with Ryan on Instagram and Facebook. My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you. Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) Ryan George is the author of Hurt and Healed by the Church, and Scared to Life. He's the blogger behind Explorience.org. He co-founded and co-leads Dude Group, a spiritual adventure community in the Blue Ridge Mountains where he lives with his wife, Crystal, and daughter, Deonnie.

BILL! My friend, Bill, wrote a little comment on my site that I wanted to share with you all. It wasn't a nice comment, but honestly, that's what makes this episode fun! Let's take a look at what our little gaslighting friend said and examine more closely where he got it wrong. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay well in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you!Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) 

Once upon a time, I dared to write a letter to the pastor of a church I was attending at the time (after having been excommunicated from another church for telling the truth about my life, requesting help, and then acquiring a divorce to protect myself). In my letter, I wrote that his sermon that morning did not take into account abuse survivors' experiences—survivors who were probably sitting in the pews that morning confused and scared about what he was preaching at them. I wanted him to hear his own words from a different perspective—a survivor's perspective. Surely this letter wouldn't fall on deaf ears. He was a shepherd representing Jesus, right? He loved his flock and would want to care for their hearts, right?Wrong. Let me read you the letter I sent him, and then let me read you his letter back. It may shock you that a “shepherd” would respond this way. It shocked me then, too, but it doesn't shock me anymore. I'll tell you why in today's episode.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereRelated Resources:My newest book, All the Scary Little Gods, is a spiritual memoir about healing from religious trauma and toxic programming. Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing marriage? I wrote another book just for you called Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Flying Free is my online membership program designed for Christian women in emotionally abusive marriages. Whether you want to stay well in your marriage or leave, we want to equip and support you through this program.Flying Higher is my online membership program for divorced Christian women. Come rebuild your life after divorce with women just like you!Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) 

Today's podcast episode features an original Audible chapter from my new book, All the Scary Little Gods. It's an analogy I wrote several years ago when I was trying my darndest to explain my situation to people who couldn't wrap their brains around it.In the years since that time, I've heard from countless Christian women how much it helped them understand what they were going through.  Today you can listen to this story as it was recorded for the Audible version of All the Scary Little Gods. I hope it helps you find clarity and hope.And maybe even a few laughs along the way.Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereIf you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.comI'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive or not. All you have to do is hop on my mailing list. You can also find out about our online education and support program for women of faith at https://joinflyingfree.com.Support the Flying Free podcast and join me for private deep-dive discussions with podcast guests, a private forum thread, and a private podcast just for club members all for just chipping in a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) And finally, if you are a divorced Christian woman who wants to take back her life, check out Flying Higher.

Have you ever been ghosted by someone? They disappeared from your life, seemingly into thin air? Have you ever been worried that God might ghost you, especially if you don't dot your “i”s” and cross your “t's?” Spiritual anxiety is common among Christians, and Dr. Tiffany Yecke Brooks wants to break that down with you inside her newest book, Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse. In this episode, Tiffany answers questions such as:“What is the definition of spiritual anxiety?” “How do I overcome spiritual anxiety?” “What are some different ways of looking at commonly told Bible stories?” And more! Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereIf you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.comI'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive or not. All you have to do is hop on my mailing list. You can also find out about our online education and support program for women of faith at https://joinflyingfree.com.Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) And finally, if you are a divorced Christian woman who wants to take back her life and get healthy, lose weight, have amazing relationships, get things done, build a business or career, and even find a good man (if you want one) - check out Flying Higher.

“Why do you keep bringing up the past?”“You can't have boundaries with me. You're my wife.”“You're too sensitive.”“I said I was sorry. You need to accept that. Let's choose to have a good day now.”“You think you're so perfect.”Do these phrases sound familiar? They certainly sound familiar to me. I want to show you some ways you can combat these words your abuser throws at you, even if you're just combating them in your own mind. You don't even have to say anything out loud (because we all know what happens when we try to reason with an abuser/fool). You can just say these phrases I'm going to teach you in your head, and that will be enough to give you the empowerment and strength you need! But first, let's check out a negative review I recently received *gasp* and look to Matthew 23 to help us figure out if this reviewer is on the right track…or not. Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question hereJoin me for a FREE emotional abuse Q&A for podcast listeners on Monday, April 15 at 7:00 pm CT. You can attend anonymously and ask questions anonymously as well. Register HERE on Zoom!If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.comI'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive or not. All you have to do is hop on my mailing list. You can also find out about our online education and support program for women of faith at https://joinflyingfree.com.Support the Flying Free podcast AND get in on monthly deep-dive discussions with podcast guests by joining the Flying Free Podcast Club for a $5 monthly donation HERE. (Members of Flying Free and Flying Higher can join these discussions FREE. Just reach out to me, natalie@flyingfreenow.com, and we'll get you set up!) And finally, if you are a divorced Christian woman who wants to take back her life and get healthy, lose weight, have amazing relationships, get things done, build a business or career, and even find a good man (if you want one) - check out Flying Higher.