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098 | Faith Expansion, Awakening the Senses, and Alchemy Through Artistry with Stephanie Simmons

  • Emily Reuschel
  • May 29, 2024
  • 5 min read

Gather in Growth Podcast episode #001

LISTEN TO FAITH EXPANSION, AWAKENING THE SENSES, AND ALCHEMY THROUGH ARTISTRY WITH STEPHANIE SIMMONS ON: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choicePodcast


I’m honestly SO excited to welcome Stephanie Simmons onto the podcast today!


Steph and I connected at a retreat in Utah a few weeks ago, and it was nothing short of life changing. Steph is one of those people who makes you feel incredibly grounded and peaceful – just being in her presence is magical! She is an artist and videographer who loves weaving stories and telling tales through the art of cinematography and photography; she is passionate about stirring emotion, and shining a light on the sacred work of healing through the films she creates. Stephanie has been on her own incredible healing journey over the last few years; after going through life, ‘checking all the boxes’ like she was told to do, she made the very bold (and terrifying) decision to deconstruct her faith, and ultimately, step into her most authentic, whole, and aligned self. Steph’s husband and his unexpected hearing loss has also played a vital role in her story; this experience dramatically ‘flipped the switch’ for her when it came to her senses and overall health, and what ensued was the most powerful awakening.


Stephanie and I are talking all about faith expansion, awakening the senses, and alchemy through artistry. Learning to follow your intuition and step into your most authentic and aligned self can feel soo scary; it’s not easy to go against the grain of what everyone around you is saying and doing. Most of us are stuck living on autopilot – it’s much easier to simply ‘go with the flow’, instead of step outside of the box and step bravely into a life that’s actually worth living! Our society continues to push the masculine-driven, hustle culture that makes us feel like we’re never enough, and that we’ve always got to give to others – ESPECIALLY as women and mothers. What if instead, we were open to receive..and not be afraid to stand out? We were NOT all designed to be the same, boring, cookie-cutter person in this world anyway!


Taking the path to work on yourself and really dig into the hard stuff feels like HELL when you’re in it – it’s far from easy. The soul freedom and liberation that follows though, along with the expansion and acceptance of others is beautiful – it’s all connected, and it all matters. We were created to be in community with others, and we really can learn SO much from other people and their differences. Whether you’re on your own journey of faith expansion, or striving to live a life filled with authenticity, purpose, and peace, I know this episode will inspire you to keep going!


Stephanie Simmons is a light capturer, story weaver, and loves telling tales through cinematography and photography. Stephanie is a witness to healing, a space holder, a creator, and time turner. Combining music with images, she creates films that take you on a journey. Stephanie transports her clients back in time to sacred moments, to assist with integration and bring back precious memories. Her films sprinkle the planet with light and invite others to join the journey of healing and remembering. Stephanie is passionate about using her hands with pure intention to create films that touch the heart, stir emotion, and shine a light on the sacred work of healing.


In this episode about faith expansion, awakening the senses, and alchemy through artistry, we cover:

  • Steph’s story of ‘checking all the boxes’ in her life while growing up, to eventually, deconstructing her faith and fully stepping into her most authentic, beautiful self

  • Steph’s journey with finding videography + how she ‘flipped the switch’ and experienced a powerful awakening in 2020

  • Learning to follow your intuition and completely trust yourself + not being afraid to reinvent yourself along the way

  • Living authentically + the idea of self-confidence vs. self-worth

  • The significant role Stephanie’s husband has played in her healing journey

  • What it can look like to slow down and embody a ‘softer’ feminine energy, instead of the fast-paced masculine culture our society runs on

  • Why becoming your most authentic, aligned, and free self is a LOT of hard work, and not all rainbows and butterflies

  • The beautiful expansion and acceptance that comes when we’re not afraid of other people and their differences

  • Continually pursuing curiosity and honesty within yourself


Connect with Stephanie:


If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your people. Your support helps more people step into curiosity, ask hard questions, and reclaim a faith rooted in love, truth, and authenticity. Let’s shift the conversation—together.


Connect with Emily:

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More about the Gather in Growth podcast: 

Gather in Growth is more than a podcast—it’s a sanctuary for women coming home to themselves and each other. A sacred space to expand horizons, reignite our power, and live unapologetically as our fullest, most authentic selves.


Hosted by Emily Reuschel, this is a gathering place for the doers, dreamers, and seekers who crave connection, purpose, and meaningful impact. Through raw conversations and soul-deep reflections, we’ll embrace curiosity, step to the edges of our comfort zones, and defy expectations.


Picture this: women gathered around a fire, sharing stories with open hearts—connecting, healing, and evolving together. That’s the spirit of Gather in Growth. This is our space to awaken and embody the lives we’ve been yearning for—lives rooted in alignment, guided by intuition, and built with intention.


If you’re ready to move beyond limits and labels, cultivate deep inner trust, and courageously embrace the magic of who you are, then welcome home. Together, let’s Gather in Growth.


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If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Your support helps us reach more people who are ready to question, grow, and evolve.


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