Beyond The Surface Podcast

Belinda Anderson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. 5d ago

    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

  2. May 24

    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

  3. May 17

    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

  4. May 10

    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

  5. May 3

    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

  6. Apr 26

    Episode 68: You Don’t Heal by Drinking, Numbing or Escaping Yourself

    In this solo episode, Belinda breaks down a post that reached over 100,000 people, not because it was controversial, but because it hit something real. We explore the difference between healing and the things that look like relief… drinking, drugs, staying busy, constant distraction, surface-level connection, and why so many people don’t realise they’re actually avoiding themselves. Because healing doesn’t happen in escape. It happens in truth, stillness, honesty, and real connection. In this episode, we explore: The difference between choosing something, and needing it to copeHow distraction becomes normal, and why so many people don’t question itWhy you can be surrounded by people and still feel disconnectedThe gap between surface-level conversations and real connectionWhy stillness feels uncomfortable, and what comes up when things go quietRelief vs healing: why one keeps you stuck and the other moves you forward“You can’t outrun it”… how unprocessed emotions continue to show upWhy people feel stuck even when it looks like they’re “doing the work”The truth about sitting with your emotions instead of numbing themHow your environment and the people around you either support your growth, or keep you where you areHonest questions to help you recognise your own patterns and behaviours If you’ve been keeping yourself busy, distracted, or constantly reaching for something to avoid what’s underneath… this episode will help you see it clearly. And once you see your patterns… you can’t unsee them. 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

    19 min

  7. Apr 19

    Episode 67: The Stress That Grows You vs The Stress That Drains You

    In this solo episode, Belinda breaks down the difference between good stress and bad stress, and why not all stress is harmful. Your body is designed for stress. In the right amount, it helps you grow, build resilience, and expand your capacity. But when it’s constant, layered, and without recovery, it starts to drain you, dysregulate your system, and lead to burnout. This episode will help you understand the difference, recognise your own edge, and learn how to work with stress in a way that supports you, not breaks you. We explore: The difference between good stress and bad stressWhy stress itself isn’t the problemHow stress becomes harmful when it’s ongoing and without recoveryThe concept of your “edge” and building capacity over timeWhy pushing too far leads to burnout and avoiding discomfort keeps you stuckSimple ways to recognise whether stress is helping or harming you If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly “on”… this will give you a clearer way to understand what’s actually going on. Because you don’t need less stress. You just need the right kind. 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

    20 min

  8. Apr 12

    Episode 66: The Best & Worst Thing for Your Nervous System: Your Environment & the People Around You

    In this solo episode, Belinda explores why you can be doing all the “right” things and still feel stuck. Because healing isn’t just about what you do internally, it’s also about your environment and the people around you. Your nervous system is constantly adapting to what surrounds you. So if you’re moving between moments of calm and environments that feel tense, chaotic, or unsafe… your body will keep shifting back into survival mode. This episode will help you understand why. We explore: Why you feel like you’re making progress… then slipping backHow your environment shapes your nervous system more than your intentionsThe “clean vs dirty fishbowl” conceptWhy your body is responding, not failingCo-regulation, co-dysregulation, mirror neurons, and the impact of the people around youThe difference between environments that challenge you vs drain and dysregulate youHow your internal work can start to shift your external worldPractical, realistic ways to create more safety in your everyday life, even if you can’t change your environment yet If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I hold onto this version of me?” this will give you a different perspective. 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

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Belinda Anderson
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Surface Podcast

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