Beyond The Surface

In this episode, Emily opens up about growing up in a high-control religious environment and the emotional toll it took on her sense of self. She reflects on how the rigid beliefs of her faith once f…

Ex-Jehovah’s Witness, musician, and filmmaker Scott takes us on a powerful journey of identity, creativity, and liberation. Growing up in a high-control religious environment, Scott found freedom thr…

Steph’s (She/They) journey is anything but ordinary. Raised in Spain and California by missionary parents, faith wasn’t just a belief—it was her family’s entire identity. In this episode, she shares …

Larry shares his journey from a rigid Catholic upbringing to a broader, more personal exploration of spirituality. His story weaves through early experiences shaped by guilt and expectation, a high-p…

This bonus episode delves into the profound complexities surrounding the celebration of Easter, particularly for those who have experienced religious trauma. We explore the multifaceted emotions that…

This episode explores the complexities of religious trauma and faith deconstruction, shedding light on the psychological and emotional toll of leaving high-control religious communities. Jacqui share…

Spicy book author Sara Madderson joins Beyond the Surface to explore the intersections of faith, sexuality, and personal identity, drawing from her convent education in Dublin and Manchester. She ref…

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 chal…

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 emot…

This episode explores faith, identity, and religious trauma through Linda’s personal journey. Growing up in a tightly-knit Christian community, Linda shares her path through faith transitions, ultima…

This bonus episode explores the complexities of cults and the psychological impact of religious trauma with Gillie Jenkinson, a psychotherapist specialising in cult recovery. Gillie shares her insigh…

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Kit (he/they) shares their deeply personal journey of growing up in the Bible Belt and navigating the impact of religious trauma. Raised in a home influenced by…

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Micki shares her powerful journey of breaking free from the Jehovah’s Witness community and navigating life beyond its rigid confines. She reflects on the deep …

Brady’s journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing to a spiritually liberated life is a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and emotional healing. Growing up under the pressure to confor…

Episode Summary

Jess shares her journey from a rigid religious upbringing to a more expansive and liberating spiritual understanding, shaped by her parents’ transition from Indonesian pop stars to chu…

Episode Summary

This episode delves deep into the intricacies of coercive control and spiritual abuse within religious communities, highlighting how these dynamics can lead to profound psychological a…

Episode Summary

Nita’s journey of self-discovery reveals her struggle with queerness in a conservative environment, ultimately leading to a powerful realisation about her identity. She reflects on th…

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 na…

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 t…

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 leadi…