Broken to Beloved Podcast

After spiritual abuse, one of the first questions survivors ask is, "How did I end up here?"

If you have found yourself asking a similar question, writing can be an incredible way to discover that answer. In this episode, I speak with Megan Febuary, the author of Brave the Page. She shares how to go back to your earlier life scenes using a trauma-informed approach to fill in the missing pieces that may have drawn you to br...

Is reading scripture hard for you?

Understandably, weaponized scripture makes it hard to want to pick up the bible ever again. But if you are at a place where you want to renew your relationship with scripture, in this episode, pastor and author Zach Lambert talks us through how we can read the bible in ways that lead to healing and wholeness. Zach talks to us about his brand-new book, Better Ways to Read the Bible, beginning by sha...

Did you know that much of the advice Christian parents have been taught over the years doesn’t align with what we know about child development?

In this episode, I speak with therapist and author Meaghan Hampton about parenting from a Christian and psychology-informed approach. We address how much of our stories of spiritual trauma are rooted in how we were raised, and why it’s important to explore our past with compassion and curios...

Can we have a conversation about intimacy in the church and have it not be...weird?

In this week's episode, I speak with college chaplain Rev. Erin Moniz about her book, Knowing and Being Known. She proves that, yes, we can talk about intimacy in a way that feels approachable, inclusive, and inviting to all without making it awkward. You will love Erin's framework that defines healthy intimacy through the lens of the gospe...

Is there a part of you that feels like you’re in trouble, or you're about to be? If so, this episode will help you understand what message those feelings might be telling you.

In my conversation with emotion coach and PhD student Becky Castle Miller, we discuss the differences between feelings, emotions, and trauma responses, as well as practical ways to regulate your body when you're having a flashback. If you’re thinking...

How can we resist the overwhelming loneliness and despair of our time?

In this episode, I speak with author and poet David Gate about his debut collection of poems and essays titled Rebellion of Care. In a world that feels bent on individualism, capitalism, and fundamentalism, he suggests that it’s going to take some rebellion to create a new way of living—a life that’s full of radical care, beauty, and kindness. David shares how to...

What happens at church camp? And what happens when what happens at church camp doesn't stay there, but follows us for the rest of our lives?

Most people think of campfires, silly songs, skits, deep talks, and spiritual awakenings. But for many, this is also a place mixed with emotional manipulation, toxic theology, purity culture, exclusion, and abuse.

In this episode, I speak with Cara Meredith, author of Church Camp: Bad Skits...

What is spiritual trauma? How is it different from religious trauma? And what can I do if I, or someone I know, experienced it?

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of spiritual trauma and the healing process. Hillary and I discuss the importance of understanding spirituality, the role of the body in healing, and the challenges of naming traumatic experiences. And, we'll close with a practical exercise as Hillary lea...

In his Summit session, Christopher Stewart shares his profound journey of faith and life after disability, exploring themes of grief, healing, and the sacredness of the disabled experience. He reads his original psalms, reflecting on his struggles and insights learned from wrestling with God, and emphasizes the importance of processing emotions honestly before God. Christopher also highlights the societal perceptions of disability ...

We’re getting ready to celebrate one year of the Podcast and start Season 3 next week!

I can’t wait to share these incredible conversations with some of the guests you just heard like Monica DiCristina, Cara Meredith, David Gate, Megan Febuary, Becky Castle Miller, and lots more.

This season, we’re talking about finding ways to name our pain, better ways to read the Bible, working through our stories, learning about our feelings and ...

This conversation is from our 2024 Annual Summit.

Get 30% OFF an All Access Pass from any of our Annual Summits now through the end of June. Use code PODCAST30 to take advantage of this offer today!

In this session, Brian, Geoff, and Cyd discuss the concept of embodied faith and the importance of integrating our bodies, emotions, and relationships in our spiritual lives. They explore the different attachment styles, including anxious...

For the month of June, I'm re-airing some of our favorite episodes. This one originally aired on August 13, 2024.

TW/CW: references to sexual assault

Have you ever had Matthew 18 used against you?

Far too often, the forgiveness passage in Matthew 18:15–17 is weaponized against those who experience hurt and harm. Victims are forced to face their abusers, and there is no real reconciliation. The abuser walks away “forgive...

This conversation is from our 2024 Annual Summit.

Get 30% OFF an All Access Pass from any of our Annual Summits now through the end of June. Use code PODCAST30 to take advantage of this offer today!

In this session, Suzanne shares her surprise at the number of people willing to talk about trauma and her concern about the misuse of the term. She also highlights the subtle nature of religious manipulation and the need for acceptance an...

For the month of June, I'm re-airing some of our favorite episodes. This one originally aired on September 24, 2024.

Trauma fundamentally disconnects us.

It can disconnect our brains from our bodies. It can sever relationships and entire communities. Those of us familiar with trauma know it can have a real impact on our faith or beliefs. It warps our understanding of others, our sense of safety, and even our own identi...

This conversation is from our 2025 Annual Summit.

Get 30% OFF an All Access Pass from any of our Annual Summits now through the end of June. Use code PODCAST30 to take advantage of this offer today!

In this session, Pete shares how the investigative process works for all forms of abuse in spiritual contexts. He breaks down the process of how they investigate abuse reports and misconduct and the overall culture and health of the organ...

For the month of June, I'm re-airing some of our favorite episodes. This one originally aired on July 2, 2024.

Have you ever wondered how to find your way back into healthy relationships after abuse and trauma? By providing clear steps to Name, Frame, and Brave our experiences, Dr. Alison Cook offers practical wisdom to move toward healing and wholeness.

We talk about the unique challenges of leaving toxic spaces and environment...

In this final episode of Season 2, I'm "opening up my office," which is currently covered with my kids' toys and an interesting but good smell of fresh-cut peonies and coffee. Have a seat and get cozy as I share what’s next for the Broken to Beloved podcast and respond to a few questions I received from the audience. During our break, you can look forward to tuning in to some of my favorite recap episodes and ar...

Very few victims of abuse seek out a lawyer for money—most are looking for something else. They want safety, justice, and agency over an impossible situation.

In this episode, I speak to Melissa J. Hogan, attorney, advocate, and author in the field of trauma and abuse, about the legal options available for survivors. She shares where her passion for medical and spiritual trauma comes from, along with several practical tips about how...

How do you restore a relationship with God after spiritual abuse?

It makes sense that you might struggle with the idea of being held and loved by God after experiencing spiritual abuse, or any other form of abuse, for that matter.

In this episode with Michael Cusick, author of Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love, helps us understand the safe love available through God and how we might go about...