With almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry, author and recovery advocate Caroline Beidler, MSW, aims to answer this question while encouraging women in or seeking recovery to connect with their purpose and connect in community with each other.

Her new book (releasing in March 2023): Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery is a gritty and grace-filled story about the miracles that happen in the basement of the recovery community. Caroline brings a vulnerability and hope that is needed in today’s addiction and trauma-saturated world.

Caroline is looking for opportunities to share her own story of addiction, mental health and trauma recovery and bring her professional expertise to discuss the question: how can we support women searching for transformation and healing?… Read More

Karen Reynolds is a former teacher, coach, mentor, and a mental health thriver! She has worked with teens in a variety of settings from the classroom to the orphanage. Her travels to work with teens have taken her to Russia, Africa, and Haiti, however, she has spent most of her adult life with teens in the school setting. In those 40 plus years Karen has observed the decline in teens both emotionally and mentally. Many classroom students have become challenged to build healthy relationships and manage stress. Establishing a mental health diagnosis is often the road to recovery for teens. Yet, without a change of certain daily patterns, emotional health struggles continue.… Read More

Criticism can be tough, but Pastor Brad has some valuable insights on how to handle it with grace and grow from it.

We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections.

After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.  

If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com.

Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations.… Read More

Jeremy was a USMC Infantry Officer in Iraq, has received a Veteran Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Combat Valor, is a former pastor, and Co-Founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation (https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org). He founded Mighty Oaks in order to help veterans adjust back to civilian life and deal with PTSD from a Christian perspective. Here are some possible ideas for discussion with Jeremy:

• Roadmap for overcoming trauma and PTSD through the Gospel
• Using Jeremy’s experiences in war to explain how to move forward when you don’t know what to do
• How we can find purpose and redeem messy situations

We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections.… Read More

In this inspiring episode, Pastor Brad reminds us that life is made up of little things: being present in the moment, loving the people we’re with, and truly caring about them. These small acts can make a significant impact on our journey towards progress. 🌟

If you’re ready to slow down, let go of what’s holding you back, and step into a brighter future, I highly recommend listening to this empowering podcast. 🎙️✨

We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections.

After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with… Read More

Exciting Podcast Alert! 

Hey everyone! I wanted to share an incredible podcast episode that touched my heart and shed light on an important topic.

In this episode, Cristobal Krusen, the talented writer, director, and performer of the powerful movie “Let Me Have My Son,” opens up about his personal journey as a filmmaker and how his son’s battle with schizophrenia inspired him to create this moving film. 

“Let Me Have My Son” takes us on a gripping exploration of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and their families, providing a thought-provoking and dramatic perspective on their experiences. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the human side of mental health struggles. … Read More

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Tim Fall, a judge who faced the challenges of running for elections for judge, receiving a mental health diagnosis, battling suicidal thoughts, and caring for his ill father. Tim’s journey is a testament to the fact that it’s okay to admit when we have a mental health diagnosis. It doesn’t diminish our worth as individuals, Christians, or children of God.

We all need help, and seeking support doesn’t make us weak; it shows strength and a willingness to grow. Having the support of medical professionals, friends, and a Christian community is essential on the path to managing our mental health.… Read More

New Podcast Alert: Protecting Our Children and Supporting Survivors

The alarming number of men in jail for sexual abuse calls for our attention. It’s crucial to understand that there are underlying factors and trauma behind these actions.
We are excited to share a powerful podcast episode by Dr. Kelley, specifically aimed at parents. In this episode, she delves into effective ways to protect our children from sexual harassers and identify potential red flags. It’s an essential resource for every parent to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

If you have experienced sexual harassment, please know that you are not alone.… Read More

Hello everyone! I want to invite you to this inspiring podcast in which Pastor Brad interviews K.T. Griffiths, who talks about her book “Shhh…Mental Illness, The Silent Disease: A Mother’s Heart,” and her experience as a mother of a daughter with mental health issues. K.T. invites all of us parents to spend time with our children and, above all, to believe in them from an early age and to be attentive to the silent signals they may be transmitting.

How we communicate with them is important and let them know that we are listening and believing in their words. This is a lifelong responsibility, but hope is always the answer, and God is the answer.… Read More

Friends, We had an incredible podcast interview with Dr. Lubberstedt, where he discusses the rise in cases of depression, stress, and suicide among adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention, emotional regulation, and stress management are key measures to prevent mental health crises. Self-care is important for a healthy mind and body, as is creating a comfortable environment. Parents play an important role in the mental health of their teenagers, and Dr. Lubberstedt emphasizes the importance of listening to them. The church and Christian leaders can play a powerful role in helping young people feel heard and not silenced by their emotions.… Read More