Flying Free - podcast cover

Flying Free

Natalie Hoffmanflyingfreenow.com
Flying 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
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Episodes

Why is My Husband So Mean to Me? [36]

Conflict is part of every relationship. So how do you know the conflict you're experiencing is destructive? Rachel and Natalie talk about identifying abuse in the back and forth drama of being treated "nice" one day and poorly the next. 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, I...

Sep 18, 201933 minEp. 36

Shame Busting Your Divorce [35]

In this interview with Gretchen Baskerville, author of Life Saving Divorce, we discuss how women of faith can move from shame and fear into ministry and stability after divorce. 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 in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https:...

Sep 11, 201941 minEp. 35

Breaking Destructive Relationship Patterns You Learned in Your Family of Origin [34]

In this interview with therapist, author, and speaker, Judy Herman, you'll find out how relationship patterns in your family of origin affect you as an adult. You'll also get some tools to help you move past destructive patterns into a healthier future. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Connect with Judy on Facebook and Instagram . If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more ...

Sep 04, 201940 minEp. 34

Practical Tips For Christian Single Women After Divorce [33]

Natalie interviews Gretchen Baskerville, author of the upcoming book, Life Saving Divorce. Following her divorce at age 35, Gretchen was single for 20 years before getting remarried, and she has some great insights into how to make those years the best EVER! 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 . Sign up for her Life-Saving Di...

Aug 28, 201935 minEp. 33

Narcissistic Abuse in Your Family of Origin [32]

Natalie interviews Cherilyn Christen Clough, founder of Little Red Survivor and author of the brand new book, Chasing Eden. She discusses the complexities of dealing with narcissistic abuse in your family of origin. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Cherilyn's book: Chasing Eden Cherilyn's website: Little Red Survivor The best of Cherilyn's blog: “Three Ways to Disable Flying Monkeys " If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may...

Aug 21, 201942 minEp. 32

What if I'm a Narcissist and Not a Victim? [31]

Natalie and Rachel answer two listener questions. 1. My husband says I'm the narcissist. What if he's right? 2. I'm divorced and don't want to be single forever. Help! 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 asses...

Aug 14, 201936 minEp. 31

Taking Back Your Life After Emotional Abuse [30]

A fascinating interview with UK Gender Justice Specialist, Natalie Collins around her new book, Out of Control. We discuss the process of taking back your life from the grip of abuse as well as the patriarchal teachings that keep us stuck there. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Follow Natalie on Twitter. Buy her incredibly well-written and helpful book, Out of Control: Couples, Conflict, and the Capacity for Change . If you are a C...

Aug 07, 201959 minEp. 30

Learning to Love the Bible Again After You've Been Spiritually Abused [29]

Women of faith in emotionally and spiritually abusive relationships have been bruised by Bible bombs over and over again. Religious abusers love to use the Bible as a weapon of control. As we walk through the healing process, how do we learn to love the Bible again? Our guest today is Stacey Wynn, a high powered career woman and abuse survivor who left the corporate world to go to seminary and help other survivors. She's going to teach us how to take back the Word of God and use it as a healing ...

Jul 31, 201934 minEp. 29

Sometimes Divorce is a Gift of Mercy [28]

You may have heard horror stories about Christians who get divorced. But Natalie and Jeni, both abuse survivors and divorcees, discuss the benefits of a merciful divorce from an abuser. 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 , ...

Jul 17, 201955 minEp. 28

If I Leave My Abusive Marriage Am I Giving Up On the Power of God to Change My Husband? [27]

Natalie and Rachel answer three questions about staying or leaving. What if he is starting to show some change? If I leave, am I giving up on the power of God to help? Is five years too early to leave an abusive marriage? 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...

Jul 10, 201956 minEp. 27

This is What Covert Hidden Abuse Looks Like [26]

Today we'll meet an emotional abuse survivor who has perfectly captured the dynamic of covert abuse in an incredible poem. After she reads her poem, we'll talk with her about how she was able to realize her confusing experience was abusive. 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 boo...

Jul 05, 201936 minEp. 26

Three Reviews of the Flying Free Sisterhood Community [25]

Three women of faith who have survived emotional and spiritual abuse share their experiences learning how to go from crawling to flying with the help of the private education and support group, Flying Free. Please note: this was recorded in early 2019. Since that time the program has developed and grown, now offering weekly coaching, a brand new private forum, and an expanding vault of expert workshops. Learn more and get on the waiting list: https://joinflyingfree.com Access the transcript, rea...

Jun 26, 201943 minEp. 25

How to Help Kids Heal From the Effects of Emotional Abuse in the Home [24]

Emotional abuse traumatizes both the victim and her children. What does she need to help those children recover and heal from the effects of emotional abuse in the home? 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 ass...

Jun 20, 201932 minEp. 24

Co-Parenting with an Emotionally Abusive Man [23]

Dealing with an emotionally abusive spouse is hard enough, but what if you share children? How does their abuse affect the kids, and what can you do to alleviate these effects? 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...

Jun 13, 201943 minEp. 23

But Maybe God Will Do a Miracle and Change My Husband! [22]

In episode 22 Natalie and Rachel answer four questions from listeners: 1. Why do I still keep hoping my abusive spouse will change? 2. Are there book suggestions for abusive men? 3. Should I "take up my cross" and suffer - or get out of abuse? 4. Help me deal with all the sad feelings I have living with abuse! 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 http...

Jun 05, 201939 minEp. 22

Why the Church is Often the Most Dangerous Place for an Domestic Abuse Survivor to Get Help [21]

The church is sometimes the most dangerous place for a woman to go for help when she is in an emotionally and spiritually abusive marriage. Here's why. 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 yo...

May 31, 201935 minEp. 21

The Difference Between a Normal Marriage and an Emotionally Abusive Marriage [20]

In this episode, Rachel and Natalie compare and contrast their former marriages to emotionally abusive partners and their current relationships with emotionally healthy men. 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...

May 23, 201935 minEp. 20

Is Self-Care Selfish, or is it a Sacred Duty? [19]

What exactly is self-care, and why is it important? Is self-care selfish, as so many Christians seem to think? In this episode, Natalie talks with Sarah McDugal about why self-care is actually a sacred duty. Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: Find Sarah on her website, WildernessToWild.com , Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . Grab Sarah's book, ONE FACE: Shed the Mask, Own Your Values, and Lead Wisely. If you are a Christian woman ...

May 17, 201932 minEp. 19

When Your Older Kids Side with Their Abusive Father [18]

In today's episode, Rachel and Natalie answer three questions from listeners. How do I forgive my abuser? How do I deal with the emotional pain of losing my marriage? Why do my older kids side with their abusive father? 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 S...

May 10, 201946 minEp. 18

Is it Your Christian Duty to Surrender to Emotional Abuse in Your Marriage? [17]

Can a Christian woman in an abusive relationship take action against the abuse? Or is it her duty before God to surrender to it? These are the questions Rachel and Natalie discuss in today's episode. 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 Confusi...

May 03, 201933 minEp. 17

I Can't Be Perfect Enough for My Husband [16]

Have you felt weighed down by impossible, always-changing standards of perfection, depending on who you're dealing with? Rachel and Natalie discuss the insanity of this common tactic of the enemy to steal your joy and neutralize your 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 boo...

Apr 23, 201933 minEp. 16

During Separation, How Do I Cope With an Overwhelming Workload and No Support? [15]

When you separate from an abusive partner, you find the peace that comes from not being in close proximity with emotional/spiritual abuse. However, as your to-do list grows exponentially, so your support declines. Here are some ways to cope with that. 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...

Apr 17, 201933 minEp. 15

Christian Women, You Don't Need Permission to Make Your Own Decisions [14]

Learning how to make decisions for your life is difficult if you've always let everyone else decide for you. Today we talk about four important truths you need to learn in order to start making necessary change in your own life. 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?...

Apr 09, 201914 minEp. 14

What Happens When You Set Boundaries with an Emotional Abuser? [13]

So you set some boundaries, but then you get the kickback. Let's talk about that! 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 or not. All you have to d...

Apr 03, 201930 minEp. 13

How to Set Healthy Boundaries to Keep Yourself Safe [12]

Rachel and Natalie talk about what boundaries are, where we allow others to cross our boundaries, where we cross the boundaries of others, and how to set healthy boundaries in order to have nurturing relationships with ourselves and others. 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 boo...

Mar 26, 201928 minEp. 12

How Do I Know If I'm Doing the Right Thing by Leaving My Emotionally Abusive Husband? [11]

Natalie answers some of the most common questions women of faith in destructive relationships ask. Questions like "how can I be sure I'm doing the right thing by leaving my abuser? What if he can change?" "How can I protect my children?" And more! 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...

Mar 19, 201927 minEp. 11

What Christian Women Need to Look for in a Counselor [10]

Finding a good therapist can be a critical part of your healing journey. Not all therapists are created equal, and many are re-abusive. How do you pick a counselor? How do you end a counseling relationship when it's going poorly? 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...

Mar 11, 201935 minEp. 10

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage? [9]

In Episode nine we discuss divorce and remarriage in the Bible with Cindy Burrell of hurtbylove.com. Can Christians get divorced and remarried? What does the Bible actually say about this important issue? And why is this information not widely understood? Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here Related Resources: 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 (...

Feb 19, 201932 minEp. 9

Waking Up to Emotional Abuse so You Can Focus on Healing [8]

In episode eight, Rachel and Natalie discuss unhealthy ways of coping with emotional abuse as well as better ways of coping that will enable you to detach and refocus your mind and energy on healthier things that will build you up and help you heal. 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 ...

Feb 13, 201937 minEp. 8

The One Thing Every Healthy Relationship Must Have (and why!) [7]

What is the number one thing that makes a relationship great? I'm going to tell you, and I'll also give you ten reasons WHY this one thing trumps everything else. Without this key ingredient, a relationship is unhealthy and even destructive. 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 bo...

Feb 06, 201929 minEp. 7
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