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

How to Stay Spiritually Grounded During a Crisis: Rest, Resilience, and Renewal

In this episode, I share how I spiritually ground myself during moments of collective crisis, and invite you to do the same. Whether you're healing from religious trauma, navigating a spiritual awakening, or reclaiming ancestral wisdom, these times can feel overwhelming. That’s why I center this conversation on rest, nervous system regulation, and intentional rituals. I created this offering especially for mystics, healers, and seekers, particularly from diasporic and marginalized communities, who are seeking to reclaim personal power, connect with ancestral guidance, and return home to self and spirit.

Mentioned In this Episode

• Article || Women and Heart Health: 8 Essential Facts

• Article || Chronic Stress Linked to Higher Stroke Risk In Young Adults, Especially Females

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Rae, a manifestation coach and crystal Reiki master, to explore spiritual practices that help us connect with the Divine beyond traditional religious structures.

We dive into the transformative power of mindfulness, meditation, manifestation, and working with spiritual tools like crystals. Sarah shares her own journey of moving away from organized religion and embracing a more intuitive, personal path to spiritual growth.

I also share insights and practical ways you can bring daily spiritual practices into your life, whether you're deconstructing faith, new to spirituality, or looking to deepen your current path.

If you're seeking soulful guidance, non-religious spiritual tools, or simply a safe space to explore your connection to the sacred, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Manifestation and Mindfulness 

05:00 - Sarah Rae's Spiritual Journey 

15:00 - Understanding Mindfulness

25:00 - Navigating Fear When Encountering New Experiences

35:00 - Creating Your Own Unique Practice

36:00 - What People get Wrong About Manifestation

45:00 - Leaning Into Clarity & Spiritual Alignment

Who Is Sara Rae?

Sara Rae is a manifesting coach and crystal reiki master who teaches mystical women how to manifest on purpose by shattering their manifesting ceiling. She uses her podcast called Spiritually Inspired and her published books to dive into all things manifesting, mindfulness, and magic. You can learn more about Sara Rae and her work at https://www.spirituallyinspired.co/ and download her free manifesting bundle at https://www.spirituallyinspired.co/manifesting.

Mentioned In This Episode: Meditation Is Not What You Think By Jon Kabat-Zinn

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 of A Soulful Rebellion, I had the pleasure of speaking with self-care alchemist Cassandra Juniphant about the deep connection between self-care and spirituality. We explored how self-care is often misunderstood as selfish, how generational trauma can shape our approach to caring for ourselves, and why it’s so important to honor the body as a sacred temple. Cassandra shared practical ways to embrace self-care, encouraging us to become disciples of our own bodies and to protect our callings by prioritizing our health. Our conversation was filled with powerful insights on nurturing both body and spirit for true holistic wellness and personal transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Care as a Sacred Practice

05:07 Challenging the Notion of Self-Care as Selfish

10:03 The Impact of Society on Self-Care

21:55 Revering the Body: A Journey to Self-Care

26:42 The Role of Rest and Water in Spiritual Practice

31:13 Becoming a Disciple of Your Own Body

38:13 Reconnecting to your inner child as a self-care practice

About Cassandra Juniphant

Cassandra Juniphant is a Self-Care Alchemist, a devoted wife and mother, and a passionate advocate for holistic wellness. For over a decade, she has been on a transformative journey, prioritizing her well-being and manifesting the life of her dreams. Through her work at Ori Ara, Cassandra empowers women to embrace their bodies, cultivate self-care, and unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about Cassandra at oriara.com and connect with her on instagram at @cassandra_juniphant

Give The Gift Of Gratitude

You can express gratitude for this show by leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform!

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 how to bring spirituality into everyday life without feeling overwhelmed. I talk about the importance of spiritual connection, how we can redefine what spiritual practices look like, and how to live out spiritual principles in our relationships and work. I emphasize mindfulness, staying connected to community, and finding balance on the spiritual path. My goal is to encourage you to weave spiritual values into your daily routine in a way that feels natural and fulfilling.

Chapters

00:00 Incorporating Spirituality into Daily Life

03:00 Understanding Spiritual Connection

05:32 Redefining Spiritual Practices

08:44 Spiritual Embodiment in Relationships

11:13 Mindfulness in Work and Daily Tasks

14:02 Acts of Service and Community Engagement

17:06 Finding Balance in Spirituality

19:51 Simple Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life

22:31 Digital Detox and Mental Wellbeing

25:48 Embodying Spiritual Principles in Community

28:37 Letting Go of Perfection in Spirituality

Free Guide: Awaken Your Truth

Do you feel trapped by outdated religious or societal beliefs that no longer serve you but don’t know how to break free? Awaken Your Truth, a free guide, helps you deconstruct toxic beliefs, align with your true self, and begin your spiritual awakening. Collect your free guide at: ⁠https://www.asoulfulrebellin.com/awakenyourtruth⁠

Ready to deepen your spiritual journey?Book a free session with me to assess your journey, pinpoint growth areas, and set meaningful goals. Schedule your session today at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asoulfulrebellion.com/freeconsult

Let’s Connect

Let's connect on Instagram at ⁠@asoulfulrebellion!⁠ I'd love to hear your key takeaways from this episode. Share them in your stories, and if you do, don’t forget to tag me!

Give The Gift Of GratitudeYou can express gratitude for this show by leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
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.