Beyond The Surface Podcast

Belinda Anderson
  • 4.9 (51)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 4 days ago

    Episode 76: Breast Cancer, BRCA1, Lupus, Childhood Abuse & Healing

    In this powerful conversation, Belinda sits down with Megan Coburn to explore her journey through breast cancer, chronic illness, childhood sexual abuse, and profound personal healing. Megan shares what it was like discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 36, undergoing a double mastectomy, and later navigating lupus and a series of serious health challenges that forced her to completely rethink the way she was living. She also opens up about the resurfacing of childhood sexual abuse memories in adulthood, the impact of living in survival mode for decades, and the connection between emotional wellbeing, stress, and physical health. This episode is a powerful reminder of the body’s wisdom, the importance of self-advocacy, and how healing often begins when we stop pushing through and start listening to ourselves. What we cover: Discovering the BRCA1 gene mutation and being diagnosed with breast cancer at 36Undergoing a double mastectomy and later choosing implant removalLiving with lupus and navigating chronic illnessThe resurfacing of childhood sexual abuse memories in adulthoodGrowing up around significant family illness and becoming “the strong one”The impact of stress, suppressed emotions, and living in survival modeLearning to advocate for herself and take ownership of her healing journeyMoving to the Gold Coast and rebuilding life after adversityThe role of self-compassion, healing, and personal growth Please note: This episode includes discussions about childhood sexual abuse, cancer, chronic illness, and mental health challenges. Please listen with care. Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and add BTS10 for 10% off your first order. Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau Connect with Megan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megscob/

    47 min

  2. 14 June

    Episode 75: Surviving a Tsunami,  Breast Implant Illness, Body Image & IVF with Nicole Peterson

    In this episode, Belinda sits down with Nicole Peterson to explore her extraordinary journey from growing up in Papua New Guinea and competing as an athlete, to stepping into the modelling and beauty industry and navigating the pressures that shaped the way she saw her body and herself.   Nicole opens up about getting breast implants at 18, the years of unexplained symptoms that followed, and how discovering breast implant illness ultimately led to her decision to have them removed.   She also shares the heartbreak of seven years of infertility and 11 rounds of IVF, and the emotional journey of accepting that motherhood was not going to be part of her story. Nicole reflects on surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand, the PTSD that followed, and a later battle with Ross River virus that forced her to completely rebuild her health, lifestyle, and perspective on wellbeing.   What We Cover: • Growing up in Papua New Guinea • How athletics contributed to body image struggles • Modelling, the beauty industry, and the pressure of feeling “not enough” • Getting breast implants at 18, having three sets, and discovering breast implant illness • Seven years of infertility and 11 rounds of IVF • Surviving the Boxing Day tsunami and living with PTSD • Ross River virus and chronic illness • Rebuilding health through simple daily foundations • What wellness looks like in midlife   Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that even after life-changing challenges, trauma, and illness, it is possible to rebuild, heal, and reconnect with who you truly are.   Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and add BTS10 for 10% off your first order.   Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive).   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau   Connect with Nicole: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_peterson_lifestyle/

    45 min

  3. 7 June

    Episode 74: I Was a Stay-at-Home Mum Who Accidentally Built a 7-Figure Business

    In this solo episode, I’m sharing a more personal side of my story, how I accidentally built a seven-figure business, ran more than 80 retreats across Australia, Bali and Fiji, and why I’ve made the decision to press pause on retreats in 2027. This isn’t really an episode about business. It’s about intuition, trust, change, and learning to follow the internal nudges before you know exactly where they’re leading. I talk about starting out as a stay-at-home mum, waking from a vivid dream that led me to write my first book, choosing to self-publish instead of handing over control, and how one unexpected conversation in a hotel gym in Fiji opened the door to my very first retreat. What began as a one-off experience slowly became something much bigger, not through advertising, business plans or strategy, but through connection, word of mouth and simply saying yes to what felt aligned. I also share why I’m feeling increasingly disconnected from parts of the healing space online, where vulnerability, trauma and personal growth can sometimes feel packaged for engagement rather than genuine connection. This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have your whole life figured out before you begin. Sometimes clarity comes after the decision, not before it. Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and add BTS10 for 10% off your first order. Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau

    36 min

  4. 31 May

    Episode 73: Better Men, Better Dads with Dads4Dads Founder Johnnie Bedford

    In this episode, Belinda sits down with Johnnie Bedford, founder of Dads4Dads, a not-for-profit supporting fathers who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, under pressure, or are trying to rebuild their lives after separation.   Johnnie opens up about his own journey through relationship breakdown, identity loss, addiction, shame, and the fear of losing connection with his children. What became one of the darkest seasons of his life eventually led him to create a powerful mission: helping good men become better men and better dads.   Together, they unpack what “doing the work” really means beyond surface-level motivation, learning to interrupt old patterns, regulate emotions, take accountability, and heal the wounded parts of ourselves that often show up in parenting, relationships, and co-parenting.   What We Cover: • Separation, identity loss and rebuilding after rock bottom • Using alcohol and drugs to numb pain and avoid emotions • The moment Johnnie realised he needed to change for himself and his children • What “doing the work” actually looks like in real life • Generational patterns, parenting, and healing the inner child  • Why so many men and fathers suffer in silence • The mission behind Dads4Dads and supporting men through their hardest seasons   A raw and honest conversation about fatherhood, healing, accountability, and becoming the kind of man your children need. An important listen for men, women, parents, co-parents and anyone who has ever had to rebuild themselves.    Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and add BTS10 for 10% off your first order.   Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau   Connect with Johnnie: Website: https://www.dads4dads.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dads4dads_/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnniebedford_/

    51 min

  5. 24 May

    Episode 72: Equine Therapy: How Horses Mirror Your Nervous System & Emotional State

    Belinda welcomes Sharon Kolkka back into the studio to explore the powerful connection between horses, healing and nervous system regulation. Sharon shares how equine therapy helps people step out of the mind and back into the body, with horses naturally sensing and responding to what is happening beneath the surface. Together, Belinda and Sharon unpack presence, emotional safety, boundaries, people-pleasing, leadership and why horses can often reveal what words cannot. This conversation explores how horses mirror our nervous system, emotions and energy - helping people build self-awareness, trust and deeper connection with themselves and others. What we cover: What equine therapy is and how it worksThe difference between equine therapy and equine assisted learningHow horses mirror our nervous system and emotional stateWhy horses can help people feel grounded, safe and presentHow equine work can support trauma, anxiety, leadership and self-awarenessThe power of connection without controlWhy horses teach us about boundaries, trust and relationshipsSharon shares the incredible US program where incarcerated individuals work with mustangsThe role animals can play in emotional healing, regulation and helping us release what we struggle to speak A grounding and eye-opening conversation for anyone curious about animal-assisted therapy, emotional healing, nervous system work or the wisdom horses can offer when we slow down and learn to listen. Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and add BTS10 for 10% off your first order. Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau Connect with Sharon: Sharon Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sharonkolkka/ Sharon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sharon-Kolkka-100063944744786/

    50 min

  6. 17 May

    Episode 71: The Science Behind EFT Tapping with Dr Peta Stapleton

    In this episode, Belinda sits down with Dr Peta Stapleton to explore the science behind EFT, also known as tapping. Once dismissed by many as “woo-woo,” EFT is now backed by decades of research showing its impact on stress, anxiety, emotional regulation and the nervous system. Dr Peta explains how tapping on acupuncture points can help calm the brain and body, and why this simple technique is being used to support overwhelm, trauma, cravings, fear and everyday stress. Belinda also shares her own journey with tapping, from initially thinking it felt strange, to now using it personally and within her retreat work. Together, they unpack how EFT can help people process emotion, regulate the nervous system and create more emotional freedom in daily life. What We Cover: Why tapping can help calm the nervous system and reduce stressDr Peta’s first experience seeing tapping stop a panic attackHow she went from sceptic to world-leading EFT researcherHow tapping can support anxiety, fear, cravings and emotional overwhelmThe role of words and intention when tappingWhy EFT can be used discreetly in everyday lifeWhere to start if you want to try tapping for stress or anxiety Whether you’re curious, sceptical or already using EFT, this episode offers a grounded and science-backed look at why tapping is helping so many people around the world. Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and add BTS10 for 10% off your first order. Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau Connect with Peta: Website: https://www.petastapleton.com/ Evidence Based EFT Training &  Accreditation: https://www.evidencebasedeft.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petastapleton/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrPetaStapleton

    43 min

  7. 10 May

    Episode 70: A Mother–Son Conversation on Endurance, Men’s Mental Health & Growth

    Belinda sits down with her eldest son Hayden, just weeks after his 24th birthday and fresh off completing a 24-hour endurance challenge for men’s mental health. What started as a physical test quickly became something much deeper. Hayden opens up about pushing through pain, self-doubt, vulnerability, and the mental stories that arise when the body is exhausted and the mind is stripped back. They also explore why he took part in the Dads4Dads challenge despite not being a father, family, growing up, the influence of environment, learning through mistakes, and what it means to become proud of who you are becoming. In this episode, we cover: Why Hayden said yes to a 24-hour endurance challenge for men’s mental healthThe hardest physical and mental moments of the challengeWhat vulnerability looked like surrounded by other menLessons from Kokoda and endurance trainingHow family, environment and life experiences shaped himThe power of listening instead of fixingA raw mother–son conversation about growth, mistakes and self-pride With Mother’s Day approaching, Belinda also puts Hayden on the spot and asks: “What do you think I’ve done well as a mum?” This episode is a reminder that hard things don’t just test us physically - they reveal who we are, what we’re carrying, and who we’re becoming. Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: ⁠https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and⁠ add BTS10 for 10% off your first order. Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau

    36 min

  8. 3 May

    Episode 69: Adult Children Don’t Distance Themselves for No Reason

    In this episode, Belinda speaks to something that can feel uncomfortable… but matters. You don’t get your real parenting feedback when your kids are little. You get it later… when they have their own life, their own voice, and the choice of how much of you they want in it. And that part doesn’t happen by accident. This isn’t about being a perfect parent. It’s about something deeper - the connection, the safety, and the relationship that’s built over time… in the small moments, in how you respond, and in how you make your kids feel. Because there’s a difference between a relationship built on obligation, and one built on real connection. We explore: Why adult children don’t just “pull away for no reason”The difference between obligation and genuine connectionHow emotional safety (or lack of it) shapes long-term relationshipsThe subtle ways distance starts to build over timeWhy love alone isn’t always enough to create closenessThe role of rupture and repair in keeping connection strongWhy what’s not acknowledged often matters more than what happened This episode isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness. Whether you’re listening as a parent or as the adult child, it’s an invitation to look at what feels easy… what feels forced… and what might still be sitting under the surface. Because in the end, it’s not just about raising kids. It’s about the relationship that exists when they no longer need you… and whether that relationship is something that’s chosen. Podcast Sponsor: Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: ⁠https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/and⁠ add BTS10 for 10% off your first order. Connect with Belinda: Website: www.belindaanderson.com.au (sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow & thrive). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau

    18 min
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4.9
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Belinda Anderson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Belinda Anderson
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Surface Podcast

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