Podcasts about finding hope

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.

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

Discover how focusing on Jesus can transform your perspective, even in the midst of chaos and major life transitions.Stay up to date by following us on your favorite social networks.Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Have questions or comments? Email us at contact@kingofkings.org. Thanks for listening!

One of the greatest threats to your spiritual growth and development in 2026 is the busyness of life—or what some might call “the daily grind.” We must ask ourselves: My goal for this morning is to bring you some practical advice from the Scripture about the Scripture and its effect on your life. To help…

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A New Year's Wish: Finding Hope in Kyoto's Winter Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-26-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の朝、空気は凛として冷たかった。En: On a winter morning, the air was sharp and cold.Ja: ハルトは京都の静かな街並みを歩きながら、心の中で小さな不安を感じていた。En: Haruto felt a small anxiety in his heart as he walked through the quiet streets of Kyoto.Ja: 大学をまもなく卒業する彼にとって、これからの人生は未知数だった。En: With his imminent graduation from university, his future was uncertain.Ja: 答えを見つけたい、何か新しい始まりが欲しい―そんな気持ちでいっぱいだった。En: He was filled with a desire to find an answer, to have a new beginning.Ja: 今日、ハルトは家族のために京都にいるアキコと、仕事のために最近京都に引っ越してきた幼馴染のソラと一緒に、伏見稲荷大社へ向かうことになった。En: Today, Haruto was heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha with Akiko, who was in Kyoto for her family, and his childhood friend Sora, who had recently moved to Kyoto for work.Ja: 新年、神社にお参りをするのは、日本の伝統的な習慣だ。En: Visiting a shrine at the start of the new year is a traditional Japanese custom.Ja: ハルトはこの伝統に参加することで、安心感を得られるかもしれないと思っていた。En: Haruto thought that participating in this tradition might bring him some peace of mind.Ja: 神社に着くと、多くの人々が朱色の鳥居をくぐりながら祈願していた。En: Upon arriving at the shrine, many people were passing through the vermilion gates, praying for their wishes to be granted.Ja: 石段を上る途中、アキコが笑顔で話しかけた。En: As they climbed the stone steps, Akiko spoke up with a smile.Ja: 「ハルト、今年はどんな願い事をするの？」En: "What kind of wish will you make this year, Haruto?"Ja: 彼女はいつも前向きで、伝統を大切にしていた。En: She was always positive and cherished traditions.Ja: 「まだ決めてないけど…」とハルトは小声で答えた。彼は自分の不安を伝えるのが少し恥ずかしかった。En: "I haven't decided yet..." Haruto replied in a low voice, somewhat embarrassed to express his anxieties.Ja: 一方、ソラは少し静かだった。En: Meanwhile, Sora was a little quiet.Ja: 新しい職場に慣れず、疎外感を感じているようだ。En: He seemed to be feeling alienated, not yet accustomed to his new workplace.Ja: 「俺たち、またこうして集まれるのはいいね」とソラがぽつりと言った。その言葉には、どこか安堵が混じっていた。En: "It's nice that we can gather like this again," Sora said quietly, with a hint of relief in his words.Ja: 神社の頂上で、ハルトは深く息を吸い込み、初日の出を見つめた。En: At the top of the shrine, Haruto took a deep breath and gazed at the first sunrise.Ja: 光が差し込むその瞬間に、心の中で願った。「未来がはっきり見えなくていい。En: At that moment when the light streamed in, he wished in his heart, "It's okay if the future isn't clear.Ja: ただ、自分に正直でいたい。そして勇気を持って進みたい。」En: I just want to be honest with myself and move forward with courage."Ja: アキコとソラもそれぞれの願いを込めて静かに祈った。En: Akiko and Sora also made their wishes in silent prayer.Ja: 自然と手を合わせた彼らは、互いの気持ちを感じ取った。En: Without words, they naturally joined their hands together, sensing each other's feelings.Ja: 言葉はなくとも、そこには確かな繋がりがあった。En: There was a definite connection among them.Ja: 新年の祝いが終わると、三人は一緒に市内をぶらぶら歩き、昼食を共にした。En: After the New Year celebration, the three of them wandered around the city and had lunch together.Ja: それぞれの人生がどんなに違っても、再び絆を深めることができたのだ。En: No matter how different their lives were, they were able to deepen their bond again.Ja: ハルトはふと気がついた。未来の不安は消えないけれど、支えてくれる友達や家族がいる。それが何より安心感を与えてくれると。En: Haruto suddenly realized that although the anxiety about the future wouldn't disappear, having supportive friends and family provided him with comfort above all else.Ja: 夕方、神社を後にするとき、ハルトは心の中で微笑んだ。En: In the evening, as they left the shrine, Haruto smiled inwardly.Ja: 「今年は、伝統をもっと大切にしよう。En: "This year, I'll cherish traditions more.Ja: そうすれば、不安なんて小さなことに思えるかもしれない。」En: Maybe then, my anxieties will seem like small matters."Ja: 冬空の下、三人はまた次の再会を約束し、別々の道を歩き出した。En: Under the winter sky, the three promised to meet again and walked their separate paths.Ja: それでも、彼らの心には新たな希望の光が差し込んでいた。En: Even so, a new light of hope shone in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:sharp: 凛としたimminent: まもなくuncertain: 未知数vermilion: 朱色cherished: 大切にしていたembarrassed: 恥ずかしかったalienated: 疎外感gather: 集まれるrelief: 安堵gazed: 見つめたcourage: 勇気silent: 静かにdefinite: 確かなconnection: 繋がりwandered: ぶらぶら歩きsupportive: 支えてくれるcomfort: 安心感cherish: 大切にしようtraditions: 伝統light: 光hope: 希望anxieties: 不安promised: 約束peace of mind: 安心感wishes: 願い事accustomed: 慣れずstreamed: 差し込むyearning: 欲しいcustom: 習慣bond: 絆

We explore the journey through depression and the desire for a better life. We share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of support and the dreams that fuel us. Discover how to find hope and build a new reality.   You go into depression. You commit suicide. But until that time, there's dreams. You want to come out of that reality. You want to have a new reality. You want to be like everyone you see that has parents that love them. You want that.

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

Bridging Grief | The Mourning Glory Club | Suicide Loss Survivors | Finding Hope Again

I interview Jared Ayers, head pastor at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, and author of You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul. We discuss the profound impact of shared meals, the significance of the incarnation in understanding human suffering, and the importance of honesty within Christian communities. We explore themes of hope, the illusion of control, the reality of sin, and the necessity of dignity in relationships. Ayers also emphasizes the need for vulnerability and authenticity in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles and foster inclusive communities. Takeaways Meals are a reflection of our shared stories. The incarnation shows God's deep understanding of human suffering. Hope comes from knowing we are not alone in our pain. Navigating loss requires community support and understanding. We often live under the illusion of control in our lives. Christianity addresses the reality of sin and human condition. Honesty about our struggles fosters a healthier community. Dignifying others is essential for building inclusive spaces. Wrestling with faith and doubt is a normal part of life. Living an integrated life means embracing all aspects of our experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Jared Ayers 02:36 The Significance of Meals and Shared Experiences 05:28 The Incarnation and Its Implications 11:24 Understanding Suffering Through the Life of Jesus 17:16 Finding Hope in Shared Pain 23:15 Navigating Life's Challenges with Receptivity 24:14 Letting Go of Control 26:00 Understanding Sin and Its Impact 28:57 The Importance of Honesty in Faith 32:06 The Power of Grace in Community 34:53 Leading with Vulnerability 37:42 Dignifying Others in a Divided World 40:49 Wrestling with Faith and Doubt 45:31 Living an Integrated Life

Mary Fields shares her deeply personal journey of resilience and healing on the podcast, emphasizing that kindness can be a powerful tool for change. Growing up in the foster care system, she faced immense challenges that could have turned her bitter, but instead, she found strength in the support of kind individuals along the way. As an author of the memoir "Forever and a Day," Mary opens up about her experiences, including the struggle of reconciling her past trauma with her present as a mother of four. In a candid conversation with host Rachel, they dive into how humor became a coping mechanism and the importance of recognizing the inner child's voice. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of survival, compassion, and the transformative power of kindness, reminding us all to seek and spread love wherever we can.Mary Fields shines a light on the often-overlooked realities of growing up in the foster care system in this heartfelt episode of Foster to Forever. Her conversation with host Rachel delves into her personal experiences, offering listeners a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges she faced while navigating a childhood filled with instability and trauma. Mary's story is one of resilience, as she reflects on how kindness from others helped her survive a turbulent upbringing. From her early memories in foster homes to the complexities of her relationships with her biological parents, Mary's narrative is both poignant and relatable. She emphasizes that while she could have become a bitter person, the compassion she received sparked a fire of hope within her, leading to her current role as a loving mother and author.Mary's memoir, 'Forever and a Day', is not just a recounting of her past; it's an invitation to understand the intricacies of trauma, healing, and the power of kindness in transforming lives. Throughout the episode, she discusses the misconceptions surrounding foster children, urging listeners to recognize that these kids are often victims of unfortunate circumstances rather than delinquents or bad kids. Mary's reflections inspire a call to action, reminding us all that kindness can break cycles of negativity and foster a sense of belonging in those who need it most. As she navigates the challenges of motherhood, Mary shares how she strives to provide her children with the love and security she was denied, showing that healing is possible and that every child deserves a chance to thrive.In this episode, Mary Fields recounts her transformative journey from a troubled childhood in the foster care system to becoming a nurturing mother and an inspiring author. The conversation with Rachel is a powerful exploration of resilience, hope, and the profound impact of kindness. Mary's experiences highlight the harsh realities many children face while in foster care, yet her narrative is not solely about hardship; it's about the healing power of compassion and connection. She reflects on her time in various foster homes, sharing both the struggles she endured and the moments of kindness that kept her spirit alive.As Mary discusses her memoir, 'Forever and a Day', she reveals the irony behind its title—a phrase her mother used in letters despite her failures as a parent. This duality underscores the themes of love, loss, and the journey toward self-acceptance that permeate her writing. The episode emphasizes the importance of advocating for foster children, challenging listeners to confront their biases and support the vulnerable. Mary's insights on motherhood reveal her commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma by fostering an environment filled with love and understanding for her own children. This engaging conversation serves as a reminder that while the past can shape us, it does not define our future, and that kindness is a powerful tool for change.Takeaways: Mary shares her incredible journey from a challenging childhood in foster care...

Today's guest is Amanda Gunville, visionary executive, investor and author of the book Finding Hope & Joy in Cancer. She's also a survivor of triple positive breast cancer largely due to her own self-advocacy and not taking "no" for an answer. Being a mom of a young toddler, Amanda learned to face her diagnosis with grace, joy, and determination to live, along with a good dose of humor.We talk about fighting for your rights and getting multiple opinions, being with the people who love you the most through the journey, writing the book she wish she could have read, her nationwide "book drive" to donate her book to cancer patients, and so much more!!This is a great story to listen to during the holidays!! Merry Christmas and thanks so much for your support of this podcast!Resources:Amanda's Website: www.hopeandjoy.netAmanda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeandjoyincancer/Follow:Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/My website: https://melissagrosboll.comEmail me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.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."

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Finding Hope in the Heart of a Jerusalem Café Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-12-22-08-38-20-he Story Transcript:He: בשעת ערב מאוחרת, בבית קפה קטן ונעים בשכונת ירושלים החורפית, שלושת החברים התיישבו סביב שולחן עגול ומבושל היטב.En: In the late evening, in a small and cozy café in a Jerusalem winter neighborhood, three friends sat around a well-arranged round table.He: הקפטריה הייתה מוארת באורות רכים ונרות.En: The cafeteria was illuminated by soft lights and candles.He: סביבם עיטרו סביבונים קטנים ובצקים של סופגניות טריות.En: Surrounding them were small dreidels and the doughs of fresh sufganiyot.He: נעה הסתכלה על הגשם הקל שנשפך כנגד חלון הקפה הגדול.En: Noa looked at the light rain pouring against the large café window.He: היא חיפשה סימן, איזושהי נחמה בתוך השינוי שהרעיף עליה השנה האחרונה.En: She was searching for a sign, some comfort within the change that last year had bestowed upon her.He: אבל המחשבות היו מורכבות, וכך גם רצונותיה.En: But the thoughts were complex, and so were her desires.He: אבי, חבר ילדות של נעה, הביט בה בעיניים נוצצות והתעקש להכניס אותה לאווירה החגיגית.En: Avi, Noa's childhood friend, looked at her with twinkling eyes and insisted on getting her into the festive mood.He: "מה דעתך על להדליק סביבון קטן?En: "What do you think about lighting a little dreidel?"He: " הציע באופטימיות.En: he suggested optimistically.He: "זה תמיד עוזר להרגיש חגיגי!En: "It always helps to feel festive!"He: "נעה חייכה בעדינות אבל היססה.En: Noa smiled gently but hesitated.He: "אני לא בטוחה איזה כיוון אני מחפשת," היא אמרה לבסוף.En: "I'm not sure which direction I'm looking for," she finally said.He: במבט הממוקד של תמר, שהצליחה לשלב בין חול ושמיים בעבודה החדשה שלה, נעה מצאה נחת מסוימת, אבל עדיין הרגישה לבד בהירהוריה.En: In the focused gaze of Tamar, who managed to blend earth and sky in her new job, Noa found some solace, but still felt alone in her reflections.He: "נעה," אמרה תמר בקול חם, "את צריכה לנהל שינוי עם עצמך.En: "Noa," Tamar said warmly, "you need to manage a change with yourself.He: כולנו עברנו שינויים.En: We've all gone through changes.He: גם אני בעבודה, וגם אבי, פשוט בדרכו המתוקה.En: I in my work, and Avi as well, just in his sweet way."He: "אבי ניגש לביצוע, הופך את הערב למעשיה.En: Avi took action, turning the evening into a story.He: הוא הביא חבילת סביבונים ממוקמות.En: He brought out a package of assorted dreidels.He: כולם פיזרו סביבון קטן משלהם, וברקע נעה נשברה.En: Everyone spread out their own little dreidel, and in the background, Noa broke down.He: "זה באמת קשה, לשנות ולהשתנות," הודתה נעה, הקול שלה רעד מעט.En: "It's really hard, to change and be changed," Noa admitted, her voice shaking slightly.He: "אני לא בטוחה איך להמשיך או לאיפה.En: "I'm not sure how to proceed or where to go."He: "אבי חיבק אותה ופיזר חום.En: Avi hugged her, spreading warmth.He: "את לא צריכה לדעת הכול.En: "You don't need to know everything.He: אנחנו כאן בשבילך.En: We're here for you."He: "תמר הצטרפה להתחבק.En: Tamar joined the hug.He: "וכשאת מוכנה, אנחנו נעזור לך למצוא את הדרך.En: "And when you're ready, we'll help you find the way."He: "וקווים האירו את נעה, למרות הגשם שגבר מבחוץ.En: And lines of light shone on Noa, despite the intensifying rain outside.He: בין החום של חבריה, היא נכנסה לתחושה של ששינוי הוא משהו שמחכה לה — לא ברורה, אבל מלאת תקווה.En: Among the warmth of her friends, she began to feel that change was something waiting for her—not clear, but full of hope.He: ובערב ההוא, בקפה הירושלמי, היא התחילה לראות את האפשרויות במקום את הקשיים.En: And on that evening, in the Jerusalem café, she started to see the possibilities instead of the difficulties. Vocabulary Words:cozy: נעיםsurrounding: סביבםdreidels: סביבוניםdoughs: בצקיםbestowed: הרעיףcomplex: מורכבותdesires: רצונותיהtwinkling: נוצצותoptimistically: באופטימיותsmiled: חייכהhesitated: היססהsolace: נחתreflections: הירהוריהwarmly: בקול חםproceeded: להמשיךassorted: ממוקמותspread: פיזרוshaking: רעדhugged: חיבקintensifying: שגברpossibilities: האפשרויותmanage: לנהלproceed: להמשיךgaze: במבטblended: לשלבcomfort: נחמהinsisted: התעקשstory: מעשיהilluminated: מוארתintensifying: שגברBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Simeon waited his whole life for one moment—to hold the Messiah. When it finally happens, he doesn't cling to hope. He releases it.In this Advent reflection on Luke 2, we explore Simeon's song (Nunc Dimittis) and what it teaches us about peace, waiting, generosity, and faith in an unfinished world. Christmas isn't about getting everything we want—it's about becoming the kind of people who pass hope forward.If you've ever wondered whether believing still matters when the world hasn't changed yet, this story is for you.

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."

Yet, in their silence, Heaven still hears their cry. The same Jesus who rejected, abandoned and hung naked on a cross identifies with them. He knows what it means to be despised, to be without shelter, to be misunderstood.

Hour 3 for 12/19/25 John Harper and Fr. Mark Matthias discuss brining kids and parents back to Church (1:00). Then, Fr. Chris Walsh covers finding hope in the midst of challenges (29:50). Topics: It took me a while to find hope after my twin's death (34:02), Psalm 94:19 (41:17), and shared meal (42:38).

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.

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Isabelle Amigues sits down with her patient Elizabeth Anthony to discuss her journey from a high school lupus diagnosis and years of difficult symptoms, to finally finding answers and support at UnabridgedMD. Liz shares her struggles with medications, navigating the healthcare system, and the power of listening to her own intuition—even when others doubted her. Together, they explore what true partnership in care looks like, why feeling heard matters, and how hope and persistence can lead to real healing.If you or someone you love is feeling lost or unheard in their autoimmune journey, this conversation is for you.  Subscribe for more patient stories, expert advice, and hope-driven science.#Lupus #AutoimmuneDisease #PatientStory #Rheumatology #Hope #ChronicIllness #UnabridgedMD #HealingJourney

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.

Welcome back to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we bring you an encore presentation featuring a conversation between our host, Michael John Cusick, and Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards. Known for his deep theological insights and compassionate pastoral work, Dr. Edwards dives into the concept of restoration, exploring its vital role in enriching faith amidst life's complexities.In this episode, Michael shares about the ministry of Restoring the Soul. Drawing from his journey through trauma, addiction, and healing, Michael passionately discusses the holistic nature of the soul and the crucial process of restoring it to wholeness.Dr. Edwards and Michael cover many compelling topics, from the unity within the Trinity to the importance of embodied spirituality and radical humility in healing personal and societal divisions. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as they unpack what it truly means to close the gap between belief and experience.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Brian From reflects on the dangers of political cynicism and power while calling Christians to lives marked by character, integrity, and Christlike distinctiveness. As Christmas approaches, he explores the spiritual cost of screen addiction, the importance of turning toward one another, and how practices like communal singing and gracious speech shape healthier, more faithful lives. The episode closes with Advent reflections that point listeners to hope, light in the darkness, and the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. Redistricting fight shifts to Wisconsin, where judicial panels may pick new maps Singing with Other People Improves Health More Than Singing Alone Speak with a Christian Accent Turn Toward Each Other and Away from the Screen - Christianity Today How to Fight Your Phone Idolatry x.com/CTmagazine/status/1999471822891307332 Oprah accused of fueling family estrangement crisis she now warns about | Fox News A Gentle Pastor Isn’t a Weak Pastor Somebody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: A Christmas Reflection See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”A late recording on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe turns into a fierce meditation on a world that feels unhinged and the mother who leads us to her Son. We trace a throughline from John's Gospel and the order of creation to Juan Diego's roses in winter and the tilma that sparked eight million conversions, then ask what those signs say about today's battles over life, meaning, and the human person.Let's Pray together: O Virgin of Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas, grant to our homes the grace of loving and respecting life in its beginnings, with the same love with which you conceived in your womb the life of the Son of God. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Fair Love, protect our families so that they may always be united and bless the upbringing of our children. Our hope, look upon us with pity, teach is to go continually to Jesus, and if we fall help us to rise again and return to Him through the confession of our faults and our sins in the Sacrament of penance, which gives peace to the soul. We beg you to grant us a great love of all the holy Sacraments, which are, as it were, the signs that your Son left us on earth. Thus, Most Holy Mother, with the peace of God in our consciences, with our hearts free from evil and hatred, we will be able to bring to all others true joy and peace, which come to us from your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.- Prayer by Pope John PaulIf this resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs courage, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice helps build the future.Support the show

Mrs. USA is back, ya'll! In this conversation, Paige Ewing shares her profound journey through grief, particularly during the holiday season. She discusses the impact of losing her father and other family members, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and self-care in navigating grief. The dialogue explores the duality of joy and sorrow, the necessity of wrestling with emotions, and practical strategies for coping with loss. Paige also highlights the significance and the healing properties of breathwork. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder that grief is a natural part of the human experience and that healing is possible through faith and support.https://www.paigeewing.studio/ Takeaways    •    Grief manifests physically in the body.    •    It's important to hold both joy and grief simultaneously.    •    Wrestling with emotions is a vital part of healing.    •    Maintaining connections with lost loved ones is possible.    •    Self-care practices are essential during grief.    •    Community support can provide validation and comfort.    •    Creating anchors in daily life helps manage grief.    •    Breathwork can aid in emotional healing.    •    Celebrating memories can keep loved ones alive in spirit.    •    Grief is a journey that requires time and patience.Chapters:00:00Navigating Grief During the Holidays03:00Personal Stories of Loss and Transformation05:54Faith and the Process of Grieving09:05The Importance of Wrestling with Emotions11:58Holding Duality: Joy and Grief15:01Rewiring the Brain After Loss17:58Maintaining Connection with Loved Ones20:52Coping Strategies for Grief23:51Celebrating Memories and Traditions26:47Self-Care and Body Awareness in Grief29:48The Role of Community and Support32:56Finding Purpose in Pain35:45Navigating the New Year After Loss38:50Creating Anchors for Stability41:51Breathwork and Healing Techniques44:41Coaching and Support for Grievers

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Shawn Johnson. He is the lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, an author, and someone God has used to impact thousands. And he is the coolest! Shawn shares openly about being diagnosed with Parkinson's, the battle with depression that followed, and what it looks like to keep getting back up when life knocks you down. We talk about choosing joy on purpose, why fun actually matters in your faith, and the hope that will hold steady even on the hardest days. If you've ever felt like giving up, or you're trying to keep going when things feel heavier than you expected, Shawn's story will speak straight to your soul. It's honest. It's encouraging. And it's a reminder that God does some of His best work in the fire.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Shawn: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew  

"Our healing is so important for the healing of this world, for the healing of the planet." -Stephanie James   Stephanie James is a transformation coach, psychotherapist, international speaker, and the host of the "Igniting the Spark" podcast. With decades of clinical work and spiritual exploration, she guides individuals to harness life's changes into avenues for growth. Stephanie is also the author of "Your Big Fat Juicy Life and Everything After," a book that encourages readers to release fear, embrace resilience, and appreciate the vast human experience. Her work stands at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and transformative practices, making her a renowned figure in her field.   Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of "Oh, My Health… There Is Hope," hosted by Jana Short, guest Stephanie James delves into the transformative power of hope and resilience. Stephanie shares a personal story about a miraculous encounter with a golden eagle, illustrating how moments of despair can evolve into powerful, life-changing experiences. This compelling narrative serves as an anchor for understanding how vulnerability and connection can lead to profound personal growth. The episode further details Stephanie's professional journey, shedding light on her purpose-driven path as a transformation coach and psychotherapist, emphasizing themes of spirituality and self-discovery.   Throughout the conversation, Stephanie provides valuable insights into her creative projects, including her podcast "Igniting the Spark" and her film "When Sparks Ignite." Her recent book, "Your Big Fat Juicy Life and Everything After," is also showcased, offering readers a step-by-step guide towards confronting fears and embracing the fullness of life. The episode emphasizes the importance of forming a strong relationship with oneself, highlighting how self-compassion and creativity can foster inner resilience. Whether discussing her unique meditation experiences or sharing actionable self-care strategies, Stephanie's wisdom provides listeners with transformative tools to navigate their personal journeys.   Key Takeaways: Stephanie shares a profound personal story of hope and resilience through an encounter with a golden eagle, emphasizing the power of compassion and connection. "Your Big Fat Juicy Life and Everything After" encourages readers to embrace life fully by overcoming fears and nurturing self-awareness. The podcast "Igniting the Spark" connects listeners with global thought leaders, blending insights from psychology, spirituality, and science. Through her film "When Sparks Ignite," Stephanie highlights how challenging experiences can illuminate new paths of personal growth and purpose. Stephanie advises building a relationship with oneself through the "three Cs"—care, connection, and creativity—to cultivate inner resilience and well-being.   Resources: Visit the website and enter your email address to receive a free Chakra Grounding Meditation in your inbox. https://www.stephaniejames.world/ Film: https://www.humanitysteam.org/stream?affiliate=stephaniejames Podcast: https://www.stephaniejames.world/podcast-1 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Big-Fat-Juicy-Life/dp/1945962682/     ✨ Enjoying the show? Stay inspired long after the episode ends! Jana is gifting you free subscriptions to Ageless Living Magazine and Best Holistic Life Magazine—two of the fastest-growing publications dedicated to holistic health, personal growth, and living your most vibrant life. Inside, you'll find powerful stories, expert insights, and practical tools to help you thrive—mind, body, and soul.  

When life feels unbearably dark, even a single spark of hope can change everything. In this vulnerable solo episode of Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations, I share a personal story of nearly giving up—and the small, unexpected moments that pulled me back toward the light.Drawing wisdom from Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl and the early struggles of author J.K. Rowling, we'll explore how meaning, micro-movements, and honest connection can become lifelines. You'll also discover practical tools—like grounding exercises, gratitude practices, and micro-promises—that can help you build hope that lasts.If you or someone you love feels close to the edge, this episode is a gentle reminder: you are not alone, and tunnels do end. Crisis resources are included in the show notes.Your transformation begins the moment you decide to look within.Let this book walk with you.

Today we're kicking off our Advent series with a focus on hope. December fills up fast with activities, expectations, and pressure for a picture-perfect holiday, making it easy to place our hope in circumstances, schedules, and our spouses. But what do we do when Christmas doesn't go as planned?In this episode, Karen invites us to ask a powerful question: Where am I placing my hope this Christmas? If you're craving a calmer, more Christ-centered Christmas, this conversation will help you anchor your hope in Him alone.(Psst! If you're listening with littles, you may want to skip to 3:30, we talk about Santa early on.)Episode Recap:Karen and Emily talk Santa and gift purchasing (1:45)What is one thing about Christmas you love & one thing you could do without? (4:15)Karen went on an advent deep dive this year (7:59)Everyone can use more hope (12:27)There's a lot of grief and sadness at the holidays (14:50)Emmanuel means ‘God with Us' (16:52)Our hope cannot be in our circumstances (18:02)Where are you placing your hope right now? (19:07)Scripture: Micah 7:7 (NIV) “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”Discussion Questions: Where are you most tempted to place your hope: your spouse, finances, health, kids' behavior, or a “perfect” holiday?Have you ever walked through a Christmas marked by grief, disappointment, or loneliness? How did God meet you there (or how are you asking Him to now)?What would it look like, practically, to shift your hope from circumstances to Christ this month?How can you help your kids see Christmas as a season of hope in Jesus, not just presents and activities?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/giveReach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms