Natalie Hoffman, Author at Flying Free

Understanding Coercive Control and the Harms Inflicted on to Adult and Child Victims [Episode 350]

October 21, 2025

“He doesn’t hit you, so it must not be abuse.” Yeah, no. That tired old line needs to die.

This week, I sat down with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a powerhouse expert on coercive control, the kind of abuse that doesn’t leave bruises but instead, destroys lives. Christine breaks down how abusers don’t need fists to dominate; they weaponize EVERYTHING from the court system, to churches, to your very own kids.

If you’ve ever been dismissed, disbelieved, or labeled “too angry,” this episode is a masterclass in seeing the invisible, calling it what it is, and taking your power back, even if you have to fake it ‘til you make it from the ICU of your life.

Your Ex, His Family, His Girlfriend, Heck, His Entire Orbit

October 17, 2025

Is being “nice” to your ex keeping you stuck in his orbit? In this episode, my friend and fellow coach Diana Swillinger and I peel back the layers on everything related to your ex.

We tackle the sticky, icky, post-divorce drama: how to set boundaries, why you don’t owe him or his people anything, and how to stay in your lane.

Toxic Beliefs That Keep Christian Women From Their True Identity (A Story about a Runner) [Episode 349]

October 14, 2025

Have you ever felt like life has you wearing a 200-pound emotional backpack labeled “Christian womanhood”? In this episode, I unpack (literally) the toxic beliefs that are holding us back using a metaphorical story about a woman who wants to run, but can’t. Because, surprise! She’s lugging around spiritual abuse disguised as Bible truths.

You’ll meet Sarah, a fictional but oh-so-familiar woman who stands at the edge of a running trail, paralyzed by invisible weights. Enter Elena, the wise older woman who helps her go full Marie Kondo on her belief system. You’ll want to tattoo some of Elena’s one-liners on your forearm. (Okay maybe just put them on sticky notes.)

Christian Women Dating After Divorce

October 10, 2025

Let’s be honest. If you’ve escaped from a destructive marriage, the idea of dating again might feel less like butterflies and more like plunging into shark-infested waters wearing a meat dress.

But what if dating didn’t have to feel like impending doom? What if you could approach it with courage, confidence, and an actual strategy?

In this episode, I invited three of my friends and fellow coaches, Stacey Wynn, Diana Swillinger, and Marie Griffith to join me for a frank discussion about dating after divorce as a Christian woman.

Beautiful Prisons and Golden Lies [Episode 348]

October 7, 2025

What if that golden cage you’re sitting in was never locked? What if all that “God’s will” rhetoric was just fear cosplaying as holiness? In this episode, I tell you a story, a simple one with birds, bars, and just enough metaphorical mic drops to wake up the part of you that’s been sedated by religious gaslighting. Buckle up, buttercup. It’s time to talk about freedom.

This isn’t just another chirpy motivational talk. It’s a truth-telling, cage-rattling invitation to examine the lies we’ve been fed about safety, love, and obedience, especially in the name of God. You were made to fly, not decorate someone else’s spiritual furniture.

Our Relationships with Mentors, Coaches, and Therapists

October 3, 2025

What if the person you’re turning to for healing is actually keeping you stuck? (Cue dramatic music and flashbacks to church lady “counseling” that made you question your entire existence.)

Welcome to Season 2 of the Divorced Christian Woman Podcast! I’m kicking things off with my friend and fellow coach, Diana Swillinger. We’re diving headfirst into the sometimes-healing, sometimes-horrifying world of mentors, coaches, and therapists.

Not all helpers are created equal, my friend. And no, your cousin’s youth group leader who “feels called” to counsel probably isn’t qualified to help you unravel years of spiritual abuse.

This episode is your guide to sorting through the noise, finding the right kind of help for the season you’re in, and learning how to trust your own gut again, especially after years of being told it was “deceitfully wicked.” (eye-roll)

Author: Natalie Hoffman