Episode 16: From Numb & Burned Out to Embodied & Empowered – A Journey of Feminine Awakening
In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Belinda is joined by Rachel O’Brien—former Executive General Manager of a $7B travel company turned speaker, writer, and founder of Goddess in the Boardroom. On the surface, Rachel was thriving—leading 5,000 people, hitting huge milestones, living the high life and building a career many would dream of. Behind the scenes, she was quietly burning out. Then, a cancer diagnosis forced her to slow down, reevaluate everything, and finally begin listening to her body. Together, they dive deep into:• Rachel’s rise in corporate, the silent struggles she hid, and the moment it all caught up with her• Discovering a lump mid-flight to Europe—and the life-altering journey that followed• What happens when high-achieving women finally slow down• The power of feminine leadership, embodiment, and redefining success• How intuition, breathwork, and nervous system healing became central to her transformation• Why numbing, proving, and pushing can’t fill the void—and what actually can Rachel’s story is an invitation to pause, turn inward, and awaken your own feminine power. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, depleted, or unsure how to break free from the grind—you are not alone, and this episode is for you. Let's Connect:. Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau/ Follow Rachel :• Website: https://www.rachelobrien.com/Applications are now open for Goddess in the Boardroom: https://www.goddessintheboardroom.com.au/
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Episode 15: The Hidden Struggle Behind Success: Living as a High-Functioning Addict.
Episode Summary:In this raw and revealing episode of Beyond the Surface, Belinda welcomes Katharine McLean - a woman whose journey from addiction to awakening is both sobering and inspiring. With four years of sobriety under her belt, Katharine courageously shares her story of hitting rock bottom and the powerful transformation that followed.Together, they explore what life looked like as a high-functioning addict - weekends lost to binge drinking and blackouts, methamphetamine use, and the moment she no longer recognised herself in the mirror. Katharine speaks openly about the perfectionist mask she wore to hide the chaos within, and the deep, unprocessed pain from her childhood that fuelled her dependency.From the depths of addiction to now helping others heal at a subconscious level, Katharine’s journey is a testament to resilience and radical self-awareness. Her path to sobriety, alongside her brother, led her not only to recovery but to a renewed sense of purpose and presence in the world.In this episode, you’ll hear about:The hidden reality of high-functioning addictionMasking pain with perfectionismWhat rock bottom really looked and felt likeKatharine’s sober journey and the freedom in sharing her truthThe power of energy healing in recoveryHelping others heal through experience, empathy, and subconscious workShowing up, staying present, and leaning into life’s challengesThis episode is an invitation to look beyond appearances, to sit with discomfort, and to believe in the possibility of deep transformation.Let's Connect:. Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau/Follow Katharine :Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelightbecomesher/Website: https://www.katharinemclean.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_light_becomes_her/
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Episode 14: Estrangement Isn’t Betrayal – It’s Boundaries and Healing
Have you ever felt torn between your wellbeing and loyalty to your family? Or struggled with the decision to choose peace over obligation?You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong for wanting safety, healing, and boundaries.This short but impactful episode covers the complexities of adult-child/parent estrangement—a topic that’s more common than most people realise, yet rarely talked about without shame, judgment, or guilt.Whether you’ve created distance from a parent, are navigating complicated family dynamics, or are a parent trying to understand your adult child’s need for space—this conversation will meet you with compassion, insight, and validation.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why adult children rarely walk away from parents without reason.How emotional safety, respect, and trust matter more than titles.The deep grief, healing, and courage behind estrangement.Why “family is everything” can be a harmful myth.The difference between accountability and control in repair.How healing doesn’t always mean reconciliation.What parents can do if they want to truly reconnect.Key Takeaways & Reflections:✔ A Title Isn’t Enough: Parenting is more than biology or authority—it’s about showing up with presence, safety, and emotional accountability.✔ Not Everyone Grew Up Safe: Many adult children are doing the inner work their parents never did—healing patterns, re-parenting themselves, and protecting their peace.✔ Family Loyalty vs. Self-Betrayal: Being told to “stay loyal no matter what” can be a form of self-abandonment.✔ Repair Requires Ownership: True reconciliation only happens when parents take responsibility without defensiveness or guilt-tripping.✔ Healing Isn’t Always Loud: Sometimes healing means grieving, letting go, and creating distance without explanation. That’s valid too.✔ For the Parents Listening: If your child has created space, this episode offers a compassionate mirror—not to blame, but to invite reflection and repair, if you’re willing.You’re allowed to choose boundaries over history and healing over keeping the peace. Even when it’s family.Let's Connect:. Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau/
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Episode 13 – As You Grow, You’ll Outgrow People
As you grow, shift, and evolve, you may start to feel like you no longer fit in the same spaces or relationships you once did. It can be confusing and even painful—but it’s also completely normal. In this episode, I’m exploring what it means to outgrow people, why it happens, and how to navigate the discomfort that often comes with it.Whether you’re noticing distance in friendships, feeling misaligned in your environment, or questioning long-term connections—this is a reminder that your growth is valid, even when it changes your relationships.This isn’t about superiority. It’s about alignment.It’s about honouring who you’re becoming—even when that means letting go.We’ll explore:Why personal growth naturally shifts your relationshipsThe grief that can come with outgrowing peopleHow to let go with gratitude, not guiltReal-life signs a relationship may no longer alignBoundaries, redirection, and choosing your peaceWhy it’s safe to evolve—and let others fall awayThis episode is for you if:You feel guilty for growing apart from peopleYour healing journey has changed what you valueYou’re craving deeper, more aligned connectionsYou’ve been told “you’ve changed” and felt unsure how to respondYou’re under no obligation to stay the same. You are allowed to grow, expand, and choose relationships that support who you are now—not just who you’ve always been.Let's Connect:. Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau/
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Episode 12: Turning Pain into Purpose: A Mother’s Mission After Loss
In this tender and powerful conversation, Belinda sits down with Rebecca Van Damme—mother, advocate, and heart-led changemaker—for a deeply moving exploration of grief, healing, and the transformation that can emerge from unimaginable loss.Rebecca opens up about the tragic passing of her 5-year-old son, Liam, in a boating accident—a moment that forever altered the course of her life. Together, Belinda and Rebecca reflect on the moments leading up to Liam’s passing, including the unexpected silver lining of her partner Josh losing a major client—an event that gifted them precious time as a family.This episode traces Rebecca’s journey through the raw, early stages of grief, the tools and perspectives that supported her healing—including Belinda’s retreat and the profound Two Circle Method—and how she and her family continue to honour Liam’s life through celebration, legacy, and purpose.From Liam’s Ledge to Liam’s Pledge to launching a National Safe Boating Kids Campaign, Rebecca’s story is one of fierce love, vulnerability, and courage. She shares her “three values she lives by,” the powerful Jar Analogy that keeps her grounded, and the gentle words she turns to in life’s hardest moments.This episode touches on:Turning personal tragedy into meaningful advocacyThe sacred pause before loss: noticing silver liningsBelinda’s retreat, the Two Circle Method, and their ripple effectsCreating rituals to celebrate a loved oneFinding clarity in your core valuesThe journey from pain to purposeWhat to say to yourself when you feel like you can’t go onHope, healing, and the path forwardConnect with Bec’s mission for Liam at:https://www.instagram.com/liamspledge/Let's Connect:. Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau/
Beyond The Surface unravels the layers with thought-provoking conversations and uncomfortable truths, covering topics like inner child healing, breaking generational patterns, trauma, nervous system regulation, limiting beliefs, conscious parenting, relationships, healthy living, and more.
Hosted by internationally recognized retreat leader Belinda Anderson, who has run retreats in Australia, Bali, and Fiji for over a decade, this podcast inspires you to heal, grow, and thrive.
Ireland