Spiritually Unboxed with Leah Samara | The Spiritual Awakening Former 'Good Christian Girls' Need To Unlock Soul-Aligned Impact

Hosted by Leah Samara

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Jun 2025

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About the show

The Spiritually Unboxed Podcast™ with Leah Samara is the only resource for high-achieving female coaches, thought-leaders, and CEOs who are also former "Good Christian Girls" – who are stepping beyond the limitations of religious, familial, and societal expectations to live an unapologetically authentic and deeply impactful life. Each episode is specifically for women who are navigating both the business and their own personal growth and evolution to show up, shine bright and leave their mark on the world with soul-aligned impact. They also may be navigating a faith crisis , in the midst of spiritual awakening , or in the process of deconstructing religious beliefs and mindsets (sometimes the lingering effects of religious trauma) that have kept them from their true potential. We dive into what it means to experience an authentic faith and personal connection with God without the constraints of traditional religion —freeing you from the box of the 'Good Christian Girl Identity™ , and empowering you to lead boldly, authentically, and without burnout. Spiritually Unboxed covers everything from faith deconstruction and leaving behind religious legalism, to embracing God-given leadership and building a life that aligns with your deepest calling. You'll hear powerful stories from visionary leaders who have transcended life's challenges, broken through their unique ceilings, and are living their most impactful lives outside the box. If you're ready to redefine your faith, reclaim your identity, and live in alignment with your divine potential, hit SUBSCRIBE for fiery, unboxed conversations that will inspire you to step into your power and make a bigger impact! FREE WORKSHOP & OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/leahsamara

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28 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 291 hr 4 min

Death Of The Pastor’s Wife: The Good Christian Girl, Religious Abuse & Reclaiming Female Sovereignty #029

Send Me A Message There’s something I’ve deeply wanted to talk about - and haven't posted about. I wanted to record a podcast episode because some topics are are too big for a 400 word post on social media - and Death Of The Pastor's Wife - the Netflix Documentary about the horrible death and disturbing life that Mica Miller endured. This is my perspective on it all + religious abuse, the Good Christian Girl Identity - and what can happen when stories like this trigger something deep inside us. Because when you’re a high-achieving female leader, the impact can go far beyond feeling angry, frustrated, retraumatised or unheard. It can impact your purpose. Your leadership. Your energy. And ultimately, the impact you were born to create in the world. This is a really important episode for the woman who deeply knows she is here to create global and generational change - but who also knows what it feels like to be dysegulated and triggered by what she has experienced, what she has witnessed and what she knows needs to change. Because what do we actually DO with all of it? The emotions. The thoughts. The frustration. The anger. The desire for change. How do we channel all of that into something that is actually effective - without burning ourselves out, losing ourselves or God in the process? In this episode, I share my perspective on religious abuse, the Good Christian Girl identity and the two very different motivations that can sit underneath our drive to create change. And I explore what it can look like to ground back into God, reconnect with your purpose and find your way back to the impact you were born to make. Because being triggered doesn't mean you have to stop driving for change. And wanting change doesn't mean you have to destroy yourself to create it. There is another way. Let's go! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

June 23, 202547 min

From ‘Good Girl’ to God-Aligned and Glowing: Jenny’s Story of Spiritual Awakening After Religion - #028

Send Me A Message What happens when a high-achieving woman with a background in being a Good Christian Girl finally lays down the pressure to be everything for everyone… and learns to be her true self with God? Meet Jenny. A devoted mum, wife, and business owner, Jenny came into our work together knowing something wasn’t quite right. On paper, she had it all - success, family, faith - but inside she felt disconnected and drained. And caught in a loop of constant “proving.” She wasn’t looking to burn her life down! No - she just wanted to feel peace again. Clarity. Joy. And real connection with God and herself to begin rebuilding impact. ✨ In just a few short weeks inside my private mentoring space, Jenny: Let go of proving energy and started resting in her God-given identity. Forgave herself for “failing” as a mum - and traded guilt for grace. Felt closer to God than she had in over a year… and even started experiencing fun in her relationship with Him! Swapped mental chaos for trust, clarity, and the confidence to move with her intuition. Created a blank slate of contentment - and is now dreaming BIGGER, with the world at her feet. Her words? “I’m thrilled with all the progress I’ve made so far! I can’t even go through all the celebrations, there’s too many!” This is what happens when a smart, brilliant, purpose-led woman dares to do the inner work. When she says no to guilt, and yes to grace. When she stops asking who she should be, and starts becoming who God actually made her to be. This is spiritual healing without bypassing the real work. This is purpose without burnout. This is what happens when you co-create with Jesus. 💫 If you're a high-capacity woman who’s tired of feeling stuck in your head, disconnected from God, or guilty for craving more .. watch Jenny’s story now. It’s permission to come home to yourself. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

June 17, 202544 min

Business Energy Breakthrough After Burnout on Santorini: Jennie Reconnects with God & Purpose #027

Send Me A Message What happens when your dream life still leaves you burnt out, disconnected, and chasing approval —even in paradise? This is Jennie’s story. After an “absolutely horrible and unfulfilling” $10K+ trip to Santorini (her words, not mine!), Jennie knew something had to shift. She is a high-achieving Christian woman who wanted to live with purpose, feel connected to God, and finally use her gifts to create impact—but instead, she felt exhausted, spiritually blocked, and full of self-condemnation. That’s when she started working with me (Leah Samara)—and everything changed. ✨ In just a few weeks, Jennie: Released religious guilt and reconnected with the real Jesus—gentle, loving, present. Felt the unconditional love of God and herself, maybe for the first time. Sat with the emotions she’d avoided for years—and came out lighter, clearer, and energised. Found fresh vision for her fashion business that gives back to communities in Thailand. And—unexpectedly—experienced a complete shift in her marriage of 15 years . Her words? “Seriously, we haven’t talked like this in 15 years. I remembered why I loved him.” This is faith deconstruction with God, without losing yourself (or your faith). This is spiritual healing with clarity, purpose and power. This is what happens when you move from striving to resting in grace. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from God, exhausted by religion, or unsure how to build a life that’s soul-aligned and Holy Spirit-led - this story will give you so much hope! Tap the link to watch Jennie’s full story and hear how working together brought her back to God, her purpose, and her peace. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

September 17, 202452 min

Beyond Blood: Cultivating A Supportive Chosen Family with Renee Kohn #026

Send Me A Message UPDATE: taking a short break to focus on my health. Be back as soon as possible! LS x In this funny, gentle and soul-nourishing episode of Spiritually Unboxed , Leah Samara sits down with somatic practitioner and relationship expert, Renee Kohn to discuss the profound and often challenging journey of finding your soul family when familial or parental estrangement becomes a necessary path. Navigating the complexities of becoming estranged from family members by choice can be an incredibly difficult decision—one filled with emotional turmoil and a sense of loss. But through open and compassionate conversation, Leah and Renee aim to eradicate the shame often associated with this decision, offering a safe space to explore the possibility of creating a chosen family that are supportive, encouraging and loving. Renee shares how establishing a supportive, chosen family isn't about replacing those we've distanced from, but about welcoming bonus family members who nourish your journey towards an impactful, authentic life. In a world where high-achieving women often grapple with toxic familial ties and the weight of external expectations, this episode offers a transformative perspective on redefining what family can mean—beyond blood ties. With heartfelt guidance, they unpack the healing power of intentionally cultivating connections that support your God-given value and help you co-create a life filled with more peace. Tune in to discover how stepping into the freedom of choosing your own sanctuary of support can lead you closer to an unshakeable, authentic life of impact. Special Guest: Renee Kohn Website: https://reneekohn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneekohncoach/ Limited time offer: Renee is offering free 30 minute sessions to explore working together. Just contact her above via her website or social media. Renee Kohn is a relationship coach and somatic practitioner (trainee) dedicated to helping you regulate your nervous system and increase your capacity to feel safe in your body. She guides you to break free from the fight/flight/freeze cycle, releasing trapped trauma, and creating new neural pathways that support a soulful, liberated life. After overcoming her own childhood trauma through somatic healing, Renee was inspired to share the transformative power of nervous system regulation with others. She holds a master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica and is completing her somatic practitioner training with Somatic Experiencing International in San Diego. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

September 3, 2024Episode 31 hr 2 min

Faith Deconstruction & Finding God After Spiritual Abuse in the Church with David Ruybalid #025

Send Me A Message I’m so excited to share this conversation with you. For the first time on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast, I welcomed a male guest—David Ruybalid, a trauma-informed pastor and a passionate advocate for those who have experienced religious trauma in the Christian church. We dove deep into topics that are so close to my heart: faith deconstruction , faith reconstruction , and the journey of learning to trust God again after a crisis of faith . In this episode, David and I share our personal experiences of questioning and wrestling with faith. We talk openly about the complexities that come with faith deconstruction—how it feels to have your spiritual foundations shaken, and what it looks like to reconstruct a faith that is more honest and in alignment with God's loving nature. David’s perspective is full of empathy and wisdom. He has a unique way of understanding the journey of those who have faced spiritual abuse and the profound impact it can have on one’s relationship with God. David also opens up about the harsh realities of religious trauma, including spiritual and even sexual abuse within church communities, and how these experiences can shatter your sense of self and your faith. We explore what it means to walk through that trauma with grace and find a way to heal—honoring both the pain and the potential for growth. This conversation is about finding hope in the process of faith reconstruction. David and I create a safe space to talk about the hard stuff—the doubt, the anger, the heartbreak—but also the hope and renewal that can come from rebuilding a relationship with God that is truly your own. I hope this episode encourages you to see that you’re not alone in your journey. Faith deconstruction isn’t the end; it can be the beginning of something more real and fulfilling. David’s insights provide a path forward, inviting you to reconnect with your faith in a way that feels authentic, grounded, and empowering. So, if you’ve ever found yourself in a crisis of faith, questioning your beliefs, or feeling disconnected from God, I know this conversation will resonate with you. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love, even in the face of unimaginable pain. Join us as we dive into these topics with vulnerability and authenticity—because your spiritual journey deserves to be seen, heard, and honored. Listen now, and let’s take this journey together. ________________ David Ruybalid , a trauma-informed pastor and dedicated advocate, addresses religious trauma within the church through various mediums such as written works, speaking engagements, and podcast appearances. Specializing in guiding victims toward healing, he emphasizes resilience and recovery from the adverse effects of religious trauma and abusive experiences in religious settings. David accomplishes this by highlighting Jesus and illustrating how abuse in a Christian environment deviates from Jesus's heart. http://www.davidruybalid.com https://www.instagram.com/david_ruybalid/ Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

August 27, 2024Episode 246 min

God, Sex & Side Hugs: Reclaiming Sexual Pleasure After Purity Culture with Angela Griffith #24

Send Me A Message ** Not safe for kiddies or work** This episode is for the woman who’s done it all—achieved the goals, built the career, checked all the boxes—yet still finds herself weighed down by the shame and restrictions of Purity Culture . We’re diving deep into the parts of your life that often get ignored: your body, your pleasure, and the unspoken rules that have been holding you back. Join me as I sit down with Angela Griffith , also known as "The Christian Sexpert," to confront the lies that have shaped our views on sex and intimacy in Christian marriages. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your own body or struggled to find confidence in the bedroom, this episode will hit home. In this candid conversation, we break down: The Orgasm Gap: How this gap isn’t just about physical pleasure but reflects a deeper issue of self-worth that seeps into every area of your life. Reclaiming Body Confidence: It’s time to let go of the shame and guilt instilled by Purity Culture and start feeling at home in your own skin—because your confidence in the bedroom impacts your confidence everywhere else. Healing from Toxic Teachings: Even the most successful among us can be haunted by the toxic teachings of Purity Culture. We’ll unpack how these beliefs might still be affecting you and, more importantly, how to start healing and embark on a journey of Purity Culture recovery . Embracing Your Right to Pleasure: Pleasure isn’t just allowed—it’s necessary. We’ll talk about how to unapologetically advocate for your own sexual pleasure and why it’s a critical part of your overall fulfillment. Overcoming Double Standards: The double standards of Purity Culture have no place in your life. We’ll discuss how to recognize them, challenge them, and ultimately break free from them. Angela Griffiths brings humour and expertise as a Christian sex expert to a topic that so many women feel too ashamed to talk about. With over 100k followers on TikTok, she’s here to challenge what you’ve been taught and help you reclaim your sexual confidence. This isn’t just about sex—it’s about stepping into your full, authentic self. When you break free from the lies of Purity Culture , you open up space for deeper intimacy with your partner and yourself, greater self-worth, and the kind of confidence that transforms your life and work. PS. And yes, I didn’t blush once during this conversation—I’m owning it! LS x FOLLOW ANGELA GRIFFITH ON TIK TOK here. ANGELA'S WEBSITE: thechristiansexpert.com Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

August 20, 2024Episode 130 min

The Divine Pivot That Realigned Everything: Personally, Professionally & Podcast #023

Send Me A Message Leah Samara, the voice behind the Spiritually Unboxed podcast, makes a powerful return after a transformative 7-month hiatus with a message every high-achieving female leader needs to hear. This season opener is not just about a shift—it's about a divine pivot that realigned everything Leah does, personally, professionally, and in her work with this podcast. In this unmissable episode, Leah uncovers why traditional strategy and mindset work can only take high achievers so far and what you need instead to experience true spiritual, life, and work fulfillment. She shares how a single, profound message from God reshaped her entire approach and why this revelation is critical for leaders who are passionate about a cause, yet feel weighed down by past expectations and religious programming. Leah also explores the transformative concepts of Spiritual Wealth , the Spiritual Fringe , and God Wounds , offering fresh insights for women who are ready to break free from the need for external validation and step into their true, God-given identity. This episode is a deep, honest conversation designed to empower you to be radically authentic in your relationships, align your work with your divine purpose, and achieve the kind of unshakeable peace and fulfillment that only comes from God. If you're a high achiever seeking to co-create a more impactful life from a place of spiritual rest and peace, this is the episode you've been waiting for. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

January 16, 202430 min

How To Unapologetically Shine Bright As A Female Leader & Explode Your Impact #022

Send Me A Message I wanted this episode out into the world ASAP because I see so many of you high achieving, high-level INCREDIBLE and sparkly, vibrant leaders who are dimming your light down for the comfort of others. If others believe you're too loud, too bright, too opinionated, THAT'S OKAY. You weren't born to make others comfortable by dimming yourself down. You were born to be yourself, even while others may have big feelings, judgements, opinions or even melt downs. This episode is about showing up VIBRANT, shining bright unapologetically and living a deeply honest and authentic life while making ripples of global and generational impact. Take a quick second to leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritually-unboxed/id1671718531 Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

January 10, 2024Episode 2137 min

Faith Deconstruction: Spitting Out The Poison of Toxic Submission Doctrine #021

Send Me A Message Many women in religious Christian churches have swallowed the bitter poison of toxic submission doctrine.. .. that little phrase "wives, submit to your husbands" that sends ripples anxiety through many women that has often been administered to keep women silenced and compliant. As little girls we've watched as our moms had to submit to abusive, incompetent, negligent or passive men. We've dulled ourselves down and pretended we're not smarter than the men in our spheres (along with any desire or skill we have to lead). We’ve silenced ourselves as we’ve encountered men who’ve demanded it from us in the very spaces that should’ve been safest. We have felt trapped. We have felt powerless. We have been stripped of our voice and our brilliance as women in the name of this teaching. This has impacted the voices, self-worth and self-belief.. along with their ability to just have beautiful, safe, nourishing relationships. This is one of the major reasons women leave church, and walk away from God himself. Because how could an all-loving God expect this of us? THIS is why we needed to have this discussion. A deep discussion about the poison, scripture, the wounding, God's view and how we move beyond all of these triggers to have healthy relationships with men in harmony with God's original intention for us. Listen Now Scriptures Referenced in this episode - Ephesians 5:21, 24, 33 Genesis 3:16 Colossians 3:18 Titus 2:5 1 Peter 3:1-22 Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.

January 2, 2024Episode 201 hr 2 min

Thriving After Divorce: Tina Ravenhill On The 'God Hates Divorce’ Narrative for Women #020

Send Me A Message Tina (Kristina) Ravenhill grew up as both a Missionary Kid and a Preacher's kid. She went to Bible School in Texas, met her now ex-husband, had 4 children and then dared to file for divorce after years of narcissism and abuse throughout the marriage. Even in the face of being disowned by family, in laws and church community. Now free, she spends her extra time helping others come out of abusive marriages with spiritual abuse, using both her counselling skills and popular Instagram account (link below) with over 40k followers, and wants the stigma of divorce from abuse to be changed in the church mindset. In this episode we explore: How to break generational patterns and curses like domestic violence and creating freedom for future generations Taking ownership for and envisioning your future as a powerful female creator Being divorced and single in church The stigma around divorced and single women within the church and how we can better love this demographic Accidentally going viral on Instagram! Leaving an abusive relationship to find joy, freedom and peace Advice for women who are considering divorce from abuse Advice for women who are in the middle of divorce and custody battles with a narcissist or abuser Advice for women post-divorce who are finding themselves, their authentic selves, life direction and future. F o llow Kristina/ Tina Ravenhill on Instagram. Scripture Leah mentions during this episode: Psalm 27:10 - "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a show! In Apple Podcasts and Spotify you click the "Follow" button on the Spiritually Unboxed podcast page. Other Links: ▶️ FREE WORKSHOP: Break Free From The Good Christian Girl Identity™ 📔 FREE GUIDE/PLAYBOOK: The Hidden Psychology Of The Good Christian Girl Identity™ Click here for my LinkTree . Click here to follow Leah on Instagram. Click here to follow her on Facebook.