Podcasts about finding hope

Luke Rosen was working as an actor and writer in New York when his daughter Susannah was diagnosed with KIF1A, an ultra-rare neurodegenerative condition. It's often fatal. At the time they received Susannah's diagnosis, Luke and his wife Sally didn't have much hope. There was no treatment for KIF1A, and there wasn't much work being done on it among researchers. But Luke, one of the most optimistic people you'll ever meet, did what so many parents of children with rare diseases do...he threw himself at the problem. He and Sally started the KIF1A.org Foundation so they could start building research that could go towards finding a treatment for their daughter.  It was the beginning of a long journey for the family. Ultimately, that journey led them to the n-Lorem Foundation, an organization founded by CNBC Cures Advisory Board member Dr. Stan Crooke that offers free ASO treatments to individuals with nano-rare diseases. Thirty years in the making, Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology bridges genomic discovery to personalized medicine one patient at a time. Because of the work done by n-Lorem, Susannah is now receiving treatment for her KIF1A. Luke says the treatments helped for while, though he's now worried the disease is catching up.For more about Susannah's story: visit: https://www.kif1a.org/n-lorem's work is here: https://www.nlorem.org/ Join us in advancing awareness and understanding of rare diseases. Visit CNBC.com/Cures to access clips, resources, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter.  Follow Becky Quick on X: @BeckyQuickPlease share your thoughts or rare disease story in the comments, and join us on The Path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover how to navigate the "valleys" of life with Steve Sewell, a renowned Author, Speaker, and Grief Specialist who has dedicated his life to walking alongside others through crisis. Steve shares profound insights on why naming your grief is the first step toward healing and how leaders can banish management burnout by learning to "go to work, but live at home". This episode offers a unique perspective on leadership, revealing how acknowledging our own personal losses can become a powerful tool for mentoring and supporting those we lead.Guest Links:Steve's LinkedInEncouraging Hope, Inc.Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

In this podcast, Mark Cravens, podcast host, shares how God is there to give you strength and hope when life hits rock bottom.  By sharing his family's journey through a tough season of life, he shows the grace and faithfulness of God that was there for his family and how it can be experienced by you as well. https://www.hopealongthejourney.net⁠https://www.facebook.com/HopeAlongTheJourney⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hopealongthejourney

Send us a textThe headlines won't slow down, and neither will the knot in your chest, anger, grief, fear, and that creeping numbness that pretends it's relief. We go straight at those feelings, not to minimize them, but to name them as signs your empathy still works. From there, we draw a line from Scripture to our moment: Jesus moving through a charged, divided world; a crowd swayed to choose Barabbas; Isaiah's warning about a nation busy with religion but empty on justice. The pattern is old: fear manipulates, innocence pays, and power protects its pockets. Naming it clearly is the first act of courage.We don't stop at diagnosis. We talk about redemptive anger that refuses cruelty, and the nervous system care that makes it possible. Breathwork, walks, sunlight, and limits on doom scrolling help you drop out of fight or flight so you can act with wisdom. We share practical, local moves: listen before you post, speak truth without spite, support a family under pressure, serve at a pantry or school, and pray with intention that nudges you toward courage. If public protest fits your wiring, go in peace; if not, serve where you're steady and safe. Community is essential, find the friend you can hike with and cry with, the circle where silence and prayer can hold what words can't.Most of all, we anchor in meaning over outcomes. We can't undo a decade of damage overnight, and another election won't heal our hearts. But ordinary goodness, quiet, stubborn, and daily, keeps compassion alive. Ask what is yours to carry and what belongs to God. You can feel anger without becoming cruel, grieve without losing hope, and feel fear without letting it run your life. If you're ready to turn outrage into mercy and helplessness into small, faithful steps that matter, press play and walk with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs steadiness today, and leave a review to help others find the conversation.Connect with Leslie: Follow on IG: @yourjoyfulorderstyle Website: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/Email: lmartinez@yourjoyfulorder.com to schedule- Speaking Events, Interviews or Life Coaching SessionsShop my SOAP Journal & Digital Products: https://shopjoyfulorder.com/Watch this Episode on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXoAYIM2mfclNtYiaOzIUw Shop my Gratitude, Goals & Prayer Journal on Amazon:https://a.co/d/09Djvaw

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Finding Hope in the Amazon: A Chronicle of Conservation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-01-29-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: In het hart van het Surinaamse deel van het Amazonewoud, waar de lucht altijd vochtig is en de vegetatie rijk en groen, werkten Lotte en Bram.En: In the heart of the Surinaamse part of the Amazon forest, where the air is always humid and the vegetation lush and green, Lotte and Bram worked.Nl: Ze waren ecologen, verbeten strijdbaar voor de natuur.En: They were ecologists, fiercely fighting for nature.Nl: Hun missie was duidelijk: de lokale plantensoorten documenteren en behouden.En: Their mission was clear: to document and preserve local plant species.Nl: Lotte had veel te bewijzen.En: Lotte had much to prove.Nl: Haar vorige projecten waren onsuccesvol geweest en nu wilde ze alles op alles zetten om een nieuwe plantensoort te ontdekken.En: Her previous projects had been unsuccessful, and now she wanted to go all out to discover a new plant species.Nl: Dit zou niet alleen haar reputatie herstellen, maar ook aantonen hoe belangrijk behoud was.En: This would not only restore her reputation but also demonstrate the importance of conservation.Nl: Bram, meer ervaren, stond vaak stil bij de machteloze strijd tegen ontbossing.En: Bram, more experienced, often reflected on the helpless struggle against deforestation.Nl: De immense bomen leken gedoemd te verdwijnen voor de houthakkers die dreigend dichterbij kwamen.En: The immense trees seemed doomed to disappear for the loggers who were threateningly approaching.Nl: Toch zocht hij in de natuur naar troost voor zijn persoonlijke verdriet.En: Yet, he sought comfort for his personal sorrow in nature.Nl: De gemeenschap leefde in harmonie met hun omgeving, maar ze waren voorzichtig met buitenstaanders.En: The community lived in harmony with their environment, but they were cautious with outsiders.Nl: Hun vertrouwen winnen was niet eenvoudig.En: Gaining their trust wasn't simple.Nl: Lotte begreep dat en besloot zich volledig onder te dompelen in hun cultuur.En: Lotte understood this and decided to fully immerse herself in their culture.Nl: Ze leerde hun gebruiken kennen, at hun eten en luisterde naar hun verhalen.En: She learned their customs, ate their food, and listened to their stories.Nl: Terwijl de hitte van de zuidelijke zomer op zijn piek was, onderzochten Lotte en Bram het woud, vaak begeleid door kinderen uit de gemeenschap.En: As the heat of the southern summer was at its peak, Lotte and Bram explored the forest, often accompanied by children from the community.Nl: Op een namiddag, terwijl de zonsondergang oranje lagen op de bladeren schilderde, merkten ze iets op.En: One afternoon, as the sunset painted orange layers on the leaves, they noticed something.Nl: Tussen de varens en lianen stond een plant die ze nog nooit eerder hadden gezien.En: Among the ferns and vines was a plant they had never seen before.Nl: De bladeren dansten in de wind, met bloemen die een zeldzame blauwe glans hadden.En: The leaves danced in the wind, with flowers having a rare blue glow.Nl: Opgetogen maakten ze foto's, namen monsters en noteerden hun bevindingen.En: Elated, they took photos, collected samples, and noted their findings.Nl: Net op dat moment hoorden ze de geluiden van machines in de verte.En: At that moment, they heard the sounds of machines in the distance.Nl: Houthakkers waren dichtbij.En: Loggers were nearby.Nl: Met een haastige glimlach op hun gezichten haastten ze zich terug naar het dorp.En: With hurried smiles on their faces, they rushed back to the village.Nl: Lotte en Bram spraken met de gemeenschap, toonden hun vondst en legden de waarde ervan uit.En: Lotte and Bram spoke with the community, showed their discovery, and explained its value.Nl: De leiders luisterden aandachtig, en tot hun opluchting wisten ze de gemeenschap te overtuigen om hun zijde te kiezen.En: The leaders listened attentively, and to their relief, they managed to convince the community to side with them.Nl: Samen dienden ze een verzoek in om de ontbossing tijdelijk te stoppen.En: Together, they submitted a request to temporarily halt the deforestation.Nl: Deze vondst was niet alleen voor hen een overwinning.En: This discovery was not just a victory for them.Nl: Het gaf Lotte en Bram het geloof dat ze nodig hadden.En: It gave Lotte and Bram the belief they needed.Nl: Voor Lotte was het het herwinnen van haar zelfvertrouwen en een nieuw respect voor samenwerking met de lokale bevolking.En: For Lotte, it was a regaining of her self-confidence and a new respect for collaboration with the local people.Nl: Voor Bram was het een hernieuwde hoop dat hun werk daadwerkelijk een verschil kon maken.En: For Bram, it was renewed hope that their work could truly make a difference.Nl: De rust keerde terug in het dorp terwijl de zon langzaam onderging.En: Calm returned to the village as the sun slowly set.Nl: Het geluid van de regenwoud faalde nooit, de ritmische zang van de krekels, en de zachte fluister van de bomen vertelden een verhaal van volharding en hoop.En: The sound of the rainforest never ceased, the rhythmic song of the crickets, and the gentle whisper of the trees told a story of perseverance and hope.Nl: Lotte en Bram wisten dat ze samen sterker waren, zowel voor zichzelf als voor de wereld die ze probeerden te beschermen.En: Lotte and Bram knew that together they were stronger, both for themselves and for the world they were trying to protect. Vocabulary Words:heart: harthumid: vochtigvegetation: vegetatielush: rijkecologists: ecologenfiercely: verbetendeforestation: ontbossingdoomed: gedoemdloggers: houthakkersthreateningly: dreigendcomfort: troosthelpless: machtelooscautious: voorzichtigimmerse: onderdompelenaccompanied: begeleiddiscover: ontdekkenglow: glanselated: opgetogensamples: monstersattentively: aandachtigrelief: opluchtingconvince: overtuigencollaboration: samenwerkingperseverance: volhardingrenewed: hernieuwdereputation: reputatiesorrow: verdrietharmony: harmoniecustoms: gebruikennoted: noteerden

This week Jonathan and Brad lead a discussion grief and loving those who grieve. We also read emails from the Email Corridor! JM's Album Of The Week: John-Mark Dorough - Stella PURCHASE ON BANDCAMP Bradford's Book Club: Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart

In this episode of Healing Generations, hosts Francisco Gallardo and Michelle Gonzalez engage in a heartfelt conversation with guest Ezell Humphrey-Grant. They discuss the importance of community healing, cultural values, and the role of mentorship in fostering resilience among youth. Ezell shares his personal journey from struggle to advocacy, emphasizing the need for support and connection within communities. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing one's strength, navigating adversity, and the transformative power of hope. Listeners are encouraged to engage with their communities and seek healing through shared experiences and cultural practices.   For more on Movement 4 Life, visit: https://movement4life.org/ For more on Sierra Health Foundation, visit: https://www.sierrahealth.org/   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 07:41 Welcoming Michelle Gonzalez 10:03 Ezell's Journey and Community Advocacy 13:53 Cultural Values and Healing Practices 19:29 Sharing Resilience and Healing with the Community 25:58 Navigating Adversity and Finding Hope 33:52 Strategies for Community Engagement and Support 38:26 Aha Moment and Personal Transformation 46:52 Encouragement for Those Starting Their Healing Journey 52:17 Closing Thoughts and Community Resources   To learn more about the National Compadres Network, please visit: Website: https://nationalcompadresnetwork.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.cultura.cura/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/laculturacura Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/national.compadres.network Email: HGP@compadresnetwork.org 

What if your darkest chapter wasn't the end of your story—but the beginning of something new?In this honest and hope-filled episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Leeana Tankersley to talk about what it looks like to hope in the middle of devastation, rebuild when life falls apart, and welcome new possibilities after loss, disappointment, or unraveling. Leeana shares wisdom from her own journey as a writer and woman of faith, inviting us to release our grip on hoping for specific outcomes and instead learn how to hope in God—especially when the future feels uncertain.Whether you're walking through your darkest chapter, piecing your life back together, or standing on the edge of something unknown, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: beginning again is holy work, and you're not behind.Meet LeeanaLeeana Tankersley is a writer, editor, university writing professor, and the author of six books including Brazen, Breathing Room, Begin Again, and Hope Anyway. With two English degrees and over two decades of experience in faith-centered storytelling, Leeana helps women step out of hiding, reclaim their voice, and live fully. Her work has been featured in CNN, Huffington Post, and Publishers Weekly. She lives in Central Virginia with her three teenagers and her mischievous Labradoodle, Rosie.In This Episode, You'll LearnHow to hold hope in the face of your darkest chapterWhat rebuilding your life can look like after everything falls apartWhy letting go of hoping for can open the door to hoping inHow to welcome new possibilities when the future feels fragileWhy beginning again is not failure—but faithHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf your life feels like it's in pieces—or you're wondering how to keep going when hope feels thin—this episode will meet you with compassion and clarity. You'll be reminded that God is still at work, even here, and that no matter how many times your story has been rewritten, always, we begin again.Connect with Leeana - Website | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow's New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide

How can we find hope through trials? Gina Fox, founder of the Anchored by the Sword ministry and award-winning author of Anchored in Freedom, relates from her deeply personal journey through infertility, loss, and mental health struggles, and opens up about how she discovered hope even in her darkest moments. Together, host Tina Yeager and Gina Fox explore the power of faith, authentic support, and the importance of not comparing one person's pain to another. Whether you're in the midst of your own trial or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement to help you find light in the darkest valleys. Stay tuned as we uncover how God can turn even the most painful seasons into stories of hope and freedom. Key Takeaways: Embracing Real Emotions: Gina Fox openly shares how anger and sadness were part of her healing—and why it's important to acknowledge those feelings without shame. Even Jesus felt anger, and it's okay for us to process our emotions, too. Seeking Support: Don't go it alone. Whether through friends, community, or a counselor, inviting trusted people in makes a difference. Gina encourages everyone to reach out to at least one "safe person." Finding God's Hope: No matter your trial, God meets you uniquely in your story. Gina reminds us that each journey is different—there's no need to compare your struggles with someone else's, but do bring God into every step and ask Him to provide hope and help. Simple Steps When Life Feels Dark: Just take the next step, even if it's as small as getting out of bed. The Psalms are a great place to start in the Bible. Let your community and God walk with you, especially when things feel overwhelming. You Are Not Alone: Above all, Gina wants you to know that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments. "God's got this, and He's got you." Want More? Grab Gina's book, Anchored in Freedom, on Amazon or get the first chapter FREE when you join her email list at anchoredbythesword.org. Listen to her podcast, "Anchored by the Sword," available wherever you get your podcasts. Connect on Instagram: @anchoredbytheswordpodcast One Final Encouragement Whether your trials are big or small, you never have to walk through them alone. As Gina Fox says: "Just keep going. God's got you." We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager

How do you write a future that feels real? We sit down with environmental scientist and war correspondent Paul E Hardisty to discuss the conclusion of his “The Forcing” trilogy and why literacy is our last defense against a new feudalism.The Road to Writing: From 5-Year-Old Typist to Front-Line Witness.Paul E Hardisty didn't take the traditional path to becoming a critically acclaimed novelist. Though he began typing stories at age five, he hit a wall at eighteen. Inspired by Hemingway's advice to “Write what you know,” Paul realized he didn't know anything yet.He spent the next 30 years gaining that knowledge as an environmental scientist and journalist, reporting from dangerous regions like Yemen, Ethiopia, and most recently, the battlefields of Ukraine.“I want to write fiction that comes as close to truth—conveying essential truth—as possible. I think that is the purpose of literature.” — Paul E Hardisty.Confronting “The Hope”: A Vision of 2082.The interview centers on the release of The Hope, the explosive conclusion to a trilogy that started with The Forcing and The Descent.Set in a windswept, contracted world where the global population has plummeted below a billion, The Hope introduces us to Boo, a 16-year-old with a photographic memory living in a society where books are illegal and literacy has vanished.BUY IT HERE.Writing Advice: The Iceberg Principle.For the writers in our community, Paul shares his “anti-course” philosophy. Having never taken a creative writing class, he advocates for:* Finding your own path: “Be yourself, because everyone else is already taken.”* The Iceberg Principle: Focus on immediacy—sights, smells, and tactile feelings—rather than being didactic.* Biting on the Nail: Inspired by Hemingway, Paul's Substack name refers to the discipline of getting up and doing the hard work of writing, no matter what happened the night before.Key Themes from the Episode:* The Science of Fiction: Paul explains how he used robust IPCC climate projections to build a plausible 2082, focusing on “refugia”—pockets of the planet that remain habitable.* The New Feudalism: A chilling warning about how plummeting literacy rates and the rise of the smartphone era could mirror the dark ages, making society easier to dominate.* Authenticity in Action: Paul discusses his three trips to Ukraine (with a fourth planned) and how bearing witness to trauma and stoicism informs the emotional core of his work.

The Storms of life. Someone once said we are either going into a storm, we are in the middle of a storm or we are coming out of a storm and if that is true – we need to learn how to handle the storms of life when the waves rise and fall and the wind is howling all around us. Join us for our last lesson in the book of Acts as we see how Paul handles the storm on his final journey to Rome which will give us a clue on how we should too!

The Storms of life. Someone once said we are either going into a storm, we are in the middle of a storm or we are coming out of a storm and if that is true – we need to learn how to handle the storms of life when the waves rise and fall and the wind is howling all around us. Join us for our last lesson in the book of Acts as we see how Paul handles the storm on his final journey to Rome which will give us a clue on how we should too!

This week for Monday Mental Health Tip I want to share the use of action as a form of self-care and service, finding ways to support and help during times of political  and social injustice, targeting of immigrants and marginalized populations, violation of civil rights, and even public executions. Anxiety can be managed through purposeful action, here are some ideas about funneling the emotional energy into areas that can help these situations, and will more so the more of us that join in.  Highlighted charities in this episode include:  Immigrant Legal Resource Center:  www.ilrc.org National Immigration Law Center: www.NILC.org  Transgender Law Center: www.transgenderlawcenter.org    

Hope isn't about having all the answers, it's about believing there's more ahead, even when things feel heavy. In this episode, we talk honestly about hope: how it shows up in hard seasons, how it fades, and how we learn to hold onto it again. If you're feeling stuck, tired, or uncertain about what's next, this conversation is for you. Press play and remind yourself that hope is still possible

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Finding Hope Beneath Venezia: A Tale of Unity and Resilience Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-24-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: La nebbia avvolgeva Venezia in un abbraccio gelido.En: The fog enveloped Venezia in an icy embrace.It: Il canale deserto sembrava un fantasma del passato, con le gondole mezze sommerse e i palazzi che minacciavano di crollare in qualsiasi momento.En: The deserted canal seemed like a ghost from the past, with gondolas half-submerged and palaces threatening to collapse at any moment.It: Luca camminava sulla riva scivolosa, i suoi passi riecheggiavano tra i muri.En: Luca walked along the slippery bank, his steps echoing between the walls.It: Nel suo cuore, un peso di errori passati lo seguiva ovunque andasse.En: In his heart, a weight of past mistakes followed him wherever he went.It: Sophia, al suo fianco, guardava l'acqua con attenzione.En: Sophia, by his side, watched the water attentively.It: La sua curiosità era una scintilla in quel mondo in rovina.En: Her curiosity was a spark in that crumbling world.It: Stava cercando qualcosa, qualcosa che potesse significare un nuovo inizio.En: She was searching for something, something that could mean a new beginning.It: "Dobbiamo trovarlo, Luca," disse con determinazione.En: "We have to find it, Luca," she said with determination.It: "Credo che questo artefatto nasconda segreti del passato."En: "I believe this artifact hides secrets of the past."It: Luca annuì.En: Luca nodded.It: Cercavano un misterioso oggetto che la leggenda diceva poter riportare speranza a un mondo perduto.En: They were searching for a mysterious object that legend said could bring hope to a lost world.It: Di recente, l'avevano localizzato, nascosto sotto la superficie del canale, ma anche altri scavengers avevano udito la stessa voce.En: Recently, they had located it, hidden beneath the canal's surface, but other scavengers had also heard the same rumor.It: Le risorse scarseggiavano.En: Resources were scarce.It: L'inverno era freddo e crudele.En: Winter was cold and cruel.It: Senza cibo e riparo, era difficile sopravvivere.En: Without food and shelter, it was difficult to survive.It: Ma questo artefatto poteva essere la risposta.En: But this artifact could be the answer.It: Mentre camminavano, incontrarono un uomo, Pietro, che disse di sapere qualcosa su quell'artefatto.En: As they walked, they encountered a man, Pietro, who claimed to know something about the artifact.It: Luca non sapeva se fidarsi.En: Luca didn't know whether to trust him.It: "Sophia, cosa facciamo?"En: "Sophia, what do we do?"It: chiese Luca.En: asked Luca.It: "Lui potrebbe aiutarci, o forse ingannarci."En: "He could help us or maybe deceive us."It: Sophia chinò la testa, pensierosa.En: Sophia bowed her head, thoughtful.It: "Credo che dobbiamo provarci.En: "I think we have to try.It: Con la giusta collaborazione, possiamo farcela."En: With the right collaboration, we can make it."It: Così, con riluttanza, decisero di fidarsi di Pietro.En: So, reluctantly, they decided to trust Pietro.It: Insieme si diressero verso il punto indicato, mentre il vento si alzava minaccioso.En: Together they headed towards the indicated spot, as the wind rose threateningly.It: Una tempesta improvvisa sconvolse la laguna.En: An unexpected storm disrupted the lagoon.It: Onde furiose battgevano le strutture fatiscenti.En: Furious waves battered the dilapidated structures.It: Luca e Sophia, insieme a Pietro, lavoravano senza sosta.En: Luca and Sophia, along with Pietro, worked tirelessly.It: Dovevano recuperare l'artefatto prima che la potenza dell'acqua lo inghiottisse per sempre.En: They had to retrieve the artifact before the power of the water swallowed it forever.It: Con uno sforzo eroico, riuscirono a portare alla luce l'oggetto misterioso.En: With heroic effort, they managed to bring the mysterious object to light.It: Era più di un semplice pezzo di metallo arrugginito.En: It was more than just a piece of rusted metal.It: Era una capsula del tempo.En: It was a time capsule.It: Mentre il vento urlava intorno, riuscirono ad aprirla.En: As the wind howled around them, they managed to open it.It: Dal suo interno emerse una registrazione.En: From inside emerged a recording.It: Una voce calda e antica che parlava di unità, resilienza e speranza.En: A warm, ancient voice that spoke of unity, resilience, and hope.It: Un messaggio dal passato che parlava al futuro.En: A message from the past that spoke to the future.It: Il mondo poteva essere ricostruito, la fiducia in ciò che restava dell'umanità era essenziale.En: The world could be rebuilt; trust in what remained of humanity was essential.It: Luca guardò Sophia e poi Pietro.En: Luca looked at Sophia and then at Pietro.It: Capì che non poteva affrontare tutto da solo.En: He realized that he couldn't face everything alone.It: La collaborazione, la fiducia, erano la via da seguire.En: Collaboration, trust, were the way forward.It: Un sorriso si aprì sul suo volto per la prima volta da molto tempo.En: A smile spread across his face for the first time in a long time.It: Sophia era al suo fianco, orgogliosa.En: Sophia was by his side, proud.It: Mentre la pioggia smetteva e il cielo si schiariva un po', Luca sentì che anche l'oscurità nel suo cuore si stava dissipando.En: As the rain stopped and the sky cleared a bit, Luca felt that even the darkness in his heart was dissipating.It: Insieme, avrebbero potuto ricominciare.En: Together, they could start again.It: Venezia, come il loro spirito, poteva tornare a vivere.En: Venezia, like their spirit, could come back to life. Vocabulary Words:the fog: la nebbiato envelop: avvolgereicy: gelidodeserted: desertohalf-submerged: mezze sommerseto collapse: crollarethe weight: il pesothe mistake: l'errorethe spark: la scintillacuriosity: la curiositàthe legend: la leggendathe scavenger: lo scavengerscarce: scarsoshelter: il riparoto survive: sopravvivereto deceive: ingannarereluctantly: con riluttanzato trust: fidarsithe storm: la tempestadilapidated: fatiscentetirelessly: senza sostaheroic: eroicothe effort: lo sforzoto retrieve: recuperarerust: arrugginitothe time capsule: la capsula del temporecording: la registrazioneresilience: la resilienzato rebuild: ricostruireto dissipate: dissipare

In this candid episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann explore the striking parallels between fascism and animal exploitation while navigating our current political climate. The hosts share their struggles with maintaining focus during times of political upheaval, discussing how the same mechanisms that enable factory farming—othering, dehumanization, and secrecy—mirror tactics used by authoritarian regimes. Despite the heaviness of these…

I'm not sure where you're at today. You might be angry at God. Something happened, maybe in your life, that has damaged your faith. If we live in the world long enough, it can happen to any of us.How you respond is really important. If you've listened previously, you know we are talking about how to live by faith.Having perseverance when we're miserable is really, really hard. Don't make the mistake of thinking you're the only one.2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, and not by sight.”Really listen to the words: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”That's how we're supposed to live. Not for a few hours or a day or even a season. For life. It's how we're supposed to live. And we don't always cling to what we can see in the short term.Strong faith is built over time. Think back over your life to those times when God met your needs. Big needs! Those were the moments He gave you to prove that His strength is not limited.That's how we walk by faith!Let's pray. Lord, life is a marathon, it's not a quick sprint. God help us to walk by faith, from beginning to end. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Hear the amazing testimony of the “napalm girl,” the central figure on the iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning photo from Viet Nam. She shares her incredible story of being bombed when she was nine-years-old, how she eventually found Christ, and how she began to forgive her enemies.

As a new year begins, many of us think about fresh starts, goals, or resolutions—but does a new year really bring lasting change?In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Shane Pruitt "A new year doesn't make a new you, if you keep living the way you've always lived. A new you only happens when you let an eternal God take over, and He changes how you live." This is especially true for those loving someone struggling with addiction.We talk about what real change might look like—meeting your own needs, taking a courageous step to attend a Finding Hope meeting, or simply learning more about what Finding Hope is all about.If you're longing for rest, healing, or a fresh start, we also invite you to sign up for this year's Finding Hope (FHRetreat.com) or Hope After Loss retreat (HALRetreat.com).FindingHope.Today HopeAfterLoss.Today

Hear the amazing testimony of the “napalm girl,” the central figure on the iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning photo from Viet Nam. She shares her incredible story of being bombed when she was nine years old, how she eventually found Christ, and how she began to forgive her enemies.

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Zach Clinton sits down with bestselling author and Midnight Mom devotional founder, Becky Thompson, to speak directly to the weary woman who feels tired, anxious, and unseen. With honesty and compassion, Becky shares her personal journey with anxiety, the power of prayer and community, and why faith and mental health are not opposing forces. Together, they explore the hidden loneliness many women and moms carry, the myth that anxiety reflects spiritual weakness, and how true healing rest can be found even in the middle of ongoing struggles. This episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and hope for any woman longing to reconnect with God, experience peace beyond the pressure, and discover that she is not alone…especially in the midnight hours. Links: Becky’s Website: https://beckythompson.com/ Pick Up a Copy of One of Becky’s Bestselling Books: https://beckythompson.com/books/ Join Becky’s Bible Study Today: https://beckythompson.teachable.com/ Find Faith-Based Counseling, Coaching, or Care Today: https://christiancareconnect.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special heartwarming episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) sits down with Matthew Knowles, music legend and father of Destiny's Child members, to discuss resilience, surviving cancer, and finding joy after life's toughest challenges. Matthew opens up about: His journey through cancer recovery and the fears, anxiety, and challenges he faced The power of therapy in processing unresolved issues and finding emotional strength Living life with gratitude and purpose, and keeping a survivor mindset every day Behind-the-scenes stories from his music career and the LA Candlelight event How music and storytelling can bring hope and healing to anyone facing hardship This episode is perfect for cancer warriors, caregivers, or anyone looking for inspiration and guidance. Matthew's story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's hope, resilience, and light ahead.

In times of uncertainty, stress, and ongoing change, hope can feel fragile, distant, or even unavailable. This episode of PTSD and Beyond explores how hope functions during turbulent times, how hope can become hopeless, how hope can return, and how mindfulness and connection support that process. This conversation is grounded in trauma informed psychology, lived experience, and nervous system awareness. Rather than forcing positivity or offering quick fixes, this episode invites a compassionate, human exploration of hope as a capacity that ebbs and flows depending on safety, connection, and meaning. In this episode, we explore • What hope really means and what it is not • How hope shifts into hopelessness and why that happens • How hopelessness can be a protective response rather than a failure • Where we go and what we do when hope feels distant • How hope returns through safety, connection, and agency • The role of community in sustaining hope • How mindfulness supports nervous system regulation and restores possibility • Why self compassion matters when navigating uncertainty This episode includes a brief, optional mindfulness practice and reflective questions designed to support awareness, integration, and self trust. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24/7 and free and confidential. If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who may need permission to slow down and offer themselves grace. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review to support PTSD and Beyond. Join us on Ko-Fi to help keep these conversations going.

Episode Summary: Today we’re tackling a topic that hits many people hard each January: “Blue Monday.” You may have heard it called “the most depressing day of the year”: a day when motivation runs low, bills come due, and the sparkle of the holidays fades into the grayness of winter. But is “Blue Monday” real? Why do so many people feel down this time of year? And what can you do, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, to climb out of the slump and find renewed hope? If you’ve ever felt like the light of Christmas faded too fast or that you’re struggling to find joy in January, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share How to Beat the Blues: Finding Hope When “Blue Monday” Hits. We unpack where the idea of “Blue Monday” came from, what really contributes to winter sadness, how to recognize when it’s more than just a passing mood, and how God invites us to nurture our mind and soul even in the darkest season. Quotables from the episode: Every January, the search engines light up with people looking for answers about “Blue Monday.” Some call it the most depressing day of the year. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t mark any day on His calendar as hopeless. Even when science can explain some of the factors that make us feel low, Scripture reminds us in John 1:5 that “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” So today, let’s uncover both the science and the Savior’s invitation to find peace, joy, and renewed perspective, no matter what your calendar says. Part 1: Where “Blue Monday” Came From The term “Blue Monday” actually originated not from a psychologist or neuroscientist, but from a marketing campaign in the early 2000s. A British travel company wanted to boost winter vacation sales and partnered with a psychologist to create a formula that supposedly calculated the “most depressing day of the year.” They based it on factors like weather, debt level, time since Christmas, failed New Year’s resolutions, and low motivation. The date usually lands on the third Monday in January. But here’s what’s interesting: the science behind it was never validated. It was largely pseudoscience; a catchy idea meant to sell trips to sunny places! Yet it resonated with people because, truthfully, many do feel a dip in mood this time of year. Why? There’s a real physiological and psychological basis for that. Shorter daylight hours disrupt our circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels—our brain’s natural mood stabilizer. Colder temperatures mean less outdoor activity and fewer endorphins. Holiday aftermath leaves us financially stretched and emotionally fatigued. Unmet resolutions of ourselves or others stir up shame or disappointment. So while “Blue Monday” may not be an official scientific day, it does point to something many experience: what we might call the post-holiday blues or seasonal affective slump. Part 2: How to Identify It Let’s talk about how you can tell if what you’re feeling is just a short-term dip or something more concerning. Here are some common symptoms of the “Blue Monday” slump: Low motivation or energy Irritability or tearfulness Difficulty concentrating Changes in sleep or appetite Feeling disconnected or unproductive Hopeless thoughts like “What’s the point?” If you’ve noticed these for a few days after the holidays, you’re not alone. Our brains and bodies crave rhythm and light—and winter often disrupts both. But sometimes, what starts as a temporary funk can evolve into something more serious like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Major Depression. Part 3: When to Seek Professional Help Seek professional help if: Your sadness lasts more than two weeks. You lose interest in things you usually enjoy. Your sleep or appetite drastically change. You feel worthless, helpless, or hopeless. You find yourself withdrawing from others. You experience thoughts of death or suicide. Those are not signs of weakness—they’re signals from your body and brain that you need care and support. Just as you’d seek medical help for persistent pain, it’s wise to seek mental health help for persistent sadness. As a neuropsychologist, I’ve seen firsthand that depression and anxiety are treatable. There are excellent therapies, medical interventions, and lifestyle approaches that can help. But the first step is reaching out. And as a believer, I want you to know this: needing help does not make you a failure of faith. God often works through professionals to bring healing. He created our minds and bodies with complexity, and He delights when we care for them wisely. Remember Elijah in 1 Kings 19? He was exhausted, afraid, and said, “It is enough; now, Lord, take my life.” God didn’t rebuke him. God fed him, let him rest, and then gently spoke truth to him. That’s a model of divine compassion toward our emotional distress. Part 4: How to Take Care of Yourself If you’re feeling those “Blue Monday” blues—or a longer winter sadness—here are practical, biblically grounded ways to care for your mind, body, and spirit. 1. Get More Light Exposure to sunlight—or a light therapy box—can boost serotonin and regulate your circadian rhythm. Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Light was His first gift to creation, and it still brings life today. 2. Move Your Body Exercise increases endorphins and dopamine, improving both energy and outlook. You don’t need to run a marathon—start with a short walk or stretch. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for them is an act of worship. 3. Nurture Connection When we isolate, sadness grows louder. Reach out to a friend, attend a Bible study, or volunteer. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 4. Adjust Your Expectations After the holidays, it’s easy to compare today’s ordinary moments to the excitement of December. Give yourself permission to slow down, to reset. The Bible gives us multiple examples of Jesus, the Son of God, taking time to rest. If He needed rest, why would we expect differently of ourselves? Matthew 11:28—“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”* 5. Feed Your Spirit Immerse yourself in Scripture, prayer, and worship music. Depression dims perspective, but God’s Word renews it. Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” 6. Practice Gratitude Gratitude activates brain regions associated with joy and resilience. Even small blessings count—warm coffee, a friend’s text, a sunset. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 7. Set Rhythms of Rest Winter is nature’s reminder to rest. God Himself modeled rest on the seventh day—not from exhaustion, but completion. Rest refuels your mind and aligns your soul with His peace. Part 5: Reframing the Season Maybe this January feels heavy. Maybe you’re tired of gray skies or unmet resolutions. But let’s reframe it: What if winter isn’t a punishment, but an invitation? An invitation to slow down. To nurture your inner life. To rediscover hope not in circumstances, but in Christ Himself. Remember: no day is truly “blue” when it’s covered by God’s grace. He specializes in turning mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty, and despair into praise (Isaiah 61:3). The same God who paints the sunrise after the darkest night will bring light to your soul again. Friend, if you’re listening today and feeling the weight of winter, know this: you are not alone. God sees you. He is not disappointed by your sadness; He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). There’s no shame in reaching for help—from Him, from loved ones, or from professionals. Healing doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine; it means letting God meet you in the reality of your pain. Scripture References: John 1:5 “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 1 Kings 19 “It is enough; now, Lord, take my life.” Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 61:3 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when life shatters — and there's no roadmap for putting it back together?Theo Boyd, author, grief educator, and host of the Think Deal podcast, joins me to explore grief not as something to “get over,” but as something we learn to live with.Theo shares her personal story of devastating loss — the tragic accident that took her mother's life, followed years later by her father's suicide — and how those experiences reshaped her faith, identity, and understanding of hope. We unpack why grief looks different for everyone, why comparison silences healing, and how presence may be the most sacred response to pain.Theo reframes hope not as optimism or positivity, but as a practice that arrives in its own time. From learning to “say the words that carry the weight of pain,” to finding meaning through service, hobbies, and love after loss, this conversation is a powerful reminder that grief may be one of humanity's truest common denominators.In this episode you'll learn:- Why grief is not something you move past — but something you learn to live with- How comparison and advice can unintentionally silence grievers- Why hope doesn't show up early — and why that's okay- The difference between meaning and purpose after loss- How presence can be the most powerful form of healing- Why serving others is often the doorway back to life- How love, faith, and purpose can exist after devastation- Why grief may be one of our greatest shared human experiencesLike this episode? Leave a review here:https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominatorChapters:00:00 The Journey of Grief and Resilience03:09 Understanding Grief as a Constant Companion05:52 The Impact of Loss on Life and Relationships08:51 Finding Purpose Through Pain12:08 The Importance of Individual Grief Experiences14:48 Hope: A Journey from Darkness to Light17:45 Integrating Hope into Daily Life21:02 Spirituality and Grief: Finding Meaning23:50 The Role of Presence in Healing27:11 Encouragement and Moving ForwardFollow Theo:Website: Thinktheo.comInstagram: @think_theo 

Listen as Pastor Nate and his wife Ashley open up about their 20-year journey navigating divorce, remarriage, and building a thriving blended family. In this deeply personal finale to our Marriage Q&A series, they share the hard-won wisdom that transformed their family from broken pieces into a beautiful testimony of God's redemption.Perfect for your commute or workout—especially if you're wrestling with questions about blended families, co-parenting challenges, or finding hope after divorce.You'll Learn:✅ How Ashley overcame her resistance to counseling and why it changed everything✅ Practical strategies for handling holidays and custody schedules✅ The one thing that protects marriages from emotional affairs✅ What to do when a co-parent becomes toxic✅ Why "bonus family" became their favorite termWhether you're in a blended family, considering remarriage, or supporting someone who is—this episode delivers biblical wisdom you can apply immediately.New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Hit follow so you never miss an episode that equips you with truth for real-world battles.

In this ScreenFish podcast interview, Nia DaCosta breaks down the creative challenges of directing 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the middle chapter of the iconic franchise. She reflects on collaborating with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, crafting character arcs that bridge past and future, and staging the film's unforgettable musical sequence. In this 1on1, DaCosta also explores themes of identity, cult psychology, hope, and humanity—asking what we hold onto when the foundations of the world collapse. 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE is in theatres on Friday, January 16th, 2026

Dealing with Depression: Finding Hope and Victory in the God of All Comfort    Depression is a profound heaviness of soul that the Scriptures describe with raw honesty. The Bible does not employ our modern clinical term, but it portrays the experience vividly: the spirit overwhelmed, the heart cast down, the bones troubled, the soul in despair, even the wish that life would end. Yet the same Word that records this darkness repeatedly declares that God draws near to the brokenhearted, that He is the lifter of the head, that His comfort abounds in affliction, and that joy comes in the morning. Throughout Scripture we see God's choicest servants pass through seasons of deep discouragement. Their stories are recorded not to magnify their weakness but to display God's faithfulness in the lowest places. By examining these lives, and by listening carefully to the voice of God in His Word, we discover divine principles for enduring and overcoming depression from a thoroughly biblical standpoint. I. Elijah: Despair After Victory The prophet Elijah stands as one of the clearest examples. In 1 Kings 18 he experienced one of the greatest public triumphs in redemptive history—fire falling from heaven on Mount Carmel, the prophets of Baal defeated, the people confessing that the Lord is God, and rain ending a three-and-a-half-year drought. Yet in chapter 19, a single threat from Jezebel sends him fleeing in fear and exhaustion. Hear the Word of the Lord in 1 Kings 19:3-4 (KJV): “And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” Elijah, the man who had just called down fire, now prays for death. He feels his labor has been in vain, that he is no better than his fathers, that everything is “enough.” This is the language of depression: exhaustion, hopelessness, isolation, and suicidal ideation. But observe God's tender response. Verses 5-8: “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” God does not begin with rebuke. He begins with physical care—sleep, food, water—twice. The angel acknowledges the reality of Elijah's limitation: “the journey is too great for thee.” God remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14). When Elijah reaches Horeb, he repeats his complaint in verses 9-10: “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” Depression distorts perspective. Elijah believes he is utterly alone. God gently corrects him in verse 18: “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” Then God gives Elijah new work and a successor. God meets Elijah in his depression with physical provision, truthful perspective, renewed purpose, and the quiet whisper of His presence (verses 11-13). II. Job: Prolonged Suffering and Overwhelming Grief Few stories portray sustained depression more graphically than Job's. A righteous man suddenly stripped of wealth, children, and health, Job sits in ashes, scraping his sores, wishing he had never been born. Job 3:1-3, 11-13, 20-26 (KJV): “After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived… Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck? For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest… Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; but trouble cometh.” Job's anguish is physical, emotional, and spiritual. He cannot eat without sighing; anxiety and dread consume him. His friends' misguided counsel only deepens the wound. Yet through forty-two chapters God allows Job to pour out every complaint. God does not silence him. Finally, in chapters 38–41, the Lord speaks—not with easy answers, but with a revelation of His sovereign wisdom and power. Job's response in 42:5-6: “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Seeing God afresh brings repentance, humility, and eventual restoration. Job's depression lifts not when circumstances immediately improve, but when he encounters the majesty and goodness of God in a deeper way. III. David: The Psalms of the Cast-Down Soul No biblical figure gives us more transparent language for depression than David. The Psalms are filled with his cries from the depths. Psalm 42:1-11 (KJV): “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Notice David's pattern: honest lament (“my tears have been my meat,” “all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me”), self-exhortation (“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? … hope thou in God”), remembrance of God's past faithfulness, and confident expectation of future praise. Psalm 43 continues the same theme, ending with the identical refrain. Psalm 77 shows Asaph following the same path—remembering God's mighty deeds until hope revives. Psalm 88 is perhaps the darkest psalm, ending without explicit resolution on earth, yet still addressed to “LORD God of my salvation.” Even unresolved sorrow is brought to God. IV. Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet Jeremiah's ministry spanned decades of rejection and judgment upon Judah. He is called “the weeping prophet” for good reason. Lamentations 3:1-20 (selected verses, KJV): “I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light… He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer… He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood… And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.” Jeremiah feels God has become his enemy, that prayer is blocked, that hope has perished. Yet in the very center of Lamentations comes one of the most hope-filled passages in Scripture, verses 21-26: “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Jeremiah preaches to himself the truth of God's character. Remembering God's steadfast love and faithfulness becomes the turning point. V. Other Examples: Moses, Hannah, Jonah, Paul Moses, burdened with leading a complaining people, cries in Numbers 11:11-15 (KJV): “And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? … I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.” God responds by sharing the burden with seventy elders and providing meat—practical help and companionship. Hannah, barren and provoked, is “in bitterness of soul” (1 Samuel 1:10). She pours out her soul before the Lord, and though her circumstances do not change immediately, “her countenance was no more sad” (1:18) after entrusting her grief to God. Jonah, angry at God's mercy to Nineveh, prays in Jonah 4:3 (KJV): “Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.” God patiently teaches him through a plant, a worm, and a wind. Even the apostle Paul knew despair. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (KJV): “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” Paul's despair drove him deeper into dependence upon the God who raises the dead. VI. The Lord Jesus: Sorrow Without Sin Our Savior Himself entered into sorrow. In Gethsemane, Matthew 26:38 (KJV): “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” He sweat as it were great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). Yet He submitted: “not my will, but thine, be done.” Hebrews 5:7 speaks of His “strong crying and tears.” Christ identifies with our weakness and intercedes for us as One touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). VII. God's Promises of Comfort and Deliverance The Scriptures abound with assurances: Psalm 34:17-19 (KJV): “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV): “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Psalm 30:5 (KJV): “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” VIII. How Believers Today Can Deal with Depression and Gain Victory from a Biblical Standpoint The examples and promises above yield clear, scriptural pathways for fighting depression today: Bring every feeling honestly before God. The Psalms model unfiltered lament. Do not hide your despair; pour it out. God invites it and can handle it. Preach truth to yourself. Like David and Jeremiah, recall God's character, past faithfulness, and unchanging promises. Speak Scripture aloud when feelings contradict truth. Care for the body God gave you. Elijah's story reminds us that exhaustion, hunger, and isolation exacerbate depression. Sleep, nourishment, exercise, and medical care when needed are acts of stewardship, not lack of faith. Seek godly community. Elijah felt alone, but was not. Isolation feeds depression; fellowship counters it. Confess faults, bear burdens, receive prayer (James 5:16; Galatians 6:2). Fix your eyes on Christ. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Our light affliction works an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). The gospel assures us that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). Wait upon the Lord with hope. Seasons of darkness do not last forever. “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Victory is not always immediate deliverance from the feeling of depression, but it is certain triumph through union with Christ. Even if the night lingers, the Morning Star has risen in our hearts (2 Peter 1:19). One day He will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). Until then, we walk by faith, anchored in the God who has never forsaken His own. The same God who sustained Elijah under the juniper tree, lifted Job from the ash heap, turned David's mourning into dancing, and carried Jeremiah through the furnace is your God. He is faithful. Hope in Him, and you shall yet praise Him, who is the health of your countenance and your God.

Week 2 in a series: Whole Again Speaker: Mark Tindle  

In this episode, Laura sits down with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about hope—not as a passive wish, but as an active state and a conscious choice. Together, they explore what it means to live hope as an action in times of collective uncertainty and social fracture. Drawing inspiration from the Bhutanese government's radical commitment to policies that prioritize the happiness and well-being of its people, the conversation opens into a broader inquiry: What if healing and consciousness were central measures of progress? Laura and Isa examine how the deep fractures within our society mirror unresolved splits within the individual psyche—and how healing personal wounding becomes a powerful act of social and spiritual transformation. Rather than bypassing pain, they speak to the necessity of meeting it directly, integrating disowned parts of the self, and allowing this inner work to catalyze a revolution of consciousness. This episode invites listeners to consider spiritual evolution not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived, embodied process—one that begins with healing, deepens awareness, and restores our capacity to imagine and enact a more whole, compassionate world. For more information about Isa, Laura, and the classes they teach at the Sacred Stream, visit isagucciardi.org, laurachandler.net, and sacredstream.org.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Finding Hope in a Snow-Covered Budapest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-08-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: Az iskolai csengő élesen szólott fel a havas Budapest szívében.En: The school bell rang sharply in the snowy heart of Budapest.Hu: Eszter odanézett az ablakhoz, ahol a hópelyhek lassan táncoltak le az égből.En: Eszter glanced over at the window where snowflakes danced slowly down from the sky.Hu: "Egy újabb nap" - sóhajtott egyet, ahogy magába nézett.En: "Another day," she sighed to herself.Hu: A folyosók tele voltak nevető diákokkal, akik vastag kabátokban és sálakban siettek az osztályok felé.En: The hallways were filled with laughing students hurrying to their classes in thick coats and scarves.Hu: Bálint tanár úr barátságosan mosolygott, ahogy elhaladt mellette, de Eszter csak egy gyenge mosolyt kényszerített arcára.En: Mr. Bálint, the teacher, smiled warmly as he passed by her, but Eszter could only force a weak smile onto her face.Hu: Nem volt könnyű mostanában.En: It hadn't been easy lately.Hu: Eszter a hármas padban ült, tekintete könyvébe merült, de gondolatai máshol jártak.En: Eszter sat in the third row, her gaze immersed in her book, but her thoughts were elsewhere.Hu: Szülők válási papírjai az agyában kavarogtak.En: Divorce papers of her parents swirled in her mind.Hu: Szeretett volna mindent elfelejteni, és csak a tanulásra koncentrálni.En: She wanted to forget everything and just focus on her studies.Hu: Az egyetemi ösztöndíj, az volt a célja, a menekvés útja.En: The university scholarship was her goal, her escape route.Hu: Péter, Eszter legjobb barátja, leült mellé.En: Péter, Eszter's best friend, sat down beside her.Hu: Minden szünetben így tette.En: He did this every recess.Hu: Ahogyan az ajka sarkában vidáman mosolygott, Eszter tudta, hogy Péter boldogsága fertőző.En: As he smiled cheerfully at the corner of his lips, Eszter knew that Péter's happiness was contagious.Hu: De ő nem tudta megosztani vele a bánatát.En: But she couldn't share her sorrow with him.Hu: Vagy talán mégis?En: Or maybe she could?Hu: Ahogy közelítettek a végső vizsgák, Eszter idegei minden nap egyre jobban feszültek.En: As the final exams approached, Eszter's nerves became more strained every day.Hu: Egy nap, mikor elérkezett az utolsó pillanat az egyik fontos vizsga előtt, érezte, hogy minden túl sok.En: One day, when the last moment came before an important exam, she felt that everything was too much.Hu: A könnyei majdnem kibuktak.En: Her tears nearly burst forth.Hu: „Péter,” – mondta végül remegő hangon –, „beszélnünk kell.En: "Péter," she finally said in a trembling voice, "we need to talk."Hu: ” Péter pár percre megdermedt, majd finoman megfogta Eszter vállát.En: Péter froze for a few moments, then gently placed his hand on Eszter's shoulder.Hu: „Mi a baj?En: "What's wrong?"Hu: ” – kérdezte aggódva.En: he asked worriedly.Hu: És ekkor Eszter elmondott mindent.En: And then Eszter told him everything.Hu: A szülői válásról, a nyomasztó légkörről otthon, a félelemről, hogy az álmai szertefoszlanak.En: About her parents' divorce, the oppressive atmosphere at home, the fear that her dreams were shattering.Hu: Péter csendesen hallgatta végig, majd biztatóan bólintott.En: Péter listened quietly, then nodded encouragingly.Hu: „Nem vagy egyedül, Eszter.En: "You're not alone, Eszter."Hu: ”Bálint tanár úr is észrevette, hogy Eszternek szüksége van segítségre.En: Mr. Bálint also noticed that Eszter needed help.Hu: Támogatta, meghallgatta, és tanácsot adott, hogyan maradhat koncentrált.En: He supported her, listened, and offered advice on how to stay focused.Hu: Eszter megértette, hogy nincs szükség mindent egyedül viselni.En: Eszter understood that she didn't have to carry everything alone.Hu: A vizsga napján Eszter új erővel ébredt.En: On the day of the exam, Eszter woke up with new strength.Hu: A hó vastagon borította a várost, de a szívében érezte, hogy képes a jövőjéért harcolni.En: The city was thickly covered in snow, but in her heart, she felt she could fight for her future.Hu: Misszió volt előtte, de most már nem egyedül nézett szembe vele.En: There was a mission ahead, but now she wasn't facing it alone.Hu: Péter támogatásával és Bálint tanár kedves szavaival Eszter átlépett azon az akadályon, amit régen leküzdhetetlennek hitt.En: With Péter's support and Mr. Bálint's kind words, Eszter overcame the obstacle she once thought insurmountable.Hu: Végül pedig rájött: a legfontosabb dolog a szeretet és a támogatás, amit a körülötte lévő emberek nyújtanak neki.En: Finally, she realized: the most important things are the love and support offered by the people around her.Hu: Most már készen állt az élet új fejezeteire.En: Now she was ready for the new chapters of life.Hu: Eszter szíve könnyebb lett.En: Eszter's heart felt lighter.Hu: Az út továbbra sem volt könnyű, de minden nap egy kicsivel reménytelibben kezdődött.En: The road ahead was still not easy, but each day began a bit more hopefully.Hu: Az elszántsága és az őt körülvevő támogatás segítette, hogy tovább haladjon álmai felé.En: Her determination and the support surrounding her helped her continue moving towards her dreams. Vocabulary Words:glanced: odanézettsnowflakes: hópelyheksighed: sóhajtottimmense: merültimmerse: merüldivorce: válásscholarship: ösztöndíjroute: útjacontagious: fertőzősorrow: bánatstrained: feszültexam: vizsgatrembling: remegőwhispered: suttogtaoppressive: nyomasztóshattering: szertefoszlanakencouragingly: biztatóaninsurmountable: leküzdhetetlendetermination: elszántságsurrounding: körülvevőopportunity: lehetőségsupport: támogatáslisten: hallgatencourage: bíztatfrozen: megdermedtadvice: tanácsrealized: rájöttmission: misszióobstacle: akadályfuture: jövő

This episode contains description of addiction, eating disorders and discussion of suicide. Our guest today is the pioneering comedian, actor and activist Margaret Cho. She began performing comedy as a teenager, opening for Jerry Seinfeld at just 14, before becoming one of the most influential stand-ups of her generation. Now in her 50s, Margaret reflects in this episode on the cancellation of her groundbreaking sitcom, All-American Girl, and the surreal "miscalculations" of a network that hired consultants to ensure she was "doing Asian right". She speaks candidly about the "mind f***" of being told she was "too fat to play herself", which triggered a dangerous spiral into disordered eating, 90s diet drugs and eventual kidney failure. She opens up about a suicidal near-death experience that she was initially too afraid to admit even to herself - and about the intervention by friends that finally led her to sobriety. This conversation explores shame, rage and the life-saving importance of humour. Because, as Margaret says, sometimes laughter can be the thing that keeps you breathing. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction 04:37 Childhood Reflections 06:59 Political and Social Commentary 10:43 The Sitcom Experience 18:35 Body Image and Health Struggles 26:13 Legacy and Influence 26:54 The Struggle with Diet Culture 28:34 Embarrassing Moments on Stage 32:10 Family Influence on Weight Issues 33:22 Seeking Help and Therapy 34:05 Childhood Abuse and Its Impact 37:27 Battling Drug and Alcohol Addiction 43:09 Intervention and Recovery 46:51 Finding Hope and Happiness

If you’re in a challenging season—or walking alongside someone who is—this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this hopeful and honest episode, I sit down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jeannie Jones to talk about their new book, How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? Living With Hope While Making Sense of Life. Together, they share the real-life pain that shaped this message (cancer, miscarriages, foster care, and ongoing health challenges), and the seven anchoring truths they repeat to each other when suffering feels overwhelming. This episode is full of steady, biblical comfort—without clichés—and it will help you reframe suffering through the lens of eternity, hope, and God’s character. If you're hurting, this episode is your lifeline.. Don't miss it! And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Listen in to learn more : [0:04:22] Personal suffering story [0:07:35] The 7 truths they repeat during suffering: [0:11:42] Truth journals (remembering God’s redemption): [0:16:32] “You don’t know what tomorrow will bring”: [0:17:22] Fix your focus (looking at Jesus): [0:23:36]Why suffering produces endurance → character → hope (Romans 5): [0:26:43] Eternity changes the scale of everything Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Clay and Jeannie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWymIngKlc1CtKBZ4aMLCHQ Website - https://clayjones.net/ Purchase the book -https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Chuck Thuss welcomes former Team USA bobsledder William Person for a raw and deeply revealing conversation about life after elite sport, the hidden toll of repeated head trauma, and the unexpected therapy that helped pull him back from the brink. William spent nine seasons competing at the highest level, enduring extreme G-forces, repeated impacts, and the emotional strain that so many athletes carry in silence. When the symptoms of CTE began to take over his life, William found himself in a dark, isolated spiral — until one piece of information, and one unexpected influence, helped him turn everything around. His comeback is nothing short of remarkable, and it is now fueling a mission to help veterans, athletes, and everyday people find relief and hope. Guest Bio William Person is a former nine-year Team USA Bobsled athlete whose career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE. At his lowest point, he was unable to function, lost in confusion, depression, and cognitive decline. Everything changed when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity, color, and hope back into his life. Today, William is dedicated to raising awareness about brain injury in sports and the military, and he is working to launch a nonprofit CTE Recovery Center to provide healing support for athletes and veterans at no cost. You'll hear About The extreme G-forces and crashes that contributed to William's head trauma The silent suffering many athletes experience long after retirement How his symptoms escalated into cognitive decline, depression, and hopelessness The discovery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and why it changed everything His mission to help veterans and athletes access life-saving care Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:26 How Joe Namath's Story Helped Spark William's Recovery 03:19 From Track Athlete to Team USA Bobsledder 05:29 What Life Is Really Like Inside a Bobsled 06:54 Understanding G-Forces and the Hidden Toll on the Brain 09:05 Crashes, Head Trauma, and Silent Suffering 11:01 The Symptoms: Fog, Memory Loss, Depression, and Confusion 13:53 Hitting Rock Bottom and Praying for Relief 16:50 The Article That Changed Everything 20:15 Discovering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Immediate Results 23:23 Managing Symptoms, Daily Challenges, and Misunderstood Concussions 26:25 William's Mission to Create the American Post-Concussion Wellness Center 29:07 Why Veterans and Athletes Desperately Need Better Support 32:21 The Larger Crisis: CTE, Suicides, and Unseen Struggles 35:48 William's Message to Anyone Feeling Hopeless 37:50 Chuck's Closing Reflections Chuck's Challenge This week, check in on someone who may be struggling behind the scenes. A teammate, a veteran, a friend, or even a family member. Ask the question, listen without judgment, and let them know they're not alone. Your courage to reach out might be the lifeline they need. Connect with William Person Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/william.person.792233 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-person-4072b417/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQC Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1   Connect with Chuck Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/ Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

This is episode 73 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, host Fred Diamond welcomes back Rabbi Melinda Bernstein and Gregg Kirk, two extraordinary guests for an honest, soulful conversation about the spiritual dimensions of chronic illness, healing, and personal transformation. Gregg Kirk, author of The Gratitude Curve and his newest book Your Love Will Make the Difference, shares how Lyme disease became a catalyst for profound awakening, gratitude, and purpose. He opens up about his journey through illness, remission, grief, and healing and why chronic Lyme can be information pointing us toward necessary life change. Rabbi Melinda Bernstein brings a grounded yet expansive spiritual perspective, exploring how faith, surrender, nervous system regulation, and embodiment practices can support healing when medicine alone falls short. Drawing from her own decade-long Lyme journey, Melinda explains how constriction, loss, and suffering can become doorways to growth, balance, and renewed vitality. Together, Fred, Melinda, and Gregg discuss:

"I personally believe that one of the ways in which the spirit speaks to someone such as myself is through logical sense. Which I think is interesting because usually those two things are pitted against each other. I never received the voice in my head saying, this is true when I'm reading the Book of Mormon as some people would. As something clicked in my head I would be at peace about it. And then obviously the heart and mind have to be unified in order to be spiritually in tune. So I am always like, well, if you're experiencing an absence of the spirit because you have all these logical problems, that's probably why. It's because your heart and mind need to be in tune. And that's obviously why I never received a purely spiritual witness, because my mind was just not in it, and my mind needs to be in it. And so I always like to view those two things as working together, not really working against each other."00:00 Facing a Crisis of Faith08:06 Seeking Answers and Facing Doubts11:54 Turning to Family and Church Leaders20:23 Finding Hope in Apologetic Literature23:54 Discovering Influential Books29:36 Advice for Navigating Anti-Religious Content32:39 Reconciling Faith and Logic39:20 What Makes The Church DifferentMemor Jewelry code COMEBACK for 10% offhttps://memorjewelry.com/Serve Clothing code COMEBACK for 15% offhttps://serveclothing.com/If you have a story to share please contact ashly.comebackpodcast@gmail.comFor inquiries contact info.comebackpodcast@gmail.comCome Back Team:Director, Founder, & Host: Ashly StoneEditor: Cara ReedOutreach Manager: Jenna CarlsonAssistant Editor: Michelle BergerAssistant Editor: Britt SmallzeArt Director: Jeremy GarciaProduction Director: Trent Wardwell

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Small Victories: Finding Hope in Everyday Challenges Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-01-02-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: In de stille gangen van de psychiatrische afdeling was het drukker dan normaal.En: In the quiet corridors of the psychiatric ward, it was busier than usual.Nl: Het nieuwe jaar was net begonnen en de patiënten probeerden zich weer aan een routine te houden.En: The new year had just begun, and the patients were trying to establish a routine again.Nl: Sven, een jonge man met kort bruin haar en een teruggetrokken blik, keek uit het raam.En: Sven, a young man with short brown hair and a withdrawn expression, looked out the window.Nl: Sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden zachtjes naar beneden en bedekten de wereld in het wit.En: Snowflakes gently drifted down and covered the world in white.Nl: Het contrast met zijn binnenwereld voelde scherp aan.En: The contrast with his inner world felt sharp.Nl: Anika kwam binnen met een warme glimlach.En: Anika entered with a warm smile.Nl: "Sven," zei ze, haar stem zacht en geruststellend, "zou je vandaag een uitstapje naar de winkel willen maken?"En: "Sven," she said, her voice soft and reassuring, "would you like to take a trip to the store today?"Nl: Sven beet op zijn lip en ademde diep in.En: Sven bit his lip and took a deep breath.Nl: "Ik wil het proberen," antwoordde hij aarzelend.En: "I want to try," he replied hesitantly.Nl: Het idee van winkelen maakte hem nerveus, maar hij wist dat hij het moest proberen om iets van onafhankelijkheid terug te winnen.En: The idea of shopping made him nervous, but he knew he had to try to regain some independence.Nl: Tom, een andere patiënt die altijd een grap paraat had, zat aan tafel en leunde achterover.En: Tom, another patient who always had a joke ready, sat at the table leaning back.Nl: "Maak je geen zorgen, Sven.En: "Don't worry, Sven.Nl: Als je je stress kwijt wilt, vertel ik wel een mop over mentaal pieken op oudejaarsavond," lachte hij, zijn ogen twinkelend.En: If you want to relieve stress, I'll tell you a joke about mental peaking on New Year's Eve," he laughed, his eyes twinkling.Nl: Samen vertrokken ze de afdeling uit, Anika aan Sven's zijde en Tom eraan voorbij lopend alsof hij op een avontuur ging.En: Together they left the ward, Anika at Sven's side and Tom walking past them as if he were going on an adventure.Nl: De winkel lag niet ver weg, maar door de sneeuw en de drukte leek de afstand langer.En: The store wasn't far away, but due to the snow and the crowds, the distance seemed longer.Nl: De winkel was vol met mensen die hun dagelijkse boodschappen deden en de laatste overgebleven kerstdecoraties in de uitverkoop kochten.En: The store was full of people doing their daily shopping and buying the last remaining Christmas decorations on sale.Nl: Sven ademde diep in toen hij de fel verlichte winkel betrad.En: Sven took a deep breath as he entered the brightly lit store.Nl: De rijen waren lang en de schappen vol.En: The lines were long and the shelves were full.Nl: Hij voelde zijn hart sneller kloppen.En: He felt his heart race.Nl: Terwijl ze liepen, hoorde Sven Anika's kalme stem in zijn oor.En: As they walked, Sven heard Anika's calm voice in his ear.Nl: "Je doet het goed, Sven.En: "You're doing well, Sven.Nl: Laten we beginnen met een lijstje."En: Let's start with a list."Nl: Maar toen ze bij het gangpad voor persoonlijke verzorgingsartikelen kwamen, ontdekte Sven dat zijn gebruikelijke shampoo er niet was.En: But when they reached the aisle for personal care items, Sven discovered that his usual shampoo was not there.Nl: Paniek begon op te borrelen.En: Panic began to bubble up.Nl: Zijn ademhaling werd snel en oppervlakkig.En: His breathing became fast and shallow.Nl: De geluiden van de winkel begonnen te vervagen en de muren leken dichterbij te komen.En: The sounds of the store began to fade, and the walls seemed to close in.Nl: Tom, die het opmerkte, begon een flauwe grap over te volle winkelwagens: "Waarom rekenen ze de kerstsprit goedkoper af?En: Tom, who noticed, started a corny joke about overcrowded shopping carts: "Why do they price the Christmas spirit cheaper?Nl: Omdat ze de boodschap willen laten rollen!"En: Because they want to let the message roll!"Nl: Anika legde haar hand op Sven's schouder.En: Anika placed her hand on Sven's shoulder.Nl: "Sven, kijk me aan," zei ze kalm.En: "Sven, look at me," she said calmly.Nl: "Adem diep in door je neus en uit door je mond, zoals we hebben geoefend."En: "Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth, as we practiced."Nl: Langzaam, maar zeker, volgde Sven haar instructies.En: Slowly but surely, Sven followed her instructions.Nl: Met elke ademhaling voelde hij de paniek afnemen.En: With each breath, he felt the panic decrease.Nl: De geluiden van de winkel werden weer duidelijk en de schappen stonden weer stil.En: The sounds of the store became clear again, and the shelves stood still.Nl: Na een paar minuten voelde Sven zich steviger.En: After a few minutes, Sven felt more grounded.Nl: "Bedankt," fluisterde hij, en gaf Anika een zwakke glimlach.En: "Thank you," he whispered, giving Anika a weak smile.Nl: Hij vervolgde zijn zoektocht en koos een andere shampoo.En: He continued his search and chose a different shampoo.Nl: Het was misschien niet zijn favoriet, maar het was voldoende voor nu.En: It might not have been his favorite, but it was sufficient for now.Nl: Toen ze de winkel verlieten, voelde Sven zich opgelucht.En: When they left the store, Sven felt relieved.Nl: Het was een kleine overwinning, maar een belangrijke stap richting meer zelfvertrouwen.En: It was a small victory, but an important step towards more self-confidence.Nl: Hij had een techniek geleerd en wist dat hij niet alleen was.En: He had learned a technique and knew he wasn't alone.Nl: Anika keek hem vriendelijk aan.En: Anika looked at him kindly.Nl: "Je hebt het geweldig gedaan vandaag.En: "You did great today.Nl: Volgende keer wordt nog makkelijker."En: Next time will be even easier."Nl: Met de kou op hun wangen en lichte harten liepen ze terug naar de psychiatrische afdeling.En: With the cold on their cheeks and light hearts, they walked back to the psychiatric ward.Nl: Sven wist dat uitdagingen nog zouden komen, maar hij voelde zich klaar om ze aan te gaan.En: Sven knew challenges would still come, but he felt ready to face them.Nl: Versterkt door humor en de steun van zijn nieuwe vrienden, keek hij hoopvol naar de toekomst.En: Strengthened by humor and the support of his new friends, he looked hopefully to the future. Vocabulary Words:corridors: gangenpsychiatric ward: psychiatrische afdelingwithdrawn: teruggetrokkencontrast: contrastreassuring: geruststellendhesitantly: aarzelendregain: terugwinnenjoke: graptwinkling: twinkelendcrowds: druktedecorations: decoratiesrelieved: opgeluchtindependence: onafhankelijkheidnervous: nerveusleaning: leunenddistance: afstandbreathing: ademhalingpanic: paniekshallow: oppervlakkigcalm: kalmgrounded: stevigersufficient: voldoendevictory: overwinningself-confidence: zelfvertrouwentechnique: techniekfaded: vervagensupport: steunadventure: avontuurshampoo: shampooinstruction: instructie

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: A Nurse's Journey: Finding Hope in a Psychiatric Ward Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-01-02-08-38-20-he Story Transcript:He: היה זה בוקר חורפי חדש בשנה החדשה, והאוויר הקריר והניצנצים של השלג חדרו דרך חלונות הסורגים של מחלקה פסיכיאטרית ישנה.En: It was a winter morning in the new year, and the cool air and the sparkling snow penetrated through the barred windows of an old psychiatric ward.He: נועם, אח מסור עם לב גדול, התחיל את משמרתו הארוכה במחלקה.En: Noam (Noam), a dedicated nurse with a big heart, started his long shift in the ward.He: האורות במסדרונות היו מעומעמים, והדלתות נעולות בסודיות שקטה.En: The lights in the corridors were dim, and the doors locked with quiet secrecy.He: אבל משהו היה שונה הבוקר הזה.En: But something was different this morning.He: נועם שם לב לכך שדלפק הקבלה היה שקטה יתר על המידה.En: Noam noticed that the reception desk was unusually quiet.He: כשעבר במסדרון, הבחין בחדר של יעל, המטופלת שלו, פתוח והחדר ריק.En: As he walked down the corridor, he noticed that the room of Yael (Yael), his patient, was open and the room was empty.He: "היא איננה," אמר נועם בפליאה.En: "She's not here," said Noam in surprise.He: הבזק של דאגה עבר בו.En: A flash of worry passed through him.He: יעל, תמיד חייכה בעיניה השקטות, והמחשבה על כך שהיא נעלמה הדאיגה אותו מאוד.En: Yael, always smiling with her quiet eyes, and the thought of her disappearing worried him greatly.He: בכדי לא להכניס בהלה בקרב הצוות והמטופלים, הוא החליט לחפש אותה בעצמו.En: To avoid causing panic among the staff and patients, he decided to look for her himself.He: זמן לא היה בצדו, וכל דקה חישבה לפתח בהלה גדולה יותר.En: Time was not on his side, and every minute threatened to develop into greater panic.He: נועם החליט לבדוק תחילה אצל איתן, מטופל נוסף שראה את יעל לאחרונה.En: Noam decided to check first with Eitan (Eitan), another patient who had seen Yael last.He: "איתן", פנה נועם בחמלה, "ראית את יעל הבוקר?En: "Eitan," Noam approached with compassion, "have you seen Yael this morning?"He: "איתן נראה לרגע מהסס, אבל לבסוף לחש, "ראיתי אותה הולכת לכיוון החדר המשותף.En: Eitan seemed hesitant for a moment, but finally whispered, "I saw her going towards the common room.He: היא נראתה מהורהרת.En: She looked pensive."He: "נועם מיהר לחדר המשותף.En: Noam hurried to the common room.He: שם גילה פתק קטן ומקופל על אחד השולחנות.En: There, he found a small, folded note on one of the tables.He: "המקום השקט שלי בין הפרחים," היה כתוב בכתב יד דק.En: "My quiet place among the flowers," was written in fine handwriting.He: נועם ידע בדיוק לאן ללכת.En: Noam knew exactly where to go.He: במרפסת של המחלקה, בין הפתותים הלבנים של חורף, הוא מצא את יעל יושבת על הספסל.En: On the ward's balcony, between the white flakes of winter, he found Yael sitting on a bench.He: מולה הייתה ערוגת פרחים קטנה שצלחה את הקור ובצבצה מתוך השלג, סמל של חיים חדשים.En: In front of her was a small flower bed that had survived the cold and peeked out from the snow, a symbol of new life.He: נועם התיישב לידה בשקט.En: Noam sat down quietly next to her.He: "מצאתי אותך," הוא אמר בחיוך רגוע.En: "I found you," he said with a calm smile.He: יעל חייכה אליו חזרה, מקצת דמעות בעיניה.En: Yael smiled back at him, a few tears in her eyes.He: הם שבו יחד לחדרה, ונועם הבטיח לה שעכשיו תהיה בסדר.En: Together, they returned to her room, and Noam promised her that everything would be alright now.He: מחדש למשמרתו, נועם חש בהבנה עמוקה יותר של הכאב הפנימי של מטופליו.En: Back to his shift, Noam felt a deeper understanding of the inner pain of his patients.He: הוא ידע שהוא חייב להקשיב יותר, לחפש את האותות השקטים ולתמוך בהם בדרכים שהוא יכול.En: He knew he had to listen more, look for the quiet signs, and support them in ways he could.He: הוא הבטיח לעצמו להיות לא רק אח, אלא גם ידיד אמיתי למטופליו.En: He promised himself to be not just a nurse, but a true friend to his patients. Vocabulary Words:ward: מחלקהbarred: סורגיםpsychiatric: פסיכיאטריתshift: משמרתdim: מעומעמיםsecrecy: סודיותpensive: מהורהרתcorridor: מסדרוןreception: דלפק קבלהhesitant: מהססcompassion: חמלהfolded: מקופלhandwriting: כתב ידbalcony: מרפסתflake: פתותיםpeeked: בצבצהbench: ספסלsupport: לתמוךquietly: בשקטdisappearing: נעלמהpromise: הבטיחpanic: בהלהcompassion: חמלהcorridor: מסדרוןreception desk: דלפק קבלהnoticing: הבחנהdemure: שקטהroom: חדרsparkling: ניצנציםdedicated: מסורBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Finding Hope: A New Year's Journey in Healing Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-02-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A téli reggel fagyos hidege lassan beburkolta a pszichiátriai osztály épületét.En: The frosty chill of the winter morning slowly enveloped the psychiatric ward building.Hu: Bent a szobában, a falak bézs árnyalatot sugároztak, otthonos érzést adva még a steril környezetnek is.En: Inside the room, the walls radiated a beige hue, providing a cozy feeling even in the sterile environment.Hu: Bence, a fiatal pszichiáter, az ablak mellett állt és nézte, ahogy a pára lassan összegyűlik az üvegen.En: Bence, the young psychiatrist, stood by the window watching as the condensation slowly collected on the glass.Hu: Ma különösen fontos nap volt.En: Today was an especially important day.Hu: Az újév első hete, a remény és megújulás időszaka.En: The first week of the new year, a time of hope and renewal.Hu: Bence egy mély lélegzetet vett, és belépett Emese szobájába.En: Bence took a deep breath and entered Emese's room.Hu: Emese az ágyon ült, és elrévedt tekintettel bámulta a falat.En: Emese sat on the bed, staring at the wall with a distant gaze.Hu: Bence leült a szobabeli kényelmes karosszékbe.En: Bence sat in the comfortable armchair in the room.Hu: „Jó reggelt, Emese” – mondta halk, de határozott hangon.En: "Good morning, Emese," he said in a soft but firm voice.Hu: Emese halkan válaszolt, alig érezhető mosollyal az arcán.En: Emese replied softly, with a barely perceptible smile on her face.Hu: "Jó reggelt, Bence.En: "Good morning, Bence."Hu: "Bence tudta, hogy a mai lesz az egyik legnehezebb beszélgetésük.En: Bence knew that today would be one of their most challenging conversations.Hu: Emesének újévi fogadalma volt, hogy legyőzi a szorongását és depresszióját.En: Emese's New Year's resolution was to overcome her anxiety and depression.Hu: De amikor Bence rákérdezett, Emese csak megvonta a vállát.En: But when Bence asked about it, Emese simply shrugged.Hu: "Nem tudom.En: "I don't know...Hu: Még mindig nem érzem, hogy bármit is elérhetnénk.En: I still don't feel like we can achieve anything."Hu: "Bence bólintott.En: Bence nodded.Hu: Azelőtt nem volt könnyű eldönteni, hogy más módszert kell alkalmaznia.En: It hadn't been easy to decide that he needed to try a different method.Hu: De ma úgy érezte, hogy valami újat kell kipróbálnia.En: But today, he felt he had to try something new.Hu: Csendes pillanat következett.En: A quiet moment followed.Hu: Majd elkezdte a történetét.En: Then he began his story.Hu: „Tudod, Emese,” kezdte lassan, „amikor én egyetemista voltam, gyakran azt éreztem, hogy nem vagyok elég jó.En: "You know, Emese," he started slowly, "when I was a university student, I often felt like I wasn't good enough.Hu: Bár mindig is arról álmodtam, hogy segítsek másokon, néha kételkedtem magamban.En: Even though I always dreamed of helping others, I sometimes doubted myself.Hu: De aztán találkoztam egy tanárral, aki hitt bennem.En: But then I met a teacher who believed in me.Hu: Segített megtanulni hinni magamban.En: He helped me learn to believe in myself."Hu: ”Emese érdeklődése fokozódott.En: Emese's interest grew.Hu: Szemei találkoztak Bencéjével.En: Her eyes met Bence's.Hu: „És hogy sikerült változtatnod?En: "And how did you manage to change?"Hu: ” kérdezte halkan.En: she asked softly.Hu: Bence elmosolyodott.En: Bence smiled.Hu: „Elkezdtem apró lépésekben haladni.En: "I started moving forward in small steps.Hu: Nem akartam egy nap alatt mindent megváltoztatni.En: I didn't want to change everything in one day.Hu: Csak kis célokat tűztem ki, elég kicsiket ahhoz, hogy elérhetők legyenek.En: I just set small goals, small enough to be achievable.Hu: És minden egyes siker újabb erőt adott.En: And each success gave me new strength."Hu: ”Emese hallgatott, gondolkodóba esett.En: Emese listened, deep in thought.Hu: Bence folytatta: „A te fogadalmad hasonló.En: Bence continued, "Your resolution is similar.Hu: Nem kell azonnal mindent megváltoztatni.En: You don't have to change everything right away.Hu: Lépésről lépésre, apró célokat érhetünk el.En: We can achieve small goals, step by step.Hu: És minden kicsi siker adhat reményt.En: And every little success can give hope."Hu: ”Emese szemei mintha ragyogni kezdtek volna.En: Emese's eyes seemed to start sparkling.Hu: „Talán mégis van remény” mondta töprengve.En: "Maybe there's hope after all," she said thoughtfully.Hu: „Talán képes vagyok változtatni.En: "Maybe I am capable of change."Hu: ”Bence mosolya tágasabbá vált, szívébe melegség költözött.En: Bence's smile broadened, warmth filled his heart.Hu: Tudta, hogy ez egy jelentős pillanat.En: He knew this was a significant moment.Hu: Emese elkezdett hinni a változás lehetőségében.En: Emese had begun to believe in the possibility of change.Hu: Az első nagy lépést megtették.En: They had taken the first big step.Hu: Az óra végén Emese már bátran tekintett a jövőbe.En: By the end of the hour, Emese was already looking more bravely toward the future.Hu: Megbeszélték, hogy folytatják a kezelést.En: They discussed continuing the treatment.Hu: Bence érezte, hogy új lendületet kapott.En: Bence felt a renewed sense of purpose.Hu: Tudta, hogy a munkája fontos, és hogy valóban segíthet másokon.En: He knew that his work was important and that he could truly help others.Hu: Az új év friss reménnyel és ígéretekkel teli volt.En: The new year was filled with fresh hope and promises.Hu: És bár az út hosszú volt, mindketten egy kicsit magabiztosabban vágtak neki.En: And although the road was long, both approached it with a bit more confidence. Vocabulary Words:frosty: fagyoschill: hidegenveloped: beburkoltapsychiatric: pszichiátriaiward: osztálycondensation: páraradiated: sugároztakhue: árnyalatcozy: otthonossterile: sterilgaze: tekintetperceptible: érezhetőshrugged: megvonta a vállátrenewal: megújulássignificant: jelentősresolution: fogadalomanxiety: szorongásdistant: elrévedtachievable: elérhetőuniversity: egyetemistadoubted: kételkedtemsparkling: ragyognicapable: képesapproached: nekivágnideep: mélyrenewed: újpurpose: lendületfilled: telipromises: ígéretekkelcontinue: folytatják

In this deeply moving episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Burton Fischler, author of The Gift: Trauma to Triumph. Burton shares a harrowing personal journey marked by unimaginable loss—the murder of his wife, Barbara, at the hands of her son who struggled with severe mental illness and addiction.Burton discusses how he navigated the dark abyss of PTSD and grief, eventually finding a path toward healing through writing, nature, and service. Now a substance addiction counselor, Burton explains the intersection of trauma and addiction and offers a message of profound hope for anyone feeling lost in the darkness.Key HighlightsA Tragic Turning Point: Burton recounts the heartbreaking events leading up to his wife's death and the systemic failures that preceded the tragedy.The Weight of Trauma: Moving beyond "talk therapy" to understand how trauma lives in the body and the reality of living with PTSD.The Power of Writing: How documenting his journey for eight hours a day became a lifeline and a tool for self-discovery.Gratitude vs. Joy: The shift from waiting for joy to practicing gratitude as a foundational step toward recovery.Neuroplasticity and Choice: Understanding that while we cannot "think" our way into right action, we can act our way into right thinking by rewiring the brain through healthy habits.The Wisdom of Trauma: Why Burton chose to become a substance abuse counselor and how his own pain allows him to connect deeply with his clients.During the conversation, Burton emphasizes the importance of replacing negative feedback loops with positive ones. This process leverages the brain's natural ability to change.Breaking Isolation: Moving from secrecy and shame to human connection.Nature and Awe: Finding symbols of resilience in the natural world (like a flower growing through concrete).Holistic Practice: Incorporating meditation, nutrition, and movement to support the "rewiring" of the mind.Notable Quotes"It is not joyfulness that makes us grateful. It's gratitude that makes us joyful." — Burton Fischler (referencing Brother David Steindl-Rast)"If children after they fell did not get up and try again, we would have a world of people on their knees." — Burton Fischler"There are two ways to look at life: one is that nothing is a miracle, and the other is that everything is." — Burton Fischler (referencing Albert Einstein)Resources MentionedBook: The Gift: Trauma to Triumph by Burton FischlerPoetry: T.S. EliotReferences: Viktor Frankl (Man's Search for Meaning), Gabor Maté, and Bill Wilson (AA).Connect with Burton FischlerWebsite: traumatotriumph.clubCoaching: coachburton.comSocial Media: Follow @BurtonFischler on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Lohman // December 28, 2025

Beautiful soul, this episode is for anyone who has lost a loved one, is longing for signs from Heaven, or is searching for reassurance that love continues beyond the veil. Julie is joined by Rachel Stewart, co-founder of 4/11 Together, for a deeply moving conversation about grief, signs, and the unbreakable bond between parents and children who have crossed to the Other Side. Rachel shares the story of her daughter Kennedy, the moment that changed everything for her family, and how undeniable signs and spirit communication transformed loss into connection. This episode is a powerful reminder that Heaven is not far away. Our loved ones are still present, still guiding us, and still finding ways to reach us when we open our hearts. It offers comfort, validation, and hope for anyone navigating grief, spiritual awakening, or a deeper relationship with the unseen world. Episode Chapters (4:06) Welcoming Rachel Stewart and the mission behind 4/11 Together (8:45) Losing Kennedy and questioning the afterlife (10:49) The medium reading that changed everything (14:22) Realizing loved ones are closer than we think (18:10) Powerful validation through signs and synchronicities (21:05) The hummingbird sign and undeniable proof (23:45) Kennedy's last Christmas and soul-level knowing (26:03) Grief stored in the body and unexpected healing (27:29) Angel energy healing and spiritual awakening (31:26) Learning to recognize signs without limitations (36:03) Living with one foot here and one foot across the veil (40:28) Stories from the 4/11 community and shared miracles (47:55) 3-2-1 Believe: a simple way to connect with Heaven (52:19) Footprints in the Sand and being carried through grief (54:23) Closing angel message: Heaven lives within you   Work with Julie & Your Angels If you've been feeling the nudge I want to hear my angels clearly, I want to work with them every day, here's how to go deeper:

A stage-IV metastatic melanoma diagnosis is often delivered with words like incurable and life-limiting. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Michael Karlfeldt sits down with Kevin Donaghy, an IT consultant from Melrose, Scotland, who has lived more than six years beyond his diagnosis—and transformed his personal cancer journey into a global mission of hope. Through his lived experience and the revolutionary impact of immunotherapy, Kevin offers rare insight into what it truly means to navigate advanced cancer with courage, honesty, and humanity.Kevin shares the emotional realities of being told his cancer was medically incurable, the isolation and fear that followed, and how finding community during COVID lockdowns became a turning point for his mental health. Out of that connection grew Stories of Cancer and Hope, an anthology of 39 real-life cancer stories—some triumphant, some heartbreaking—all designed to offer solidarity to those who feel alone. Listeners will hear powerful reflections on cancer ghosting, mental health struggles, redefining hope, and why shared stories can be as life-saving as treatment itself.This episode is essential listening for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or seeking deeper understanding of the emotional side of cancer, Kevin's story reminds us that hope is not a single outcome—it is something that evolves, connects, and endures.Key Topics CoveredLiving beyond a stage-IV metastatic melanoma diagnosisThe emotional shock of being told cancer is “incurable”Immunotherapy for melanoma: promise, risks, and realitiesCancer isolation, loneliness, and “cancer ghosting”Mental health challenges and suicidal ideation in cancer patientsThe healing power of community and shared lived experienceCreating Stories of Cancer and Hope and distributing thousands of free booksHow hope changes throughout the cancer journeySupporting families and caregivers through understanding and empathyConnect with Kevin Donaghy & Stories of Cancer and HopeWebsite: https://www.storiesofcancerandhope.co.uk/Social Media:LinkedIn: Kevin DonaghyInstagram: Kevin A Donaghy, Stories of Cancer and HopeBluesky: storiescancerhope.bsky.socialAmazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kevin-Donaghy/author/B0D7S7LRMJ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d17d4d5b-3bb2-4adf-87a3-b274a0211630 -----------------------------------------------A Better Way to Treat Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing and Most Effectively Treating Our Biggest Health ThreatGrab my book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM1KKD9X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Unleashing 10X Power: A Revolutionary Approach to Conquering CancerGet it here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/unleashing-10x-powerPrice: $24.99100% Off Discount Code: CANCERPODCAST1 Healing Within: Unraveling the Emotional Roots of CancerGet it here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/healing-withinPrice: $24.99100% Off Discount Code: CANCERPODCAST2-----------------------------------------------Integrative Cancer Solutions was created to instill hope and empowerment. Other people have been where you are right now and have already done the research for you. Listen to their stories and journeys and apply what they learned to achieve similar outcomes as they have, cancer remission and an even more fullness of life than before the diagnosis. Guests will discuss what therapies, supplements, and practitioners they relied on to beat cancer. Once diagnosed, time is of the essence. This podcast will dramatically reduce your learning curve as you search for your own solution to cancer. To learn more about the cutting-edge integrative cancer therapies Dr. Karlfeldt offer at his center, please visit www.TheKarlfeldtCenter.com

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2842: Reid Peterson gently guides readers through the nuanced journey of grief, offering real, grounded ways to rediscover hope. From witnessing spontaneous kindness to recognizing subtle moments of progress, his insights remind us that healing doesn't come in leaps, it comes in moments, nudges, and small shifts in perspective. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://griefrefuge.medium.com/finding-hope-when-grief-feels-hopeless-63e5780089ea Quotes to ponder: "Just keep your eyes open to witness good things happening around you." "There's often someone in your life who shows up as a personal cheerleader at a time you need it most." "Hope is alchemized from all of the feelings."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2841: Reid Peterson compassionately explores the depths of hopelessness that can accompany profound grief, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope remains a quiet possibility. Through practical tools like grief mantras, linking objects, and shared stories, he offers a gentle guide toward emotional healing and the rediscovery of meaning. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://griefrefuge.medium.com/finding-hope-when-grief-feels-hopeless-63e5780089ea Quotes to ponder: "Hope is an expectation of a good that is yet to be." "Sometimes, the acceptance of feeling hopeless is actually an act of feeling hope." "Being honest with yourself regarding what feels right in the moment is one of the best things you can do for yourself."

From C.S. Lewis to Luka Dončić: Celebrating Joy in Unexpected Places   On this Christmas-season Good Faith episode, host Curtis Chang welcomes back "founding friend" David French to showcase how he can give thanks in all circumstances even amid a depressing news cycle. Through five surprising "gratitudes" (from Dune and Luka Dončić to family healing and C.S. Lewis), the conversation offers a timely guide to cultivating Christian joy, resilience, and hope in anxious times. French shares why his hope isn't rooted in a "five-point plan," but in the character of God and the "light and high beauty" that can break through dark moments—even illustrated by a powerful story of forgiveness after a Michigan church shooting.   (00:02:22) - Living with Tension: Blessings and Challenges (00:05:11) - Practicing Cheerfulness and Gratitude (00:08:52) - #5: Anticipating Dune Part Three & the importance of joy and fun. (00:18:22) - #4: Luka Doncic & appreciating greatness (00:26:50) - Transcendence, and the Need for Beauty in dark times. (00:27:55) - #3: Michigan Mormons' Response to Tragedy  (00:29:22) - The Power of Redemptive Acts  (00:33:35) - #2: Gratitude for his wife & granddaughter's health after medical challenges. (00:40:32) - #1: The Enduring Comfort of C.S. Lewis  (00:49:44) - The necessity of hope and joy, especially for young people.     Get your Good Faith mug by donating to the Good Faith podcast today!   Download World Relief's: "Let's Talk About It" conversation cards   Partner with World Relief in walking alongside families displaced by war, disaster and persecution — give today: World Relief Take our Climate Survey     Mentioned In This Episode: Trailer: Dune Part Three Trailer: Dune Part One Trailer: Dune Part Two Highlights: Luka Doncic Read/Watch: Victims raise money for Michigan Church shooter's family   Books Mentioned by C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity The Last Battle The Great Divorce The Screwtape Letters Space Trilogy Till We Have Faces     More From David French: David French's New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads     Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.  

This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. On today’s episode, we talk with two guests who have navigated both the heights of success and the depths of personal struggle, learning a profound truth: finding hope isn’t just for the good times. Candace Cameron Bure, the beloved actress and author, shares how she rooted her identity not in Hollywood fame, but in her faith, discovering her true value when the applause stopped. Then, Pastor Shawn Johnson opens up about his lifelong battles with anxiety, depression, and a devastating medical diagnosis, revealing how he found the courage to “kiss the fire” and walk through his hardest seasons with God’s strength. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Anthony Lucia Upcoming interview: Brenda Lee Candace Cameron Bure Full House Fuller House Bob Saget Luke 2 NIV Jesus Listens for Advent and Christmas www.candacecbure.com Pastor Shawn Johnson Attacking Anxiety Kiss the Fire Mayo Clinic Parkinson’s disease www.redrockschurch.com Interview Quotes: “I really started digging deeply into the Word of God and understanding that my identity isn’t in my occupation, who I know, or how much money I have. My identity is rooted in Christ, that I am the daughter of the King. My purpose is to glorify God in all that I do.” - Candace Cameron Bure “There was always a hug at the end of Full House and Fuller House, and we always worked through the problems. It was a really great model for so many people that have families that don’t feel safe. This was a family that they could look to for that.” - Candace Cameron Bure “My joy comes from the Lord and the goodness that He gives me and having hope in Him for eternity. And through that joy, He gives me my strength to persevere each day, to endure every day, to take another step, to be able to breathe deeply. God calls us to walk with Him, and you can’t get to know someone if you don’t spend time with them.” - Candace Cameron Bure “As a working woman, there are so many days that I can feel overwhelmed. I have to remind myself that my joy doesn’t come from the circumstances around me, but from the Lord. He gives me the strength to persevere, endure, and take another step each day.” - Candace Cameron Bure “I started to realize the more I would be willing to talk about my real struggles, the more people felt like, Oh my gosh, me too. If that guy can admit he struggles, then I could too.“ - Shawn Johnson “We’re gonna kiss this fire and walk away whistling. That phrase ‘kiss the fire’ just sort of became almost like a mantra for me. I didn’t talk to anyone else about it, but I would remind myself daily that, I’m not going to give up. I’m not going to quit. I’m not going to stop trusting God, although part of me wants to. I’m not gonna stop believing that He has a plan for my future. I’m not going to stop trying to do the things I think He’s called me to do.” - Shawn Johnson “I work out a lot, and remind myself every day that none of us know how long we’re going to live. And so today I’m going to be a really good dad to my three boys. I’m going to be a good husband to my wife. I’ll try to be a great pastor this week, a good friend.” - Shawn Johnson “A daily devotion is so important because life’s already hard enough, and we need to constantly be reminded that God is with us and that God is working and that God has a plan even when we can’t see it and don’t understand it.” - Shawn Johnson ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For many Americans, proper sanitation and clean water seem like issues for developing countries. But much of rural America—and even parts of US cities—still struggles to provide the basics we all need to survive. And as infrastructure ages and strains under the threat of climate change, the problems will likely get worse. Environmental justice activist Catherine Coleman Flowers has been on the forefront of these issues for decades. And she says that while a lack of sanitation is often found in poor, Black regions, especially in the Deep South, these basic environmental issues cut across racial lines. On this week's More To The Story, Flowers sits down with host Al Letson to talk about her years working to achieve “sanitation justice” in the South, how biblical lessons apply to climate offenders, and her book of personal essays, Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope.Producer: Josh Sanburn | Editor: Kara McGuirk-Allison | Theme music: Fernando Arruda and Jim Briggs | Copy editor: Nikki Frick | Deputy executive producer: Taki Telonidis | Executive producer: Brett Myers | Executive editor: James West | Host: Al Letson Donate today at Revealnews.org/more Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at Revealnews.org/weekly Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Read: Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope (Spiegel & Grau)Listen: The Great Arizona Water Grab (Reveal)Read: Some Alabamians Can't Even Flush Their Toilets. The EPA Is Here to Help. (Inside Climate News via Mother Jones)Note: If you buy a book using our Bookshop link, a small share of the proceeds supports our journalism. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Today’s Bible Verse: “He shows mercy from generation to generation. to those who fear him” — Luke 1:50 Luke 1:50 reminds us that God’s mercy is not fleeting or limited to a single moment in history—it is a lasting promise that spans generations. Spoken as part of Mary’s song of praise, this verse anchors Advent hope in the faithfulness of a God who remains compassionate, patient, and near to those who revere Him. MEET YOUR HOST: Chaka Heinze at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.Follow her on Chakaheinze.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.