Welcome to Beyond the Surface, where being seen means being understood. Here, we explore the ups and downs of exploring and sometimes losing faith and community, and the healing power of shared stories. This is a safe space to connect, share, and find support in our common experiences of religious trauma and leaving fundamental communities. Join us as we build a community of understanding and connection. Host - Sam Sellers; Therapist specialising in Religious Trauma and the Queer Community L ...
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A podcast created to share the stories of extraordinary people who have accomplished some great things in life, but also have a back story that they are unafraid to share with others. It's a podcast that will leave you inspired, motivated and excited to accomplish your dreams despite the odds that may be stacked against you. I dare you to take a listen! :)
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The Real Abhinav Audio Experience (#TRAAE) podcast is a movement to encourage all individuals who are multi-passioned and seeking ways of expressing themselves. The host of the #TRAAE, Abhinav Jain believes that there is only one life, one chance of being uniquely YOU. Abhinav Jain intends to bring insight from topmost performers in health & business to showcase what they have done differently to grow their minds and keep their physical and mental health in shape. The podcast covers a variet ...
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In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Matthias shares his courageous journey of navigating the intersection of faith and identity, growing up in a conservative religious environment while grappling with homophobia and his own sexuality. A pivotal moment helped him embrace his identity and begin deconstructing his faith. Matthias reflects on the ch…
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In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we hear Megan’s powerful story of resilience and transformation as she navigates life after growing up in a fundamental, high-control evangelical environment. From the pressures of purity culture to the emotional toll of fear-based faith, Megan shares how she transitioned from conventional therapy to religious…
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Join us in this enlightening episode of Beyond the Surface as we explore the multifaceted topic of religious trauma in Australia and New Zealand. Joined by Jane Kennedy and Elise Heerd, both therapists and we are all co-founders of the Religious Trauma Collective. Together, we discuss the significant launch of this collective, which aims to provide…
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Lynn, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, she shares her journey of faith deconstruction that began in Utah after confronting troubling historical truths about her ancestor and the Book of Mormon. Lynn's path of navigating religious trauma, embracing uncertainty, and redefining her spiritual identity highlights the role of therapy and self-compass…
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What happens when the church you trust becomes a source of fear and exclusion? In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we sit down with Kimberley, known as the exvangelical parent, to discuss her journey through conservative evangelicalism, growing up during the satanic panic and purity culture. Kimberley shares her struggles with undiagnosed OCD, v…
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Join us for a powerful bonus episode of Beyond the Surface, where we unpack the complexities of purity culture in evangelical Christianity with returning guest Meg, a sexologist and relationship coach from New Zealand. Together, we trace the historical roots of purity culture and its impact on modern sexual education and relationships, highlighting…
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Can balancing faith with personal freedom bring true inner peace? In this episode, we sit down with Elise as she shares her raw journey of growing up in a Pentecostal family, where she struggled to balance genuine friendships with heavy religious expectations. Elise opens up about the emotional toll of marriage, depression, and Bible college, highl…
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In this episode of "Beyond the Surface," we explore Meg's powerful journey of faith deconstruction, beginning with her upbringing in a Christian family in New Zealand and involvement in a conservative Pentecostal church. Meg shares her experiences with purity culture, the internal conflicts of being a devout Christian while navigating typical teena…
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Claire's faith journey, from strict Catholic rituals to the allure of evangelicalism, highlights the clash between public and private religious life, leading to relational trauma and disillusionment with church marketing tactics. Her story reveals the business-like nature of church operations and the mental health struggles that arise from pressure…
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Stacey shares her journey of navigating faith, identity, and self-discovery after a painful divorce and joining an evangelical Pentecostal community. She reveals the emotional highs and manipulative undertones of church life, the struggle between divine perfection and self-acceptance, and the challenges of embracing authenticity in matters of faith…
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What happens when the foundations of your faith start to crumble? Our latest episode of "Beyond the Surface" tackles the intricate and emotional journey of religious trauma and faith deconstruction with our insightful guest, Dr Laura Anderson. Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment, Dr Laura opens up about the challenges she faced, fr…
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What happens when devotion turns into oppression? Join us for a gripping episode of Beyond the Surface as we sit down with Ruth from snowy Connecticut, who bravely recounts her harrowing experiences growing up in a militant Catholic institution. Separated from her parents and subjected to the institution's extreme religious and political ideologies…
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In this episode, I'll dive into the essence of summer, a season that symbolizes growth, abundance, and the fruits of hard work. As the days stretch longer and the sun shines brighter, we explore how this vibrant time of year mirrors our own personal and professional journeys. Just as plants flourish under the summer sun, we, too, experience growth …
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Growing up in a conservative evangelical bubble, Aaron's early realisation of being gay sparked a profound internal conflict within the rigid doctrines of his faith. From his childhood filled with love and support despite restrictive beliefs, to his tumultuous journey as a pastor grappling with his sexuality, Aaron's story is a testament to resilie…
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Join us for a profound exploration of healing religious trauma through the body, featuring insightful conversations with Liz Milani and Erica Webb. Liz, a former pastor and pastor's kid, shares her journey of navigating an involuntary deconstruction of faith, leading her to create a supportive community for others on similar paths. Erica, a somatic…
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Charli shares her experiences growing up in a devout Christian home, the challenges of seeking validation, and the complexities of moving beyond ingrained beliefs. After leaving an abusive marriage and facing family estrangement, she found solace in raising her children with autonomy and openness. Discover how she rebuilt her intuition, set firm bo…
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In this episode, Laura shares her experience of being born into the fundamentalist group/cult known as The Truth, discussing the isolation, coercive control, and spiritual abuse she endured. We explore the unique challenges faced by women in these communities and Laura's struggle with identity. Laura reflects on her childhood values, teenage years …
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In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from a Christian upbringing to the present day broader worldview, influenced by the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. She talks about the emotional process of leaving her faith, navigating a mixed-faith relationship, and discussing faith with her children. Sarah reflects on reconciling emotional tie…
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This is Rachel's Story.. More About Rachel Rachel is a Minister’s kid, eldest daughter, who grew up in the church and did all the ‘right’ things from a young age, but realised over time that being a bisexual feminist with an environmental science degree didn’t sit that well in certain church circles. She asked too many questions and poked at the wr…
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In this episode, we explore the concept of divine timing and how embracing it can transform your life. We'll discuss the importance of trusting the process, letting go of the need for control, and understanding that everything happens for a reason. Join me as I share my personal expereinces with it and practical tips on how to cultivate patience an…
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This is Maggie's Story... Who Is Maggie? Maggie runs the Instagram account @hello_deconstructionists and the host of the Hello Deconstructionists podcast, where she is building community post evangelicalism. She is a religious trauma survivor and a dedicated therapy client where she’s working hard to understand who she is outside of religion. Her g…
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In this insightful episode, we explore the importance of setting boundaries and being less accessible in relationships. Learn how to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being by establishing clear limits. We'll discuss the signs of over-availability, the benefits of creating healthy distance, and how to put you first. Join me to discover …
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This is Amanda's Story... More About Amanda Amanda is a Faith Deconstruction & Reconstruction Coach + Clinical Social Worker. You can find her at the intersection of mental health, social work, and theology. She supports thoughtful Christians and communities who are wrestling through big doubts and questions and hope to stay within the Christian fa…
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This is James's Story... More About James James Admans (they/them) is a minister, entrepreneur, and drag queen (Marge Erin Johnson, she/her). They are ordained pending call in the United Church of Christ. They graduated from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (unceded homelands of the Lenape Nation) with a Master of Divinity degree …
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In this empowering episode of "Morning Mindset," we delve into the transformative power of a mental morning routine. Let's explore why the first moments of your day are crucial for setting the tone for everything that follows. Learn practical tips to cultivate a mindset that prepares you for life's daily battles. From my very own mindfulness practi…
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This is Tashas Story.. More About Tasha Tasha is a Queer Neurodivergent Counsellor, Advocate, wife, and chronic pain battler. Many of her clients are neurodivergent, mainly autism and/or ADHD and are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Tasha uses her lived experience to work with these individuals to connect on a deeper level as someone who understands…
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In this episode, we break down cognitive dissonance and its impact on Queer individuals, especially within high-control religious environments. We explore the harmful effects of heteronormative conditioning, the enmeshment of religion and politics, and the importance of inclusive faith communities. Kit offers insights on navigating and healing from…
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This is Steph's Story... More About Steph Steph Lentz is a former advertising writer and secondary school teacher. She came to public attention in 2021 after she was sacked from her job as a teacher because of her sexuality. Steph is based in Sydney. She released her debut memoir titled ‘In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of th…
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This Is Mike's Story... More About Mike Mike Maeshiro is the founder of Numa, an organisation that supports people recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. Mike is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, “Discerning of Spi…
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This is Alanah's Story Who is Alanah? Alanah is a musician in Nashville, TN, USA. A songwriter and composer/producer, and right now is working on a therapeutic kind of project where she takes old Christian hymns and rewrites the lyrics to be affirming, open-minded, and focused on wholeness. She is working to create a safe place for people like hers…
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In this episode, we explore the subtle messages that guide us toward what truly deserves our attention. From intuitive nudges to insightful conversations, life often sends us signals pointing us in the right direction. But are we listening? We'll discuss the importance of tuning in to these guiding messages and recognizing the cues that can lead us…
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In this episode, I will break down the key obstacles that can derail your path to success. We will identify and explore five critical barriers: lack of a process, distractions, resistance, and instant gratification. I'll break down how each barrier manifests in our daily lives and provide practical strategies to overcome them. Whether you're strivi…
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This is Nikki's Story... Who Is Nikki? Nikki G. is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach who helps survivors recover and thrive after Religious Trauma & Cult involvement. She is also a survivor of multiple narcissistic relationships, religious trauma as well as a former member of multiple cultic communities. Nikki is the CEO of Nikki G Speaks LLC, whic…
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This is Sam's Story... Who is Sam? Sam is a self-confessed introvert and empath, who loves nothing more than good ache-in-the-belly laugh. But more than anything, she loves providing a safe counselling space for gentle souls- introverts, INFJ’s, empaths and neurodivergent people. This is her joy and passion, bringing hope and healing to the broken …
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In this episode, we're going to touch on resilience and personal growth as we explore the theme of facing adversity. Life's challenges can be tough, but they also offer unique opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I will share my story of how I'm confronting adversity head-on and emerged stronger and wiser. Discover how adversity can serve a…
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This Is Cait's Story.... Who is Cait? Cait West is a writer and editor based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has been published in The Revealer, Religion Dispatches, Fourth Genre, and Hawai`i Pacific Review, among others. As an advocate and a survivor of the Christian patriarchy movement, she serves on the editorial board for Tears of Eden, a n…
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This is Janes story. Who is Jane? Jane Kennedy is a Sydney-based Counsellor. Jane has lived experience of religious trauma and is committed to supporting people as they leave church and/or faith. This experience, still frequently misunderstood, can be life-altering. She brings language and framing for the complexities of religious trauma to the cou…
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This is his story... Bio Growing up, Tim always felt at home in evangelical spaces – until years later, when his studying and questions caused him to no longer be welcomed at in his church community. Broken-hearted, but undeterred, Tim continued to pursue a deeper understanding of faith, history, theology, and the evangelical church. The more he un…
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Join us for a discussion on megachurch culture through the miniseries 'Prosper' on Stan. Connect with us! To find out more about Jane and her practice head to her website - https://janekennedycounselling.com.au/ Or to connect with her on social media; you can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn To connect with Elise head to her website - …
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In this episode, Join me as we uncover the subtle connections guiding your journey and revealing the hidden patterns that have been quietly at work behind the scenes. From chance encounters to unexpected opportunities, discover how the universe conspires to bring about moments of clarity, growth, and transformation. Through personal anecdotes and r…
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This is her story... Bio Liz Milani is a writer, and the co-creator of the The Practice Co App. She lives for wholehearted, grounded spirituality, and to help people feel free to find God for themselves, in the world, in the lives they have. Liz lives on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia, with her partner, Jesse, and their three kids. Links To l…
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This is his story... Bio Brad Klausman was born and raised within the Southern Baptist Church community. He received his degree in biblical studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University and his master’s from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After serving in full time ministry for over two decades, Brad found himself having to choose between th…
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In this episode, I discuss what it's like to know what you want in life but unsure as to how you're going to obtain it. I break down three reasons that I believe led me to feel this way and what I believe the answer is to stop feeling like this. I believe everyone's path is different and it's up to each individual to navigate their way towards the …
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This is My Story.... Bio As a Queer religious trauma therapist, I work from a trauma informed and lived experience stance. I understand the profound impact that religious experiences can have on individuals and am here to provide an accepting and non-judgmental space to explore your inner world. I will be releasing my new workbook “Embracing Queern…
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In this episode, I delve into the intricacies of what truly makes a relationship thrive. Join me as I explore the key ingredients that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling connection between partners. From effective communication and mutual respect to trust and support, we uncover the fundamental aspects that lay the foundation for a strong and e…
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This is Hannah's Story.. Hannah went from an evangelical Jesus-loving Christian to an agnostic atheist. Her journey started about over a year and a half ago, when her partner of 4 years called her out by telling her that she wasn’t really a Christian anymore and she is so glad that he did. It took 27 years for her to have her religious bubble final…
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If you haven't listened to Part 1 of Matt's Story - you are going to want to. This is Part 2. Matt is the Director of MGA Counselling Services and provides individual, couple, family, and group counselling. He is also the founder of Forest Therapy Victoria. Matt has a special interest in relationship counselling, grief, trauma, abuse recovery, high…
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"Comfortability brings you brief emotional peace but creates long-term mental paralysis."- Michael Benton When your growth feels stagnant and suffocating, a fresh air of uncertainty brings life back into the fight. For so long, I'd gotten accustomed to the feeling of being comfortable in life, and because of this, I've stunted my growth in life, an…
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This is Matt's Story...well part of it. Matt is the Director of MGA Counselling Services and provides individual, couple, family, and group counselling. He is also the founder of Forest Therapy Victoria. Matt has a special interest in relationship counselling, grief, trauma, abuse recovery, high sensitivity, and spirituality. Matt provides professi…
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Have you ever found yourself trying to control the outcome of something you want or are a part of? Do you ever find yourself giving up all the control and allowing forces outside yourself to give you what you want and need? In this episode, I share my thoughts about the concept of controlling vs allowing. I share my circumstances that are currently…
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