Fresh Hope For Mental Health

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Cody Deese, a pastor from Georgia and author of Discovering Your Internal Universe.

Cody opens up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, which began in childhood. At 40 years old, he received his first diagnosis of panic disorder — the moment that marked the beginning of a deep and challenging journey toward healing.

He shares how he tried numerous approaches — from professional help to various methods and diets — but his real breakthrough came when he began addressing unprocessed pain. By revisiting his childhood memories through imagination and reconnecting with familiar spaces from his past, Cody discovered that his anxiety was not his enemy, but rather an alarm pointing to pain that needed to be healed.… Read More

This week, Pastor Brad sits down with his long-time friend, Jimmy George, the Executive Director of Fresh Start Omaha!

For years, Jimmy served as a pastor at Relevant Church, and now he is dedicated to seeing people set free from the debilitating effects of offense, hurt, and loss.

In this powerful conversation, Jimmy explains the dangerous, subtle ways that unprocessed pain holds us captive. He describes how old wounds can manifest as:

• A self-focused life.

• A victimhood mentality.

• Patterns of self-sabotage.

• Negative thoughts and rumination.

• False identities built out of past experiences.

This episode offers a clear look at the common traps of unhealed pain and shows you the path to forgiveness and the freedom that Jesus intended for you.… Read More

Do you feel like a part of you is stuck in the past, carrying wounds you can’t seem to shake?

In this profoundly important episode, Pastor Brad welcomes Dr. Audrey Davidheiser—a leading expert who is helping people find deep soul healing.

Dr. Davidheiser, a licensed psychologist in California and certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist (PhD, Fuller), specializes in guiding survivors of trauma toward wholeness, including those grappling with the unique and often-misunderstood pain of religious trauma.

Drawing from her powerful experience—which includes founding a counseling center for the Los Angeles Dream Center and assisting in IFS trainings—she demystifies the revolutionary IFS model.… Read More

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Ruby Lucas, author and mental health advocate. Ruby was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, but her struggles with anxiety began much earlier in childhood.

Her teenage years were marked by depression, sadness, and panic attacks. While studying abroad, Ruby experienced her first manic episode, which led to her diagnosis. The following years were challenging—marked by denial, lack of proper treatment, psychosis, and even times when people took advantage of her vulnerability.

But God broke through. Ruby’s story is one of faith, hope, and recovery. She shares how God restored her life, gave her renewed purpose, and continues to sustain her journey toward healing.… Read More

In this episode, Pastor Brad talks with Katie Allred—professor, author of Church Communication and community builder. Katie shares her story of growing up in the church, the importance of community, and how faith has shaped her journey.

When Katie was just 18 years old, her father passed away, a loss that deeply impacted her and her family. Driven by her natural achiever personality, Katie pursued success, but eventually experienced corporate burnout. This season led to severe depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

In this conversation, Katie opens up about her path to recovery—what helped, what she learned, and how she now encourages others who might be struggling with similar challenges.… Read More

In this powerful episode, Pastor Brad sits down with Cristina Baker, author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus. Cristina shares her incredible story of redemption—one marked by a difficult childhood, abuse, homelessness, and addiction.

Years ago, Cristina encountered the miraculous love and power of God through a group of faithful intercessors who led her to Christ and taught her how to pray. Her life was radically transformed, and she now shares hope and encouragement with others through her testimony and writing.

Cristina is the author of two inspiring books: Hope in 60 Seconds and A Minute of Hope, where she offers short, faith-filled messages that speak life into the darkest places.… Read More

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Yvonne Borgquist, a mother whose only child, a 33-year-old son, is on the Autism Spectrum, Cognitively Delayed, and has Bipolar Disorder. Yvonne shares her journey of discovering her son’s diagnosis and navigating through challenging psychosis episodes during his teenage years. Today, her son lives in a group home, and Yvonne continues to find strength in the Lord throughout these experiences. Yvonne started a Special Needs Parenting/Caregiver Support Group at her church, Bay Presbyterian, and her involvement in the Key Ministry Prayer Team.

Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could be encouraged by Yvonne’s story!… Read More

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews singer-songwriter Josh Wilson, who recently released a new album titled “Mental Help,” which delves into mental health and his faith in Jesus. Josh shares his personal story, including his battles with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and how his music documents his journey, offering inspiration to others facing similar struggles. Learn more about Josh and his music on his website: https://www.joshwilsonmusic.com/. Listen to his new album here: https://lnk.to/MentalHelp. Don’t forget to share this podcast with friends: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.

Check out this episode!… Read More

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Miriah Rossow, a member of the Fresh Hope support group, who shares her heartbreaking story of overcoming homelessness and navigating life with a bipolar type 1 diagnosis. In her early twenties, Miriah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, leading to multiple hospitalizations and a challenging period where she became homeless for a couple of months during the winter. She recounts how a relative eventually introduced her to Fresh Hope, where she found the support and community she desperately needed. Miriah discusses the role Fresh Hope played in her journey to recovery and stability, offering insights and advice for loved ones of young adults facing mental health challenges.… Read More

In this episode, we replay sessions from our 2023 virtual conference, Voices of Hope. Tune in to hear Andrew Blackwood as he guides Christian parents through the Parental Peace Framework. Discover effective strategies to understand and address your child’s anxiety, motivate them to excel daily, and resolve conflicts swiftly and peacefully. Learn how to stay calm in challenging moments and listen to your children in “Their Voice.”

Don’t forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/. Click here If you would like to learn more about our Trauma Healing groups. … Read More