Flip Flops and Freedom https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com Fine is not the same as free.

Most of us are living a life that looks fine on the outside, but inside there’s a quiet restlessness — a sense that there’s more. That we were made for something deeper, freer, and more alive.

Flip Flops and Freedom is a faith-based podcast for anyone ready to explore emotional healing, spiritual growth, and identity in Christ.

Hosted by Susan Metzger — a real woman with a real story and a real faith shaped through real-life experiences — this podcast brings hope and light into the everyday struggles we all face.

Each week, Susan shares honest teaching and encouragement on faith, emotional healing, spiritual growth, identity in Christ, relationships, and freedom from shame and rejection. That includes navigating family estrangement, rebuilding after heartbreak, and learning who you are in Christ when life has tried to redefine you.

Topics include:

  • identity in Christ and spiritual transformation
  • emotional wellness
  • healing from rejection, shame, and emotional wounds
  • family estrangement and difficult relationships
  • spiritual growth in everyday life
  • finding peace and purpose in messy seasons

This is honest, down-to-earth encouragement for real life — sometimes funny, always hopeful, and always pointing you toward freedom.

You are enough. Right now. Exactly as you are.

Hope and light for your heart and mind. New episodes every week.


Website: susanmetzger.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.metzger/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanametzger/

Parents in the Waiting Room Community: facebook.com/groups/parentsinthewaitingroom

Flip Flops and Freedom is for entertainment and encouragement purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice. If you are in crisis please contact the 988 Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:23:14 -0600 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Education:Self-Improvement 1440 serial Fine is not the same as free. Most of us are living a life that looks good from the outside. But on the inside there is a quiet restlessness. A sense that there is more. That we were made for something bigger than this. This podcast is for anyone who is ready to find out what that more looks like. Flip Flops and Freedom is hosted by Susan Metzger — a real woman with a real story and a real faith who has been through some real stuff. Every week she brings hope and light through conversations about faith, freedom, wellness, relationships, estrangement, and whatever God puts on her heart that week. Teaching and encouragement for real life. Faith-forward, honest, occasionally funny, and always pointing toward freedom. You are enough. Right now. Exactly as you are. Hope and light for your heart and mind. New episodes every week. Susan Metzger Susan Metzger No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12393697/Flip_Flops_Freedom_podcast8izo0.jpg Flip Flops and Freedom https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com 144 144 Fine is Not the Same as Free Fine is Not the Same as Free https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/fine-is-not-the-same-as-free/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/fine-is-not-the-same-as-free/#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 14:39:16 -0600 jrmetzgerphoto.podbean.com/2698f3ae-79d9-3baf-b353-5c64b93c2b8e What would your life look like if you actually felt free? Not someday free. Right now free. In this first episode of Flip Flops and Freedom, Susan Metzger introduces herself, shares how she went from fine to fully alive, and tells the unexpected story of how a step of faith led to a viral moment, a new ministry, and this podcast. If you are a woman who is ready for more than fine, you found the right place.

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> What would your life look like if you actually felt free? Not someday free. Right now free. In this first episode of Flip Flops and Freedom, Susan Metzger introduces herself, shares how she went from fine to fully alive, and tells the unexpected story of how a step of faith led to a viral moment, a new ministry, and this podcast. If you are a woman who is ready for more than fine, you found the right place.

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> FlipFlopsAndFreedom false No 147 1 full A New Version of You A New Version of You https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/a-new-version-of-you/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/a-new-version-of-you/#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 14:40:06 -0600 jrmetzgerphoto.podbean.com/80aded13-6d29-31ac-856f-be1c05832e96 80% of people over 45 want to make a significant change in their life. Only 6% actually do it. In this episode Susan Metzger makes the case that it is never too late to start over - and gives you the three steps to take today. From building a customer service department at In-N-Out Burger to founding a new ministry, Susan knows what it looks like to say yes to a new season even when you cannot see the whole plan. Spoiler: God does not show us the full path. Just enough light for the next step.

 

In this episode:

Why 80% of people over 45 want a change but only 6% pursue it

Susan's personal seasons of reinvention including In-N-Out Burger and a viral Facebook post

Why fear means you are about to grow not about to fail

Three practical steps to take today toward your next season

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> 80% of people over 45 want to make a significant change in their life. Only 6% actually do it. In this episode Susan Metzger makes the case that it is never too late to start over - and gives you the three steps to take today. From building a customer service department at In-N-Out Burger to founding a new ministry, Susan knows what it looks like to say yes to a new season even when you cannot see the whole plan. Spoiler: God does not show us the full path. Just enough light for the next step.

 

In this episode:

Why 80% of people over 45 want a change but only 6% pursue it

Susan's personal seasons of reinvention including In-N-Out Burger and a viral Facebook post

Why fear means you are about to grow not about to fail

Three practical steps to take today toward your next season

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> FlipFlopsAndFreedom false No 618 2 full You Are Not the Villain in Your Child's Story You Are Not the Villain in Your Child's Story https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/ep-3-you-are-not-the-villain-in-your-childs-story/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/ep-3-you-are-not-the-villain-in-your-childs-story/#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 14:40:34 -0600 jrmetzgerphoto.podbean.com/450b5312-686b-3698-8753-1e44f6d12fc2 One in four families experiences estrangement between a parent and adult child. And a growing cultural movement is making it worse. In this episode Susan Metzger names what is actually happening — the TikTok influencers, the toxic parent label, being convicted without a trial — and speaks directly to the guilt and shame that estranged parents carry in silence. You are not the villain in your child's story. Today we talk about why. And what to do about it.

 

In this episode:

  • Why estrangement is a growing epidemic and what is fueling it culturally
  • The difference between guilt and shame and why it matters
  • The neuroscience of why your brain keeps replaying the pain
  • Two practical steps you can do today toward freedom

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> One in four families experiences estrangement between a parent and adult child. And a growing cultural movement is making it worse. In this episode Susan Metzger names what is actually happening — the TikTok influencers, the toxic parent label, being convicted without a trial — and speaks directly to the guilt and shame that estranged parents carry in silence. You are not the villain in your child's story. Today we talk about why. And what to do about it.

 

In this episode:

  • Why estrangement is a growing epidemic and what is fueling it culturally
  • The difference between guilt and shame and why it matters
  • The neuroscience of why your brain keeps replaying the pain
  • Two practical steps you can do today toward freedom

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> FlipFlopsAndFreedom false No 503 3 full You Were Meant to Live, Not Just Survive You Were Meant to Live, Not Just Survive https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/life-is-better-with-the-doors-off/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/life-is-better-with-the-doors-off/#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 14:40:55 -0600 jrmetzgerphoto.podbean.com/96a92ea9-d5bc-3466-8683-b029d3076f37 Susan Metzger takes you off the pavement and into her happy place — a teal-accented Jeep with rubber ducks on the dashboard and geocaching coordinates loaded up. In this episode she talks about why having something just for you is not selfish, it is survival. And why God did not save you to survive. He saved you to live. Fully. Freely. Right now.

 

In this episode:

What geocaching is and why Susan is obsessed with it

Why taking time for yourself is not selfish — it is survival

The granddaughter memory that captures everything flip flops and freedom is about

One simple thing you can do this week to start living fully right now

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> Susan Metzger takes you off the pavement and into her happy place — a teal-accented Jeep with rubber ducks on the dashboard and geocaching coordinates loaded up. In this episode she talks about why having something just for you is not selfish, it is survival. And why God did not save you to survive. He saved you to live. Fully. Freely. Right now.

 

In this episode:

What geocaching is and why Susan is obsessed with it

Why taking time for yourself is not selfish — it is survival

The granddaughter memory that captures everything flip flops and freedom is about

One simple thing you can do this week to start living fully right now

 

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> FlipFlopsAndFreedom false No 619 4 full You Are Enough You Are Enough https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/you-are-enough/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/you-are-enough/#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 14:41:16 -0600 jrmetzgerphoto.podbean.com/652bd119-1635-3814-9168-930b113aecfc That voice that says you are not enough — not smart enough, not thin enough, not a good enough mom — where did it come from? And why do we believe it? In this episode Susan Metzger gets fired up about the lies we have agreed with for far too long and what God actually says about you. Spoiler: it is so much better than what the voice has been saying. This episode is about freedom in Christ and getting into alignment with the One whose opinion of you never changes.

 

In this episode:

Why we believe the not enough lie and who planted it

The spiritual strategy behind keeping you feeling less than

The difference between guilt and shame and why it matters

What God actually says about you — the But God list

Two practical steps to get into alignment with truth this week

 

Scripture referenced:

Romans 8:1 — There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> That voice that says you are not enough — not smart enough, not thin enough, not a good enough mom — where did it come from? And why do we believe it? In this episode Susan Metzger gets fired up about the lies we have agreed with for far too long and what God actually says about you. Spoiler: it is so much better than what the voice has been saying. This episode is about freedom in Christ and getting into alignment with the One whose opinion of you never changes.

 

In this episode:

Why we believe the not enough lie and who planted it

The spiritual strategy behind keeping you feeling less than

The difference between guilt and shame and why it matters

What God actually says about you — the But God list

Two practical steps to get into alignment with truth this week

 

Scripture referenced:

Romans 8:1 — There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

 

Connect with Susan:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK 

PARENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM COMMUNITY

]]> FlipFlopsAndFreedom false No 626 5 full The Difference Between “I Have” and “I Am” | Breaking Free From Shame-Based Identity The Difference Between “I Have” and “I Am” | Breaking Free From Shame-Based Identity https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/the-difference-between-i-have-and-i-am-breaking-free-from-shame-based-identity/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/the-difference-between-i-have-and-i-am-breaking-free-from-shame-based-identity/#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 -0600 flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/16bdeb53-b7e4-3283-8f9b-290238ddb3a6 Struggling with identity, self-worth, rejection, or shame? In this powerful episode of Flip Flops and Freedom, Susan Metzger explores the life-changing difference between the words “I have” and “I am” — and how those two phrases shape your identity, emotional healing, and spiritual freedom.

If you’ve experienced heartbreak, family estrangement, abandonment, loss, or deep disappointment, this episode will help you stop defining yourself by what happened to you and start seeing yourself through God’s truth.

You may have experienced rejection. You may have experienced betrayal. You may have experienced pain.

But that is not who you are.

Discover how your brain searches for evidence to confirm your beliefs, why identity matters in emotional healing, and what the Bible says about your true identity in Christ.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • how to break free from shame-based thinking

  • why your thoughts reinforce your identity

  • how faith and neuroscience work together

  • biblical truth about being chosen, loved, and redeemed

This episode is for people seeking emotional healing, spiritual growth, identity transformation, and hope after rejection.

Because you are not defined by what you have experienced. You are defined by whose you are.

]]> Struggling with identity, self-worth, rejection, or shame? In this powerful episode of Flip Flops and Freedom, Susan Metzger explores the life-changing difference between the words “I have” and “I am” — and how those two phrases shape your identity, emotional healing, and spiritual freedom.

If you’ve experienced heartbreak, family estrangement, abandonment, loss, or deep disappointment, this episode will help you stop defining yourself by what happened to you and start seeing yourself through God’s truth.

You may have experienced rejection.
You may have experienced betrayal.
You may have experienced pain.

But that is not who you are.

Discover how your brain searches for evidence to confirm your beliefs, why identity matters in emotional healing, and what the Bible says about your true identity in Christ.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • how to break free from shame-based thinking

  • why your thoughts reinforce your identity

  • how faith and neuroscience work together

  • biblical truth about being chosen, loved, and redeemed

This episode is for people seeking emotional healing, spiritual growth, identity transformation, and hope after rejection.

Because you are not defined by what you have experienced.
You are defined by whose you are.

]]> Susan Metzger false No 916 6 full When You Feel Unseen | Biblical Encouragement for Hidden Seasons When You Feel Unseen | Biblical Encouragement for Hidden Seasons https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/when-you-feel-unseen-biblical-encouragement-for-hidden-seasons/ https://flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/e/when-you-feel-unseen-biblical-encouragement-for-hidden-seasons/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:23:14 -0600 flipflopsandfreedom.podbean.com/3fecf2cb-2700-3e4c-be37-6d8621dbbb54 Feeling invisible, overlooked, or forgotten? This encouraging episode of Flip Flops and Freedom is for anyone who feels unseen in family relationships, friendships, work, ministry, or seasons of estrangement.

David was the youngest son, left in the fields while his brothers were noticed and celebrated. But God used David’s hidden faithfulness to prepare him for his calling and purpose.

In this episode, Susan Metzger explores:

  • what to do when you feel overlooked
  • how God works in hidden seasons
  • why faithfulness still matters when nobody notices
  • encouragement for anyone experiencing rejection or estrangement
  • why feeling invisible does not mean you are disqualified

If you’ve ever wondered whether your prayers, efforts, sacrifices, or faithfulness even matter, this message will remind you that God sees what others miss.

This episode speaks to anyone navigating:

  • family estrangement
  • rejection and loneliness
  • emotional exhaustion
  • spiritual discouragement
  • identity and self-worth struggles
  • hidden seasons of waiting

Because being overlooked by people does not mean you are overlooked by God.

Your hidden faithfulness is not wasted. And faithful people are unstoppable.

]]> Feeling invisible, overlooked, or forgotten? This encouraging episode of Flip Flops and Freedom is for anyone who feels unseen in family relationships, friendships, work, ministry, or seasons of estrangement.

David was the youngest son, left in the fields while his brothers were noticed and celebrated. But God used David’s hidden faithfulness to prepare him for his calling and purpose.

In this episode, Susan Metzger explores:

  • what to do when you feel overlooked
  • how God works in hidden seasons
  • why faithfulness still matters when nobody notices
  • encouragement for anyone experiencing rejection or estrangement
  • why feeling invisible does not mean you are disqualified

If you’ve ever wondered whether your prayers, efforts, sacrifices, or faithfulness even matter, this message will remind you that God sees what others miss.

This episode speaks to anyone navigating:

  • family estrangement
  • rejection and loneliness
  • emotional exhaustion
  • spiritual discouragement
  • identity and self-worth struggles
  • hidden seasons of waiting

Because being overlooked by people does not mean you are overlooked by God.

Your hidden faithfulness is not wasted.
And faithful people are unstoppable.

]]> Susan Metzger false No 704 7 full