Flying Free
586 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 950 ratingsFlying Free is a support resource for women of faith who need hope and healing from hidden emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, and narcissistic abuse. Because of misogynistic theology taught in controlling and spiritually abusive churches, many Christian women find themselves in destructive marriages where there is an uneven power dynamic. Male partners use their status as a husband to gain power and control over a woman’s mind, emotions, body, social life, finances, and more. When she tries to get help from her equally abusive church environment, she is betrayed and re-abused. Flying Free offers a Christ-centered, gospel-oriented perspective on domestic abuse that protects and honors the voices and autonomy of women. Tune in each week to hear conversations with emotional abuse advocates and fellow survivors who will walk with you on your journey up and out. We hear you. You are not alone. Learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
What About Submission? - 066
May 13, 2020 04:30 - 26 minutes - 63.6 MBWhat does the Bible mean when it tells Christian wives to “submit” to their husbands? Was this kind of submission only for that culture? Is this a free ticket for men to take power over their wives? What is submission, anyway?
Should a Christian Wife Submit to an Abusive Husband?
May 13, 2020 04:30 - 26 minutes - 63.6 MBWhat does the Bible mean when it tells Christian wives to “submit” to their husbands? Was this kind of submission only for that culture? Is this a free ticket for men to take power over their wives? Should a Christian wife submit to an abusive husband? What is submission, anyway? Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreeno...
God Loves You More Than He Hates Divorce
May 06, 2020 04:30 - 39 minutes - 94.2 MBIn spite of numerous red flags, Kary married her abusive partner when she was very young. After 29 years, she was able to save some money and get out. Now she shares some insight into what made her stay for so long and what she would do differently if she had a do-over. I asked Kary if she could go back and tell her younger self one thing, what would she say? This is what Kary said: "Stop second guessing yourself. Trust your instincts and your gut. If you are uncomfortable, tha...
Survivor Story: Kary - 065
May 06, 2020 04:30 - 39 minutes - 94.2 MBIn spite of numerous red flags, Kary married her abusive partner when she was very young. After 29 years, she was able to save some money and get out. Now she shares some insight into what made her stay for so long and what she would do differently if she had a do-over. I asked Kary if she could go back and tell her younger self one thing, what would she say? This is what Kary said: "Stop second guessing yourself. Trust your instincts and your gut. If you are uncomfortable, that is God spe...
How to Respond to Emotional Abuse Tactics
April 29, 2020 04:30 - 37 minutes - 90 MBEmotional abuse tactics leave a target feeling confused and powerless. Learn some strategies to help you recognize the tactics when they happen as well as respond from a place of clarity and power. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com I'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense ...
How to Respond to Emotional Abuse Tactics - 064
April 29, 2020 04:30 - 37 minutes - 90 MBEmotional abuse tactics leave a target feeling confused and powerless. Learn some strategies to help you recognize the tactics when they happen as well as respond from a place of clarity and power.
How Divorce Can Save a Christian's Life
April 22, 2020 04:30 - 43 minutes - 103 MBNatalie interviews Gretchen Baskerville, author of the newly released book, The Life Saving Divorce, on the issues Christian women face when contemplating a divorce. Find out why most divorces are actually life-saving.
The Life-Saving Divorce
April 22, 2020 04:30 - 43 minutes - 103 MBNatalie interviews Gretchen Baskerville, author of the newly released book, The Life Saving Divorce, on the issues Christian women face when contemplating a divorce. Find out why most divorces are actually life-saving.
Can a Christian Get a Divorce?
April 22, 2020 04:30 - 43 minutes - 103 MBNatalie interviews Gretchen Baskerville, author of the newly released book, The Life Saving Divorce, on the issues Christian women face when contemplating a divorce. Find out why most divorces are actually life-saving. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Connect with Gretchen on her website, Life-Saving Divorce. Check out Gretchen's book, The Life Saving Divorce. If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be ...
Seven Things an Abuser Does When You Set Boundaries - 062
April 15, 2020 04:30 - 24 minutes - 60.7 MBLearn the seven predictable things that happen when you set boundaries with an emotionally abusive partner. Knowing what to expect in advance will empower you to respond with emotional control and self-respect.
Seven Things an Abuser Does When You Set Boundaries
April 15, 2020 04:30 - 24 minutes - 60.7 MBLearn the seven predictable things that happen when you set boundaries with an emotionally abusive partner. Knowing what to expect in advance will empower you to respond with emotional control and self-respect. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com I'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? ...
Abused by Husband and Rejected by Church
April 08, 2020 05:00 - 58 minutes - 137 MBAfter Lisa lost her husband of 23 years to death, she ended up marrying a man who abused her in every way possible. In spite of opposition from her church home, she got out of her abusive marriage and started Riverledge Farm in Vermont, a gorgeous place where she hosts wedding parties and healing retreats for survivors. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive m...
Survivor Story: Lisa Neal - 061
April 08, 2020 05:00 - 58 minutes - 137 MBAfter Lisa lost her husband of 23 years to death, she ended up marrying a man who abused her in every way possible. In spite of opposition from her church home, she got out of her abusive marriage and started Riverledge Farm in Vermont, a gorgeous place where she hosts wedding parties and healing retreats for survivors.
Is Standing Up to Oppression “Tearing Down Your House?” - 060
March 27, 2020 18:54 - 32 minutes - 79 MBThis week Natalie, Becky, and Rachel answer two listener questions. I’m thinking about separating from my husband. How do I explain what’s going on to those on the outside? I’m afraid of their reactions. I was told I am “tearing down my house” when I stand up against my abusive husband and set boundaries. Is this true?
Are We "Tearing Down Our House" When We Set Healthy Boundaries?
March 27, 2020 18:54 - 32 minutes - 79 MBThis week Natalie, Becky, and Rachel answer two listener questions. I’m thinking about separating from my husband. How do I explain what’s going on to those on the outside? I’m afraid of their reactions. I was told I am “tearing down my house” when I stand up against my abusive husband and set boundaries. Is this true? Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive m...
Hope and Healing After Trauma - 059
March 25, 2020 04:30 - 39 minutes - 95 MBFor people with trauma, the suffering doesn't end with the traumatic event. In this episode, Polly Hamp of Think Differently Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, shares her inspiring journey of healing after trauma, including the moment she told God "hell no," but of course He won anyway. Discover new resources for overcoming your own trauma and why healing can't happen on a timetable.
Hope and Healing After Trauma
March 25, 2020 04:30 - 39 minutes - 95 MBFor people with trauma, the suffering doesn't end with the traumatic event. In this episode, Polly Hamp of Think Differently Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, shares her inspiring journey of healing after trauma, including the moment she told God "hell no," but of course He won anyway. Discover new resources for overcoming your own trauma and why healing can't happen on a timetable. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Ch...
Exchanging Abusive Faith for True and Simple Faith - 058
March 18, 2020 04:30 - 21 minutes - 53.7 MBHealing your faith after abuse is a long and painful process, but it's vital for true healing. Join Natalie for a lesson walking through steps that help you heal your relationship with God. Uncover the two errors that survivors often make during healing, and discover the prize for wrestling the truth from the lies you once believed.
Exchanging an Abusive Faith for a True and Simple Faith
March 18, 2020 04:30 - 21 minutes - 53.7 MBHealing your faith after abuse is a long and painful process, but it's vital for true healing. Join Natalie for a lesson walking through steps that help you heal your relationship with God. Uncover the two errors that survivors often make during healing, and discover the prize for wrestling the truth from the lies you once believed. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally ...
Survivor Story: Debby - 057
March 11, 2020 04:30 - 43 minutes - 103 MBDebby tried appeasing her abusive husband for decades, but nothing ever changed. It wasn't until she realized her health was deteriorating that she knew it was up to her to change something.
Nothing I Do Makes My Husband Happy
March 11, 2020 04:30 - 43 minutes - 103 MBDebby tried appeasing her abusive husband for decades, but nothing ever changed. It wasn't until she realized her health was deteriorating that she knew it was up to her to change something. Listen in to Debby's story of survival, how she got in and out of the abuse, and what happened when she went to counselors (with a twist!) Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally dest...
Questions about Divorce - 056
March 04, 2020 05:30 - 34 minutes - 83.8 MBLearn how to talk to your children about divorce, and discover the four steps to rebuilding your life after leaving an abusive marriage. Discover one factor that is vital for healing after experiencing trauma. In this episode, Natalie interviews "Life Saving Divorce" author Gretchen Baskerville about how to cope and find healing after a life saving divorce.
Questions Christians Have About Rebuilding Life After Divorce
March 04, 2020 05:30 - 34 minutes - 83.8 MBLearn how to talk to your children about divorce, and discover the four steps to rebuilding your life after leaving an abusive marriage. Discover one factor that is vital for healing after experiencing trauma. In this episode, Natalie interviews "Life Saving Divorce" author Gretchen Baskerville about how to cope and find healing after a life saving divorce. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Connect with Gretchen ...
Parenting Through Trauma - 055
February 26, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 92.3 MBLicensed clinical social worker and abuse survivor Megan Parocha shares about how to help your kids overcome trauma from abuse, divorce, and other difficult life circumstances. Hear the best way to respond when your ex-husband lies about you. Learn the parenting strategy that will help your children build up their inner world and break the generational cycle of narcissism.
Help Your Kids Overcome Trauma from Abuse and Divorce
February 26, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 92.3 MBLicensed clinical social worker and abuse survivor Megan Parocha shares about how to help your kids overcome trauma from abuse, divorce, and other difficult life circumstances. Hear the best way to respond when your ex-husband lies about you. Learn the parenting strategy that will help your children build up their inner world and break the generational cycle of narcissism. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Check out...
Reclaim Your SELF - 054
February 19, 2020 06:00 - 26 minutes - 64 MBJesus wants you to reclaim your SELF. And do you know how He helps you do that? By helping you understand the skills you already have within yourself - that HE PUT THERE - to rescue yourself. He didn’t create you to be a helpless princess in need of rescue. He created you to be Captain Marvel. In this podcast episode, Natalie will tell you about a tool with the potential to change the course of your life.
Rebuilding Your Self-Esteem After Divorce
February 19, 2020 06:00 - 26 minutes - 64 MBJesus wants you to reclaim your SELF. And do you know how He helps you do that? By helping you understand the skills you already have within yourself - that HE PUT THERE - to rescue yourself. He didn’t create you to be a helpless princess in need of rescue. He created you to be Captain Marvel. In this podcast episode, Natalie will tell you about a tool with the potential to change the course of your life. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question h...
The Underlying Beliefs that Keep Women of Faith Stuck in Emotional Abuse - 053
February 12, 2020 05:30 - 43 minutes - 102 MBIn today’s podcast episode, Natalie shares own story of how she got into an abusive marriage, why she stayed, and how she got out. Natalie kept journals throughout the course of her marriage, and in this episode she shares an inside look into her heart and belief system while she navigated the relentlessly painful circumstances of her emotionally and spiritually abusive marriage.
The Beliefs That Keep Christian Women Stuck in Abusive Marriages
February 12, 2020 05:30 - 43 minutes - 102 MBIn today’s podcast episode, Natalie shares own story of how she got into an abusive marriage, why she stayed, and how she got out. Natalie kept journals throughout the course of her marriage, and in this episode she shares an inside look into her heart and belief system while she navigated the relentlessly painful circumstances of her emotionally and spiritually abusive marriage. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christia...
Low-Cost Ways to Heal, Responding to "Two Sides to Every Story," And More - 052
February 05, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 80.7 MBJoin Natalie and Becky as they talk about low-cost ways a survivor can move forward in the healing process. Plus, how should you respond if a pastor or someone else says there's "two sides to every story?"
When Your Pastor Says You're Not Being Abused if You Don't Have Bruises
February 05, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 80.7 MBJoin Natalie and Becky as they answer questions from followers of the Flying Free Facebook page, including: QUESTION ONE: Since a lot of abuse involves financial abuse, lots of us are short of cash. What are some good low-cost ways a survivor can move forward in the healing process? For example, they don’t have money for counselors, therapists, or even the Flying Free group. QUESTION TWO: When I went to my church for help in my emotionally abusive abandoned marriage, my pastor said...
Can my alcoholic husband change? and What if my abusive ex is dating a Flying Free sister? - 051
January 29, 2020 10:00 - 31 minutes - 76.2 MBJoin Natalie and Rachel as they answer two listener questions: Question One: My husband is an alcoholic and has a lot of anger toward the church and my religious beliefs. There’s also a lot of emotional abuse in our home. We have three toddlers, and I have been a stay-at-home mom. I find it hard in our marriage to raise three kids in a Christian way when my husband has a lot of anger towards my beliefs as well as the alcoholism and the emotional abuse. I guess my question is how long do I kee...
Can My Alcoholic Husband Change?
January 29, 2020 10:00 - 31 minutes - 76.2 MBJoin Natalie and Rachel as they answer two listener questions: Question One: My husband is an alcoholic and has a lot of anger toward the church and my religious beliefs. There’s also a lot of emotional abuse in our home. We have three toddlers, and I have been a stay-at-home mom. I find it hard in our marriage to raise three kids in a Christian way when my husband has a lot of anger towards my beliefs as well as the alcoholism and the emotional abuse. I guess my question is how lo...
When Abuse and Our Faith are Tangled Up Together
January 22, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 90.4 MBWhen our faith is enmeshed with abuse, it's confusing to tell the two apart. That damages our connection with God. How can we untangle the lies of abuse from the truth of God? We have to do spiritual surgery on ourselves in order to remove the shrapnel of abuse from our hearts of faith--to separate the two so our hearts can beat again in a healthy, strong way in harmony with our Savior. Join Natalie for a lesson that will help untangle you from lies and renew your trust in Jesus, ...
When Abuse and Our Faith are Tangled Up Together - 050
January 22, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 90.4 MBWhen our faith is enmeshed with abuse, it's confusing to tell the two apart. That damages our connection with God. How can we untangle the lies of abuse from the truth of God? We have to do spiritual surgery on ourselves in order to remove the shrapnel of abuse from our hearts of faith--to separate the two so our hearts can beat again in a healthy, strong way in harmony with our Savior. Join Natalie for a lesson that will help untangle you from lies and renew your trust in Jesus, a God who do...
Emotional Abuse: When You Have All the Responsibility and None of the Freedom
January 15, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 101 MBStarting with abuse and abandonment in her childhood, Becky was married decades to a man who put it all on her--working, homeschooling five kids, and supporting his selfishness. In waking up, she finally realized the problem wasn't her after all, but that was only the first step in getting out. Listen to Becky's incredible story of crawling to flying. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be ...
Survivor Story: Becky's astonishing story of overcoming abuse
January 15, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 101 MBStarting with abuse and abandonment in her childhood, Becky was married decades to a man who put it all on her--working, homeschooling five kids, and supporting his selfishness. In waking up, she finally realized the problem wasn't her after all, but that was only the first step in getting out.
Survivor Story: Becky's astonishing story of overcoming abuse - 049
January 15, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 101 MBBecky's story will inspire and amaze you that one person could overcome so much. Starting with abuse and abandonment in her childhood, she was married decades to a man who put it all on her--working, homeschooling five kids, and supporting his selfishness. In waking up, she finally realized the problem wasn't her after all, but that was only the first step in getting out. Listen to Becky's incredible story of crawling to flying.
Listener Questions: Homeschooling Post-Divorce and Can I Leave if He's Changing? -048
January 08, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 36.3 MBJoin Natalie, Rachel, Becky, and Kim as they answer two listener questions. One - what if I don't want to stay even if my husband seems to be changing a little? Two - how can I continue to homeschool if I end up separated or divorced?
Listener Questions: Homeschooling Post-Divorce and Can I Leave if He's Changing?
January 08, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 36.3 MBJoin Natalie, Rachel, Becky, and Kim as they answer two listener questions. One - what if I don't want to stay even if my husband seems to be changing a little? Two - how can I continue to homeschool if I end up separated or divorced?
I Feel Guilty Because Even Though He's Changing, I Still Want to Leave
January 08, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 36.3 MBJoin Natalie, Rachel, Becky, and Kim as they answer two listener questions. One - what if I don't want to stay even if my husband seems to be changing a little? Two - how can I continue to homeschool if I end up separated or divorced? Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com I'll send you (free!) the first chapte...
Practical Tips for Facing the New Year
January 01, 2020 15:48 - 57 minutes - 56.2 MBJoin several survivors as they get practical about how to go into the new year with hope.
Practical Tips for Facing the New Year
January 01, 2020 15:48 - 57 minutes - 56.2 MBJoin several survivors as they get practical about how to go into the new year with hope.
Practical Tips for Facing the New Year - 047
January 01, 2020 15:48 - 57 minutes - 56.2 MBJoin several survivors as they get practical about how to go into the new year with hope.
Practical Tips for Facing the New Year with Hope
January 01, 2020 15:48 - 57 minutes - 56.2 MBJoin several survivors as they get practical about how to go into the new year with hope. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com I'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive o...
Learn How to Be Your Own Advocate - 046
December 27, 2019 18:52 - 30 minutes - 73.6 MBLearn how to take responsibility for yourself, make decisions without fear, and move forward with hope and purpose in spite of obstacles and challenges.
Why God Doesn't Rescue You From Your Bad Marriage
December 27, 2019 18:52 - 30 minutes - 73.6 MBOne of the first lessons I learned when I first began to get out of my abusive marriage is how to advocate for myself—a hard lesson for a woman who spent her entire life believing that self-advocacy was evil. I now see that when God doesn't rescue you from your bad marriage, it's because He wants to do something so much better in your life. He wants you to get strong enough to rescue yourself. I believe this kind of self-advocacy is a necessary adulting skill that we all need to ac...
Learn How to Be Your Own Advocate
December 27, 2019 18:52 - 30 minutes - 73.6 MBLearn how to take responsibility for yourself, make decisions without fear, and move forward with hope and purpose in spite of obstacles and challenges.
Reclaim Your Life After Abuse - Bonus Episode Two
December 18, 2019 19:11 - 49 minutes - 118 MBBob and Polly Hamp join Natalie Hoffman in talking about the upcoming ReClaim conference in January, 2020.
How Our Female Bodies Reflect God's Glory
December 10, 2019 18:54 - 41 minutes - 95.2 MBNatalie interviews Christy Bauman, licensed mental health counselor and author of new release, Theology of the Womb. Christy talks about the female body and how the way it works tells a story about God and His love for us. "There’s something in all women that we want to create. We want to create businesses. We want to create beings. We want to create relationship. We love life. At our core, we love creating life. We love creating love. It just bubbles out of us. But there is a co...