Best Samantha Russo Podcasts (2025)

1
The One Who Walked The Tightrope Of Belief And Resistance 1:08:36

22h ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Josie’s journey from devout Anglican to questioning her faith is one of courage and introspection, a path familiar to many who’ve walked the tightrope between belief and doubt. Embraced by the Church at just 10 years old, her decades-long relationship with faith shaped her identity in profound ways. In this episode, Josie opens up about navigating …

1
The One Who Went From Mormonism To Polyamory 1:11:13

8d ago1:11:13

1:11:13

AJ was just 15 when she was drawn into Mormonism, pulled in by the love-bombing and sense of belonging it offered. In this episode of Beyond the Surface, she shares what it was like to join the Church from a secular background, navigate strict rules and rituals through her teen years, and eventually face the slow, painful process of questioning eve…

1
The One Who Went From Conservative Baptist To Affirming Pastor 1:29:50

15d ago1:29:50

1:29:50

Colby, a pastor, and author of Unclobber shares his journey of deconstructing his faith, particularly around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. Growing up in a conservative Baptist environment, he reflects on how deeply ingrained beliefs of exclusion shaped his views, and how he came to see the Bible’s so-called “clobber passages” as a message of love…

1
Bonus - Deconstructing Monogamy & Exploring Polyamory with Ann Russo 1:10:16

18d ago1:10:16

1:10:16

This podcast episode delves into the intricate topic of deconstructing monogamy, wherein we engage in a profound exploration of diverse relationship structures. Our conversation centres on the societal norms surrounding monogamy, particularly within high-control faith contexts, and the implications these norms have on individual identity and relati…

1
The One Who Chose Freedom Over Certainty 1:18:32

22d ago1:18:32

1:18:32

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 felt grounding but eventually left her feeling anxious, stifled, and disconnected from her own identity. Her story captures the often messy and deeply p…

1
The Ex-JW Creative 1:18:15

29d ago1:18:15

1:18:15

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 through music, filmmaking, and ultimately, the act of walking away. His documentary Witness Underground is a moving tribute to artists who, like him, brok…

1
The One Who Went From Martyrdom To Choosing Herself 1:03:45

1M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

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 what it was like growing up in a world shaped by martyrdom, purity culture, and rigid gender expectations, and how these pressures left her feeling roo…

1
The One Who Deconstructed By Reading A Thousand Books 55:15

1M ago55:15

55:15

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-pressure career in investment banking, and a life-altering moment following the events of September 11, 2001. This turning point led Larry to explore di…

1
Bonus - How To Be Okay Over Easter 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

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 arise during this season, acknowledging that for many, Easter serves as a poignant reminder of guilt and suffering rather than joy. Both Jane and I re…

1
The One Who Is Finding Spirituality Within The Grey 1:03:41

2M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

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 shares her story of growing up in Australia with a deep spiritual yearning that clashed with her agnostic family background, leading her into church communi…

1
The Spicy Book Author 1:07:34

2M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

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 reflects on the pervasive guilt and shame instilled by Catholic teachings and the ways purity culture shaped her understanding of desire and repression. A…

1
The Heretical Poet 1:22:11

2M ago1:22:11

1:22:11

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 challenges of maintaining authenticity, unlearning ingrained biases, and navigating traditional marriage ideals while deconstructing her faith. Her experie…

1
The One Who Went In Search Of Authenticity 1:18:01

2M ago1:18:01

1:18:01

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 emotional struggle of reconciling her sexuality with religious beliefs and the pressures of purity culture, particularly for women. Nismah opens up about h…

1
The One Who Chose Love Over Dogma 1:22:51

3M ago1:22:51

1:22:51

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, ultimately finding a home in an affirming church. A key discussion centres on the intersection of personal belief and gender identity, particularly in suppor…

1
Understanding Cult Dynamics: Insights from a Survivor and Expert 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

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 insights and personal experiences, shedding light on the manipulation and control that define cult dynamics. We discuss the lasting effects on those who leav…

1
The One Who Went From The Bible Belt To Liberation 1:04:16

3M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

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 Dr. James Dobson’s child-rearing methods, Kit reflects on the atmosphere of fear and control that shaped their early years. They discuss how this envi…

1
The Apostate Barbie 1:12:10

3M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

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 psychological impact of growing up in a high-control religious environment, the fear and uncertainty that came with leaving, and the struggle to redefi…

1
The Loving Heretic 1:14:26

3M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

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 conform, he struggled with fear, burnout, and the need for external validation. As he stepped away from organised religion, he discovered the importance of a…

1
The One Who Found The Divine In The Forest 1:08:08

4M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

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 church ministers. Growing up in a Pentecostal Charismatic environment, she struggled with purity culture, the pressure to meet impossible religious stand…

1
Understanding Spiritual Coercive Control with Bethany Jantzi 1:03:50

4M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

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 and emotional harm. Bethany, shares her extensive background in the psychology of coercive control and offers valuable insights into the signs of spiri…

1
The One Who Radiates Queer Joy 1:06:24

4M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

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 the trauma of leaving a once-belonging community and highlights the value of finding support outside traditional church settings. With vulnerability and …

1
The One Who Went From Missionary Kid to Spiritual Nomad 56:31

4M ago56:31

56:31

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 navigated these complexities, she discovered the importance of self-acceptance and the value of listening to one’s intuition. The discussion also touches…

1
The Deconstructing Mormon 1:16:53

4M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

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 togetherness, and distinct doctrines shaped her upbringing. Navigating the pressures surrounding faith, sexuality, and identity, Kristi discusses her in…

1
The One Who Went From Born-Again Christian to Agnostic Atheist 1:01:51

4M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

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 leading her to question long-held beliefs. She recounts a six-year relationship overshadowed by a controlling religious community, a move to Australia in se…

1
The Religious Abuse & Academic Sabotage Survivor (Part Two) 52:45

5M ago52:45

52:45

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her journey of religious trauma and abuse amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, recounting how American missionaries’ abrupt departure left her feeling abandoned in Africa. She describes relocating to the U.S. with her family, only to face academic sabotage, familial tensions, and a struggle …

1
The Religious Abuse & Academic Sabotage Survivor (Part One) 50:08

5M ago50:08

50:08

In this episode (and its only Part One) of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her remarkable journey of religious abuse within a remote East African missionary setting, shaped by her adventurous father, her mother’s struggle with depression, and the unique challenges of being an African orphan adopted by American missionaries. She reflects on the c…

1
How To Be Okay Over Christmas 1:12:40

6M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Navigating the complexities of Christmas can be particularly challenging for those who have experienced religious trauma or disconnection from their previous faith communities. This conversation delves into strategies for being okay over the holiday season, emphasising the importance of awareness around triggers and the need for self-compassion. Ho…

1
The Body Whisperer 56:57

6M ago56:57

56:57

In this episode, Zoe shares her transformative journey from a conservative Christian upbringing steeped in guilt and purity culture to embracing her true identity and sexuality. Reflecting on the impact of religious trauma on self-esteem and relationships, she highlights her path to healing through bodywork and self-compassion. Zoe’s story offers h…

1
Wicked's Connection to My So-Called Life (with Samantha Rei, Sam Pirie, Terrence Moss, & Gregory Maguire) 3:27:21

6M ago3:27:21

3:27:21

Stepping out of the wood, out of the dark, out of the night, the so-cast pod is back for a chat about the surprising parallels between Wicked and My So-Called Life! Sure, Winnie Holzman is one of the main writers behind both projects, so it makes sense that they'd have some things in common -- and we go deep on all of it, from the costumes to the m…

1
The One Who Was Excommunicated - Part Two 1:04:51

6M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

If you haven't listened to Part One make sure you head back an episode and listen to it first. In this episode Craig shares his powerful story of returning to Invercargill after leaving the Exclusive Brethren, recounting the heartache of family rejection and a poignant encounter with his little sister. We explore the deep complexities of healing fr…

1
The One Who Was Excommunicated - Part One 1:29:29

6M ago1:29:29

1:29:29

Craig, author of Excommunicated, shares his journey growing up within the Exclusive Brethren, a high-control religious group where strict doctrines governed every aspect of life. Realising his community's isolation wasn't the norm, Craig embarked on a path of faith deconstruction and self-discovery, facing profound challenges around identity, sexua…

1
The One Who Was Lied To About God 59:49

7M ago59:49

59:49

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Jamie Marich shares her journey from a turbulent upbringing shaped by Croatian Catholicism and Pentecostal evangelicalism to a place of self-acceptance and spiritual healing. Jamie grappled with conflicting beliefs about faith, morality, and her early awareness of her queer identity, leading to deep spiritual tr…

1
Dance in Defiance (with MSCL actor Senta Moses) 1:48:24

7M ago1:48:24

1:48:24

I'm chatting with a super exciting guest this week: It's the delightful Senta Moses, who played Delia Fisher on My So-Called Life! We talk about her early career, the inspiration for her performance, the real-life confession that may have influenced the coming-out scene in the finale, and even take a peek at her original script notes for insights i…

1
The Whistleblower of a Dominionist Cult 1:26:53

7M ago1:26:53

1:26:53

In a heartfelt exploration of religious trauma, Sam and Clare delve into Clare's experiences as a pastor's daughter in a high-control church. Clare reflects on the authoritarian, misogynistic dynamics of her upbringing, revealing how these shaped her identity through expectations of perfection and submission. The discussion broadens to examine reli…

1
Where are they now? 1:41:00

7M ago1:41:00

1:41:00

When last we left Angela and Brian and Rickie and Rayanne and all their friends, they were in the early days of 1995 and at a point of no return in their teen lives. So what's happened to them in the intervening 30 years? On this week's episode, we have a reunion episode of sorts, with a roundup of past guests speculating on where the characters mi…

1
Recovering From Purity Culture As A Person Of Faith with Dr Camden Morgante 57:40

7M ago57:40

57:40

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Camden Morgante. We explore the intricate intersections of faith, sexuality, and recovery from religious trauma, particularly in the context of purity culture. Dr. Morgante, a psychologist and author of Recovering from Purity Culture, shares her journey of navigating evangelical teachings that shaped her understa…

1
The Holy Runaway 49:25

7M ago49:25

49:25

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Matthias shares his courageous journey of navigating the intersection of faith and identity, growing up in a conservative religious environment while grappling with homophobia and his own sexuality. A pivotal moment helped him embrace his identity and begin deconstructing his faith. Matthias reflects on the ch…

1
My So-Called Life's Second Life on MTV (with Peppermint) 1:51:08

7M ago1:51:08

1:51:08

My So-Called Life lives again! This week, we're chatting about how MSCL was saved from oblivion, resurrected on cable. What made MTV such a perfect home for this show -- better, in fact, than the network where it originally aired? Joining me this week for a chat about MTV is the delightful Peppermint: Drag Race icon, actor, singer, and child of the…

1
The Former Fundamentalist 1:08:32

7M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we hear Megan’s powerful story of resilience and transformation as she navigates life after growing up in a fundamental, high-control evangelical environment. From the pressures of purity culture to the emotional toll of fear-based faith, Megan shares how she transitioned from conventional therapy to religious…

1
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities (with Sam Pirie) 1:51:41

7M ago1:51:41

1:51:41

In this week's episode of Matt's So-Cast Pod, it's the dramatic conclusion -- OR IS IT??? We've reached the final episode of My So-Called Life, in which everyone has revealing dreams and Brian finally tells Angela how he feels ... but she thinks that it's actually how Jordan feels. Meanwhile, Delia's got the hots for Rickie but has an important que…

1
Bridging the Gap - The Religious Trauma Collective 1:03:32

7M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Join us in this enlightening episode of Beyond the Surface as we explore the multifaceted topic of religious trauma in Australia and New Zealand. Joined by Jane Kennedy and Elise Heerd, both therapists and we are all co-founders of the Religious Trauma Collective. Together, we discuss the significant launch of this collective, which aims to provide…

1
The Descendant of Joseph Smith 55:08

7M ago55:08

55:08

Lynn, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, she shares her journey of faith deconstruction that began in Utah after confronting troubling historical truths about her ancestor and the Book of Mormon. Lynn's path of navigating religious trauma, embracing uncertainty, and redefining her spiritual identity highlights the role of therapy and self-compass…

1
Weekend (with Drew Droege & Alonso Duralde) 2:01:45

8M ago2:01:45

2:01:45

We're closing in on the end of the series, and it's time for some wacky hijinks after last week's heart-rending drama! The grownups are going to take a VERY SERIOUS vacation, and they leave Angela in charge ... but it doesn't take long for chaos to reign when Rayanne accidentally handcuffs herself to a bed, and Patty is tempted by forbidden booze. …

1
The Exvangelical Parent 1:00:20

8M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

What happens when the church you trust becomes a source of fear and exclusion? In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we sit down with Kimberley, known as the exvangelical parent, to discuss her journey through conservative evangelicalism, growing up during the satanic panic and purity culture. Kimberley shares her struggles with undiagnosed OCD, v…

1
Betrayal (with Ryan O'Connor & Kristin Russo) 2:34:46

8M ago2:34:46

2:34:46

Everyone’s life is FINALLY going smoothly … for about five seconds before it all comes crashing down, thanks to some extraordinarily bad decisions by Rayanne and Jordan, who decide to climb into the back of a car together; by Brian, who videotapes them; by Graham, who “forgets” to mention that Hallie broke up with her fiancee; and who knows, Amber’…

1
Purity Culture 101 with Meg Cowan 59:41

8M ago59:41

59:41

Join us for a powerful bonus episode of Beyond the Surface, where we unpack the complexities of purity culture in evangelical Christianity with returning guest Meg, a sexologist and relationship coach from New Zealand. Together, we trace the historical roots of purity culture and its impact on modern sexual education and relationships, highlighting…

1
The Former 'Good Christian Girl' 1:11:08

8M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Can balancing faith with personal freedom bring true inner peace? In this episode, we sit down with Elise as she shares her raw journey of growing up in a Pentecostal family, where she struggled to balance genuine friendships with heavy religious expectations. Elise opens up about the emotional toll of marriage, depression, and Bible college, highl…

1
The One Who Reclaimed Her Body Post Purity Culture 51:34

8M ago51:34

51:34

In this episode of "Beyond the Surface," we explore Meg's powerful journey of faith deconstruction, beginning with her upbringing in a Christian family in New Zealand and involvement in a conservative Pentecostal church. Meg shares her experiences with purity culture, the internal conflicts of being a devout Christian while navigating typical teena…

1
The One Who Found Life After Religion 1:07:43

8M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Claire's faith journey, from strict Catholic rituals to the allure of evangelicalism, highlights the clash between public and private religious life, leading to relational trauma and disillusionment with church marketing tactics. Her story reveals the business-like nature of church operations and the mental health struggles that arise from pressure…

1
The One Who Went From Church Leader To Sex Coach 1:01:48

9M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Stacey shares her journey of navigating faith, identity, and self-discovery after a painful divorce and joining an evangelical Pentecostal community. She reveals the emotional highs and manipulative undertones of church life, the struggle between divine perfection and self-acceptance, and the challenges of embracing authenticity in matters of faith…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Samantha Russo Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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