In this episode, I explore the concept of spiritual freedom, emphasizing the importance of building a personal spiritual practice that honors my ancestors and cultural heritage. I share my journey of reconnecting with my roots and the challenges I faced while embracing spiritual practices outside of traditional church teachings. Throughout the conversation, I highlight the significance of liberation theology and the need for ethical discernment in spiritual work, ultimately encouraging listeners to reclaim their spiritual sovereignty and create rituals that truly resonate with their personal beliefs.

Key Takeaways

• Building a spiritual practice is a personal journey.

• Honoring ancestors can deepen spiritual connections.

• Spiritual freedom allows for personal expression of faith.

• Liberation theology challenges systemic oppression.

• Spiritual practices should honor body and culture.

• Fear can hinder the exploration of spiritual freedom.

• Spiritual freedom is about reclaiming what was lost.

Join: Sacred Alignment Sanctuary 

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Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area

In this episode, I explore what it’s like to learn how to trust my body after leaving the church. I talk about why embodied discernment and listening to intuitive signals matter, and how psychological barriers can disconnect us from our bodies. I focus especially on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and women of color mystics , who often carry additional layers of trauma that make this reconnection more complex. I also invite listeners to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and share practical exercises that have helped me strengthen self-trust and intuition.

Key Takeaways

• Trusting your body is essential for spiritual growth.
• Embodied discernment helps in recognizing intuitive signals.
• Many teachings discourage trusting our bodies.
• Racialized trauma complicates the relationship with intuition.

• Ancestral wisdom is embedded in our bodies.
• Intuitive signals can be confused with trauma responses.
• Self-trust is often undermined by hierarchical systems.
• Meditation is key to developing body awareness.

• Your body carries the memory of survival and wisdom.
• Practical exercises can help reconnect with your intuition.

Join Sacred Alignment Sanctuary: ⁠Click Here⁠

Resources

• My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts by Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW, SEP
• The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color (The Social Justice Handbook Series) by Natalie Y. Gutiérrez LMFT 
• Decolonizing the Body: Healing, Body-Centered Practices for Women of Color to Reclaim Confidence, Dignity, and Self-Worth by Kelsey Blackwell 
• Video | Healing Racialized Trauma: A Conversation with Resmaa Menakem and Tara Brach
• Video | Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Joy DeGruy (Also has a book with the same title)

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

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From Black Pentecostalism to Mystical Wisdom: Deepening Our Understanding of the Sacred

In this episode, I explore the reclamation of ancestral practices that have often been demonized by the Black church, sharing my personal journey from mystical Christianity to embracing African spirituality. I discuss the deep-rooted connections between African traditions and contemporary spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring these ancestral legacies. I also delve into the challenges of embracing mystical wisdom, the significance of self-trust, and the potential for liberation through understanding one’s spiritual path. The conversation culminates in a call to reclaim Christianity in a way that honors ancestral traditions while fostering personal spiritual growth.

Takeaways

• The importance of reclaiming ancestral practices..

• The practices in the Black church often have deep ancestral roots.

• Many church rituals can be traced back to African traditional religions.

• The concept of divination is prevalent in both African spirituality and church practices.

• The historical context of spiritual practices being demonized.

• Internalized racism surrounding ancestral practices.

• The importance of self-trust in one's spiritual journey is emphasized.

• Exploring spiritual paths without fear.

• Considering a more expansive understanding of spirituality.

You Might Also Be Interested In: Episode 48 | How religious beliefs impact your intuition development

Resources

• Tacky’s Revolt: The Story of an Atlantic Slave Wa by Vincent Brown (A Sample but this an entire book)

• Tacky's Revolt: The Story of an Atlantic Slave War | Vincent Brown with Matthew Parker | YouTube

• Slave Religion: The 'Invisible Institution' in the Antebellum South" by Albert J. Raboteau

• Obeah, Race and Racism: Caribbean Witchcraft in the English Imagination By Eugenia O’Neal
• The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation by Thich Nhat Hanh 

Join: Sacred Alignment Sanctuary - Good news! Podcast listeners can still join for Free through January 30th.

In this episode of A Soulful Rebellion, I share my personal journey of spiritual awakening and faith deconstruction. I reflect on my upbringing, mystical experiences, and the challenges I've faced while navigating my beliefs. I discuss the importance of creating a supportive community for women of color who are exploring their spirituality outside of traditional religious structures. I also announce a new direction for the podcast, focusing on mystical wisdom, embodied discernment, and spiritual freedom.

Join: Sacred Alignment Sanctuary

Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Coaching

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Robert Casey Forman — mysticism scholar, 12-time author, and spiritual explorer of 55+ years. His latest book, Christianity Reimagined, guides those navigating a spiritual shift or re-evaluating their faith.

We explore why doubt can deepen, not threaten, faith, and discuss mystical experiences — moments of presence and peace that transcend doctrine and appear across religions. Dr. Forman also addresses Christianity’s harms, the enduring beauty of ritual and community, and how we can reimagine a faith that honors intellect, humanity, and connection.

This honest, expansive conversation offers insight, compassion, and a path forward for anyone deconstructing, rebuilding, or curious about their spiritual journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

• • Doubt is not a failure of faith, it's the doorway to a deeper, more honest spirituality.

  •  Mystical experiences are more common than we think.

  • You don’t have to abandon intellect to embrace faith.

  • Christianity can be reimagined in a way that is inclusive, compassionate, and non-dogmatic.

  • Ritual and community still have value — if they’re aligned with your growth.

  • You are allowed to keep the parts of Christianity that nourish you.

  • Jesus’ teachings on love, compassion, and presence remain powerful guides — even outside of traditional belief systems.

  • You can find (or create) a spiritual path that fits who you are today.
    

  Who Is Dr. Robert K.C. Forman?

  Dr. Robert K.C. Forman is a scholar, writer, and spiritual explorer whose work has shaped the study of mysticism and spirituality for decades. Growing up in Baltimore, he earned his BA from the University of Chicago and a PhD from Columbia University's Department of Religion, and that honorary doctorate from Sweden’s Lund University.  He became a tenured professor at the City University of New York and pioneered The Perennial Psychology, a groundbreaking approach to mystical experience and religious writings. His eleven previous books, including The Problem of Pure Consciousness and Mysticism, Mind, Consciousness, remain influential classics, earning him an honorary doctorate from Sweden’s Lund University.

  ​

  After retiring, Dr. Forman founded the interfaith Forge Institute for Spirituality and Social Change, which united leaders across the full range of spiritual and religious traditions for mutual work and support. A lifelong practitioner and certified teacher of Transcendental Meditation, he chronicled his spiritual journey in Enlightenment Ain’t What It’s Cracked Up to Be. Recently, an unexpected shift led him to nine years of weekly church attendance, inspiring his latest book, Christianity Reimagined: A Mystical Approach for Doubters and the Dubious, which explores how liturgy and community can deeply move both believers as well as the confused, the doubting and even the skeptical.

  
  

  Learn More About  Dr. Robert K.C. Forman at  ChristiantyReimagined.org

  
  

  Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

  
  

  
  

  Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Newsletter⁠ | ⁠Coaching

In this powerful, healing-centered episode Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews guides us through what it actually takes to move from religious wounding into deep emotional, spiritual, and personal transformation.

Rather than focusing only on the problems within high-control church environments, this conversation centers on how to heal, how to rebuild, and how to reclaim your sense of self after leaving toxic or narcissistic faith systems.

Kelsey breaks down the healing journey with compassion and clarity, helping listeners reconnect with their inner wisdom, reestablish trust in their intuition, and rebuild a healthier relationship with themselves, God, and community.

On This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why many people mistake control for love

• Recognizing the nervous system’s role in staying stuck

• Why true self-love is essential—and not selfish

• What triggers reveal about your inner child and unmet needs

• Grounding practices and emotional regulation tools

• Why your body reacts with fear when you step outside familiar belief systems

• What Christ-like love actually looks like

• How to approach the Bible with new eyes and without fear

• Separating God from the harmful ways religion has portrayed God

• Creating boundaries without guilt

• Healing as a lifelong process—not a destination
  

Mentioned In This Episode: Dawnland Documentary

Additional Resources: | Awaken Your Truth - A free guide for those deconstructing toxic religious 

Who Is Kelsey Matthews

Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews is a first-generation college graduate, published author, advocate, public speaker, coach, trainer, and consultant with a passion for empowering individuals and leaders. Originally from East Haven, CT, Kelsey graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2023, where she was honored as one of 58 Truman Scholars nationwide. 

Kelsey’s professional journey spans multiple sectors, including rehabilitative mental health, non-profit program management, and community engagement, with a focus on mental health, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and animal welfare. A survivor of narcissistic abuse and institutional trauma, Kelsey is driven by her personal experiences to advocate for those affected by emotional and verbal abuse, especially within institutions. Through her own healing, she has developed a deep knowledge of ethics, abuse/power dynamics, and leadership, inspiring her to coach and train others to become healthy, empowered individuals and leaders.

Residing again in her home state of Connecticut, Kelsey is the Founder and CEO of Phoenix Rising Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and a member of the Maxwell Leadership Team. She is a TEDx speaker, having presented "Transformative Leadership: The Power of Love to Change the World" at TEDxUNLV 2024. Kelsey is currently completing her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Policy Practice at the University of Connecticut, with plans to pursue a PhD in Social/Personality Psychology.

Learn More About Kelsey: Website | Coaching & Consulting | Kelsey's Ted Talk 

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: Website | Instagram | Newsletter | Coaching

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of A Soulful Rebellion, I sit down with Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews—TEDx speaker, published author, advocate, and founder of Phoenix Rising Coaching & Consulting—to explore the hidden connections between narcissism, spiritual abuse, and high-control religious environments.

Kelsey shares her transformative journey, from growing up in a dysfunctional, abusive home and a high-control Catholic environment, to later encountering similar patterns within modern American Christianity.

What We Discucussed

• How narcissism shows up in churches, leadership, and institutions
• The difference between the gospel vs the social construct of Christianity
• Why people raised in dysfunctional families are more susceptible to toxic churches
• What spiritual gaslighting and manipulation look like in real time
• The emotional consequences of questioning, leaving, or being ostracized by a faith community
• How fear, shame, and indoctrination maintain spiritual control
• Practical ways to reclaim your voice, trust yourself, and heal after spiritual abuse

Additional Resources

• Episode 53: Moving Beyond The Pain: Overcoming Religious Trauma
• Episode 63 | Reframe and Renew: Overcoming Toxic Beliefs in Your Faith Deconstruction Journey
• Episode 73: Faith Deconstruction, Religious Trauma & Cult Recovery With Samantha Speed
• Awaken Your Truth - A free guide for those deconstructing toxic religious beliefs and aligning with your truth

Who Is Kelsey Matthews?

Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews is a first-generation college graduate, published author, advocate, public speaker, coach, trainer, and consultant with a passion for empowering individuals and leaders. Originally from East Haven, CT, Kelsey graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2023, where she was honored as one of 58 Truman Scholars nationwide. 

Kelsey’s professional journey spans multiple sectors, including rehabilitative mental health, non-profit program management, and community engagement, with a focus on mental health, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and animal welfare. A survivor of narcissistic abuse and institutional trauma, Kelsey is driven by her personal experiences to advocate for those affected by emotional and verbal abuse, especially within institutions. Through her own healing, she has developed a deep knowledge of ethics, abuse/power dynamics, and leadership, inspiring her to coach and train others to become healthy, empowered individuals and leaders.

Residing again in her home state of Connecticut, Kelsey is the Founder and CEO of Phoenix Rising Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and a member of the Maxwell Leadership Team. She is a TEDx speaker, having presented "Transformative Leadership: The Power of Love to Change the World" at TEDxUNLV 2024. Kelsey is currently completing her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Policy Practice at the University of Connecticut, with plans to pursue a PhD in Social/Personality Psychology.

Learn More About Kelsey: Website | Coaching & Consulting | Kelsey's Ted Talk 

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: Website | Instagram | Newsletter | Coaching

In this powerful and deeply affirming conversation, Dr. Amy Holda Gueye — board-certified OB-GYN, integrative healing practitioner, and founder of Visionary Women’s Health — joins host Anekia Nicole for a transformational dialogue on awakening, whole-body healing, ancestral remembrance, and the archetypes that traps that keep Black women in cycles of burnout and fragmentation.

Rooted in lived experience, medical training, and spiritual insight, Dr. Amy Holda Gueye illuminates how emotional and spiritual suppression shows up in our bodies, how archetypes like the “strong Black woman” wage war on our nervous systems, and how awakening shifts us from survival toward liberation and co-creation.

What We Cover:

• Emotions are sacred messengers—not problems to “fix.”
• Archetypes like the “overachiever” or “strong Black woman” are spiritual traps.
• The “warrior consciousness” is a transitional but exhausting stage.
• Illness can be a wake-up call.
• Ancestral disconnection is part of the spiritual wound.
• Liberation comes from creation, not resistance.
• Healing is about remembering.
• The sacred truth: You are not broken.

Who is Dr. Amy Holda Gueye?

Dr. Amy Holda Gueye is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist and founder of Visionary Women’s Health, where she blends integrative, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches to women’s care. Her work focuses on empowering women through medicine that heals the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. She is also a writer and speaker dedicated to reclaiming spiritual wisdom and elevating the consciousness of humanity and the practice of medicine.

Receive more guidance on holistic women’s health  from Dr. Amy Holda Gueye On Substack: https://awakenedmedicine.substack.com

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: Website | Instagram | Newsletter | Coaching

In this deeply moving and intellectually rich conversation, I sit down with Dr. Katelyn Lehman, a clinical psychologist, mystic, and creator of The Coherence Method. Together, we explore how heart–brain coherence supports spiritual awakening, trauma support, nervous system regulation, and collective liberation.

In this episode, I weave together my own reflections with Dr. Lehman’s insights as we bridge science, spirituality, decolonized psychology, and liberation theology…all to help you reconnect with your body, your intuition, your community, and the Earth itself.

If you’re healing from religious trauma, navigating a spiritual awakening, or seeking grounded, science-informed practices to regulate your nervous system, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

What We Discuss

• What “Heart Coherence” Actually Is: Physically, Emotionally & Spiritually

•  Intuition, Science & the Problem With Needing ‘Proof’

• Your Personal Energy Signature vs. Your Relational Signature

• Heart Coherence As The Pathway To Collective Healing

• Inside Quantum Healing Clinic In LA

  
  

Who Is Dr. Katelyn Lehman?

Dr. Katelyn Lehman is reshaping the conversation around heart-brain coherence, revealing its transformative potential to spark change, from personal well-being to the evolution of global systems. As the Founder of Quantum Clinic in Los Angeles, she has developed The Coherence Method to address chronic stress and inflammation, two of the most critical drivers of disease. The Coherence Method integrates neuro-cardiac function through cognitive entrainment and emotional regulation to help clients achieve deep, lasting wellness. Dr. Lehman holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a lifelong student of nondual spiritual teachings.

• Company Website: Quantum Clinic

• Online Course Program: The Coherence Journey
• Where To Connect With Dr. Katelyn Lehman: Instagram | LinkedIn

Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Newsletter⁠ | ⁠Coaching⁠

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

In this short, off-the-cuff solo episode, I share where I’ve been, what’s been on my heart, and how I’m moving through the fear, heaviness, and uncertainty of our current world. After an unexpected healing break, I’m back, and I’m speaking honestly about hope, resilience, spiritual sovereignty, and the small but meaningful actions we can take during overwhelming times.

• My unexpected pause and the new schedule for upcoming guest interviews
• Why fear feels so present right now, and why acknowledging it matter.
• How I personally transmute fear into faith and hope.
• Permission to unplug when the news and social media become too much
• Why small actions matter, even when change feels slow
• Why spirituality and politics can’t truly be separated
• Egregores and collective energy, and how to reclaim your spiritual sovereignty
• Reinvesting in community and supporting movements in ways that feel aligned
• Protecting your emotional and spiritual energy during difficult times
  

Key Takeaways

• You’re not powerless, even when things feel overwhelming.

• Resting, pausing, or not knowing your next step does not mean you’re giving up.

• Your energy, your vote, your choices, and your everyday actions have impact.

• You come from a lineage that survived, resisted, and held hope—and you can tap into that strength.

• Now more than ever, it’s important to stay rooted in your spiritual sovereignty and connection to the Divine.

Need Someone to Talk To? If you’re feeling alone in all of this, I invite you to join me for a free connection call. It’s a safe space to process, breathe, and feel supported.

Learn more at: ASoulfulRebellion.com

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

Learn More About A Soulful Rebellion: Website | Instagram | Newsletter | Coaching