Beyond the Monsters

Church Trauma: The Hard Truths of Faith and Life Beyond the Bubble

In this powerful conversation, Melissa Greene opens up about her journey through church trauma, sharing her experiences of growing up in a conservative megachurch shaped by fear-based teachings. She reflects on how these doctrines influenced her childhood, her moments of doubt and questioning during college, and the transformative power of travel and personal growth in expanding her perspectives. Melissa dives into the complexities of confronting privilege, navigating LGBTQ+ inclusion within the church, and embracing compassion and understanding as pillars of spirituality.  
 
She also discusses her time in the contemporary Christian music scene, the challenges of fostering inclusivity within faith communities, and the importance of accountability in leadership. Melissa shares her bold decision to leave a church and create Imaginarium, a non-profit organization focused on building a non-hierarchical, inclusive spiritual community. The conversation touches on the profound impact of prison ministry and the belief in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their past.  
 
This episode is an inspiring exploration of faith, growth, and the pursuit of authentic spirituality.
Please excuse our audio quality towards the end of the episode!
 
Evergreen Christmas Concert in Nashville, TN on December 23rd
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evergreen-christmas-featuring-melissa-greene-ryan-greenawalt-tickets-1095289483329?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl 
 
Melissa’s Socials
https://www.instagram.com/melissagreene 
https://linktr.ee/melissagreene
https://www.melissagreene.net
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQpP8gHH7vew99LcQJs3Og
 
Imaginarium Foundation
https://www.imaginarium.life/
https://www.instagram.com/weareimaginarium
https://www.facebook.com/ImaginariumCommunity
 
Beyond the Monsters Socials
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters 
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Church Trauma
02:54 Melissa's Journey in the Church
06:04 Fear-Based Teachings and Their Impact
09:05 The Us vs. Them Mentality
11:49 Questioning Beliefs in College
14:55 Traveling and Expanding Perspectives
18:09 Confronting Privilege and Theology
20:45 Experiences in Africa and Their Lessons
23:59 Finding Love and New Beginnings
27:06 Confronting LGBTQ+ Issues in Faith
27:55 Navigating Faith and Identity
30:13 The Shift Towards Inclusivity in Faith Communities
35:45 Challenges of Leadership and Accountability
42:15 The Birth of a Non-Profit: Imaginarium
48:18 Transformative Experiences in Prison Ministry
 
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.

Reddit Stories: Cheaters Edition

In this episode, we dive into some of the craziest Reddit stories about infidelity and family drama. From a husband discovering his wife is cheating on him with his son to a father’s shocking betrayal of his dying wife, we explore the messy, emotional fallout of these situations. There’s even a wild tale involving a girlfriend and a rapper that you won’t believe. Join us as we unpack the chaos, share our thoughts on love and loyalty, and find some humor in the absurdity of it all.
 
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
 

The Connection Between a Love for Horror Movies and Trauma

In this conversation, we explore the intriguing relationship between trauma survivors and their unique affinity for horror movies. We discuss how horror films provide a sense of control over fear, offering a safe space to confront intense emotions. The discussion dives into the psychological and physiological responses evoked by scary movies, showcasing their potential for cathartic release and the grounding, empowering effect they can have for those with trauma. We examine why these films resonate so deeply with trauma survivors, shedding light on the complex interplay between fear, resilience, and emotional healing.
Additionally, we analyze how horror films can mirror real-life fears and traumas, serving as both a connection point and, for some, a source of discomfort. By discussing the duality of these responses, we highlight how some trauma survivors find solace and empowerment in facing fears, while others may experience retraumatization. Hypervigilance and the influence of real-life fears also take center stage, underscoring the importance of understanding personal limits when engaging with horror content.
*Trigger Warning: Brief mention of SA scenes in movies*
 
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trauma and Horror Movies
08:54 The Connection Between Trauma and Horror
13:07 Understanding the Appeal of Scary Movies
22:11 Psychological and Physical Reactions to Fear
24:02 The Aftermath: Relief and Reflection
25:29 Exploring Darkness in Horror Films
28:40 The Symbolism of Fear and Trauma
35:31 The Duality of Trauma Responses to Horror
39:59 Hypervigilance and Real-Life Fears
43:53 Understanding Personal Limits with Scary Movies

The Love Bomb Trap: Understanding Narcissists in a Relationship

In this episode, Chell and Kenna Bane take a deep dive into the intricate world of narcissism, drawing from their personal experiences to shed light on the challenges of navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals. They unpack the signs of narcissistic behavior, the dynamics of love bombing, and the emotional manipulation that often defines these toxic connections. The discussion also examines how narcissism affects self-esteem and emotional well-being, offering insights into the journey of healing, reclaiming self-worth, and breaking free from unhealthy cycles.
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Narcissism: An Introduction01:56 Personal Experiences with Narcissistic Relationships12:12 The Cycle of Love Bombing and Manipulation22:00 The Impact of Narcissism on Self-Perception33:01 Healing and Moving Forward from Toxic Relationships34:51 The Heroin Analogy: Emotional Dependency37:48 The Impact of Emotional Abuse39:10 The Cycle of Love and Pain46:01 Recognizing Narcissistic Traits50:26 Understanding Narcissism: Key Characteristics01:01:24 Healing After a Narcissistic Relationship

Growing Up with the Loss of a Parent

In this deeply personal episode, host Chell Bane sits down with Kenna to explore her experience of growing up without her father, who passed away when she was just six months old. Together, they delve into the complexities of grief, the unique challenges of losing a parent before forming memories, and the emotional development that stems from such loss.
Kenna reflects on how her father’s absence shaped her identity, relationships, and coping mechanisms, including humor and introspection. Chell and Kenna also discuss the broader impacts of loss, from navigating family dynamics to understanding codependency, independence, and emotional healing.
This conversation shines a light on the importance of processing grief, maintaining open communication in relationships, and finding strength in vulnerability. Through raw and heartfelt dialogue, the episode offers insights into the ongoing journey of healing and the profound ways loss can shape a person’s life.
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health. Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
 
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Loss: A Personal Journey05:20 Understanding Grief: Growing Up Without a Father21:47 Coping Mechanisms: Humor and Reflection36:21 Emotional Development: The Impact of Absence40:10 Navigating Codependency and Independence45:07 Understanding Grief and Loss49:51 The Impact of Absence on Relationships55:13 Communication Styles in Relationships59:47 Reflections on Parenting and Growing Up01:10:14 The Complexity of Grief and Healing

Finding Strength in Sobriety: Addiction, Family, and the Path to Recovery

In this episode, Chell and Dan Bane explore Dan's powerful journey through addiction, tracing the early influences that led him toward substance abuse and the role of family dynamics in his story. Dan opens up about his experiences with various substances, pivotal moments that led him to seek help, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety amid life’s complexities. This honest and reflective conversation delves into the pain of regret, the deep impact of personal choices on relationships, and the steps toward healing and redemption. Dan discusses the downward spiral that followed the loss of a loved one, the turning points that brought him to sobriety, and the critical role of support systems and making amends in the recovery process. Through his story, this episode offers hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles, illuminating the strength and resilience needed to rebuild a life in the wake of addiction.
 
Resources and Help Lines:
National Drug Helpline: (844) 289-0879
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)   
Find Treatment Search Engine: https://findtreatment.gov
Find an AA Meeting Near You: https://www.aa.org/find-aa
NA or AA Meeting Search Engine: https://betteraddictioncare.com/meetings/
 
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Journey of Sobriety
03:10 Early Beginnings of Addiction
05:59 The Escalation of Substance Use
08:58 The Impact of Family Dynamics
11:50 Transitioning into Adulthood and Drug Use
14:45 The Turning Point: Family and Responsibility
17:48 The Path to Sobriety Begins
20:48 Challenges of Early Sobriety
24:06 Living with Addiction: The Struggle Continues
27:29 The Weight of Regret
29:57 A Downward Spiral
34:25 The Turning Point
36:44 Navigating Recovery
40:34 The Journey of Amends
46:07 Words of Hope

Navigating Grief: Finding Hope and Healing During the Holiday Season

Please excuse our camera quality on Kenna, the trial and errors of getting started lol
In this heartfelt conversation, Chell and Kenna Bane discuss the profound impact of grief and loss during the holiday season. They share their personal experiences with loss, particularly the death of a loved one, and how it has shaped their approach to celebrating holidays. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, the challenges of seasonal depression, and the need for intentional outreach to those who may be struggling. They emphasize that grief is a personal journey that doesn't adhere to a timeline and that everyone deserves to feel included and valued, especially during difficult times.
*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Grief During the Holidays
13:07 The Impact of Seasonal Depression
22:08 Building Community and Connection
 
Host: Chell Bane 
Instagram: @BeyondtheMonsters