Better Days

Grief After Loss Jun 26, 2024

When we lose someone in our life we feel deep grief. How do we process grief after loss? In this week's episode, I have a conversation with Jason Caine and Stephanie Caine about the stages of grief after loss and how we should process our grief in a healthy manner as followers of Jesus.
For more resources from Better Days check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Suffering Changes Us Jun 19, 2024

Suffering changes us. Most people who have walked through moments of suffering in life will tell you two truths they reflect on: (1) they would never wish those circumstances of suffering to be repeated in their life, and (2) they would not want to change the person they have become through suffering. In this week’s episode, I have a conversation with Jason Caine and Stephanie Caine about how suffering makes us think deeply about our life and can change us for the good.
For more resources from Better Days check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Finding Joy In Suffering Jun 11, 2024

The intersection between joy and suffering is hard to process. Hearing someone talk about joy in the midst of suffering can feel deeply conflicting. How are we supposed to find joy in the midst of pain? That is a perfectly fair question. Are we able to feel joy in suffering? In this week's episode, I have a conversation with Stephanie Caine and Jason Caine answering this question and pointing out popular misunderstands about joy and suffering.
For more resources from Better Days check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

How To Process Insecurities Jun 04, 2024

We all have insecurities. Sometimes we struggle with negative viewpoints about ourselves. How do we learn to value and become confident in the person that God created us to be? In this week’s episode, I have a conversation with Stephanie Caine and Jason Caine about how to value God's Image in you, process insecurities in a healthy manner and change the inner dialogue about ourselves.
For more resources from Better Days check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Where Is God In My Suffering? May 28, 2024

Where is God in my suffering? That is a question that many have asked. Sometimes it feels like we are alone in our suffering. We may think that God has, for some reason, detached from us in our suffering. The Bible's storyline around suffering indicates the opposite. God is near to us in our suffering. How does this work out relationally and practically with God as we are walking through suffering? In this week’s episode, I have a conversation with Stephanie Caine and Jason Caine answering the question—Where Is God In My Suffering?
For more resources from Better Days check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Working Together For Good May 21, 2024

I have always wrestled with the idea that there is a silver lining in all suffering. Maybe you have too. There are moments of suffering that are devastating. There are people across the globe experiencing horrific pain. How could experiences like these have a silver lining? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Stephanie Caine and Jason Caine about the reality of pain and suffering being not good, and how God by his very presence, nature and redemptive plan can bring good into our not good human experiences.
For more resources from Better Days check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Why Does God Allow Suffering? May 14, 2024

Why does God allow suffering? This question has been asked throughout human history. And many who are in the midst of personal suffering wrestle with this question. In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Dominic Done, Mark Clark and Jason Caine about the story of creation and fall in Genesis, reasons why God allows suffering and offer practical encouragement for those who are presently suffering.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Flourishing in Your Mental Health, Pt. 02 May 07, 2024

This week we continue the conversation we began last week about How to Flourish in Your Mental Health. There are two sides to mental health—suffering and flourishing. When we discuss mental health, we are often talking about how people suffer in relationship to their mental health. And that is an important conversation. In addition to that conversation, we also need to talk about how to flourish in our mental health. In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine and Jason Caine about core aspects of how God designed us to flourish in our mental health and how we can practically invest in each of those areas of life. This is part 02 of a two part discussion. Make sure to check out the previous episode for part 01.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Flourishing in Your Mental Health, Pt. 01 Apr 30, 2024

There are two sides to mental health—suffering and flourishing. When we discuss mental health, we are often talking about how people suffer in relationship to their mental health. And that is an important conversation. In addition to that conversation, we also need to talk about how to flourish in our mental health. In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine and Jason Caine about core aspects of how God designed us to flourish in our mental health and how we can practically invest in each of those areas of life. This is part 01 of a two part discussion on How to Flourish in Your Mental Health.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Trailer S09 Apr 29, 2024

Welcome to Better Days Podcast, Season 9.

This season of the Better Days Podcast we are going to talk about different aspects of mental health + suffering. Througout these episodes we are going to lay a theological framework for each topic, flesh out misunderstandings that we sometimes hold as followers of Jesus and offer practical tips to help you along in your journey.
If you are new to Better Days, we are a nonprofit seeking to bring hope, awareness and education to all things mental health + suffering. We help people, churches and leaders understand the intersection between mental health + suffering, and following Jesus.
For more content from Better Days or to support our work, check out our website www.betterdaysfmly.co.

Therapy & Helping Hurting People Aug 15, 2023

How do we help hurting people? And how do we know when to reach out for help with our mental health? In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Jason Caine and Dr. Casey Taylor about how to help hurting people, knowing when to reach out for help, and therapy 101.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Relationships Aug 08, 2023

Relationships are a core component to mental health. Healthy relationships can cause us to flourish. And unhealthy relationships bring us stress and pain. In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Jason Caine and Dr. Casey Taylor about God's design for relationships, healthy traits in relationships, unhealthy traits in relationships and wisdom to navigate relationships.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Grief Aug 01, 2023

Grief is a normal human response to loss and painful moments in life. Followers of Jesus should learn to grieve in an emotionally and spiritually healthy manner. What does that look like? In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Jason Caine and Dr. Casey Taylor about the anatomy of grief, grief in the Bible and how to have a healthy relationship with grief as a follower of Jesus.

For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Trauma Jul 25, 2023

Trauma is a popular topic in our culture. What is trauma? And how should followers of Jesus think about trauma? In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Jason Caine and Dr. Casey Taylor about trauma in our culture, a theology of trauma, the danger of thinking that everything has a silver lining, and what not to say to someone who has experienced trauma.

For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Suicide Jul 18, 2023

Suicide is a sensitive topic. The reality of suicide has intersected with many people’s lives. Some have thought about suicide in their deep pain and hopelessness, and others have been affected personally through losing someone they loved to suicide. In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Jason Caine and Dr. Casey Taylor about suicide, wisdom for pastors interacting with people in pain, and finding help and hope when you feel hopeless.

For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Theology of Self-Care Jul 11, 2023

What is self-care? Should followers of Jesus have a healthy theology and practice of self-care? In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine and Dr. Casey Taylor discussing a healthy theology of self-care, misconceptions around self-care, and offer practices for followers of Jesus to steward their body and soul as an investment in their mental health.

For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Burnout Jul 05, 2023

Burnout seems to be an epidemic in western culture. Burnout is no longer the experience of a few. Burnout has become the experience of the majority. In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Dr. Casey Taylor and Jason Caine about the anatomy of burnout, causes of burnout, what the Bible says about burnout, and how to prevent and heal from burnout.

For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Depression Jun 27, 2023

Millions of people are living through the reality of depression in this moment. Depression is a complex and often confusing experience. In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Dr. Casey Taylor and Jason Caine about what depression is, why people are afraid to talk about depression, what the Bible says about depression, and healthy practices and pathways for those who are suffering with depression.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Anxiety Jun 20, 2023

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health condition in the US. What does the Bible say about anxiety? And how can followers of Jesus navigate anxiety? In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Dr. Casey Taylor and Jason Caine about what the Bible says about anxiety, different types of anxiety, and healthy practices for adults and kids to navigate anxiety.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Mental Health & Culture Jun 12, 2023

Mental health challenges appear to be affecting every generation in our culture, particularly the youngest generations. Why are mental health statistics rising in our culture? And what are the causes behind these rising mental health challenges? In this weeks episode, Wesley Towne has a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Dr. Casey Taylor and Jason Caine about current mental health statistics and trends in our culture, causes behind the rising statistics, and how we can shape mentally and emotionally healthy followers of Jesus.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

Mental Health & Christianity Jun 06, 2023

How does mental health relate to Christianity and following Jesus? Mental health is deeply rooted in the story of the Bible. Mental health and every bit of human flourishing was God's design from the beginning. In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Caine, Dr. Casey Taylor and Jason Caine about the intersection between mental health, Christianity and following Jesus.
For more resources check out https://www.betterdaysfmly.co

The Reality of Suicide Sep 13, 2021

Suicide is a reality for many people. Some have thought about suicide in their deep pain and hopelessness, and others have been affected personally through losing someone they knew to suicide. In this weeks episode, I talk about the reality of suicide in this current moment, and share help and hope for those who are walking through deep pain and suicidal ideation.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, please reach out for help. Here are two resources:

You can call the national suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

You can text the Crisis Text Line. This is a free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

A Conversation on Trauma with Stephanie Caine Sep 06, 2021

Trauma is an emotional response to disturbing or life-threatening events. Trauma leaves an imprint on our lives. In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Stephanie Caine about the anatomy of trauma and how to process through trauma in a healthy manner.

A Conversation about Grief Aug 31, 2021

Grief is an emotion that we feel when we experience a loss. What does healthy grief look like? How can we both grieve and find joy simultaneously? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation about the anatomy of grief and how to process through grief in a healthy manner.

A Conversation on Emotionally Healthy Leadership with Benji Horning + Xavier Brasseur Aug 24, 2021

We cannot spend our lives leading others well if we have not made intentional decisions to lead ourselves well. Emotionally healthy leadership influences the health of our internal well-being and the health of our leadership with people. What is emotionally healthy leadership? How do we become emotionally healthy leaders? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Benji Horning and Xavier Brasseur about our current journeys toward emotionally healthy leadership and what we have learned along the way.

A Conversation about Anger Aug 17, 2021

Anger can be a confusing emotion. It is also an emotion that is often hard to navigate. What is anger? Why do we become angry? How should we think about anger as followers of Jesus? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation about the anatomy of anger and how to process through anger in a healthy manner.

A Conversation on Shame with Casey Shortt Aug 10, 2021

Shame is a powerful emotion. It can attack our identity and worth as humans created in the Image of God. What is shame? How does shame influence our lives? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Casey Shortt, a clinical psychologist, about the anatomy of shame and how to process through shame in a healthy manner.

A Conversation on Guilt with Casey Shortt Aug 03, 2021

Guilt is an emotion that all humans feel. We are imperfect and experience the internal sense of wrongdoing. How do we process our guilt in a healthy manner? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Casey Shortt, a clinical psychologist, about the anatomy of guilt and how to process through guilt in a healthy manner.

A Conversation on Identity with Dominic Done Jul 27, 2021

Identity is not a simple topic, nor is it is a simple endeavor to understand. Identity is complex and layered. Many of us struggle with our identity, and this struggle can often shape our internal emotional and mental narrative. In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with my friend Dominic Done about human identity, how identity influences us mentally and emotionally, and how to practically understand and shape our identity.

A Conversation on Emotional Health with Xavier Brasseur Jul 20, 2021

Emotional health is a popular topic in our culture. What is emotional health? How do we cultivate emotional health? In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with my friend Xavier Brasseur about the different facets of emotional health, how to cultivate emotional health, and our stories growing up in broken homes and how we have pursued emotional health as adults.

Summer Session S07 Jul 16, 2021

Welcome to Better Days Podcast, The Summer Session!
This summer I am looking forward to having conversations with people about emotional and mental health. I will end each episode with a tip to practice. These tips will help you process and navigate your own mental and emotional health.
I am so looking forward to these conversations.
Join us next week for our first episode.

Honest Hope Mar 23, 2021

Hope is one of the most important and life giving words for humans walking through the hard moments of life. What is hope? In this episode, I discuss various versions of hope, and spend time explaining a version of hope that allows us to enter into our present experience while also believing that there are Better Days Ahead.

Lament, Suffering + Following Jesus 02 Mar 16, 2021

Suffering is a universal human experience. How do we walk through moments of suffering? In this weeks episode, I talk about how lament teaches to engage with reality, have honest faith, be emotionally aware and present, wrestle with our suffering, and follow the example of Jesus who practiced lament when he faced deep pain and sorrow.

Lament, Suffering + Following Jesus 01 Mar 09, 2021

Suffering is a universal human experience. How do we walk through moments of suffering? In this weeks episode, I talk about several core facets of lament, and how these truths help us to walk through moments of suffering.

Lament + Grief Mar 02, 2021

Many of us are deeply familiar with the experience of grief. Grief is an emotion that we feel when we experience loss. What does grief look like? And, what does lament teach us about grief? In this weeks podcast, I talk about the anatomy of grief and how lament encourages us to engage with loss and enter into our grief.

Lament + American Christianity Feb 23, 2021

We live in a culture obsessed with happiness, positivity and success. This cultural atmosphere makes us uncomfortable communicating the pain and emotions around suffering. The biblical world had a language and response to pain and suffering called lament. In this weeks podcast, I talk about what lament is, how our western culture is hindering us from processing the painful moments of life, and how lament gives us a shared language and pathway to process our pain and suffering.

Processing Our Past + Family of Origin Feb 16, 2021

We all desire to feel at peace. We all want to live fully in the reality of the present. We all want a future where feel emotionally, mentally, and relationally unhindered so that we can fully engage in our relationships. Sometimes we have to process our past in order to find healing, freedom and growth for our future. In this weeks podcast, I talk about the value of processing our past, the influence our past has on our present and future, and I share a framework for processing our past.

Tips for Anxiety 02 Feb 09, 2021

Anxiety is so prevalent in this moment. Many of us are feeling anxious about the events that we are living through. In this weeks episode, I talk about anxiety and stress, anxiety and self-care, anxiety and relational support, and the importance of professional help.

Tips for Anxiety 01 Feb 02, 2021

Anxiety is so prevalent in this moment. Many of us are feeling anxious about the events that we are living through. In this weeks episode, I share my experience with anxiety, along with practices and concepts that have helped me.

Anxiety, the Bible + Thought Patterns Jan 26, 2021

Anxiety is so prevalent in this moment. Many of us are feeling anxious about the events that we are living through. In this weeks episode, we have a conversation about the narratives around anxiety in Christianity, what the Bible teaches about anxiety, unhealthy thought patterns, and getting to the root cause of anxiety.

Understanding Anxiety Jan 19, 2021

Anxiety is so prevalent in this moment. Many of us are feeling anxious about the events that we are living through. In this weeks episode, we have a conversation around why people are feeling anxiety in this moment, the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder, and I share some of my own personal challenges with anxiety.

Depression, Stigmas + Understanding Jan 12, 2021

Depression is a widespread reality in our world. People are walking through the pain, confusion, and deeply complex experience of depression. In this weeks episode, we have a conversation about the difference between stigmas vs. understanding when it comes to depression, and offer five tips to understand a person who is experiencing depression.

Depression + the Bible Jan 05, 2021

Depression is a widespread reality in our world. People are walking through the pain, confusion, and deeply complex experience of depression. In this weeks episode, we have a conversation about depression in the Bible, the mental and emotional pain that Jesus and others experienced throughout history, and how this validates us being human.

Depression + Christianity Dec 15, 2020

Depression is a widespread reality in 2020. People are walking through the pain, confusion, and deeply complex experience of depression. In this weeks episode, we have a conversation about depression in this moment, learn basics about the experience of depression, and explain the need to deconstruct and reconstruct the conversation around depression in Christianity.

Processing a Crisis Like Jesus Dec 08, 2020

All of us have been walking through one of the hardest moments in modern history--a global crisis that has deeply shaped our lives. How do we navigate the effects of this moment? In this weeks episode, we have a conversation about the mental and emotional effects of this crisis on our lives, and offer four practical responses to a crisis that we learn from the life of Jesus.

Don't Lose Yourself in Suffering Dec 01, 2020

Suffering and pain have a way of overshadowing essential parts of being human. We have a tendency to withdraw, isolate and lose our self-worth during seasons of suffering. It is easy to get so enveloped in our pain that we forget that we are still a living human. In this episode, I talk about losing ourselves in suffering, how to be fully alive in the midst of suffering, and offer some practical steps forward.

Trailer 06 Nov 30, 2020

Welcome to Better Days Podcast, Season 6.
Better Days is a podcast about Mental Health + Suffering, and what it means to be human and follow Jesus.

In Season 6, we will be exploring various topics around Mental Health + Suffering and how they relate to this cultural moment we are living through. Follow along as we find hope, help and wisdom to navigate through the mental health challenges and suffering that we face in this moment.

Efrem Smith: The Pain of Racism Sep 22, 2020

In Season 5, we are opening up a conversations to learn about the Pain of Racism. In Episode 6, Efrem Smith shares his story--his pain, the mental and emotional toll of racism, and offers practical steps toward equality and reconciliation. Efrem is a leading voice in Christianity around the subjects of racial reconciliation and justice.
Visit betterdaysfmly.co to support Better Days and for more content around Mental Health + Suffering.

Kayla Johnson: The Pain of Racism Sep 15, 2020

In Season 5, we are opening up a conversations to learn about the Pain of Racism. In Episode 5, Kayla Johnson shares her story--her pain, the mental and emotional toll of racism, and her hope for change.
Visit betterdaysfmly.co to support Better Days and for more content around Mental Health + Suffering.

Tyronne Gross: The Pain of Racism Sep 08, 2020

In Season 5, we are opening up a conversations to learn about the Pain of Racism. In Episode 4, Tyronne Gross shares his story--his pain, the mental and emotional toll of racism, how he talks to his kids about racism, and his hope for change.
Visit betterdaysfmly.co to support Better Days and for more content around Mental Health + Suffering.

Christa Armstead: The Pain of Racism Sep 01, 2020

In Season 5, we are opening up a conversations to learn about the Pain of Racism. In Episode 3, Christa Armstead shares her story--her pain, not wanting to live, the mental and emotional toll of racism, and her hope for change.
Visit betterdaysfmly.co to support Better Days and for more content around Mental Health + Suffering.

Tim Johnson: The Pain of Racism Aug 24, 2020

In Season 5, we are opening up a conversations to learn about the Pain of Racism. In Episode 2, Tim Johnson shares his story--his pain, the mental and emotional toll of racism, and his hope for change.
Visit betterdaysfmly.co to support Better Days and for more content around Mental Health + Suffering.

Michael Metcalf: The Pain of Racism Aug 18, 2020

In Season 5, we are opening up a conversations to learn about the Pain of Racism. In Episode 1, Michael Metcalf shares his story--his pain, the mental and emotional toll of racism, and his hope for change.
Visit betterdaysfmly.co to support Better Days and for more content around Mental Health + Suffering.

Trailer 05 - The Pain of Racism Aug 11, 2020

Welcome to Better Days, Season 5.
Most of us have a personal knowledge of human suffering. We have suffered. Someone close to us has suffered. And we all realize that suffering comes in many forms. Yet, many us have never experienced racism. Racism is a devastating form of human suffering. We are in a cultural moment where each one of us is aware of the pervasive reality of racism and the human suffering associated with it. We are living in a moment where each of us has the opportunity to learn, listen, empathize and collectively enter into the change process. In Season 5, we will open up a conversation and listen to the stories of friends of mine who have lived through racism. They will talk about their pain, the mental and emotional toll of racism, and their hope for change. Join me, as we enter into this important conversation about The Pain of Racism.

Making Good When All Feels Bad May 12, 2020

All is not good when we live through moments of pain and crisis. So how do we make good when all feels bad? In this episode, I talk about finding meaning and good in the midst of pain.

A Crisis + Feeling Anxious May 05, 2020

We are all feeling stress and anxiety during this time. How do we process our anxiety in this moment? In this episode, I talk about anxiety, why we are feeling it, what God thinks about human anxieties, and practical tips to process anxiety in a healthy manner.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Tips for Leaders Apr 28, 2020

Being a leader in this moment is challenging. We are living through an unprecedented and complex crisis. The people we are leading are searching for answers, carrying various burdens, and trying to process a crisis that they have never faced. In this episode, I share 6 tips for leading yourself, your team, and the people you influence in this moment.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Helping Hurting People Apr 21, 2020

There are so many people struggling with pain and grief in this crisis. How do we relationally help and engage with those around us who are hurting? In this episode, I offer six tips for relationally helping people who are struggling with mental health or suffering during this crisis.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Processing Pain Apr 14, 2020

This is a time when we are all in a vulnerable state—thinking about life, feeling a myriad of emotions, and possibly experiencing the resurfacing of unprocessed pain. In this episode, I talk about how Jesus processed human pain, and the lessons we can learn from his interaction with pain.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Emotional Health Apr 07, 2020

How do we process through the emotional disruption that we are feeling? In this episode, I talk about the importance of emotions, how our brain and body react to a crisis, and how to cultivate emotional health during this time.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Relational Health Mar 31, 2020

A crisis disrupts routines, relational rhythms, and emotional capacity. This can either put a strain on a relationship or lead to greater growth and depth. In this episode, I explain how this crisis is an oppurtunity to grow in our relationships, and offer four categories of relational growth during a crisis.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Spiritual Health Mar 24, 2020

We are all living through an unprecedented crisis. This global pandemic is reshaping the way we live our lives. Many of us are feeling a little unsettled, stressed, and anxious. Life has been disrupted. How do we cultivate spiritual health in the midst of disruption? In this episode, I explain the importance of investing in what we can control, share two opportunities we have in this moment, and offer six words to cultivate spiritual health in the midst of disruption.

Coronavirus, a Crisis + Mental Health Mar 17, 2020

We are all living through an unprecedented crisis. This global pandemic is reshaping the way we live our lives. Many of us are feeling a little unsettled, stressed, and anxious. How do we remain mentally healthy in this new reality? In this episode, I explain the anatomy of a crisis and offer five tips to remain mentally healthy during a crisis.

Juli + Christian Wilson: Anthem of Hope Mar 10, 2020

Jarid Wilson was a voice of hope in Christianity to so many people walking through Mental Health conditions. He shared openly about his own personal struggles with anxiety and depression. In September of 2019, Jarid passed away by suicide. In this episode, Juli Wilson and Christian Wilson share their story, their commitment to carry on Jarid's legacy, and the incredible work they are doing with Anthem of Hope—a faith-centered organization dedicated to amplifying hope for those battling brokenness, depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction and suicide.

My Story: Leading while Suffering, 02 Mar 03, 2020

How do you keep moving forward as a human and leader when you feel weary and numb inside? In this episode, I share my experience of coming to a point of feeling numb inside after years of suffering, and practical lessons I learned along the way.

My Story: Leading while Suffering, 01 Feb 25, 2020

How do you lead people while you are suffering? After living through long term suffering, my wife and I learned a lot about navigating this complex reality. In this episode, I share practical lessons to help you navigate personal or family suffering while leading.

Xavier Brasseur: Fear, Insecurity + Leading Feb 18, 2020

All of us have experienced fear and insecurity. These are real and challenging mental and emotional experiences. How do we filter through our fears and insecurities in a healthy way, so that they do not overtake our mental, emotional, and relational health? How do we understand these concepts and not feel shame about them as followers of Jesus? In this episode, Xavier Brasseur and I talk about our own experiences with fear and insecurity, give a framework for each, and share tools to help you not be overtaken by them.

Dave Hughes: When Your Child Suffers Feb 11, 2020

Suffering is hard when you are personally facing it. Even more challenging is watching your child suffer. Today's episode is a raw must listen to story of hope amidst pain. In this episode, Dave Hughes shares his journey of watching his daughter face countless life altering medical conditions. He opens up about the challenges his family faced, what he learned from his daughter, and offers wisdom for parents who are facing the reality of watching their child suffer.

When You Feel Like Quitting Feb 03, 2020

Life and leadership can be exhausting, overwhelming, and discouraging. At times we feel like quitting. However, quitting is never the right decision. In this episode, I talk about how to respond to these thoughts, and give seven steps to become practically resilient.

Kobe, Tragedy + Losing a Hero Jan 28, 2020

The tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other victims in a helicopter accident sent our culture into a state of shock, mourning, and grief. How could this happen? How could a hero die so suddenly? How could so many young girls lose their lives in an instant? In this episode, I talk about my love for Kobe, why he was such an inspiration to my life, and share thoughts on processing tragedy and loss.

Healthy Rhythms + Leading Jan 21, 2020

We live in a fast paced, frenetic, and overloaded culture. Leadership only intensifies this reality. Instead of letting the demands around us to dictate our life rhythms, we need to re-engineer our lives by proactively choosing to build our life around healthy rhythms. Healthy rhythms are life giving, and give us fuel to run the marathon of life and leadership. In this episode, I lay out four categories of healthy rhythms for life and leadership.

Burnout + Leading Jan 14, 2020

Burnout is an epidemic in our culture. Leaders are facing symptoms of burnout, and wondering how to navigate a path out of this overwhelming and exhausting state. In this episode, I talk about my story of burnout, explain what burnout is, and give a pathway to re-engineer your life toward a healthy and thriving future.

Diane Comer: He Speaks in Silence Dec 17, 2019

All of us experience suffering. Some of us experience long term suffering. What happens when you are a leader experiencing long term suffering that reshapes your life? In this episode, Diane Comer shares her story of life altering suffering and how she found intimacy with God after losing her hearing, as well as lessons she learned through suffering and leadership.

Xavier Brasseur: Emotional Health + Leading Dec 10, 2019

Emotional health is essential for effective leadership. How do we become emotionally healthy leaders? In this episode, Xavier Brasseur and I talk through our own stories around emotional health, discuss the anatomy of emotions, and give practical steps to becoming emotionally healthy.

Jesse Lusko: Burnout, Bipolar + Finding Hope Dec 03, 2019

How do you navigate burnout, depression and bipolar as a leader? Jesse Lusko shares his story and the lessons he learned as he navigated burnout, depression and bipolar while leading a thriving church.

How to Support Suffering Leaders Nov 25, 2019

How can we support leaders when they are suffering? In this episode, I talk about false expectations around leaders who suffer, paint a picture of the pressures they face while suffering, and give twelve ways that you can support a leader who is suffering.

John Mark Comer: Hurry, Stress + Leading Nov 19, 2019

When we look at successful leaders, we often view their life through the lens of idealism. We think that they have everything figured out, which is never the case. In this episode, John Mark Comer joins me to talk about leading a mega-church, facing mental health challenges and burnout, and how he reoriented his life around healthy rhythms that he saw in the life of Jesus. This all laid the groundwork for his new book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
You can find more info about John Mark here.

Shame, Suffering + Leading Nov 12, 2019

Leadership is hard. It comes with unique complexities. Sometimes we forget that we are human as we experience the weight of stress, anxiety, depression, and suffering. In this episode, I discuss the common struggles leaders face around Mental Health + Suffering, and the shame we feel in light of these struggles. I offer a pathway forward and deconstruct the lies of shame.

Trailer 03 Nov 05, 2019

Welcome to Better Days, Season 3. Better Days is a podcast about Mental Health + Suffering, and the hope we have for Better Days ahead.
In Season 3, we will be hearing stories from leaders who have faced suffering or mental health challenges, and glean from the lessons they learned along the way. Throughout season 3, I will also be sharing my story as a leader suffering and the lessoned I have learned.

Complexity of Suffering as a Leader Sep 03, 2019

Being a leader or public figure and suffering has always been challenging territory. In this episode, I discuss the unique challenges leaders face when living through personal suffering or experiencing mental health conditions. I offer some encouraging thoughts that I have learned along the way.
This is the final episode of Season Two, and a preview into Season Three.

What Is Hope? Aug 27, 2019

Hope is an appealing word to those who are suffering. How we frame the idea of hope is crucial. In this episode, I talk about popular ideas of hope that are unhelpful, and then I explain Honest Hope--what I believe to be the true concept of hope.

The Anxious Mind Aug 20, 2019

Patterns of thinking are formed intentionally and unintentionally. When it comes to living with an anxious mind, it is important to begin to evaluate patterns of thinking and what has formed those patterns over time. In this episode, I talk about the anxious mind, the role of prayer, and how to intentionally form new patterns of thinking.

Deconstructing Stigmas Aug 13, 2019

There are so many false ideas about mental health + suffering. In this episode, I deconstruct a number of stigmas about mental health and suffering through the ancient story of Job.

Interview with Kelli Murray Aug 06, 2019

Sometimes we view people who are successful as immune from suffering and pain. In this episode, I interview Kelli Murray. Kelli is the owner and designer of Rylee + Cru and Quincy Mae, two successful children's clothing brands. In the midst of her success, she has faced personal pain and suffering.

Interview with Dominic Done Jul 30, 2019

How should we think about our doubts? Some people demonize doubts, and others idolize doubts. But there must be a better way forward. In this episode, I interview Dominic Done about his book When Faith Fails as he offers a better way forward for our doubts.

Communicating with Those Suffering Jul 23, 2019

How do we talk to people who are suffering? In this episode, I offer six thoughts about healthy communication with people who are suffering.

Better Days Q&A Jul 16, 2019

In this episode, I respond to questions from Better Days listeners about Mental Health + Suffering. I answer questions about meditation, exercise, responding to someone close to you who believes stigmas, having faith in the midst of mental health and suffering, what to do if God does not heal you, and looking below the surface instead of focusing on symptoms.

Life Is Imperfect Jul 09, 2019

In this episode, I talk about the lie of perfectionism, how life as humans is not perfect, how being flawed is normal, and give a few thoughts deconstructing the mindset of perfectionism.

Thoughts about Anxiety Jul 02, 2019

In this episode, I share five thoughts about anxiety. I talk about false stigmas around anxiety, false views and teachings about anxiety, and tools and help for anxiety.

Thoughts about Depression Jun 25, 2019

In this episode, I share eight thoughts about depression. I talk about the challenge and confusing nature of depression, dismantle some false viewpoints in Christianity about depression, and end with some hopeful words for those of you who are facing depression.

Better Days Q&A Jun 18, 2019

In this episode, I respond to questions from Better Days listeners about Mental Health + Suffering. I answer questions about how to respond to guilt and irrational feelings, challenging family relationships and boundaries, anger, and is it ok for Christians to take anti-anxiety medications.

Anatomy of Emotions, P 02 Jun 11, 2019

In this episode, I talk about the anatomy of emotions. I discuss where emotions come from, the original design of emotions, and offer a construct for emotional health.

Anatomy of Emotions, P 01 Jun 04, 2019

In this episode, I talk about the anatomy of emotions. I discuss emotions and our culture, how families suppress emotions, the nature of emotions, and emotional intelligence.

Interview with Hannah & Rousseaux May 28, 2019

In this episode, I interview Hannah and Rousseaux about Hannah’s long journey of suffering. We talk about the hardships of long term suffering, various challenges she has faced, and what has been helpful. Her husband, Rousseaux, shares a raw story about failing to understand her and what he has learned about loving her in her pain.

Better Days Q&A May 20, 2019

In this episode, I respond to questions from Better Days listeners about Mental Health + Suffering. I answer questions about long term suffering, forgiving people who treat you wrong in suffering, stress in college, and more.

Proactive with Mental Health May 14, 2019

In this episode, I talk about what mental health is and how we can be proactive with our mental health. I offer practical suggestions for being proactive with your mental health.

Trailer 02 Apr 30, 2019

Welcome to Better Days, Season 2. This is a podcast about Mental Health + Suffering, and the hope we have for Better Days ahead.

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