Beyond The Surface – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Marla’s (who I have dubbed the 'Heretical Poet') journey is one of profound transformation, from a conservative evangelical upbringing to an open-minded and inclusive perspective. She shares the challenges of maintaining authenticity, unlearning ingrained biases, and navigating traditional marriage ideals while deconstructing her faith.

Her experiences across different U.S. regions shape her reflections on systemic racism, queerness, and spirituality. Through her passion for “poem art” and advocacy at pride festivals, Marla offers guidance to those on similar paths, proving that healing and joy come from embracing personal truth and breaking free from harmful ideologies.

Who Is Marla?

Marla Taviano is into books, love, justice, globes, anti-racism, blue, gray, rainbows, and poems. She reads and writes for a living, wears her heart on her t-shirts, and is on a journey to live wholefarted (not a typo). She's the author of Unbelieve, Jaded, and Whole, and lives in South Carolina with her kids and her cats.

Connect With Us

• Find out more at about Marla and her books over on her website - marlataviano.com
• You can also connect on Facebook & Instagram

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Authenticity is at the heart of this episode as we sit down with Nismah, who shares her journey from growing up in a strict evangelical household to deconstructing her faith. She reflects on the emotional struggle of reconciling her sexuality with religious beliefs and the pressures of purity culture, particularly for women.

Nismah opens up about her time at Bible college, drawn by an unconscious crush, only to confront doctrines that challenged her understanding of identity. As she unlearns ingrained beliefs and embraces her queer identity, she highlights the power of supportive communities in healing and self-discovery.

Who Is Nismah?

Nismah is a songwriter, producer, vocalist, entrepreneur, and feminist who has been writing and producing music since 2005 for herself, other artists, and sync licensing. After stumbling into the world of film and TV placements in 2011, she cracked the code on funding a music career, landing features in hit shows like Love is Blind, Dancing with the Stars, and Temptation Island. With a degree from Berklee, songwriting and production credits on hundreds of songs, and the opportunity to learn from industry legend Kara DioGuardi, Nismah continues to push creative boundaries and build an ever-evolving musical legacy.

Connect With Us

• You can find out more about Nismah's work on her website
• You can also connect over on Instagram

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Nancy reflects on her upbringing in conservative Christian circles, the challenges of being a missionary kid, and the struggles she faced in reconciling her sexuality with her spirituality. As she navigated these complexities, she discovered the importance of self-acceptance and the value of listening to one’s intuition. The discussion also touches on the impact of cultural narratives on personal identity and the transformative power of community support. Through her experiences, Nancy emphasises the need for compassion and understanding in the process of finding one’s authentic self, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of integration and healing.

Who Is Nancy?

Nancy Shadlock is a missionary kid turned youth pastor turned spiritual director and Coming Out Coach. When Nancy finally discovered that she didn’t have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality she started creating the life she’s always dreamed of, but feared would never be possible.

Now as the Founder of Centered Consulting & Coaching and the Conscious Queer Collective and host of The Coming Out Chronicles podcast, she dedicates her time to helping people and organizations break free from metaphorical closets to bravely live the truth of how beautiful and whole they are.

Connect With Us

You can connect with Nancy via the following:

• Their website
• Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn
• Their YouTube Channel

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Kristi shares her story of growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, revealing how traditional gender roles, the belief in eternal family togetherness, and distinct doctrines shaped her upbringing. Navigating the pressures surrounding faith, sexuality, and identity, Kristi discusses her internal conflict over gay marriage, the mental health impact of church teachings, and the emotional toll of keeping secrets. She candidly reflects on her journey out of Mormonism, the role of therapy in embracing her bisexuality, and the delicate task of maintaining family bonds amid a faith transition. Kristi’s experiences highlight the importance of curiosity, grace, and authenticity when forging one’s own path.

Who Is Kristi?

Kristi Hyde is an eldest daughter, an Aries, and a natural redhead with a deep love for reading romance novels and writing poetry. Born and raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), Kristi spent her early life in Utah before relocating to Arizona in 2019 with her partner.

A former banking professional, Kristi is now a devoted stay-at-home mum to her two daughters. Her passion for writing has culminated in her debut poetry collection, Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry, which beautifully captures her journey of faith deconstruction and personal growth.

Connect With Us

• Connect with Kristi over on Instagram.
• You can purchase Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry over on Amazon.

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Sallyann shares how her family’s shift from Roman Catholicism to born-again Christianity in 1970s Ireland sparked both connection and conflict, ultimately leading her to question long-held beliefs. She recounts a six-year relationship overshadowed by a controlling religious community, a move to Australia in search of healing, and the personal upheaval of deconstructing her faith and marriage. Embracing atheism and agnosticism, Sally-Ann illustrates the transformative power of choosing curiosity over certainty, reminding us that forging one’s own identity can bring both freedom and self-discovery.

Who Is Sallyann?

Born into a Catholic family in Ireland, and then becoming a ‘born again Christian’ and moving to a Pentecostal church, Sallyann was serious about her faith and her commitment to God. It wasn’t until she started studying Psychology and Counselling in her late 30s that she began having doubts and questioning her faith. After several years of ‘seeking God’, reading and researching, and talking to other Christians including church leaders, she found that she could no longer call herself a Christian. Sallyann is now a therapist working in Perth, Western Australia, specialising in supporting people who are questioning their faith, or who are leaving or have left a high control religion or cult. Having experienced spiritual abuse and engaging in her own therapy to recover from religious trauma, she now has a sense of freedom and peace that she never had as a religious person.

Connect With Us

• You can connect with Sallyann via her Website, Facebook or LinkedIn

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her journey of religious trauma and abuse amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, recounting how American missionaries’ abrupt departure left her feeling abandoned in Africa. She describes relocating to the U.S. with her family, only to face academic sabotage, familial tensions, and a struggle for independence. Katrina’s determination to pursue higher education and a career in psychology, despite parental disapproval and health challenges, highlights her resilience and search for identity. As she breaks free from toxic control, Katrina finds hope through unexpected community support and reshapes her faith on her own terms, embracing the compassion of Jesus beyond traditional confines.

More About Katrina

Speaker and life coach that specialises in religious abuse, academic sabotage, and good girl syndrome, Katrina is currently living her best life in her renovated garage, feverishly writing away and creating motivational speeches! She hopes her ongoing projects will help others find the same peace she has found.

Katrina is a teacher to toddlers by day, an overachieving writer by night, and a coffee-drinking socialiser on the weekends! As a never-ending psychology enthusiast, Katrina is not ashamed to seek trauma-informed therapy every week!

Katrina loves making new connections with churches and colleges through her speaking career and collaborating with other artists who are trying to create beauty out of pain. Katrina's biggest focus is to speak around the US and eventually around the world, including Africa, where she was orphaned, adopted, and raised as a missionary for 20 years.

Connect With Us

• Find out more about Katrina on her website - https://www.speakwithkatrina.online/
• You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode (and its only Part One) of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her remarkable journey of religious abuse within a remote East African missionary setting, shaped by her adventurous father, her mother’s struggle with depression, and the unique challenges of being an African orphan adopted by American missionaries. She reflects on the cultural dissonance of navigating life between Africa and the United States, confronting issues of race, identity, and the expectations tied to diverse Christian traditions. Katrina’s resilience is illuminated through her candid account of academic sabotage, highlighting how mentorship and self-awareness guided her beyond her family’s limitations. Her story offers hope to anyone seeking to redefine their path amid rigid religious and cultural constraints.

More About Katrina

Speaker and life coach that specialises in religious abuse, academic sabotage, and good girl syndrome, Katrina is currently living her best life in her renovated garage, feverishly writing away and creating motivational speeches! She hopes her ongoing projects will help others find the same peace she has found.

Katrina is a teacher to toddlers by day, an overachieving writer by night, and a coffee-drinking socialiser on the weekends! As a never-ending psychology enthusiast, Katrina is not ashamed to seek trauma-informed therapy every week!

Katrina loves making new connections with churches and colleges through her speaking career and collaborating with other artists who are trying to create beauty out of pain. Katrina's biggest focus is to speak around the US and eventually around the world, including Africa, where she was orphaned, adopted, and raised as a missionary for 20 years.

Connect With Us

• Find out more about Katrina on her website - https://www.speakwithkatrina.online/
• You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Navigating the complexities of Christmas can be particularly challenging for those who have experienced religious trauma or disconnection from their previous faith communities. This conversation delves into strategies for being okay over the holiday season, emphasising the importance of awareness around triggers and the need for self-compassion. Host Sam and guest Jane reflect on their personal experiences with Christmas, sharing how their celebrations have evolved from church-centric traditions to more individualised, meaningful rituals. They discuss the significance of boundaries, especially in familial contexts, and encourage listeners to prioritise their well-being by recognising their needs and feelings. Ultimately, the episode offers practical tools and insights to foster a sense of connection and joy, regardless of one's past or current beliefs.

More About 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 counselling space and works with other Australian therapists to broaden knowledge among those working with affected clients. Jane has written her story, an e-book, The Sentimental Non-Believer, on Loving & Leaving God.

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

• You can find out more about Sam on her website – www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram – @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode, Zoe shares her transformative journey from a conservative Christian upbringing steeped in guilt and purity culture to embracing her true identity and sexuality. Reflecting on the impact of religious trauma on self-esteem and relationships, she highlights her path to healing through bodywork and self-compassion. Zoe’s story offers hope and inspiration for reclaiming authenticity and self-acceptance.

Who Is Zoe?

With over 14 years of experience in the bodywork and spa industry, including a transformative role as International Trainer for the eco-luxe brand Sodashi, Zoe has worked with some of the world’s most renowned luxury spas, including One&Only, Four Seasons, and Shangri-La. Known for inspiring teams and delivering impactful, transformational training, Zoe became a standout trainer in the industry.

Drawing on years of insight, Zoe recognised a gap in the spa world: the need for therapists to cultivate presence, intention, and the ability to create deeply transformative guest experiences. This realisation led her to create Body Whispering, evolving from offering treatments at home to building a thriving business with over 300 clients and taking her unique approach on tour across Australia.

Connect With Us

• Find more about Zoe's offerings via her website - https://www.zoebutler.com.au/
• You can also connect over on Instagram - @zoebutler.bodywhisperer

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

If you haven't listened to Part One make sure you head back an episode and listen to it first.

In this episode Craig shares his powerful story of returning to Invercargill after leaving the Exclusive Brethren, recounting the heartache of family rejection and a poignant encounter with his little sister. We explore the deep complexities of healing from religious trauma and the challenges faced when leaving a high-control community, emphasising that healing is about gaining freedom from the past, not erasing it. Craig sheds light on the fear and surveillance tactics employed by these communities against those who choose to leave and the cultural adjustments required to adapt to mainstream society. Reflecting on his journey of self-discovery and the importance of personal identity, Craig’s insights highlight the need for sensitivity and respect when engaging with those who’ve left insular religious backgrounds.

Who Is Craig?

Craig Hoyle grew up in Invercargill within the New Zealand Exclusive Brethren. Separated from public society, he attended Brethren-only schooling and worked in his family's tyre shop. After facing interrogations and conversion therapy for his sexuality, he was excommunicated from the Brethren and lost his family in 2009. Today he is a news director for the Sunday Star-Times. He has worked for newsrooms such as TV3 and RadioLive, and behind the scenes on current affairs shows including 60 Minutes and 3rd Degree. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Connect With Us

• You can connect with Craig via Instagram or LinkedIn
• Grab Craig's book 'Excommunicated'

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.