POPULARITY
Categories
Welcome back to the Stoop my lovely Stoopkid Crew! Season 10 Episode 14I'm coming to Boston and would love to connect with you all there! Send me an email if you would like to help schedule a meet and greet, a storytime, or any event! melly@stoopkidstories.com.Tia learns an important lesson about self-confidence, healthy hair, and loving yourself even when things don't go as planned. This story explores self-esteem, handling disappointment, adapting to change, self-care, and learning that beauty comes in all hair types, styles, and lengths.A great episode for parents and caregivers looking to spark conversations with kids about positive self-image, confidence, and learning to embrace unexpected changes.Support the show
Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc reflects on how his 21-year-old son's ADHD made school a roller coaster, activating Marc's stress system. When it comes to parenting, more is caught than taught; we need to soothe before we solve, to model emotional maturity. Where does ayahuasca come from, and is it addictive? My 35-year-old daughter wants to be a mom and find a husband; she traveled to Peru and took ayahuasca, and her brother died from drugs. How can people move forward after losing someone to suicide? I mentored a young man in foster care who would have been 45 today, but he died by suicide in April. I'm undiagnosed but think I may have ADHD or autism. I tend to be very direct, which can get me into trouble, and I grew up with abusive, unfiltered parents. How do I get through my day?
Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ explains primary and secondary boundaries from the Every Man's Battle Intensive, sharing how he set boundaries around which foods he allows in his home after changing his diet. What secondary “fences” or primary boundaries do you need to set? I'm separated after 34 years of marriage to a covert narcissistic husband, and my adult sons show narcissistic tendencies. Can you give me biblical advice on helping them while grieving the loss of my 22-year-old son to suicide? Any advice on how I can help my angry grandson? He'll be 17 and wants to live with his dad, but my daughter doesn't want him to.
Stoop Theology S1 Episode 15: How Do You Know You're in God's Will? We assume there's one "right" choice God wants us to find, but Genesis 2 tells a different story. God gives Adam freedom to eat from any tree in the garden, with one limitation. That same tension, freedom and limitation, is still how discernment works today. In this episode, we talk about why discernment isn't about cracking the code on one specific decision. It's about becoming a wise person who can recognize God's freedoms and God's limitations when they show up. Stoop Theology is a series rooted in honest, thoughtful conversations about real-life questions. From faith and doubt to culture, justice, relationships, and everyday struggles, we explore what it looks like to wrestle with life and belief—like neighbors talking it out on a stoop. Whether you're deeply rooted in faith, skeptical, or somewhere in between, Stoop Theology is a space for meaningful dialogue about questions that matter. Hosted by Jordan Rice
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill explains how being in a dissociative state can leave you feeling unsafe and vulnerable. While awareness can be painful, leaning into it can help us let go of old defenses that are no longer needed. My daughter is married to a controlling man who threatens her with divorce and doesn't want to be intimate with her. He only sees their baby for half an hour a day. As a parent, what's the best advice I can give her? My granddaughter got saved and asked me to baptize her; is it biblical for a woman to baptize? My husband was a pastor who fell from grace, and no one has seen him in 15 years. It's very hard for me to accept a compliment. When people say nice things about me, I say, “It's not true.” How can I learn to accept compliments? I'm legally separated, and so is my boyfriend. We've been dating for three years and plan to marry after our divorces are final. I'm worried that if I stop having sex until marriage, I may lose him. What should I do?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim discusses the challenges of the sandwich generation—balancing parenting with caring for aging parents—and shares practical tips for managing emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual stress. Remember: self-care isn't selfish. I'm 61 and have two older sisters. The middle sister is very toxic. As a Christian, how much should I put myself out there when she is very hard to deal with? She insults me from head to toe. My 91-year-old mom has people trying to hack her computer. I had a major financial loss from being hacked myself. I'm really struggling in both the spiritual and physical realm; trust is hard. How should I move forward if I am doing most of the work to heal our marriage? Since the porn has been blocked, my husband is spending like crazy. And a woman at work is buying him gifts. He's a good man and we have a lot of things in common, but I'm not sure if I should stay.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris explains how judging others can divide us, create an unsafe environment, and keep us from honestly examining our own struggles. Every Man's Battle Intensive offers a safe, Christ-centered place where men can bring their hardest struggles into the light without fear of judgment. My schizophrenic grandson had a child with a bipolar, abusive woman. How can I help? How can I find the right psychiatrist and help my daughter while respecting HIPAA? She is 35 years old, lives in another state, has two sons, recently got a DUI, and may be struggling with mental health issues. I'm raising my granddaughters, 11 and 12, because my daughter is in rehab for drug and alcohol abuse. The younger one doesn't seem to show remorse or empathy; how do I handle this? My husband passed away 10 years ago. I don't want to date or go out, and my family says I need counseling, so I isolated myself from them. How should I respond? The Bible says to mourn up to 30 days, but that’s not me.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc explains that sometimes one partner in a married couple takes sex off the table because they're resentful and angry. But when sex is withheld, that feels like an abandonment. Sex is not for one person to suppress but for both to address. How do I deal with finding vulgar texts on my disabled girlfriend's phone from a pastor? I help her with daily tasks. At first, she didn't tell me the truth, but she now says the pastor forced her to have sex. My son just told me I couldn't come into his house and that his wife and his granddaughter are his priority. My adult kids caused a rift in my marriage, and I'm divorced now. They treat me like an outcast. I need to let them go. How can I process this family conflict? I lost my husband of 21 years last year to pancreatic cancer and have a hard time moving on. I don't like to go anywhere by myself, and I'm having a hard time having conversations with the opposite sex. How do I find a counselor? My wife says I don't have her back. She makes smart remarks back to people and their remarks get very explicit. Then she asks me why I don't say anything. How do I handle this?
Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ shares about the story of Joseph, which he often teaches at the end of the Every Man's Battle Intensive. Despite jealousy, lies, abuse, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment, and famine, Joseph could say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). I'm struggling with acceptance because shame comes over me. I'd like to move forward. How do you overcome that? I was always told I was a good kid and was a listener, but I never applied it to myself. After hearing my neighbors' dogs bark for 4 months straight, I called the police and animal control. I feel responsible that it led to an investigation to see if they were also neglecting their kids, and I feel targeted by other neighbors. My wife died 4 months ago and I met a widow in a grief group who recently lost her husband. What should my next step be? I know it's too early for me to start another relationship. I've lost all faith and trust in Christianity. I was an altar boy in the oldest church in America, but it was all in Latin. I'm very discouraged to hear that there are other religions that have very similar stories as Christianity.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice discusses four ways to deal with anxiety and explains how using something cold on the face activates the mammalian dive reflex—an automatic bodily response that may help regulate the body and reduce anxiety symptoms. I'm 51, and my mom is moving in with me and my two teens. How can I set healthy boundaries with my mom? Every time I have to confront her about anything, she cries. How does childhood sexual abuse affect adults? A relative of mine struggles with the effects of childhood trauma and has addictions. She has attempted suicide and sleeps a lot. Her father sexually abused her and her sisters.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alison Cook, psychologist, podcaster, and attachment-style expert, discusses her newest book The Secure Soul and how she wove experiences from childhood into adulthood. She asks the question: What does it mean to connect with yourself, especially the younger version of yourself? What is fueling feelings of insecurity? Where is God in times of trials? What is your definition of the word soul, and how do we know that we need to tend to our soul? I'm struggling at work and feeling lonely. I left work today just for the afternoon because it's a toxic environment. I overextend myself, and it makes me feel empty. Some people believe the past should be left in the past. Why is it important that we revisit experiences from our childhood and youth?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris discusses scarcity vs. abundance and how feeling unloved in our relationships can make us believe we are unworthy or not valuable. Through gratitude, we can refocus our hearts on God's goodness and learn to relax into His love today. I'm in my sixth marriage and have been married for seven years. My 73-year-old husband rarely talks to me all day, calls my grandkids vulgar names, and walks away from me. We're seeing a marriage counselor. Do I stay or go? My husband won't remove his boots before he comes into the house because he says he's the leader of the house. I've been praying and fasting, but I'm at an impasse with my husband over Ephesians 5. There are other areas where he's controlling. I've been married for 25 years and have nine kids. When I come home, the first thing I do is ask my wife if there's anything I can do to help her. Even when we fall short, the Lord is there for us. I've heard your female callers today talking about how hard their marriages are. Is there anything else we can do to help these women? When is it okay for them to leave, even temporarily?
Caller Questions & Discussion: How can you reduce your “buts”? Marc explains why but can feel like a dismissal or subtraction in conversation, while and can feel like an addition. Learn how pausing before you say but can help you communicate in a way that makes others feel valued and heard. I really want to get healed from people-pleasing. My mom used to tell me not to make enemies. I have a friend who made a racist comment that I want to walk away from but don't know how. How do I get over it? My wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was pregnant. The doctor took a cyst off and put 178 staples in her, and she carried our daughter full-term. This is why someone shouldn't have an abortion. How would I know if I need to find a different church? I have romantic feelings for my pastor, who is divorced. I find myself interacting with him every weekend and don't know how to avoid crossing boundaries. My ex-wife called the police because I spanked my son three years ago. What's my next step? I live in Canada. My ex-wife called the police again, and now I can't see my 11-year-old son and have to go to court.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill discusses scrupulosity, a form of religious or moral OCD that can cause intense guilt, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts about faith and morality. People may obsess over questions like whether they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Therapy and medication can help manage religious OCD and anxiety. Our pastor's 27-year-old son used to be in church leadership, but he is now in prison for explicit child materials. A little girl in the church told her parents that he had abused her, but the pastor denied it. Should I report it? The church doesn't know he is in prison. I experienced sexual assault in seventh grade that I repressed for 40 years, and recently my church has hurt me through gaslighting. I'm working through the trauma and unhealthy coping habits, like watching TV to numb myself, while taking medication from a psychiatrist. I have schizoaffective disorder and live with my brother. He doesn't think I'm doing enough, and I agree. Is a lack of motivation common with this disorder? Whom should I believe when my wife and adult daughter from a previous marriage both accuse each other of gaslighting me?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Sheri discusses how she likes to “noodle” after a conversation by trying to figure out what happened. She shares that we often push down our feelings, but we must give feelings space to be included in the room. I heard a show last week about a man whose sister-in-law had gone through treatment for alcoholism, but his wife was still angry. Having been affected by alcoholism, I wondered why you didn't mention that his wife may also need support from a counselor. My husband has separated from me and leased an apartment. He says he made impulsive mistakes in the past and doesn't want to reconcile. My kids won't talk to him. What do I do now? My 64-year-old brother has a history of estrangement from our family. I'm the executor of the trust my parents set up for him. He's my last living relative. Do I keep reaching out? Your opening meant a lot to me. I have a close friend who is an emotional avoider, while I'm a vacillator. How do I approach a highly emotional conversation with someone who doesn't place much value on emotions?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jacqui reflects on a therapy program's 40th anniversary at the school where she works and the importance of taking responsibility for our healing, as (James 2:17) states: “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” What is an intervention? When is the right time to do an intervention with my alcoholic daughter? Are there any precautions to take? In 2013, I went to Every Man's Battle and ended up with an awesome friend. I used to make sex an idol, but it's been a joy now that I don't turn to pornography to satisfy my desires. My wife of 25 years thinks I'm having an affair with a married woman, but I'm not. The other woman is very touchy-feely, and we've gone on ski trips with her and her family. My best friend is a Jehovah's Witness. How do I guide her to see that her faith is not the same as Protestant Christianity?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Pastor and author Max Lucado joins us to discuss his newest book and explains how the story of Elijah demonstrates the power of prayer. Elijah was human, just as we are, and God wants us to bring our concerns to Him. We should always choose prayer rather than despair. What does it mean to wrestle in prayer? I recently read one of Max Lucado's devotionals, and it made me think how God had Jesus come to Earth as a human being so we would know He wants a family. I'm in my mid-60s, and I believe prayer should be the first thing we do. What do you mean by “divine disruptions”? What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your book? Whatever drought you're going through, God has set a time limit for it. Can you talk about that?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice discusses how screens and AI chatbots can draw children into unsafe situations, including harmful relationships and even suicide. Parents and grandparents can help by setting healthy screen boundaries and staying connected with children online and offline. I retired in April after 47 years of marriage and 35 years as a truck driver. I feel like I have a new life and new opportunities, but my wife still controls our finances, keeps the house cluttered, and won't listen to my ideas. I'm alive, but I'm not living. I'm 31 weeks pregnant, single, and recently moved in with my 14-year-old sister and my mom who calls me names. As a new believer, how can I respond to family disagreements in a Christ-like way? What's the best way to handle hurt feelings in our relationship with our estranged adult daughter? She mainly agrees to visits when she needs us to babysit. We respect her boundaries, but it feels like a wall is building between us.
Getting you caught up on all the hot Hollywood headlines with Daryn Carp. Also, "This is Us" actress Chrissy Metz stops by to tell us all about her health journey and her new role on Broadway. Plus, founder of the viral Instagram account Stoop in the City Kristi Hemric is here to share some inspiration for decorating your front porch or steps for the holidays. And, Today style editor Bobbie Thomas is giving us a peek at her top beauty predictions for fall in another edition of Bobbie's Bests. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill shares how her husband was recently ill and how she had to do a lot of work she normally wouldn't have to do. Each morning, she chooses gratitude. Our feelings, actions, and thoughts don't always align in relationships, but we can choose to do the right thing through mutual serving and submission. I live in Canada, and I have an 11-year-old son. I lightly slapped my son and once pushed him out of the way, and my ex called 911. Now I'm under supervised visits. How do I keep from becoming bitter? My children want their dad, my ex-husband with Alzheimer’s and anger issues, to live with me so I can be his caregiver. But I have serious health issues and anxiety too. I don’t feel capable of it and don't want to, but I'm a people pleaser. How do I discuss healthy boundaries with my girlfriend in a kind and balanced way? She’s from Brazil, and we're both Christians. I tried to set a boundary on French kissing, but she thinks it's no big deal. We were referred to a New Life counselor, but my husband gave up on couples therapy. How do I encourage him to go back without sounding like a nag? We're both very direct.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice discusses how Christians can respond with grace and compassion toward those who experience same-sex attraction. If you have a family member who struggles with same-sex attraction, offer a listening ear and create space for honest, faith-filled conversations. How do I get over my ex-husband? We divorced in 2020, and he now has a live-in girlfriend, but I don't know how to move on. We have a son together, and my son doesn't talk to me. I've recently seen a major personality change in my daughter, who's in college and almost 19. We found marijuana in her car. She moved out, and I'm afraid her personality change is related to her mental health. I have ADHD and am trying to navigate leading my family of 8 kids. When I try to express my emotions, it’s taken as a complaint. How do I cope and find love for my wife and family? My 40-year-old stepdaughter has a drinking problem and constantly intrudes into our family. The only time my children get to come over is for Christmas. Now my stepdaughter wants to come for Christmas too. When I said no, it became a mess.
Immigration advocates say Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has increased at the Philadelphia International Airport. Meanwhile, package theft continues to hit the city – specifically these neighborhoods. Host Trenae Nuri, creative producer Siani Colón, and DJ/artist/filmmaker Kamal Marell talk about these stories and which films and workshops they're planning to see at the 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jacqui shares that many men carry overwhelming anxiety when they feel responsible for everyone and everything, which can lead to micromanaging. Micromanaging isn't always about control–it can be anxiety disguised as leadership. I listened to Dr. Jacqui share on July 24 about having a friend who is sensitive to perfume. I wanted to let her know about NAET, a drug-free method that helped me and my family with allergies and sensitivities. My sister-in-law is an alcoholic who has been to four treatment centers. She is now 90 days sober. My wife is still very angry with her. What's the best way to reintegrate her back in with the family while maintaining healthy boundaries? My son's fiancée has been cheating on him for over a year with another man, and he has chosen to forgive her. I want to support my son, but I also want to support my wife, who doesn't trust his fiancée. How do I handle this? I lost my job in June after working there for 17 months. I'm not sure why I was let go, and I'm struggling to figure out how to move forward and find a new job.
THE TUBS – “Stoop to Me” ATMOS BLOOM – “It's Enough” EELS – “I'm on Standy” JOSH DA COSTA – ”Skygirl” 2nd GRADE – “Cellophone Girls” STEF CHURA – “Danny” KIWI, JR. – “Pure Michigan” MILITARIE GUN, MANNEQUIN PUSSY – “World's Always Burning” DINOSAUR., JR. – “Blowin Up” CHARLI xcx – “Rock ‘n Roll” RICHARD THOMPSON – “Cocaine Walking, Blues Talking” CAT NAP – “Free in Anarchy” ROBIN HITCHCOCK – “I Am This Thing” SHEARWATER – “Slugs in the Marigolds” PANDA BEAR & SONIC BOOM – “A ? of When” STEPHEN WILSON, JR., MIRANDA LAMBERT – “Hardwired”
Caller Questions & Discussion: Is technology bringing your family closer together or further apart? Dr. Jim shares digital wellness tips and biblical principles for healthier family relationships. My girlfriend’s son was murdered by his friend. Later, my son started dating the daughter of the murderer, but he eventually broke up with her. How do we deal with this? I’m a pastor and was asked to perform a same-sex commitment ceremony. When I read that “love covers a multitude of sins” but then read that same-sex relationships are a sin, I'm conflicted. How do I deal with my mixed emotions? I got saved when I went to prison, and now I have a wife and eight sons. I wanted to encourage the pastor who called in about whether he should perform a same-sex ceremony to go back to what God’s Word says. My husband of 47 years stonewalls me when he doesn’t want to address an issue. He closes his eyes, clenches his fists, and shuts down. He used to watch pornography and cross-dress. What kind of boundary should I set so I can stay calm?
August is National Minority Donor Awareness month. It's a month for raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation in communities of color. Studies show there aren't enough Black donors to fill the need for Black folks who need transplants. Why? We explore this question through the story of Arlinda Timmons-Love, a Richmond woman who lost her son Maurice in 1983 to gun violence, when he was 15 years old. Hana Baba talked to her for an episode of The Stoop podcast, hosted by her and Leila Day.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc shares that depending on one's attachment style, each person may respond differently to change. Growth always requires a risk. If you’re stuck in a relational cycle of doom, where will you be a year from now? Should I stay in a 36-year marriage when my husband keeps giving his family members money without discussing it with me? Yesterday, I discovered that he's continued to do it. What should I do if I still get bullied by my ex-husband who divorced me 20 years ago? My 44-year-old daughter spent time in a behavioral health hospital when my ex-husband and I were still co-parenting. But she divorced in April, and my ex's bullying continues. How do I go about rebuilding intimacy in my 33-year marriage? As my husband has put on weight, is it a medical problem or a mental health issue? I feel like if I talk about it with him, he'll pull away. My father died three weeks ago, and my brother is the executor for my father’s estate. He won’t let me look at the will; how do I deal with him?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill discusses parental PTSD and how a hijacked nervous system can lead to catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, and rumination. If you struggle with parental PTSD, ask yourself: When did I first feel this way before becoming a parent? I sold my home and invested in building a new home with my fiancé, but he didn't contribute financially, and the home was destroyed by a hurricane. Now he's unsure about marriage and wants a prenup. What should I do? I've been married for 43 years. My husband is emotionally avoidant, and two years ago he told me he didn't love me anymore. He's in counseling now, but we haven't been intimate for 30 years. I feel stuck and afraid. Is there hope for our marriage? On Mother's Day, my husband told me he wants a divorce. We have children with special needs and haven't been intimate for 16 years, but I don't want our marriage to end. He's even started improving his appearance. Am I wrong to hold onto hope? When should I expect a call from my boss after being laid off last week? He's also my friend, and I helped him get the job. Should I reach out?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc shares how to respond when you feel frustrated. Instead of just expressing frustration, identify what you’re really feeling. Discover the emotional need beneath your frustration and what you need to resolve it. My sister and I are in our 80s and 90s. I’m in counseling, but where do I start to begin healing the broken relationship with my sister? Her ex-husband is dying. I was recently diagnosed with autism at 79 years old. Could autism be contributing to the emotional and psychological challenges I've been working through in counseling? I’ve been committed to personal growth for many years, including participating in Al-Anon. How do I stop procrastinating about cleaning out a room and closet that desperately need attention? I'm in a relationship with someone who has an avoidant attachment style. The pulling away has been extreme; after being apart, he's now returned because of nostalgia. Is there any hope? He refuses counseling.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky discusses an article circulating online that asks: Are therapists to blame for family estrangement? About one-third of families believe a therapist influenced the decision. However, most therapists do not encourage family estrangement. Our 24-year-old son is home from college and thinks he can do whatever he wants. We're trying to set healthy boundaries, but he's abusing Adderall and dropped out of college even though he only had two classes left to earn his degree. My 36-year-old daughter is taking medication for depression and was advised by her clinic to distance herself from me. Now she won't let me see my grandchildren, and I just want to spend time with them and have coffee together. Her father was an alcoholic. Besides praying, what can I do to rebuild our relationship? How do I handle my 20-year-old daughter making allegations that her stepfather behaved in sexually inappropriate ways toward her when she was younger? I'm in a Christian courtship. I'm non-denominational, and he's a Pentecostal pastor. I thought it would work because we're both Christians, but after two years, I'm struggling with all of the rules and expectations.
Earlier this month, we lost a Bay Area storytelling icon — Oakland's Diane Ferlatte. She was an award winning, grammy nominated teller of African American stories. For Crosscurrents host Hana Baba, Ms. Diane was than a storyteller. She became a friend, and a mentor. Ms. Diane advised Hana when she was thinking about telling her own cultural tales. What now the podcast Folktales from Sudan.In 2023, before Hana launched it, she was struggling with questions about folktale storytelling. So Ms. Diane invited Hana to come talk them out with her. And she did that, in an episode of The Stoop podcast that Hana cohosts with Leila Day. Today, we're brining you an excerpt of that conversation.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim shares that while speaking last week, he reflected on the Los Angeles fires last year. His brother lost his home. In difficult times, he reminds us that one of the best ways to persevere is to deepen our spiritual roots and stay grounded in faith. My daughter found her 14-year-old son's journal and discovered he wants to change his gender. What can she do? Is my husband right to forbid me from visiting my children or having them come “home” to visit? My husband doesn't want me to have anything to do with my four adult children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. My husband and I would love to have a relationship with our 10 grandchildren, but it seems like they don't want anything to do with us. How do we deal with this? My 10-year-old granddaughter says she likes girls and believes she's therian, meaning she identifies as an animal. She wears ears, a tail, and crawls on the ground. How do I help her?
The Pitbull Puzzle is back, and this time it's a real brain-twister. The hosts are giving away tickets to a sold-out show, but you'll need to be quick on the draw to win. In this episode, they're discussing everything from the weather to the latest celebrity news, but don't get too distracted - you'll need to stay focused to solve the puzzle.This episode is packed with fun and games, including a round of "rail or fake" where the hosts test each other's knowledge of current events. They're also discussing the latest news in the world of music, including a new album from Ariana Grande and a possible new project from Tate McCrae. And, of course, no episode would be complete without a little bit of humor and banter between the hosts.But don't get too comfortable - the Pitbull Puzzle is just around the corner, and you'll need to be sharp to win. The hosts are giving away tickets to a sold-out show, and the competition is fierce. Will you be the one to solve the puzzle and win the prize?Tune in to this episode to find out, and get ready to test your knowledge and your luck. The hosts are always good for a laugh, and this episode is no exception. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready to join the fun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice shares a recent moment when she felt disrespected by one of her children. Instead of reacting, she used the Comfort Circle to create space for connection and understanding. If you're struggling with a child who's disobeying you, use gentle curiosity. I was walking with my friend and noticed she seemed very paranoid. She is involved in ministry, has a son, and believes she is experiencing spiritual warfare, but she won't seek professional help. How can I support her? Why do I still feel so alone, depressed, and sad? I've had counseling in the past for traumatic events like my husband dying unexpectedly 13 years ago, becoming a single mom, and taking care of my mom before she passed away three months ago. My boss often doesn't complete tasks and leaves responsibilities for the rest of us to handle. I feel overwhelmed and upset; what should I do about it?
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice shares that she came from a family that did not meet her emotional needs. So with her spouse and children, she tells them that she needs to hear them say they love her. Whenever the people I'm in a relationship with did three things I didn't like, I'd ghost them. So it was three strikes, and they were out. But God spoke to me about how I'd feel if I was on the receiving end. I bought a home, but my neighbors are using Ouija boards and are hostile. If it happens again, I'll probably commit suicide. Why don't you open up in a word of prayer for each show? If I'm talking to someone, I'm going to pray to set the tone for the conversation. Do frequent visits to the cemetery prolong grief? How can I stop drinking? My husband died after 40 years of marriage. He was my compass, and I'm so lost. I feel like I need a personal assistant. Although my husband is still with me, over the past 26 years of his illness, I feel like I will never accept losing my love when the time does come. I feel stuck.
Stoop Theology S1 Episode 14: What To Do When Life Disappoints You Disappointment finds all of us. A relationship that didn't work out, a prayer that seemed to go unanswered, a season of life that looked nothing like what you hoped for. So what do we actually do with it? In this episode of Stoop Theology, I sit down with my friend Drew Hyun, author of Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful, to talk honestly about disappointment. We dig into why gratitude and grief aren't opposites, how Emotionally Healthy Discipleship reframes our unmet expectations, and what it looks like to stay tender instead of hardening when life doesn't go as planned. If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to be disappointed, or how to move forward without pretending the disappointment away, this conversation is for you. Guest: Drew Hyun Buy Drew's book "Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful: How Gratitude, Grief, and Grace Reflect the Christian Story" Stoop Theology is a series rooted in honest, thoughtful conversations about real-life questions. From faith and doubt to culture, justice, relationships, and everyday struggles, we explore what it looks like to wrestle with life and belief—like neighbors talking it out on a stoop. Whether you're deeply rooted in faith, skeptical, or somewhere in between, Stoop Theology is a space for meaningful dialogue about questions that matter. Hosted by Jordan Rice
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill shares about a recent baby shower, where guests were asked to give advice to the mom-to-be. Children learn from their primary caregivers. As parents remain calm and create a safe environment, children learn how to self-regulate. I heard the story that when I was just 18 months old, when my sibling was born, I was sent to live with my grandparents for a few weeks. Is this something I should be concerned about if I have no memory of it? I've been married to a man who has had 15 affairs or more. I'm in my 70s. He still flirts with women and gaslights me. We never resolved our issues, and I'm the one who gets blamed. What does it mean when he says, “I don't know you anymore?” My friend has been involved with women of the night, and I'm worried about it leading to sin. How can I help him? He's living two different lives and even ordered a sex doll.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alice asks an important question: What is your default response when you become emotionally dysregulated? While everyone experiences emotional dysregulation, many of us fall into unhealthy coping patterns. Learning to recognize and understand your reactions is the first step toward emotional healing and healthier relationships. What does it mean to be independent in a relationship? When I notice flaws in someone, I completely reject them. I've read a lot about codependency, and my parents were physically and emotionally abusive. I turned down 10 job opportunities in other countries so I could spend more time with my girlfriend. Now I feel unworthy because she has a successful business, and I don’t have a job. After two years, she's upset that I haven't proposed. How can I overcome this terrible feeling of unworthiness? My daughter and her husband aren't united in helping my 4-year-old grandson resolve conflict. Instead, my grandson shuts down and holds the entire family hostage while my daughter and son-in-law continue to argue.
Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ shares the story of hockey player Claude Lemieux, who recently died by suicide after struggling with sex addiction. JJ then reflects on the story of the woman caught in adultery in the Bible (John 8), reminding us that we're all sinners, and Jesus did not condemn her. My husband has been divorced from his ex-wife for 28 years. She recently texted him and said she is working through Step 9 and wants to make amends. She would like to have a Zoom call with us. How should I respond? How should I prepare? I can't relax. When I don't hear from my 26-year-old son, who struggles with alcohol addiction, I go into panic mode. He has been sober for five months now.” I was molested when I was 9 and struggled with addictions. It was on an emergency room bed that I surrendered to God. Now I've been married almost 37 years. The work you all do is amazing! God is always there with open arms. I called last week to ask whether my daughter should be undressing in front of her 8-year-old son. My daughter listened to your program, and she's going to follow your advice! How can I work from, and not for, my identity in Christ when I work in sales? I'm constantly being judged by my performance.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Becky shares how the apostle Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned, reminding believers to focus on God even in difficult circumstances. In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes, “Fix your thoughts on what is true…” Becky asks listeners an important question: What is imprisoning you? We went to visit my daughter's new baby and tried to respect their strict boundaries. For example, when I kissed my grandchild, they asked me not to do that. How do I talk to my husband about the distractions in his life, including pornography, that keep him from facing difficult issues? He needs to find a different job, but he spends his time watching TV and viewing porn. My husband and I have been married for 50 years and have seen 10 counselors over the years, but nothing has helped. He has had a successful career as a photographer and insists on posting photos on social media. I've told him that people should sign release forms, but he refuses. What should I do? I've been married for 17 years and am visually impaired, and my wife is blind. She recently developed serious medical issues, and I had to place her in a care facility. How do I navigate this season? It's difficult, and I miss her deeply.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jacqui discusses how we often wait for other people to make us feel valued, important, and cared for. If you're waiting for someone else to give you a sense of priority or feeling frustrated because you think someone should have considered your needs, ask yourself: When was the last time you considered you? I've been estranged from my adult daughter for two-and-a-half years. We didn't argue; she just stopped talking to me. She wanted me to help care for her daughters, but she suddenly exploded and screamed at me. I have a history of dissociation and unresolved trauma, and I experience muscle-memory responses connected to those painful experiences. Our bodies naturally try to heal and protect themselves. I was serving in ministry, but my husband was emotionally abusive, and I finally asked him to leave. Why does everything feel so difficult right now? My daughter now has to attend public school, and I feel like my life is falling apart. I've been married for almost 42 years, and we have a blended family. How can I reconnect with my husband without nagging him? We used to have daily devotions together at a set time, but now he won't put his phone away.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim discusses how building walls through defensiveness, denial, isolation, and passive-aggressive behavior can damage our relationships. If you've been putting up walls, it may be time to start tearing them down. Boundaries shouldn’t build up walls; they should build structure. My wife is struggling with severe nerve pain, and we feel like we're not being seen or heard by God. Like Job and the man at the Pool of Bethesda, I know we won't always get answers for the suffering we experience. I'm estranged from my daughter and haven't been able to see my 8-year-old grandson. Should I stop trying to reach out? She hasn't returned any of my calls or texts. My husband of nearly 53 years was raised by a difficult mother and struggles with his mental health and sex addiction. When he sees a woman he finds attractive, he fixates on her for hours.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris discusses Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3. The principles in these passages have helped Chris guide his boys. When we curate God's goodness, it helps us see the things that truly matter. Trust God, and do good. I've had some hurts, habits, and hang-ups over the years. I don't want to think about the past or return to it because I've struggled with drug abuse and toxic relationships. What are my options in my marriage with no intimacy and my husband having an emotional affair? He has a friendship with a married woman who is half his age. But I had a one-night stand. It's been 8 years since my daughter has talked to me. She is living on the streets after 8 years in the military, and she might be using drugs. Should I pursue her, or leave it in the Lord's hands? I've been living with a man for 20 years, and he lets his daughter dictate the relationship. His daughter doesn't like me, and he puts his family before me.
Caller Questions & Discussion: JJ shares how he recently came home from a trip and discovered an ominous smell in his fridge coming from old food. He reflects on how, so often in life, things are rotting. Sometimes we have habits that grow stale; other times we have relationships that are developing unhealthy patterns. My 33-year-old daughter is isolated and deeply focused on her desire to marry and have children, often to the point of asking partners for marriage after only a month of dating. How do I help her navigate these relationship challenges? My 16-year-old son is in a relationship, and his girlfriend has borderline personality disorder. What advice do you have as I help guide my son through this situation? Recently, I walked into the bathroom and my daughter was there undressing in front of her 8-year-old son. When I asked about this, she said she wanted to undress to demystify it for kids. Should her son be seeing that? How do I resolve a disagreement with my brother-in-law after I put up boundaries? I went to stay with him to help him recover from surgery, and we had a disagreement over the fan.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Marc shares about some of the challenges he faced growing up in London during his childhood in government housing, where he experienced violence. He asks: What's the part of your life you've been hoping would be left behind, but you know you're still carrying with you today? I'm divorced from my husband, who was abusive and is a pastor. Since I covered up the abuse, no one believes me. I was even told in a church that I had a Jezebel spirit. How do I deal with this pain and begin healing? I'm a long-time listener, and my husband went to Every Man's Battle a few months ago. He returned a hopeful man. My heart is full, and I want to thank you! My dad passed away, and my stepmom took in my 22-year-old nephew who has bipolar disorder and was using drugs. I'm now caring for my stepmom as she gets older, and I told my nephew his pregnant girlfriend couldn’t move in. If my stepmom lets him move back in, I’m afraid for my safety. He's very angry, and my stepmom says he might hurt me. To your previous caller, my brother has bipolar disorder and has been violent. He has housing. If the caller goes to the Department of Social Services, he might be able to receive benefits.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Sheri explains how co-regulation is experienced as we share our story or become a safe place for others to share. When we share what’s really going on, we regulate our nervous system, reduce isolation, build emotional intimacy, and discover our feelings. I've struggled with anxiety and fear for six years after I started having intense dreams. When I tried pastoral counseling and a 12-step group, it was difficult to open up around men. What direction do I take next? Is our mom continuing to be over-critical and demeaning, or is she struggling with dementia? She falsely accused a caregiver of stealing something. My two older children and their spouses are prodigals. What can I tell myself to calm down? For example, if I hear the pastor mention prodigals in church, I start crying because I think about what might happen to them if they don't come back to the Lord.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jill discusses how a bench she had was worn down by water dripping over time. Unfortunately, her dad sat on it and fell. She asks, “What pours into your life? What's the constant drip in the back of your mind? Are they negative thoughts?” I've suffered with depression for 14 years and have tried to commit suicide 11 times. What can we do to help my 11-year-old daughter who has autism and ADHD? She gets anxious because she thinks everything that goes wrong is her fault. How do I get past a heavy emotional event in my family? I adopted my 2-month-old nephew, who was severely abused and had more than 15 broken bones. It hurts me to hear my siblings say I adopted him because I messed up with my own kids. How do I get my family to acknowledge my difficulties living with a husband who has ADD? He emptied our savings account and deposited $14K into a bitcoin machine as part of a scam.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Jim discusses a conversation he had with Dr. Neil Clark Warren, founder of eHarmony, who said that if he could give one gift to every couple on their wedding day, he’d give them the gift of “adaptability” because you have to adapt to your spouse’s differences. Ask yourself if the difference really matters. Should I step back and ignore it when my husband of 30 years, who’s a believer, swears and calls people names? It really bothers me, and I don’t know what I should do. I have an adult son that was born after 15 miscarriages; he thinks he has mild autism. Since his dad left and divorced me, my son stopped talking to me. My son has a new girlfriend and baby. He was excited because he wanted me to be involved. But after the baby was born in May, he told me he didn’t want me or his sister in his life.
In 2018, politician, lawyer, writer, and activist Stacey Abrams became the first Black woman nominated by any major political party to run for state governor in the U.S. when she made a bid to become governor of Georgia. She lost that election—just barely—but afterwards, she only became more passionate about ensuring that every eligible American can exercise their right to vote. Since then, Stacey has worked tirelessly to register hundreds of thousands of voters and to remove barriers to voting—resulting in record voter turnout in Georgia in 2020 and 2021, especially among communities of color. About the Narrator Hana Baba is an award-winning radio journalist- host of "Crosscurrents"- the daily newsmagazine on NPR station KALW Public Radio in San Francisco. She is also cohost/co-producer of The Stoop podcast, telling stories from across the Black Diaspora. A Sudanese American, she enjoys exploring intersectionality and the richness of experiences in the African diaspora overall. Her work also appears on NPR, PRI, BBC, OZY, and others, and she has interviewed personalities like Levar Burton, Jimmy Carter, Stacey Abrams, David Oyelowo, Uzo Aduba and more. [This episode originally aired March 2021.] Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Executive Producer is Katie Sprenger. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. It was sound designed and mixed by Camille Stennis. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! This episode was written by Alexis Stratton. Proofread by Ariana Rosas. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com.
Caller Questions & Discussion: Chris discusses how fear can drive us in the wrong direction. It moves us away from facing the reality of the uncomfortable life we experience here on earth. Suffering is one way God uses to form us. My 6-year-old grandson might have ADHD; yesterday, he threw a brick at the dog. What should my daughter and son-in-law do? Our 18-year-old son was brought up as a Christian and taught to honor Israel. In family circles, he talks negatively about Jews. How do we have a conversation with him about this? My mom passed away from alcoholism, and my dad continues to struggle with alcoholism. He's frustrated with me because I've been at a dead-end job for 10 years, and he has had to help support me in the past. Should I stop trying to reach my ideal career and pursue a career that is closer to what I'm doing now, like nursing? My 14-year-old autistic grandson is struggling to fit in. He has been very disrespectful toward me and misunderstood what I said to him. Am I handling this the right way?