The Road Back Podcast

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 connection with others, and transformed the journey in ways we never expected! Let's stay connected!  Th...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 validating the changes of the season and creating flexible anchor points to foster a balanced summer as a family.  L...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 personal story, discover actionable steps, and learn how to partner faith with stewardship to bring financial gr...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 insights for parents seeking a healthier, love-driven approach to guiding their children's spiritual journeys. L...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 spiritual insights to empower parents on their healing path. Enjoying our podcast? Please share with a friend and rate/re...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 nuanced topic. Let's stay connected!  The Road Back Podcast socials: Instagram: @the.road.back.podcast YouTube: ...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 mentioned in this episode are (not an ad): Codependent No More by Melody Beattie Dr. Becky on Instagram  Eli Harwood on Instagr...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 of life. Let's stay connected!  The Road Back Podcast socials: Instagram: @the.road.back.podcast YouTube: ...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 personal growth. You don't need to know the entire path in advance – you only need to take the next rig...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 worthiness, and share tips to create a support system that allows you to expand your receiving 'container&apos...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 money feels the way it does for you, this conversation will help you start connecting the dots, and give you hope...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 insights to help listeners embrace a more authentic, grace-filled relationship with a God who’s much kinder t...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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, shame, and the transformative power of God's invitation into authentic humanity. Resources from this episod...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 beliefs, and the importance of self-worth in expanding one's capacity for wealth in all areas of life. We also...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 embracing desires as a roadmap to our Divine purpose.  Let's stay connected!  The Road Back Podcast socials: Ins...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 growth. The conversation emphasizes the need to stay authentic and supportive of oneself while navigating the cha...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering beliefs and the value of embracing the journey rather than fixating o...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 emotional health, and nourish the body, ultimately setting a positive tone for the day ahead. The conversation highli...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 is a natural part of the human experience, but suffering is a choice. The discussion highlights the importance of...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 mantras help us navigate life's challenges, embrace possibilities, and cultivate a mindset of empowerment....

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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-awareness, compassion, and incremental changes to foster personal growth in 2026. Let's stay connected!  The...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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, God with us. Through scripture, personal stories, and prayer, they encourage listeners to embrace God's per...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 the new year with clarity and purpose. From flipping through your calendar and camera roll to asking the deeper “Wh...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 codependency with God, sharing their personal experiences and insights to help listeners break free from limiting be...

Got a comment or feedback? Send us a text! 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 personal dreams, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and self-ownership. The discussion highlights the journey of he...