Christian Women Healing from Shame, Fear & Codependency: Real with Melanie
Christian Women Healing from Shame, Fear & Codependency: Real with Melanie is a faith-based podcast hosted by certified coach Melanie Reyes. It is aimed at Christian women dealing with mental health struggles, emotional healing, focus, and codependency recovery. Each episode mixes honest reflection, journal entries, and biblical life lessons, including the Open Letter series of raw letter-style episodes. The show also features guest conversations about faith, healing, and breaking patterns like people-pleasing and shame. It speaks to women who feel stuck, ashamed, or overwhelmed and want to move forward in God's plan.
Episodes
37: An Open Letter to the Woman Learning to Practice Emotional Sobriety
How do you practice emotional sobriety in everyday life when you still want to check, explain, rescue, or undo a boundary? In Episode 37 of Real with Melanie, Melanie Reyes shares how fear of missing out kept her connected to unhealthy friendships and a relationship longer than it should have, and the practical changes she made after detaching. From unfollowing connected accounts to stepping away
36: An Open Letter to the Woman Who Prayed for a Different Ending
Have you ever prayed for a different ending so long that waiting began to shape your choices? This open letter explores emotional sobriety for Christian women, codependency recovery, and trusting God when a relationship or outcome has not changed. Shortly after my divorce, I received what was presented as a prophecy about my marriage. I understood it to mean reconciliation was coming and spent the
35: An Open Letter to the Woman Who Needs Everyone to Be Okay
What if being the caring one, the dependable one, the peacemaker, or the person everyone calls is quietly costing you your peace? In Episode 35 of Real with Melanie, Melanie begins a four-part series on emotional sobriety for Christian women. This open letter explores how codependency, people-pleasing, fear of rejection, the need for reassurance, overexplaining, rescuing, and trying to manage ot
34: Christian Dating After Healing | An Open Letter to the Woman Learning to Choose Differently
What does dating after divorce as a Christian woman look like after you have spent years doing the emotional healing work? In this episode, Melanie shares what three dates in ten months revealed about dating after healing, relationship discernment, emotional safety, boundaries, and learning to choose differently. This Open Letter is for the Christian woman who wants love but no longer wants to los
33: What Do You Do When You Are Not Okay as a Christian Woman | Real Talk on Emotional Sobriety
What do you do when you're not okay as a Christian woman? In this episode I get honest about a hard week, two funerals, and what it means to stay present with your emotions instead of performing peace you don't feel… A little about this show: Real with Melanie is a faith-based podcast for Christian women navigating mental health, emotional healing, and the journey to wholeness in Christ. Every e
32: Starting Over as a Christian Woman | 5 Things to Hold Onto When You're Starting Over
Why do you keep starting over and never finishing what God called you to do? This episode walks you through the five things I make sure I have every time I start over, whether that's from divorce, a season change like empty nesting, or healing from past hurt and trauma. These five things are not a formula. They will not earn you a new life. They're the practical, day-to-day things I do while God d
31: Healing From Shame, Codependency & Alcohol | Why I Went Silent for 6 Years
Why did I go silent on this podcast for six years? This full-length episode is the honest answer, covering a toxic on-and-off relationship, codependency, alcohol, and the shame that silenced a faith-based coach from telling her own story. This is the most personal episode I have ever recorded. For six years I told you "life happened." That was true, but it wasn't the whole truth. In this episode,
30: Rejection and Self-Worth | An Open Letter to the Woman Who's Tired of Rejection and Shame
Why does rejection still make you feel like you're not enough, even when nothing about you has changed? This is the final letter in the Open Letter series, written for the woman who's spent a lifetime bracing for the door to close, in friendships, in family, in love, in every room she's ever walked into. This episode weaves in Lesson 8 of Kingdom Happily Ever After: How the Gospel Redefines Good E
29: Ignoring the Confirmation You Already Had | An Open Letter to the Woman Who Got Her Confirmation and Still Stayed
Why do I stay after I already know the truth? This episode is for the woman who got her confirmation, the proof, the pattern, the plain truth, and stayed anyway. Melanie Reyes, Certified Faith-Based Coach and your Focus Bestie, reads an open letter addressing emotional sobriety, trauma bonds, and identity in Christ for women carrying the shame of staying after they already knew. This episode explo
28: Breaking the Cycle of Going Back | An Open Letter to the Woman Who Keeps Going Back | Real with Melanie
Why do I keep going back to what I know isn't good for me? This is an open letter for the Christian woman stuck in a cycle, whether it's a relationship, an ex, or a family dynamic she keeps returning to even though she knows it's breaking her. In this episode: Why familiar chaos can feel safer than real peace The difference between the relief that follows an apology and the peace God actually o
27: Shame and Guilt | An Open Letter to the Woman Who Believes Her Past Is Her Prison | Real with Melanie
Why do I still feel guilty when God has already forgiven me? If you're a Christian woman asking that question, this open letter is for you. We talk about shame, guilt, and the difference between conviction and condemnation, and why your past was never meant to be a prison. In this episode I speak directly to the woman carrying condemnation for things God already redeemed, the one who has disqual
26: Comparison and God's Timing | An Open Letter to the Woman Who Feels Behind
Why do I feel behind in life? If you're a Christian woman asking that question, this open letter is for you. We talk about comparison, God's timing, and why your worth was never measured by a man-made timeline. In this episode I share the therapy question that exposed where I had built my identity, and how anchoring my identity in Christ, not milestones, changed my emotional healing. I also read f
25: Releasing What Could've Been | An Open Letter to the Woman Who Needs to Mourn | Real with Melanie
Are you grieving a version of your life that never happened? This is an open letter for the woman mourning what could've been, not the person, but the dream. The version of your life you built in your heart that God never showed up for the way you planned. If you've ever stayed loyal to a fantasy longer than was good for you, this letter was written for you. Faith, healing, and emotional sobriety.
24: Faith & Healing Podcast Returns | Real with Melanie Is Back After 6 Years
A faith-based podcast for Christian women navigating mental health, emotional healing, and codependency recovery is officially back. After a six-year hiatus, Melanie Reyes returns to Real with Melanie with raw honesty about why she stepped away and what's different this time. This short episode is your invitation back in. New episodes start soon, diving into shame, fear, codependency, and identity
23: How To Raise Children Who Are Grateful, Grounded and Prayerful
Gratitude is so important but particularly in times like we are currently facing in this world. Listen in as I talk with entrepreneur, mama, wife and author of The Gratitude Journal Jessica Lewis. Jessica helps parents develop appreciative, mindful and Christ-centered families in minutes a day. Grab her gratitude journal for kids here: www.amazon.com/shops/JessicaLewis Keep in touch with Jes
22: Got Enemies? Get Back At Your True Enemy
Got Enemies? Get Back At Your True Enemy: In today's episode Dominick and I discuss what it really means to have enemies, how should we handle offenses and how God does take care of his children. Dominick Garcia is the creator of the men's Bible Study named "Arm Yourself," and owner of Pure Love & Health Ministries with his wife Victoria, a ministry dedicated to helping men and women heal from p
21: Navigating Life & Love After Divorce
Today's episode is for everyone!! Whether you are navigating a break up, divorce or need to adjust some things in your marriage, I gave some practical ways to find healing and get back up from any traumatic experience. We all deserve healing. May this episode bless you! Wanna chat further? Email: contact@realwithmelanie.com IG: @msmelaniereyes Twitter: @msmelaniereyes Facebook: www.facebook.com/
20: Uncovering the Love of Jesus with Asheritah Ciuciu
Asheritah is a writer and speaker, wife to her high school sweetheart, and mama to three kids. She is the founder of One Thing Alone Ministries—an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus through creative and consistent time in God's word. Asheritah is the author of He is Enough, Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, and Full. Her writing and speaking has been featured on Focus on t
19: Interview with Enneagram Coach Beth McCord
Enneagram author, speaker, and coach Beth McCord is the founder and lead content creator of Your Enneagram Coach, a community designed to be a safe place for individuals to explore the Enneagram. With years of experience and a passion for coming alongside individuals, couples, and groups, Beth is leading the way in simplifying the deep truths of the Enneagram from a Biblical perspective. Her missi
18: Becoming Me Story
This week I decided to share the interview she recorded of me and my BecomingMe story back in March. Not only did I talk about what led me to my current process but I also shared the three things I have learned and put into action for my journey to freedom that not only I wish I would have done sooner in my walk in Christ but I believe every believer should be living out. Wanna chat further? Ema
17: Embracing Your Becoming Journey
In today's conversation, I get to chat with Emily Cummings, founder of BecomingMe.TV a platform created to help women pursue becoming who they were made to be, daily choosing to be her & sharing their story. Keep in touch with Emily Cummings IG: @EmilyBCummings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becomingme.tv/ Wanna chat further? Email: contact@realwithmelanie.com IG: @mrsmelaniereyes Twitter:
16: How To Cope When a Loved One Has a Serious Mental Illness
In today's conversation, I get to chat with Travis Jones, a pastor from Virginia who shares his vulnerable story as he gracefully adjusts to the emotions and stresses of loving someone with a serious mental illness and the importance of identifying practical ways to be supportive in the journey. Keep in touch with Travis Jones IG: @TravisSJones Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.jones.969
15: Mental Health and The Church
In today's conversation I get to chat with Brittney Moses a Los Angeles native, passionate about seeing this generation live wholeheartedly on purpose. While pursuing Clinical Psychology, she leverages her platform to reduce stigma, educate and assist with helpful information on mental health- especially for those in the church. Brittney is also a certified recovery support group facilitator with
14: Fight For Your Life
In today's conversation, I get to chat with one of my best friends Marissa, who I have been able to see in many seasons that include some good times, bad times and ugly times. It has been 16 years of seeing her life unfold and how God has healed her co-dependency from pills, depression, anxiety, and a lack of self-worth that stemmed from rejection and abandonment. Today she shares the 3 things tha
13: The Other Side: Freedom from Depression and Suicide
In today's conversation we kick off the Mental Health Month Series with my friend Richard Taylor, Jr. Richard's story of overcoming morbid obesity, depression, suicide, failing in college and domestic abuse, have struck a change within people throughout different walks of life. His message breaks cultural boundaries and challenges bias social norms. Richard inspires the masses to tap into their in
12: What Happens When We Obey
In today's conversation I get to chat with my friend John who is passionate about obedience and leadership. In this episode he shares with us what happened the moment he decided to be obedient to what God was asking of him. He also shares two practical experiences he is living out that every leader should be intentional with. Keep in touch with John Mejia IG: @John__Mejia & @nbplaceofhope Wann
11: Homosexuality: A Story of Redemption
In today's conversation, I am sitting with my friend Antonio who shares his powerful and redemptive story on how God pursued him and transformed his life through unconditional love and kindness. He learned that it is only through God's kindness that we are led to repentance. I feel this is one of the most important conversations I will have in this show. This episode is for EVERYONE to listen to,
10: It's Your Turn To Heal
In today's conversation we have Victoria Garcia, the author of Purity + Peace, a women's Bible study that provides a safe space for women to heal while learning truths from the Word of God. Today we chat about healing from past hurts, taking time to heal and moving forward. Keep in touch with Victoria: IG: @vrosa_garcia and @pureloveandhealth www.purityandpeace.com Wanna chat further? Email: c
9: #DOITAFRAID
In today's conversation, the tables are turned. I allowed my dear friend and prayer partner Ivonne Gonzalez to blindly ask me questions about What #DoItAfraid means in my life right now and about my rock bottom experience in the last two years. Resources to start a podcast: Pat Flynn's FREE Course: https://patflynn.lpages.co/how-to-start-a-podcast/ Breakdown of What You Need https://www.sidehus
8: You Can Be Saved and Not Set Free with JJ Vasquez
Today's conversation hits very close to home. This was my story for many years. I was crippled by sin but HIS LOVE set me FREE. Now I am personally on a mission to help others break free from their bondage. This is a topic that's sensitive to talk about, understand and accept. However, there is HOPE!! The local church is the HOPE of the world and that my friend, is YOU AND I!! Its time to be SET F
6: Three Keys to a Thriving Life
In today's solo round I share the 3 things that are keeping me align in my own space. I share my word for the year and how I am using it to keep me align, my 4 core values and how I am using them intentionally and the biblical affirmation to keep my focus. My friend, you were not born to coast through life, I hope this inspires you! If you lack good habits watch Journey Church sermon series call
5: Can You Still Dance With Broken Bones - Part 2
Losing her husband caused Cristina Mendez to hit the lowest of the lows but never allowed her worship to cease because through that worship God healed her bone by bone. It was through that roar inside that the Lioness stood strong and understood who she was. It was through her roar of worship that she is being restored. My favorite nuggets: Part 1 + Her definition of intimate worship + How God p
4: Can You Dance With Broken Bones? - PART 1
Losing her husband caused Cristina Mendez to hit the lowest of the lows but never allowed her worship to cease because through that worship God healed her bone by bone. It was through that roar inside that the Lioness stood strong and understood who she was. It was through her roar of worship that she is being restored. My Favorite Nuggets: PART 1 6:45 Her definition of intimate worship 9:30 How
3: Ditch Goal Setting, Let's Focus On Intentions!
In today's episode, we have Marina Howard, a holistic health coach and lifestyle photographer. Marina helps us understand the difference between goals and intentions, the importance of embracing multiple passions and how her faith has grown through prayer which has led to hearing God's voice during journaling. We end the episode with some great encouragement about the shift happening in 2019 and t
2: Fighting Insecurities, Whispers and The Approval of People
From sports and boxing analogies, laughs and inspiration, Joivan shares lessons he learned from Tyler Perry as a minister in Hollywood, the rock bottom he needed to become the man he is today and the 3 core values that keep him thriving from day to day. My biggest takeaways: 16:20 How comparison feeds insecurity 19:50 How Kingdom mentality drowns insecurity 20:30 Rock bottom experience that shap
1: Embracing Accountability
In this episode, we have a conversation with Life Coach Sandy Cortes. Accountability saved her marriage and now she shares her experience and the importance to have accountability our lives. My biggest takeaways: 5:30 - How accountability can change your life 14:35 - What's a practical way to find a good accountability partner? 24:00 - Encouragement to small group leaders I loved having this c
Intro to Real With Melanie
Social media influencer Melanie Reyes shares with you conversations with ordinary people making an extraordinary impact. It is her hope that you are left inspired to pursue your own hopes, dreams, and desires in the space where God has given you to influence.
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