The Road Back Podcast
The Road Back Podcast: Conversations to Guide You Home
Life has a way of pulling us off course — trauma, expectations, burnout, and seasons where we forget who we are and why we're here. The Road Back Podcast is a podcast for people in seasons of transition—returning to their bodies, their voices, their dreams, and their belovedness.
Join hosts Melissa Runacres & Desiree Amariei, two trauma-informed emotional health coaches, as they share candid conversations about identity, faith, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and even tools for navigating finances.
Expect practical wisdom, heartfelt storytelling, steps for rebuilding your life and reimagining your future, and moments that feel like sitting with friends over coffee—because you're not meant to walk this road alone.
New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss your next step forward.
Episodes
38 episodes
#37 – Surprising Lessons Podcasting Has Taught Us About Fear, Growth, and Trust
Join us as we reflect on a year of podcasting and the five biggest lessons we've learned along the way. From following our dreams to letting go of perfection, we share how showing up authentically has deepened our creativity, strengthened our c...
#36 – Moving From Chaos to Connection This Summer
In this episode Dez and Mel explore a practical framework for parents to approach summer with intention, focusing on self-awareness, setting realistic expectations, and cultivating meaningful connections with children. Join us as we discuss val...
#35 – This Budgeting Hack Transformed Our Financial Future!
Join Mel as she shares the ‘accidental’ budgeting hack she discovered that transformed her family finances. She’ll share how she combines practical financial strategies with spiritual principles to increase income and create abundance. Hear her...
#34 – Trusting God With Your Child's Spiritual Journey
This episode explores the complex emotions and beliefs surrounding faith-based parenting, focusing on overcoming fear and control to foster authentic spiritual growth in children. Dez and Mel help to reframe common misconceptions and offer insi...
#33 – From Overwhelmed to Grounded: Healing Codependency in Parenting
This episode discusses the journey of healing from codependency in parenting, emphasizing self-awareness, boundaries, and modeling healthy relationships. Join us as we share snapshots from our own stories, along with practical tips and spiritua...
#32 – How Codependency Shows Up at Every Stage of Parenting
In part 2 of this 4-part series, Mel and Dez explore the ways codependency manifests in parenting across different developmental stages, from infancy to adulthood. They share snapshots from their own lives and work to bring clarity to this nuan...
#31 – The Hidden Patterns That Are Draining You as a Parent
In part 1 of this mini series on codependency in parenting, Mel and Dez explore the roots of codependency, how one’s own childhood wounds can affect our parenting style, and the ways it shows up in our day-to-day lives.Resources mentione...
#30 – Advice to My Younger Self
Join Dez and Mel as they explore the wisdom they would share with their younger selves across topics like relationships, money, identity, and parenting. This conversation offers insights on personal growth, self-trust, and embracing every phase...
#29 – The 'How' Is Not Your Responsibility
In this inspiring episode, we explore the transformative power of stepping out on dreams without needing to know the 'how'. We’ll discuss trauma-informed approaches, trusting the process, and embracing uncertainty as part of spiritual and perso...
#28 – Receiving Without Guilt
What do you do when good things come your way? Can you receive them? This episode explores the topic of learning to receive (without guilt). We challenge belief systems that create roadblocks to receiving, discuss ways to expand our sense of wo...
#27 – What We Had to Unlearn About Money
We all have a money story—most of us just haven’t named it yet. In this episode, we open up about our own journeys with money, the beliefs we didn’t realize we were carrying, and the moments that changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered why ...
#26 – Four Lies We Believed About God (And What We Believe Now)
In this heartfelt episode, Mel and Dez explore common misconceptions about God's nature, the impact of religious beliefs on our emotional health, and how radical honesty can lead to spiritual freedom. They share personal stories and practical i...
#25 – What It Cost to Be the 'Good' Christian Girl
On this week’s episode: Dez and Mel share their personal journeys of deconstruction, healing, and rediscovering a healthy, loving relationship with God beyond toxic church culture. This heartfelt conversation explores the cost of perfectionism,...
#24 – Abundance Isn't Greed: Why Wanting More Doesn't Make You Selfish
Join us as we explore the concept of abundance, discussing our personal journeys from scarcity to a mindset of abundance. We’re delving into the limiting beliefs that often accompany financial struggles, the impact of faith on our financial bel...
#23 – Navigating the Nuances of Desire and Faith
Join us for a conversation exploring desires, particularly in the context of faith and personal growth. We share our own journeys of learning to understand the true nature of desire, the fears that often accompany it, and the importance of embr...
#22 – Who Am I to Think I Can Do This? (Overcoming Imposter Syndrome)
In this episode, Dez and Mel explore the topic of imposter syndrome. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the role of the nervous system in managing feelings of self-doubt, and the significance of taking small steps towards personal ...
#21 – Navigating Life's Transitions with Grace
On this week’s episode, Mel and Dez delve into the theme of transitions and change, discussing indicators that signal a need for change, the emotions that arise during transitions, and the barriers that can hinder personal growth. The conversat...
#20 – Your Daily Glow Up Starts Here: 3 Essentials for a Vibrant Morning Routine
In this episode, Mel and Dez explore the transformative power of morning rituals, emphasizing the importance of incorporating practices for your spirit, soul, and body. They discuss how morning routines can reduce decision fatigue, enhance emot...
#19 – More Mantras We Live By
In part two of our conversation about our go-to mantras, we delve into the transformative power of mantras centered around abundance and resilience. We explore how beliefs shape our experiences, emphasizing that life is abundant and that pain i...
#18 – Mantras We Live By
Join us for part 1 of this 2-part conversation on the mantras that serve as anchors for our personal growth and decision-making. We discuss the importance of self-trust and surrender, the power of positive affirmations, and delve into how these...
#17 – Beyond Resolutions: 7 Alternative Approaches to Planning Your 2026
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, Melissa and Desiree explore alternative approaches to New Year's resolutions, focusing on habits, relationships, dreams, spiritual health, and financial goals. They emphasize the importance of self-awaren...
#16 – Emmanuel: The God Who Draws Close
In this special Christmas Eve episode, Dez and Mel invite listeners to slow down and connect with the spirit of the season. They reflect on the themes of light in darkness, the longing for fulfillment, and the personal significance of Emmanuel,...
#15 – Don't Plan 2026 Until You Do This!
As the year winds down, we’re pausing to look back and reflect. In this episode, we walk you through our favorite year-in-review questions and simple reflection practices — the ones that help us gather the gold, honor the hard, and step into th...
#14 – When Your Faith Keeps You Small
In a world where our relationships are often shaped by expectations and attachments, it’s easy to fall into patterns of codependency, even in our spiritual lives. In this enlightening episode, hosts Mel and Dez dive into the complexities of cod...
#13 – What Happens When Your Dreams Threaten Your Relationships
In this conversation, Melissa and Desiree explore the complex topic of codependency, its impact on identity, and how it manifests in relationships and daily life. They delve into the nuances of codependency, particularly in parenting and person...