Flying Free

Latest Episodes:

Help! My Kids Are Acting Like Their Dad! [319] Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we’ll talk about a struggle that many Christian women face after leaving an emotionally abusive marriage—parenting children who sometimes exhibit the same unhealthy behaviors as their fathers.

Through real-life examples and compassionate insights, I explore why this happens, how mothers can reframe their perspectives, and practical steps they can take to strengthen their relationship with their children while continuing their healing journey.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding why kids act like their father
Reframing the perspective on kids' behavior
Healing yourself to better parent your child
Practical parenting strategies
Building a safe, loving home environment

Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question here

Feeling Triggered? [Flying Higher Moment 014] Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

Let’s talk about triggers. You know, those moments when someone says the “wrong” thing, and suddenly you’re ready to flip a table?

Most of us see triggers as a bad thing—proof that we’re too sensitive, too emotional, or just plain too much. But what if I told you that your triggers are actually pointing you toward healing?

In this week’s podcast episode, we’re unpacking:
✔️ What triggers actually are (hint: they’re not just annoying mood-ruiners)
✔️ Why they happen (spoiler: your brain is just trying to protect you)
✔️ How to heal them so they don’t hijack your peace every time someone breathes wrong
✔️ The ultimate trigger survival guide (yes, you can recover faster and freak out less!)

If you’re ready to stop letting triggers control your emotions and start using them as a tool for growth, this episode is for you.

Join me and hundreds of other Christian women 10Xing their own healing and self-development inside Flying Higher!

What Do We Do About Wicked People? [318] Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

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 here

Related 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!)”

How Creativity Can Help You Heal from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse [Flying Higher Moment 013] Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

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!

How Do I Deal with His Rage? [317] Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I answer a question about surviving a husband’s rage while still in the home and preparing to leave. I want to share insights on coping strategies, the importance of unhooking from an abuser’s words, and how to create a safety plan. If you're living in survival mode, this episode offers encouragement and practical steps to help you move toward freedom and healing.

Key Takeaways:

Fear is a natural response to an abusive environment. Trying to "toughen up" emotions to endure abuse is not the solution; rather, finding ways to escape is essential.
Unhook from his words. An abuser’s insults and accusations are projections of their own delusions, not reflections of your worth.
Abusers see their victims as LEGO characters. They create a false narrative about who you are and expect you to conform. Recognizing this can help you detach emotionally.
Radical acceptance is necessary. Understand that an abusive partner does not want genuine connection—only control and transaction.
Survival mode is not living. Every day you endure abuse is survival, but true healing comes from stepping into a life of freedom.
You deserve a future beyond survival. Healing is possible, and there are communities and resources to help you move forward.

Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question here

Related Resources:

Need a resource to help you as you unhook? Check out my interview with the founder of the app, Aimee Says, and then try it out for yourself!
Want a free chapter of my book, “Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage”? Sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send a copy straight to your inbox.

Feeling Like You Don’t Belong? Here’s Why You Might Be Wrong [Flying Higher Moment 012] Mar 01, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong anywhere—like you’re floating between worlds, disconnected from faith, family, or community? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into a powerful shift happening in Christianity, where people are seeking belonging before belief. But what happens when you feel like you don’t belong anywhere? We unravel the truth about belonging, challenge the cages we’ve been taught to stay in, and explore what it really means to be free. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the world, this personal message from me to my private community might just change everything. (Yes, I'm giving you a little taste of working with me inside the Kaleidoscope!)

I'd love to mentor you! Join me inside Flying Higher!

How Do I Know if Divorce Is the Right Choice for Me? [316] Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

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 here

Related 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.

Messy Rooms: A Flying Higher Moment 011 Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

What if the real problem isn’t the messy room, the frustrating coworker, or the difficult conversation—but the lens you’re seeing it through? In this episode, we dive into the story of Sarah, a mom who transformed her daily frustration by shifting her perspective using the CLEAR model. If you’re ready to reclaim your peace—without waiting for anyone else to change (because we all know THAT ain't happenin')—this episode is for you!
Join me and hundreds of other Christian women leveling it up in my affordable live mentorship program, Flying Higher!

Broken Trust: When Church Hurts You [315] Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode, Natalie shares her personal story of spiritual abuse and excommunication, offering a powerful backdrop for her conversation with author and spiritual consultant, Remy Diederich. Together, they delve into the dynamics of toxic faith, spiritual abuse, and how unhealthy church cultures can harm individuals and families.

Remy, the author of Broken Trust, shares insights from his decades of ministry experience and his passion for helping people heal from spiritual abuse. Whether you're grappling with toxic religious environments or recovering from years of harmful teachings, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and a fresh perspective.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Spiritual Abuse: Spiritual abuse often involves toxic leadership that weaponizes faith to control, manipulate, or shame individuals.
Toxic Faith vs. Spiritual Abuse: Toxic faith is the belief that you must perform or meet certain standards to please God, while spiritual abuse occurs when leaders use those beliefs to exploit or control others.
The Impact of Spiritual Abuse on Relationships: Abuse within churches often mirrors abusive dynamics in families, leading to distrust, division, and confusion.
Healing from Spiritual Abuse: Recovery begins with identifying harmful patterns, stepping away if necessary, and seeking support through books, therapy, and supportive communities.
The Power of Questioning Toxic Narratives: It’s okay to question teachings and leaders. Faith flourishes when it’s rooted in personal connection with God, not human-made rules.

Read the show notes and/or ask Natalie a question here

Related Resources:

Read one (or all) of Remy’s books: Broken Trust, Healing the Hurts of Your Past, Return From Exile, andStuckare some of my favorites.
Connect with Remy on his site.
Go visit Remy over on YouTube.
Email Remy at remy@readingremy.com to request an audiobook code (limited supply).
Check out Be Emboldened for support as you recover from spiritual abuse.
Related article and episode: “Bethlehem Baptist Church Is Not Safe for Emotionally Abused Women,” and “Is Your Church Safe?”
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.

Remy is a seasoned pastor and spiritual consultant with a heart for helping others overcome life's challenges. Over his three decades of ministry, he's authored six books that offer practical guidance and spiritual support for those seeking healing and connection to God. Remy's expertise extends beyond the pulpit. He's spent 24 years as a spiritual consultant at an addiction treatment center, where he's witnessed firsthand the transformative power of faith and hope. Today, Remy dedicates his time to empowering pastors to build healthy church cultures and coaching individuals on the themes of his books. A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Remy is married with three adult children. His passion for helping others shines through in his writing, speaking, and counseling.

Christianity After Religion: A Flying Higher Moment 010 Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever side-eyed church culture and thought, “This can’t be what Jesus had in mind,” you’re not alone. In this episode, we dig into Christianity After Religion by Diana Butler Bass and talk about why the old way of doing church is crumbling—and why that’s actually good news. If you’re tired of toxic religion but still crave something real, this conversation will give you hope, validation, and maybe even a little fire to keep going.

Join the Flying Higher Butterflies as we study the Bible, read books together, coach, and do classes in a live mentorship online setting each week!

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